By Paris Tsirigotis

The need to further strengthen the cooperation between the Region of Attica and Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) S.A. for completing the projects and expanding the port of Piraeus to better serve cruise ships, which has been financed with 20 million euros, was the focus of a meeting between the Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, and the CEO of Piraeus Port Authority S.A., Su Xudong.

In this context, PPA S.A. is expected to create a network of “green” buses (ecobuses), which will transport passengers in the port areas, in order to reduce the required transport time and the traffic on the surrounding road network while having an environmental footprint.

The CEO of PPA S.A. Su Xudong underlined that the organization had already taken the necessary steps to procure 24 vehicles that would connect the port with the adjacent public transport stations.

They also discussed the creation of a terminal for the transport of cruise ship passengers via a special vessel to and from the Peace and Friendship Stadium, which would board the tourist buses without burdening the surrounding area with traffic.

They examined the location of electric vehicle charging points, the operation of internal lines with non-polluting buses to serve employees, the possibility of creating infrastructure for the provision of electricity to docked ships from land, through their connection to the port’s electrical network (cold ironing), as well as several other technical issues.

The regional governor Hardalias said that another meeting would be held at the offices of PPA S.A. in June, after the working meeting he would have with the central administration of Cosco in Shanghai, on the sidelines of his presence in the Chinese metropolis for the international exhibition ITB 2025.

“You have our full support to create a dynamic future for Piraeus, to become the largest port in Southeastern Europe,” Hardalias emphasized to Su Xudong.

“In the port of Piraeus, the gateway connecting Attica and Greece with the whole world, our Region is implementing one of the most important renovations financed by NSRF resources, the large expansion project to serve cruise ships,” the regional governor said.

“We have proven in practice that our cooperation is excellent and on this basis, we have managed to move forward at a rapid pace both in the expansion of the port and in the accompanying projects that will radically change the image of the region.

“I am happy because, after a lot of work by our services, we managed to secure an extension for two more years last July, until mid-2027. We are moving forward in a collaboration that is beneficial for all involved: the capital Region of the country will acquire a state-of-the-art port infrastructure, which will fully respond to its metropolitan character,” he added.

“PPA S.A. will acquire facilities that will fully serve the commercial and passenger needs of a major international port. Passengers and freight carriers will have access to high-quality services, while citizens of neighboring areas will benefit from the reduction in traffic congestion and environmental footprint. We continue at the same pace to achieve the best result for everyone,” he said.