On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, Corfu MP Dimitris Biagkis submitted a parliamentary question to the Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, asking for Corfu and the Ionian Islands to be included in the nationwide distribution of 15 new Rafnar firefighting boats set to enter service in 2026. He also pushed for establishing a Fire Service unit inside Corfu Port with a firefighting vessel stationed there permanently.
Why this request matters for Corfu and the Ionian
Biagkis highlighted that Corfu was left out of the previous ministerial plan which allocated ten firefighting boats. This is despite the island being the seat of the Ionian Islands Region, a major maritime connection to Italy and Albania, and a fast-growing cruise destination that sees over 500 cruise ship visits a year. The MP stated that bolstering maritime fire response is vital for the safety of residents, visitors, and port operators throughout the Ionian.
What allocation is planned for the 15 Rafnar boats?
In his question, the MP asked how the 15 vessels are going to be distributed throughout the country and if one will be assigned to Corfu Port. He also requested assurances on how the ministry plans to protect the Ionian Islands if the region isn’t included in the new fleet plan.
Who raised the issue?
Dimitris Biagkis serves as Secretary of the PASOK-Movement for Change parliamentary group and is the elected Member of Parliament for Corfu. His action formally places the issue before the Hellenic Parliament and the responsible ministry.
Will Corfu Port get a dedicated Fire Service unit?
Biagkis argued that the high volume of traffic at Corfu Port makes a dedicated Fire Service outpost within the port’s boundaries “necessary,” along with the permanent stationing of a firefighting boat. He explained that such a unit would improve readiness for complex incidents that involve cruise ships, ferries, and private boats.
What incidents prompted the appeal?
The MP pointed to a series of maritime fires in recent years to highlight the risk in the broader area:
- Euroferry Olympia (February 2022)
- Norman Atlantic (2014)
- MSC Lirica (March 2021)
- Fires at Gouvia Marina (July 2020 and September 2022)
- Multiple incidents near Paxos involving tourist and sailing vessels
What happens next?
The ministry has not yet disclosed the specific allocation for the 15 Rafnar boats, which are scheduled for delivery in 2026. Local authorities and port stakeholders in Corfu are awaiting the government’s answer to the parliamentary question and any details on a timeline for setting up a port-based Fire Service unit.
This initiative, if given approval, would improve safety for residents and the increasing number of visitors, while also strengthening crucial maritime infrastructure in Corfu and the wider Ionian Sea.
Source: https://www.corfupress.com/2025/%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%B4%CE%B7%CF%83%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%83/%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%B9%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%B7/%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%B9%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%B7-%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%B9%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%B7/%CE%BC%CF%80%CE%B9%CE%AC%CE%B3%CE%BA%CE%B7%CF%82-%CE%BD%CE%B1-%CE%BC%CE%B7%CE%BD-%CE%B5%CE%BE%CE%B1%CE%B9%CF%81%CE%B5%CE%B8%CE%B5%CE%AF-%CF%80%CE%AC%CE%BB%CE%B9-%CE%B7-%CE%BA%CE%AD%CF%81%CE%BA%CF%85/
