By Paris Tsirigotis

In a period of shifting international cargo flows, Piraeus is once again emerging as a hub of global trade, as the gradual normalization of the Suez Canal creates strong prospects for the return of cargo and the strengthening of its transit flows.

With one of the five strongest container terminals in Europe and consistently high connectivity, the port of Piraeus remains the core of a rapidly evolving logistics, shipbuilding and international cargo-handling cluster.

The additional investments being promoted in the Greek port system, including the upgrade of the Elefsis shipyards into a modern port hub, further strengthen the country’s supply chain, operating in complement to Piraeus.

The president of PPA S.A., Han Chao, spoke to Naftemporiki about the expected recovery in volumes, the strategic investments that strengthen the role of Piraeus in the Mediterranean, the Greece-China relationship and the new synergies emerging.

“The Container Terminal ranks among the top five ports in Europe and the 50 largest in the world,” he emphasized, noting that in the coming years, volumes are expected to recover gradually, especially in mega container vessels.

He also noted that, despite the intense geopolitical turmoil, cooperation for mutual benefit remains the dominant trend of the era, opening new paths of development for both China and Greece.

“The port of Piraeus is a practical example of this perspective, proving that strategic foreign investments can strengthen the economy, employment and international position of the country,” Han Chao noted.

PPA’s five-year plan based on key pillars

The new five-year business plan of the port of Piraeus focuses on the utilization of more financial tools, its strengthening as a key transit center and the development of the logistics park, the president of Piraeus Port Authority S.A., Han Chao, stated.

During the scholarship award ceremony for first-year students from neighboring municipalities, which was held at Piraeus Port Authority, Mr. Han presented the main axes of the strategy that will determine the course of the port until 2030, focusing on the technological and environmental transformation of the largest Greek port.

As he stated, “Piraeus is in the process of transitioning to a world-class port,” and to achieve this goal, he said two pillars are being promoted: the creation of a digital, smart port and the construction of a green, low-carbon port.

He added that, in this context, PPA will proceed with investments, with the aim of strengthening its infrastructure, services and competitiveness in the international maritime environment.

Referring to the first award of the “Kunpeng” scholarship, he noted that PPA “deeply values cultural exchanges and close relations with neighboring cities”, emphasizing that supporting education “is part of the port’s mission to the community.”

Chinese ambassador highlights China-Greece cooperation

The Chinese Ambassador to Greece, Fang Qiu, who attended the event, expressed his warm congratulations to the scholars. He also referred to the strategic cooperation between Greece and China and the steady investment presence of COSCO Shipping for the transformation of the port of Piraeus into a “strong driving force for regional development.”

As he noted, the investment has created over 4,000 jobs, adding that the company contributes “consistently to the upgrading of infrastructure, environmental care, community actions and support for education.”

Fang stressed that the “tangible results of this cooperation” reflect the bridge of friendship that has developed between the two peoples. Speaking about the new Chinese development plan, he said it sets priorities such as opening markets, green transformation, and strengthening the maritime economy, while he reiterated that China “is ready to work with Greece to deepen bilateral relations, upgrade cooperation and provide mutual benefits to the two peoples.”

What the plan foresees

According to information, the new five-year business plan for the port of Piraeus foresees the acceleration and completion of the remaining mandatory investments agreed with the Greek State.

These interventions are considered critical for upgrading infrastructure, strengthening competitiveness, and advancing the port’s digital and green transformation. After the completion, in 2024, of the Expansion of the Car Terminal, a project that significantly upgraded the car terminal infrastructure, the Underground Road Connection of the Port takes its turn. The project is expected to be delivered in the coming months, facilitating the movement of cargo to and from the port’s logistics area while reducing traffic congestion in surrounding urban areas.

Piraeus is also ready to welcome the largest new generation cruise ships. The two new piers, each 400 meters long, will be able to serve cruise ships of up to 5,000 passengers, which will primarily use Piraeus as a homeport.