Development Of Greek Ports Crucial For 2004

The 2004 Olympiad provides the greatest opportunity for the reformation and development of Piraeus, said Antonis Nikolopoulos, of Kantor Management Consultants, at the recent international conference EuroMare 2001. Piraeus Port in particular will play a crucial role as VIP΄s and other guests will be accommodated on cruise ships docked there.

(Kantor has undertaken the development of the strategic and operational planning for the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki, as well as the plan for their future development.)

Mr. Nikolopoulos added that the company intends to continue the reformation of Piraeus by constructing new parking lots, hotel infrastructures and recreation areas. However, he stressed that although these plans are included in the operational program and financing has been secured, their detailed application has not been completed yet.

He also referred to the dangers that lie in the Olympic development of Piraeus. “The Olympic projects might ‘disorient’ the port΄s operations since a large part of the port΄s resources will be directed solely to the construction of these projects within the deadlines.”

But the opportunities for the development of Piraeus are indeed great, he said. The transfer of containers will be its main activity although the strategic planning aims at the even development of all activities.

These would include among others, exports, the development of coastal shipping and the transfer of standard cargo.