- By Viki Tryfona
The government is planning to upgrade port infrastructure, with the aim of strengthening the connectivity of the island country, reducing the environmental footprint of maritime transport and responding to the new requirements of European safety legislation. The total amount of the interventions reaches 585 million euros and was presented by the Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Stefanos Ghikas, in the context of the 8th Infrastructure & Transport Conference.
Projects on small and remote islands
The Deputy Minister described the creation and upgrade of port infrastructure as a “key priority”, noting that Greece must ensure equal conditions of competitiveness for its islands in relation to the mainland and abroad.
According to the data he provided, through the NSRF “Transport 2021-2027” program, more than 180 million euros have been secured for the upgrade of 30 ports, with particular emphasis on small and remote islands, where infrastructure deficiencies are more pronounced. Of these projects, 21 have already been included in the Super Fund, ensuring financing and mature procedures.
At the same time, more than 80 million euros will be allocated through the Recovery and Resilience Fund for ports in island and regional areas, in order to meet critical infrastructure needs.
Shift to green technologies
The “green transition” of ports is one of the main axes of the plan. Mr. Ghikas reported that 10 million euros have already been allocated for cold ironing studies in four ports (Lavrio, Rafina, Kavala, Corfu). Cold ironing, i.e. the provision of electricity to ships from the shore when they are moored in the port, significantly reduces air pollutants and noise pollution.
The goal is for 12 major ports in the country to have such infrastructure by 2029, while the ministry’s overall plan foresees that by the end of the decade 23 ports will have the possibility of cold ironing. 150 million euros have been secured for the financing of these interventions from the “Environment and Climate Change (PEKA) 2021-2027” program and an additional 115 million euros from the Decarbonization Fund.
Security and European obligations
In addition to infrastructure development and the green dimension, special importance is also given to security. As the Deputy Minister noted, the country must comply with the requirements of European legislation both in terms of port facility protection (international ISPS Code) and border control issues (Schengen Code and Entry/Exit System – EES).
To meet these needs, funding of 50 million euros has been secured, so that Greek ports can be strengthened in terms of controls and digital systems.
The EU contribution and private sector
Mr. Gikas stressed that the reinforcement of funds for infrastructure and transport by the European Commission – with their recent doubling, as announced by the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas – is of “capital importance” for Greece. At the same time, he emphasized the need for close cooperation with the private sector, which can contribute decisively to the financing, modernization and better utilization of port facilities.
The 8th Infrastructure & Transport Conference is being held under the auspices of the Ministries of Infrastructure and Transport and Maritime Affairs and Island Policy, with the participation of more than 25 bodies and organizations. According to the organizers, this year’s event is expected to attract over 1,500 delegates, confirming the institution’s established position as a meeting point for the infrastructure and transportation sectors.
