The Skaramangas Shipyards are moving forward with the development of a maritime innovation center in Greece. A relevant agreement was signed yesterday, Wednesday, January 15, between the shipyard’s management and the British advanced maritime technology company Sub Sea, in the presence of the British Ambassador to Greece, Matthew Lodge.
The memorandum was signed by CEO Camilla Martin and the Vice President and CEO of Skaramangas Shipyards, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis. The agreement establishes the shipyard as the selected manufacturer of the Victa vessel for the Greek and European markets.
The Victa vessel is an innovative platform designed for special forces operations in coastal areas. It is capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 knots and covering distances of up to 250 nautical miles. Additionally, it can operate beneath the water’s surface for distances up to 30 miles, incorporating stealth technology.
Its multiple capabilities and automatic navigation systems allow the Victa to excel in complex mission scenarios, ensuring the safe transport of personnel for special operations wherever needed. Its unique design allows for precision operations with minimal exposure.
These capabilities are intended for use in both defense and civil protection, particularly for countering asymmetric threats.
The complex production requirements for such an advanced vessel will be developed in collaboration between the two companies at the Skaramangas Shipyards.
A key benefit of this agreement is the enhancement of the shipyard’s technological capabilities through the transfer of know-how. Additionally, the maritime innovation center will facilitate collaboration for the development of autonomous and unmanned vessels for defense purposes. These synergies will maximize benefits for the Greek defense industry.
Furthermore, the establishment of such a center in Greece, beyond creating jobs, will also serve as a hub for European research funding.
The innovation center will enhance domestic capabilities, providing Greek researchers and engineers with the expertise to develop and maintain the next generations of these platforms.
It will also strengthen the implementation of the bilateral Greece-UK defense cooperation declaration signed last year, which envisions the development of defense collaboration.
The innovation center will be eligible to compete for European funding and submit proposals to the recently established Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation, created by the Greek Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias.
Following the signing, Ms. Martin stated: "The partnership with Skaramangas Shipyards marks a significant milestone for Sub Sea Craft’s presence in Greece. Skaramangas Shipyards are the ideal base for the substantial production and maintenance of such vessels, and the innovation center will enhance the operational capabilities of the Greek Navy and its allies. We are excited to contribute to the goals of modernizing Greek defense and look forward to increasing collaboration with Skaramangas Shipyards."
On his part, Mr. Varvitsiotis said: "The creation of the maritime innovation center aligns with George Procopiou’s vision to make Skaramangas Shipyards not only productive but also technologically advanced. This collaboration will open the door to the technologies of autonomous unmanned vessels, which are crucial in modern warfare. Through this partnership, we are also expanding our capabilities in the construction and servicing of submersible vessels.
