Upgraded Ports of Patra and Piraeus to Enhance Greece’s Transport

Piraeus port. Photo source: Greek Travel Pages.

The ports of Patra and Piraeus are expected to contribute significantly to the national and local economy thanks to upgraded infrastructure and planning, found a “Transport Infrastructure” conference held this week in Athens.

“The Port of Piraeus posted record revenue of 200 million euros in 2022 while net profitability exceeded 50 million euros,” said Nektarios Demenopoulos, Public & Investor Relations Deputy Manager at Piraeus Port Authority (PPA), during the “Ports – Combined Transport – Logistics” panel discussion.

“These results also have significant implications for public finances,” he said, adding that the impact of the PPA on GDP reached 0.76 percent in 2021 and is expected to record even better results in 2022. The goal, said Demenopoulos, is to establish the country’s largest port into a homeport. “Passengers will stay in nearby hotels; they will spend more in Piraeus,” he said.

Patra Port Authority CEO Panagiotis Tsonis. Photo source: Transport Infrastructure conference.

Nektarios Demenopoulos, Public & Investor Relations Deputy Manager at Piraeus Port Authority (PPA). Photo source: Transport Infrastructure conference.

Referring to cruise travel, Demenopoulos said Piraeus was one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean, and added the PPA plans to expand by two more berths to accommodate new type cruise ships that can accommodate up to 5,000 passengers and 1,500 staff.

Additionally, he said projects worth 55 million euros were in the pipeline to upgrade the port’s shipbuilding infrastructure. Lastly, in addition to the development of the PPA Container Terminal which supports Piraeus’ economy and created new jobs, the master plan also includes 100 million euros going into cruise, shipbuilding and car terminal infrastructure.

The master plan for the upgrade of Piraeus – a 600-million-euro investment for the expansion of the port – was approved in January.

Also speaking during the event, Patra Port Authority CEO Panagiotis Tsonis underlined the importance of connecting the city’s port with train services. He said ensuring combined transport was vital and announced that 100 million euros would be going into the development of commercial port infrastructure.

Patras Port, Greece.

He added that under a master plan for Patra Port, a 350-berth marina was also in the pipeline in the South Port, a parking area and a boatyard for repairs.

Tsonis added that infrastructure was in place in Patra to welcome large cruise ships and actions taken to develop the cruise market.

Lastly, he said that Patra was also the main hub for hydroplane activities which are set to launch pilot flights this summer.