Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, visited the Port of Thessaloniki (ThPA), touring the construction site of the Pier 6 expansion project – the largest in its history.
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Kikilias was welcomed by Angeliki Samara, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of ThPA S.A., Ioannis Tsaras, Chief Executive Officer, and senior executives, along with Dimitris Kouvelas, Member of Parliament for Thessaloniki A Constituency. The delegation was briefed on the progress of the works and the project’s technical features.
ThPA S.A. also presented its broader investment programme, which covers upgrades to port infrastructure, equipment, buildings, and digital applications and services, aimed at improving operational efficiency and integrating the port more closely with the surrounding urban area.
Discussions focused on the need to accelerate road and rail connections linking Pier 6 to national and European transport networks, with the port authority noting that timely completion of these links is critical to maximising the investment’s benefits and strengthening Thessaloniki’s position in global logistics.
Minister Kikilias said: “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 realising this vision, cementing the Port of Thessaloniki’s position as a premier commercial and transit hub in Southeast Europe.”
Angeliki Samara, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of ThPA S.A., stated: “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 realisation 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.”