Greece Allocates Over €600 Million for Port Infrastructure Upgrades

Greek Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Stefanos Gikas.

Over 600 million euros have been allocated to enhance Greece’s port infrastructures, according to Greek Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Stefanos Gikas.

Speaking at the ITC 2024 – 7th Conference of Infrastructures and Transport in Athens, Gikas outlined the government’s comprehensive strategy aimed at improving the interconnectivity of the islands, their connection to the mainland, and the overall upgrade of port infrastructures. This strategy includes significant investments in both mainland and island ports.

Specifically, more than 600 million euros have been earmarked from the 2021-2027 National Strategic Reference Framework (ESPA) for upgrading island ports. Of this amount, 200 million euros are allocated to projects across 30 island ports, while 110 million euros are designated for projects approved by the government committee for 17 small islands, in collaboration with the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRDAF).

Additionally, 47 million euros will be invested in updating ports to meet the standards of the Intereuropean Transportation Network and the international ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code. The funding will also support the implementation of the Entrance-Exit System in 19 ports to align with Schengen standards.

Gikas also highlighted the increase in funding for subsidized shipping connections, known as “unprofitable island lines”, with the coastal shipping sector receiving 150 million euros, up from 90 million euros in 2019.

The deputy minister noted that the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis aims to ensure that island economies are as competitive as the mainland by 2030. The goal is to achieve similar developmental rates for both areas and to ensure that islands have comparable infrastructure to mainland Greece.