Environment Ministry Tables Bill Paving Way for Greek Port Upgrades

Piraeus port. Photo source: Piraeus Port Authority.

The Greek Environment Ministry tabled a bill in parliament this week which once approved will pave the way for the launch of important port upgrade projects across the country.

The bill, which is now open for public comment through to November 13, includes amendments that cover urban planning, construction and use terms for port areas; update the current legal framework; regulate spatial planning issues; and enable the approval by presidential decree of special building regulations that will allow the construction of buildings and infrastructure, the placement of temporary structures and the landscaping of uncovered areas within the land zone of ports.

Patras port. Photo source: Patras Port Authority.

Terms and conditions that can be modified after development programs and port master plans are approved by relevant authorities include special urban, local and general planning issues, urban spatial plans and residential control zones as well as other land use plans.

Three of Greece’s major port projects include the 600-million-euro investment for the expansion of Piraeus port, the development of Attica’s second largest port in Rafina, and of Patra’s port. Master plans for all three projects have been approved by the Greek Shipping Ministry’s Port Planning and Development Committee.

The modernization of key ports countrywide is a top government priority and is caried out under a new model of port development which includes partial concession deals or full management schemes.