Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy (Greece)

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy (Greek: Υπουργείο Ναυτιλίας και Νησιωτικής Πολιτικής, Ypourgeio Naftilias kai Nisiotikis Politikis) is a government department of Greece responsible for overseeing and regulating maritime transport, ports, shipping, and the development of Greece's numerous islands.

Its responsibilities encompass a wide range of areas, including:

• Maritime Transport: Overseeing the Greek merchant fleet, ensuring safety standards, and promoting the competitiveness of Greek shipping.
• Port Management: Supervising the operation and development of Greek ports, including infrastructure improvements and facilitating trade.
• Coastal Shipping: Regulating passenger and cargo services between the Greek mainland and the islands, as well as among the islands themselves. This is a critical function for island connectivity and economy.
• Island Policy: Developing and implementing policies aimed at supporting the economic and social development of the Greek islands. This includes addressing issues such as infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, and education.
• Hellenic Coast Guard: The Ministry has operational control over the Hellenic Coast Guard (Λιμενικό Σώμα – Ελληνική Ακτοφυλακή), which is responsible for maritime security, search and rescue operations, and enforcing maritime law within Greek territorial waters.
• Marine Environment Protection: Implementing measures to protect the marine environment from pollution and other threats.
• International Cooperation: Representing Greece in international maritime organizations and negotiations.

The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy is a member of the Greek cabinet and is responsible for directing the ministry's work. The ministry's headquarters are located in Piraeus, Greece's largest port. The ministry plays a crucial role in the Greek economy, given the importance of shipping and tourism to the country.