Thu Sep 19 08:06:38 UTC 2024: ## Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) Aims for Major Investments and Sustainable Growth

**Athens, Greece** – The Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) has set an ambitious goal of completing all mandatory investments by the end of the first investment period, according to Deputy CEO Panagiotis Tsonis. This announcement was made during the 7th Transport and Infrastructure Conference held at the Athens Concert Hall.

“This is an ambitious, but achievable goal,” Tsonis stated, emphasizing the PPA’s commitment to modernizing and expanding the port.

Key projects include:

* **Cruise Pier Expansion:** The project to expand the cruise pier in the southern part of Piraeus port has received the green light from EU Funding and the Region of Attica, paving the way for its continuation and restart.
* **Dredging Operations:** Ongoing dredging in the port is crucial for environmental and safety reasons, as it will enable ships to dock more efficiently.
* **Underground Connection:** By the end of 2024, the underground connection of the stores, connecting the Container Terminal with the Logistics Center, is expected to be finalized.
* **Perama Shipyard Repair Zone Upgrade:** The upgrade of the Perama Shipyard Repair Zone (NPZ Perama) is also progressing steadily.

Tsonis also highlighted the PPA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the “green” transition:

* **Cold Ironing:** The PPA will invest over 50-60 million euros to equip 9 ship positions (5 for coastal shipping and 4 for cruises) with electricity from land, reducing emissions.
* **Further Expansion:** Studies have commenced for 2 additional cold ironing positions in the new cruise extension, as well as for meeting the needs of ro-ro and container ships.

The PPA is actively seeking tenders for the implementation of cold ironing projects for the aforementioned 9 ship positions.

The current year has seen record-breaking cruise passenger numbers in Piraeus, exceeding 1.6 million and poised to set a new benchmark. This reflects the port’s growing popularity as a cruise hub and its commitment to attracting visitors and promoting tourism.

The PPA’s ambitious investment plans and commitment to sustainability are expected to position Piraeus as a key player in the global shipping and logistics industry.

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