Greek Shipping Ministry Allocates Funding for Crete Port Upgrades

Photo source: Municipality of Agios Nikolaos

The Greek shipping ministry announced that it would be releasing approximately 24 million euros in funding to go into port infrastructure upgrade works at four ports on the island of Crete.

Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis announced the news during his weekend visit to Crete, Greece’s largest island, where he met with local officials and stakeholders.

The funding, secured through the Recovery Fund or through ESPA, will go into port and coastal area improvement and modernization projects in Hersonissos, Agios Nikolaos, Makris Gyalos (Ierapetra), and Sitia.

Greek Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis in Hersonissos.

The ministry will be allocating 5 million euros for the port of Hersonissos, considered to be a very important tourist destination, Plakiotakis said, adding that works include making the port more functional, showcasing the Roman Pier, and creating new jobs.

A total of 6 million euros in ESPA funding will be released for the port of Agios Nikolaos aimed at “strengthening the port, making it more functional, safer and ensuring sufficient ferry connections”, said Plakiotakis, adding that the project will also facilitate cruise travel.

The minister went on to add that 11.6 million euros in combined resources has been set aside for the port of Sitia aimed at advancing the area’s tourism brand, ensuring regular ferry connections for the 2021-2027 period, and renovating the town’s old port.

Greek Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis in Ierapetra.

And lastly, the ministry has secured a total of 1.8 million euros for port infrastructure and coastal area renovations at Makrys Gyalos in Ierapetra.

“We’ve secured resources of over 1 billion euros aimed at providing solutions,” said Plakiotakis.