Greek Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Vassilis Kikilias visited the western port of Kyllini to review the operational readiness of the Hellenic Coast Guard, assess passenger safety measures, and discuss plans to upgrade the area’s port infrastructure.
The visit focused on the safe operation of the Port of Kyllini, one of Greece’s most important ferry hubs and the country’s third-busiest port by passenger traffic.
At the Kyllini Port Authority, Kikilias received a detailed briefing on the agency’s operations. The station is staffed by 30 members of the Hellenic Coast Guard and operates the patrol vessel PLS 1092, a Viking-class boat.
More Than 810,000 Passengers Served
Particular emphasis was placed on the ferry routes linking Kyllini with the Ionian islands of Zakynthos and Poros on Kefalonia. The routes operate 10 daily sailings—six to Zakynthos and four to Kefalonia.
More than 810,000 passengers traveled on the two routes in 2025, underscoring the port’s key role in connecting western Greece with the Ionian Islands.
The minister was also briefed on the daily security measures implemented to ensure the smooth movement of passengers and vehicles, as well as the Port Authority’s extensive responsibilities for maritime labor and safety due to the area’s high ferry traffic.
The authority’s operational duties also include overseeing eight busy beaches within its jurisdiction and conducting regular inspections of lifeguards and four businesses that rent recreational watercraft to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Safety Remains the Top Priority
During a meeting attended by local officials, including Member of Parliament Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Andravida-Kyllini Mayor Giannis Lentzas, and Municipal Port Fund President Konstantinos Chatzis, Kikilias reiterated that safety at ports and in maritime transportation remains the ministry’s highest priority.
“We are very pleased to see the road from Patras to here, a project that is among the best completed in the region. It is a matter of protecting human lives and ensuring safety,” Kikilias said.
“Our top priority is safety at the port. As I have said before, we have carried out more than 1,800 inspections of ferries, passenger vessels, coastal ships, yachts and other vessels on safety issues. That is the job of the men and women of the Hellenic Coast Guard, and I thank them all for the work they do.”
Infrastructure and Development Plans
The meeting also addressed planned improvements to the region’s port infrastructure, including dredging and deepening projects, as well as the potential construction of a marina for recreational boats in Kyllini.
Kikilias said he does not view Kyllini or the wider region as being “second-class,” adding that improved infrastructure, maritime industries, investment, and marine tourism could create well-paid jobs and provide better opportunities for younger generations.
He urged local authorities to accelerate the preparation of a final master plan, pledging the ministry’s full support throughout the process.
Avgerinopoulou thanked the minister for his interest in the region, highlighting the importance of strengthening local Coast Guard services with a new vessel and additional vehicles to support growing passenger traffic.
Mayor Lentzas said studies for the planned dredging works have already been completed and will be presented to the ministry, adding that a realistically planned marina would be an important step in the area’s future development.
