80 billion euros will be the investment needs of Europe's ports for the next 10 years until 2034, according to a study by the European Ports Organization (ESPO), which also sets out the key priorities to make the port industry in the Old Continent competitive and sustainable.

The study is based on an analysis of the investment needs of 84 port operators, reflecting the geographical dispersion and operational diversity of their ports.

It is noted, according to APE-MPA, that investments in sustainability and energy transition are the second most important for port authorities. While this category accounted for less than 10% in 2018, the share has increased to almost 25% in 2023.

In the first place, there is new infrastructure for the expansion of port basins, piers, and terminals.

According to ESPO, 79% of port operators monitor energy consumption, 88% are taking measures to reduce it, and 74% have set energy targets.

With regard to our country, the Minister of Shipping, Christos Stylianides, has indicated that, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, it will be possible to obtain a large amount of money from the EU carbon fund for the energy transformation of ports, with a focus on the electrification of docked ships—the so-called "cold ironing.".

However, some of the ports (Piraeus, Heraklion, and Igoumenitsa) are already proceeding with the energy transformation of the port.