With the symbolic keel-laying ceremony for the first vessels in the ONEX RAstar 2800 series, the ONEX Group is ushering in a new era for the Greek shipbuilding industry. This development marks the launch of a state-of-the-art production line at the Elefsina Shipyards, fully funded by ONEX, which specializes in building the best tugs in their class internationally, based on the leading designs of the Canadian firm Robert Allan Ltd.
ONEX’s production plan involves the construction of a total of 20 tugboats, with an option for an additional 20. In this context, MegaTugs is the first strategic partner to proceed with the purchase of the first two modern vessels (RAstar 2800 class), while retaining an option for two more.
Key points of the investment strategy:
International excellence & design: The selection of Robert Allan Ltd designs ensures that the tugs built by ONEX represent the cutting edge of global technology in terms of stability, pulling power, and safety.
ONEX as Production Guarantor: The ONEX Group has fully financed the production line for the “20+20” vessels. The model provides that ONEX will either operate the vessels independently or make them available to selected operators (such as MegaTugs), ensuring a continuous flow of work at the shipyards.
Flexible business model: ONEX is establishing itself as a “Builder & Provider,” offering high-specification, ready-to-use vessels to the market, which drastically reduces delivery times and enhances the competitiveness of the Greek shipping industry.
Economic growth & employment: The program ensures long-term employment prospects for ONEX Shipyards in Greece, creating hundreds of new jobs and upgrading safety infrastructure in Greek waters.
The start of construction marks the first milestone in ONEX’s commitment to fully restoring Greece’s shipbuilding prowess, creating a sustainable and exportable model for the production of specialized vessels that competes with the world’s leading shipyards.
The Chairman and CEO of the ONEX Group and Chairman of the Hellenic Shipbuilders’ Association, Mr. Panos Xenokostas, described the ceremony as a milestone for Elefsina Shipyards and for the revival of the Greek shipbuilding industry. As he noted, about three years ago the site was in a state of abandonment and disrepair, whereas today the shipyard is operational, expanding, and undertaking extensive ship repair, upgrade, and conversion work, alongside progress on the tugboat construction program. He noted that the first two tugboats for MegaTugs are already well underway, with the project approximately 35% complete, and the goal is to deliver them by the end of the year. He emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish a production line for twenty tugboats, which the group has strategically chosen to finance. He also referred to investments in equipment and infrastructure, the contribution of the employees, and the institutional support of the Prime Minister and the government, as well as the U.S. Embassy in Greece, the DFC, and the group’s international partners. The Group’s Chairman and CEO concluded his remarks by stating that ONEX is committed to handing over shipyards to the next generation that are different from those it received, emphasizing that “shipyards are not just about their owners and employees. Shipyards concern society, the economy, our national independence, but above all our children, the next generation.”
Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos emphasized that the success of ONEX’s shipyards is a matter of national importance, noting that the government and relevant state agencies are actively supporting the effort, with the aim of making the shipbuilding industry a key pillar of a new productive model for the Greek economy. He also emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation with the United States and the DFC’s contribution to restarting operations, as well as the role of ONEX’s international partnerships in expanding the shipyard’s prospects.
The Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Mr. Vassilis Kikilias, noted that the progress being made at the Elefsina Shipyards and the investment in the construction of modern tugs are directly linked to maritime safety, the smooth operation of ports, and the operational adequacy of the country’s critical infrastructure. At the same time, he highlighted the importance of reviving shipbuilding activity for employment, the restoration of technical expertise, and the strengthening of technical specialties, as well as the contribution of international collaborations to enhancing Greece’s geo-economic role.
For his part, Pavlos Xyradakis, Director of MEGATUGS Salvage & Towage and President of the Hellenic Association of Owners of Tugs, Rescue Vessels, Anti-Pollution Vessels, and Offshore Support Vessels, stated: “Today, it is being proven in practice that when political decisions prioritize the national interest and safety over political costs, our country can achieve great things. Thanks to this Government, we are in a period of revitalizing shipbuilding activity and modernizing towage safety, with clear progress but also pending issues in implementation. The next step is clear: the full implementation of safe towing regulations and the establishment of substantial incentives for investments to support shipbuilding in Greece and Europe, so that the industry’s needs and the significant capital of Greek shipping are transformed into domestic growth, security, and strategic autonomy.”
The event was honored by the presence of the Canadian Ambassador to Greece, Ms. Sonya Thissen, who described the ceremony as an important step toward the revival of the Greek shipbuilding industry and, at the same time, a practical confirmation of the value of international cooperation. As she noted, the collaboration between ONEX, Elefsina Shipyards, and the Canadian firm Robert Allan Ltd. highlights the creative combination of Greek industrial dynamism with Canadian maritime expertise and opens up prospects for broader cooperation in areas such as innovation, green technologies, advanced shipbuilding, port logistics, and energy security.
Finally, the CEO of Robert Allan Ltd., Mr. Mike Fitzpatrick, emphasized that the company’s presence at the Elefsina Shipyards reflects the importance it attaches to this specific collaboration. As he noted, with nearly a century of experience in tugboat design, the vessels built in Elefsina based on Robert Allan designs belong to a category with high standards, playing a critical role in port safety and the smooth operation of global shipping. He also noted that ONEX’s decision to invest in the construction of such vessels in Greece is a strategic move with a clear industrial and commercial impact, expressing the conviction that with the completion of the first tugs, Elefsina Shipyards will substantially strengthen their position on the European map.
Keel Laying
The keel laying is one of the most important milestones in shipbuilding, as it marks the official transition from design and preparation to the main construction phase. It is an act with strong symbolism, but also substantial industrial significance, as it reflects the progress of the shipbuilding project and its entry into the implementation phase. In modern shipbuilding practice, where construction proceeds in stages, the keel-laying ceremony marks the critical milestone in the project’s development and the start of the ship’s physical assembly.
