With a symbolic keel-laying ceremony for the first vessels in the ONEX RAstar 2800 series held on Thursday, the ONEX Group marks the beginning of a new era for the Greek shipbuilding industry. This milestone activates a state-of-the-art production line at the Elefsis Shipyards, fully financed by ONEX, specializing in the construction of high-specification tugs based on designs from the Canadian firm Robert Allan Ltd.
ONEX’s production plan calls for a total of 20 tugs, with an option to produce an additional 20. Within this framework, MegaTugs becomes the first strategic partner, acquiring the first two RAstar 2800 vessels while retaining an option for two more. The start of construction represents the first key milestone in ONEX’s commitment to restoring Greek shipbuilding capabilities, creating a sustainable and exportable production model for specialized vessels capable of competing with leading shipyards worldwide.
ONEX Group Chairman and CEO, and President of the Hellenic Shipyards Association, Panos Xenokostas, described the ceremony as a landmark moment for the Elefsis Shipyards and the revival of the Greek shipbuilding industry. He noted that just three years ago, the yard was in a state of abandonment, while today it operates and grows, supporting extensive repair, upgrade, and ship conversion projects alongside the tug construction program.
Xenokostas highlighted that the first two tugs for MegaTugs have already reached approximately 35% completion, with delivery expected by the end of the year. He emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish a 20-tug production line, fully financed by the Group. He also pointed to investments in equipment and infrastructure, the contribution of the workforce, and institutional support from the Prime Minister, the Greek government, the US Embassy in Greece, the DFC, and ONEX’s international partners.
Concluding, he stressed that ONEX is committed to delivering upgraded shipyards to the next generation, noting: "Shipyards are about society, the economy, national independence, and above all, the next generation."