Multi-million Euro investment needed at Souda Naval Base
The installations at Souda Naval Base, serving dozens of NATO vessels, are in need of modernisation. NATO, in collaboration with the Greek Government, is planning construction of a large dry dock for ship inspection and repair. The dry dock will contain a ship lift capable of handling up to 12,000 tons. The existing dry dock is old and inadequate for today’s needs.
The Greek Government refuses to bear the full costs of construction and is asking for NATO contributions, given that the installation is intended for the use of NATO vessels. However, Turkey and the Netherlands have expressed objections on the grounds that the work is unnecessary, as ships can now be repaired at sea.
The Souda Naval Base employs about 700 private individuals apart from military personnel, while its upkeep costs Greece several million euros.