By George Fokianos

The strategic planning for Greek ports and marinas is entering a crucial phase, with the Growthfund preparing to announce the contractor for the holistic study for the entire port portfolio of the country.

At the same time, the approval of the Master Plan for the Port of Patras by the Council of State, which is expected to be published immediately in the Official Gazette, marks the transition from planning to implementation.

The contractor who will undertake the preparation of a comprehensive, holistic study for all of the country’s ports and tourist port leisure infrastructure, i.e. marinas, following a relevant international tender, will be announced in the coming days.

According to information from Naftemporiki, the specific study that will be undertaken by the strategic business development consultant for the Maritime Portfolio of ports and marinas will capture both the prospects and weaknesses of port infrastructure, through an analysis of freight and passenger flows, changes in international trade routes and Greece’s competitive position compared to other regional port systems.

The process is part of a central initiative of the Growthfund, which aims to redefine the role of Greek ports and tourist port infrastructure within the context of the country’s overall economic, tourism and geopolitical strategy.

Meanwhile, the start of a new development period for the port of Patras is marked by the approval of the Master Plan by the Council of State, which is expected to be published immediately in the Government Gazette, paving the way for the implementation of significant investments in transport, energy and tourism.

In a statement, the Minister of Maritime Affairs Vasilis Kikilias noted that “with the approval of the Master Plan for the port of Patras, we are paving the way for significant investments in transport, energy and tourism, which will provide development in Western Greece.”

Patras’ port master plan: Investments and new jobs

The Council of State approved the master plan of the port of Patras, marking a new period of modernization and upgrading.

The master plan of the port of Patras creates the conditions for the development of new transport, energy and tourism infrastructure, strengthens the role of the port as a combined transport hub and gives impetus to the local economy, with new investments and new jobs.

Maritime tourism is of particular importance, as the development of the cruise industry is planned, as well as the construction of the new Patradise Yacht Marina with 212 berths, interventions that are expected to upgrade the commercial and cultural activity of Patras and the wider region.

At the same time, a series of upgrades, “green” interventions and new infrastructures for coastal shipping and freight transport are being planned, with the aim of a modern, functional and city-friendly port.

It is noted that this plan creates, for the first time, a stable and clear framework that allows the implementation of the planned projects in the coming years, with clear rules and faster procedures.

In a statement, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, stated: “Following the approval of the Master Plan for the Port of Patras, we are paving the way for significant investments in transport, energy and tourism, which will provide growth in Western Greece and create new, specialised and well-paid jobs for the people of the wider region. Supporting local economies is our main goal in the effort we are making to upgrade and modernise the country’s ports.”

Corfu port: Positive start with emphasis on infrastructure and cruises

The port of Corfu has entered 2026 on a positive note, marking a year with high expectations for the island’s port and tourism infrastructure.

In this context, a constructive meeting was held at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs between the CEO of Corfu Port, Dimitris Apergis, and the Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs, Stefanos Gikas, where the main priorities and upcoming developments for 2026 were discussed.

Meanwhile, cruise arrivals have already started at the Port of Corfu, while over 500 have been planned for the current year. In 2025, passenger numbers rose 8.23% to 845,744, with 428 cruise arrivals recorded.