From the new port and the Nisos Kalymnos ferry to the proposed Pserimos heliport, the ring road, the landfill and projects on Telendos, all of Kalymnos’ major outstanding issues were addressed during an extensive media briefing by Mayor of Kalymnos Giannis Mastrokoukos on 21.9.2026.
Presenting the outcome of his recent meetings in Athens, the Mayor first referred to talks with the Greek Armed Forces’ Construction Unit, known as MOMKA, and Major General Nikolaos Gretsas. Discussions focused on the road from the municipal slaughterhouses towards Agios Savvas and the proposed construction of a heliport on Pserimos.
Mastrokoukos said that MOMKA and the municipal Technical Service had inspected a site considered suitable for the heliport. He stressed that the facility would serve not only emergency-response needs but also healthcare, education, the retention of families on the island and Pserimos’ broader development prospects. He added that the island’s ten-year development plan has been completed and the relevant studies have been received.
Regarding the ring road towards Agios Savvas, the Mayor argued that changes to its planned route had been made during the previous municipal administration. New inspections and intervention by MOMKA are now required for the project to move forward, he said.
The proposed new port of Kalymnos occupied a significant part of the briefing. According to Mastrokoukos, major outstanding requirements have been completed, including the updated Environmental Impact Assessment and a special evaluation study. He maintained that the project has now entered the final stage before the tender process, while also highlighting the contribution of cooperation with the South Aegean Region.
On maritime transport, the Mayor described the situation inherited by the current ANEK administration as difficult. Regarding the Nisos Kalymnos, he said that the immediate priority is to complete all necessary maintenance work and inspections so that the ferry can return to service. Other options concerning the company’s future would be examined afterwards.
Mastrokoukos also said that the Dolphin had been handed over with serious damage and destroyed engines and that efforts were underway to repair it. No final decisions have yet been made regarding possible ferry connections between Kalymnos, the Cyclades and Thessaloniki.
The Mayor announced that approximately €330,000 in funding has been secured for a project in the Agios Theologos area of Chora. The necessary studies will be followed by the tender process and the selection of a contractor.
On the restoration of the landfill site, Mastrokoukos said that the competent Ministry had made a funding commitment. He described the recent landfill fires as “highly suspicious,” without publicly attributing responsibility. He also referred to meetings concerning forest maps and other environmental matters affecting the island’s development.
Regarding Telendos, the Mayor stated that contracts for the projects have been signed, work has begun and, in his assessment, implementation is progressing within the anticipated timeframe.
