Greece has unveiled a €585 million plan to modernize and green its ports. The program focuses on boosting island connectivity, improving safety, and cutting emissions through new shore power systems.
Greece will invest €585 million to modernize and expand its port infrastructure, with the aim of strengthening island connectivity and making maritime operations more sustainable. The announcement was made by Deputy Maritime Minister Stefanos Gkikas during the 8th Infrastructure & Transport Conference in Athens.
“Upgrading port infrastructure is a top priority for Greece to ensure its islands can compete on equal terms with the mainland,” Gkikas told delegates.
The program combines national funds with European support. More than €180 million from the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) Transport 2021-2027 has already been secured to upgrade 30 island ports, with priority given to smaller and remote locations. Twenty-one of these projects fall under Growthfund, the state investment arm that manages public assets. An additional €80 million from the Recovery and Resilience Fund has also been earmarked for regional and island port improvements.
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A major focus of the plan is the decarbonization of ports. By 2029, 12 major ports are expected to be fitted with cold ironing systems, allowing ships to plug into shore-side electricity rather than run engines while docked. In total, 23 ports will be equipped with this technology. Studies for the ports of Lavrio, Rafina, Kavala, and Corfu have already received €10 million in funding. The green transition component carries a budget of €265 million, drawing €150 million from the Environment and Climate Change (PEKA) program and €115 million from the Decarbonization Fund.
Safety and security are another priority. The ministry plans to invest €50 million to enhance port infrastructure in line with European maritime policies, including the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Funds will also support improved border checks under the Schengen Code and the forthcoming Entry/Exit System.
Gkikas said the plan comes at a time of increased European support. He noted that European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas recently announced that EU funding for infrastructure and transport is set to double, a development expected to further strengthen Greece’s port modernization strategy.
The Infrastructure & Transport Conference, held September 22–24 at the Megaron in Athens, brought together government officials, industry leaders, and experts to discuss major projects, green technologies, and investment strategies shaping the country’s future.
