Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vasilis Kikilias visited the Port of Thessaloniki, where he toured the construction site of the Pier 6 expansion project and reviewed the progress of the major development initiative.
During the visit, Kikilias was welcomed by ThPA S.A. Chairwoman of the Board of Directors Angeliki Samara, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ioannis Tsaras, and senior company executives. He was briefed on the company’s investment programme, the project’s key technical features, and its development objectives.
The Pier 6 expansion project represents the largest investment project in ThPA S.A.’s history and is considered a strategic development for the Port of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece, and the wider national economy.
The Company’s overall growth strategy and the broader investment program for the Port of Thessaloniki were also presented. The program includes upgrades to port infrastructure, equipment, buildings, digital applications and services. These investments are designed to improve operational efficiency and service quality, while also strengthening the port’s integration with the urban environment and contributing to the regeneration of the wider area.
Within the same context, emphasis was placed on the need to accelerate the implementation of the connectivity projects linking the Port of Thessaloniki with the national and European transport networks, with particular focus on the road and rail connections to Pier 6. It was highlighted that their timely completion is a critical prerequisite for maximizing the benefits of the investment and further strengthening Thessaloniki’s position on the global logistics map.
The discussions also covered the future development prospects of the Port of Thessaloniki within the framework of Greece’s national port policy, as well as investments in the cruise sector, which further enhance the tourism profile of the city and the wider region while contributing to the overall modernization of the country’s port system. At the same time, the Port’s contribution to regional development, employment and entrepreneurship was underlined.
During his visit, Minister Kikilias emphasized: “The Port of Thessaloniki stands as one of the most critical development pillars for Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, and Northern Greece as a whole. The upgrade of port infrastructure and port-related activities, such as logistics, trade, shipping, cruise tourism, marinas, and yachting, creates new prospects for growth and employment within the local community. Our objective is to generate more and better-paying jobs, enabling young people to build their future in their homeland with real opportunities for professional and social advancement. At the same time, the port’s growth dynamic contributes broader added value to the regional economy, benefiting both local businesses and citizens. In this context, the strategic investment for the expansion of Pier 6 serves as the central lever for realizing this vision, cementing the Port of Thessaloniki’s position as a premier commercial and transit hub in Southeast Europe.”
On the occasion of the Minister’s visit, the Chairwoman of the BoD of ThPA S.A., Mrs. Angeliki Samara, commented: “Today’s visit by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy highlights the strategic importance of the Port of Thessaloniki for the development of Northern Greece and the country.
Our vision and our goals are shared: to further strengthen the role of the Port of Thessaloniki as an international hub for trade, transportation, and development. Achieving this objective requires close cooperation between ThPA S.A., the State, and all relevant stakeholders. Through this cooperation, the conditions are created for the full realization of the port’s development potential, for the benefit of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece, and the national economy.
The Port of Thessaloniki has entered a new phase of growth, reflecting the vision and strategic direction of its shareholder and management to develop a port that creates lasting value for the city and the wider region. We are pleased that the State, through the support of Minister Kikilias, stands behind our investment program, which serves as a catalyst for growth and delivers broad benefits to society as a whole.”
In addition, the Chief Executive Officer of ThPA S.A., Dr. Ioannis Tsaras, added: “The Minister’s visit comes at a time when the Port of Thessaloniki is undergoing a period of dynamic transformation.
The Pier 6 Expansion Project enhances the Port’s capacity and competitiveness, while the connectivity projects are essential to fully realizing the benefits of this investment. At the same time, the significance and critical importance of the project for our entire region underline the need for our plan to be implemented as planned, so that Northern Greece will soon be able to capitalize on the opportunities created by the Pier 6 expansion project.
Our comprehensive investment plan secures a future of strong growth for the Port while generating significant socio-economic benefits that will strengthen the local community and the national economy.”
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