Greece has confirmed a $680 million investment plan to modernize its port infrastructure, with a priority on upgrading facilities across the Greek islands.
Port Modernization Investment
Greece has confirmed a $680 million investment plan to modernize its port infrastructure, with a primary focus on upgrading facilities across the Greek islands. The goal of the program, as stated by Deputy Maritime Affairs Minister Stefanos Gkikas, is to ensure the islands achieve competitive equality with mainland Greece and international markets. The initiative directly addresses the serious problems of antiquated island ports, some of which have not seen maintenance for over three decades, resulting in issues like silt accumulation, shallow channels, and crumbling piers.
Condition of Greek Ports
A report released in August 2024 by the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Captains (PEPEN) highlighted the urgent need for upgrades, warning that many Greek ports are “antiquated and some of them are dangerous.”
Key Problems Identified by the Report:
- Navigation Hazards: Loss of depth over the years makes approaching ships a “precision exercise.” The uncontrolled mooring of large recreational vessels at harbor entrances makes the approach of larger ships resemble “threading a needle.”
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Problems include silt accumulation and crumbling piers. Simple issues like changing bulbs in headlights and turn signals, which are critical for security, have been neglected. More complex issues requiring significant work include the construction of new projectors or the dredging of port basins.
- Passenger and Vehicle Services: Ports lack adequate spaces for parking the thousands of cars they serve. Passenger waiting areas are often inadequate or non-existent, leaving passengers waiting for long hours with little or no shade.
Funding Sources and Green Transition
The $680 million funding for the upgrade program is primarily secured from a combination of European Union (EU) and Greek national funds:
- NSRF 2021-2027 Transport program: $210 million (EU and Greek funds) to upgrade thirty island ports.
- EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility: An additional $93 million for further regional and island port upgrades.
A major component of the plan is the green transition, estimated to cost $310 million. This budget includes a major push to equip at least twelve ports with shore power (cold ironing) systems by 2029, with support from the Island Decarbonization Fund.
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Source: Greek Reporter
