A new era for the upgrading and development of the port of Thessaloniki is marked by the issuance of the presidential decree, on the basis of which its master plan was approved, as the Executive Chairman of TPA, Athanasios Liagos, points out.
The presidential decree also paves the way for the rapid promotion of the long-awaited project of the extension of the 6th pier of the port, for which the procedures will be initiated immediately, with the receipt of all the necessary permits within the next few months.
More specifically, the issuance of the Presidential Decree is an important milestone for the Port of Thessaloniki, as the company is now able to proceed to the full implementation of its development plan through specific projects and investments: "With the approval of the updated Master Plan and the Strategic Environmental Impact Study, TPA is in a position to fully implement the mandatory investments related to the upgrading and modernization of the port," underlined in today's announcement of the Port of Thessaloniki.
Among the important investments that TPA will further promote, the expansion project of Pier 6 plays a key role.
"This flagship investment will further enhance the port's competitiveness and commercial activity, significantly upgrading its international position and allowing it to receive mainline container ships of up to 24,000 TEUs (container unit of measure). Following the issuance of the Presidential Decree on the Master Plan, the procedures for the implementation of the investment in Pier 6 will be initiated immediately, with the receipt of all necessary permits for the relevant construction works, a development which is expected within the next few months," the announcement said, adding that the mandatory investment program includes the rehabilitation and development of the Old Customs Terminal, as well as projects for the improvement, repair, upgrading and reconstruction of existing port infrastructure.
These investments, combined with the completion of the interconnection of the port with the rail and road network (PATHE and Egnatia Odos), as well as with additional non-compulsory investments, will—according to the management of TPA—cultivate cross-border synergies and further enhance its competitive advantages, contributing significantly to the development of Thessaloniki and the wider region.
"The adoption of the presidential decree marks a new era for the upgrading and development of the Port of Thessaloniki through major infrastructure projects and large investments. Having made mandatory and non-mandatory investments of more than €71.3 million since March 2018, PPA is fully prepared for the implementation of its development plan and master plan projects, which will have a significant contribution and multiplier impact on the economy and society, both locally and nationally. For our part, we would like to thank all the relevant government and state agencies with whom we have worked harmoniously throughout this period for the approval and promotion of the Port Master Plan," said Liagos.
The important projects launched through the Master Plan will give further impetus to the successful development course that PPA S.A. has been recording since its privatisation to date, the management believes. The company has recorded strong performance in the container and bulk cargo handling sectors, in cruise shipping, as well as in its expansion in the combined transport sector. "The investments that will be implemented in the coming period are looking to the future and will create multiple benefits and positive synergies for the company and the port, for the national and local economy, as well as for the city of Thessaloniki and society as a whole," the statement concludes.
