The need to upgrade port infrastructure was the main issue related to the future of Greek maritime transport discussed at the 9th Infrastructure and Transport Conference – ITC 2026, at the Athens Concert Hall.
All participants stressed the need for fleet renewal, viability of ferry routes, cruise growth and investment in ports.
The chairman of the Regulatory Authority for Ports, Apostolos Papapostolou, focused on the need for comprehensive master plans, particularly for smaller ports, and acceleration of investment.
As he noted, ports should be treated as development tools, while their planning should take into account the changing needs of ferry services, passenger traffic and the energy transition.
The need to upgrade infrastructure, however, is directly linked to ferry companies’ ability to maintain an adequate network of connections.
Ioannis Tsaras, CEO of the Thessaloniki Port Authority, referred to progress on the expansion of Pier 6, stressing that the port’s upgrade cannot deliver its full potential without adequate rail and road connections.
