by Fanis Zois

 

 

The Greek logistics sector is moving into a new era of changes with deals and projects worth more than 3 billion euros expected to change the map, as an even growing number of investors and real estate developers turning towards developing logistics infrastructure in the Attica region and beyond.

 

These projects are expected to significantly enhance the country's role as an international supply hub. The total sum of investments in the sector is projected to exceed 3.0 billion euros and include the Thriasio I and II projects, exploiting the Gonou former Military Camp in Thessaloniki, a property owned by the Greek Church in Shistos, and the relocation of transport companies from Eleonas to Fyli.

 

The latest project, budgeted at 400 million euros, will be implemented through a joint action between the Greek state and the private sector which will raise the total budget to more than 1.0 billion euros. The project envisages the relocation of around 500 transport companies to a new business park in Fyli. The project will create more than 2,800 job positions during the work and another 2,800 jobs during the operation of the park. It will attract foreign investments in the logistics center, leading to a leverage of private investments of more than 1.0 billion euros, raising municipal revenues and offering financial support up to 20 million euros to transport companies to cover relocation costs.

 

Building of a new cargo hub, covering an area of around 600 stremma (one stremma=1,000 sq.m.) which will be connected with Attica Road motorway, will give new impetus to the logistics sector in the country. It will also offer relief to the region of Eleonas where currently all Central Greece's logistics activities are located and will help a project for upgrading the Votanikos region. It must be noted that currently a significant number of transport companies operating in Eleonas do not own a legal license and their operations are covered by two-year provisional licenses offered through ministerial decisions. The region is daily hammered by heavy traffic jams and pollution. A year ago, the government approved the inclusion of a project for the restoration of the garbage site in Fyli and the creation of a Greek and Renewable Energy Sources Park in the region. Among the benefits from the project is lower transport costs and lower pollution because of the use of a railway track linking the new Transport Center. Another railway track will link Piraeus port with Thriasio Logistics Center and the Logistics Center in the Gonou former military camp in Thessaloniki, establishing the rail link of the country with other logistics centers in Central Europe.