PPA: High investments and impressive growth from the first port of the Mediterranean

The development in the Port of Piraeus in recent years is felt in all areas of its activity. From the dynamics of the cruise, with the integrated management and service of large cruise ships and the supply of resources covered almost entirely locally to the container management activity, which has completely upgraded Greece’s role in international trade. logistics hubs in Central and Eastern Europe.

This is the result of the large scale of investments that have already been made by the COSCO Shipping Group and the new management of PPA, while at the same time a large number of projects are being implemented at a fast pace based on a comprehensive plan and a holistic strategy approach the overall upgrade and modernization of the country’s largest Port.

In just a few years, Piraeus managed to become the first port in the Mediterranean in terms of container transport and is now ranked 26th in the world from 93rd place in 2010. At the same time, it is one of the largest European ports, which combines many activities such as cruise station, passenger car ferries and vehicles, making a significant contribution to the local economy and industry.

However, the direct contribution of COSCO SHIPPING to the local economy is even greater, given the great supply needs of its own fleet that arrives at the Port of Piraeus. In particular, since 2010 almost 4000 ships arrive every year, of which the needs are obviously covered by the local market. It is worth noting that COSCO Shipping in 2020 owned 37% of the share of container management services in the Port of Piraeus. Overall, this activity in Piraeus recorded impressive growth, with the average annual growth rate in the last 10 years reaching 17%, while their total number exceeds 7.2 million TEU per year.

In total, by 2021, the Cosco Shipping Group has made investments, which exceed 1 billion euros. In addition, the Group has provided more than 3,000 direct jobs in the local community and over 10,000 jobs in related services, contributing 1.4 billion in taxes, duties and social security contributions, while its contribution to the country’s GDP in 2020 was equal to 0.78%.

The vision for a Green Port of Piraeus

Everyone in the PPA is well aware, however, that its exponential growth will only be sustainable when it is linked to the logic of green growth, which is a key strategic priority. In this context, the Agency takes all the precautionary and corrective measures required to act as a model of green innovation and environmental performance in the port industry and embraces Europe’s ambition to become the first region with a zero emission balance by 2050 while already playing strategic role for the implementation of the Europe Green Agreement.

It is also noteworthy that in the context of its commitment to minimizing the environmental impact and the operation of the Port as a model for the environment, it hosted this year the WorldPort Cruise & Congress in Greece, in which all its decision-makers participate. global port community and discuss issues related to sustainable development and best environmental practices required for the effective implementation of critical changes, which will lead to a reduction in carbon footprint and increase awareness of environmental assessments and decisions.

The organization holds the title of “ECO PORT” provided by the leading European environmental network and has proven to adopt and implement a series of initiatives and actions aimed at minimizing CO2 emissions through the use of alternative energy sources and ensures a sound management policy as a member of the European EcoPorts Network prepares an annual “self-diagnosis” report to inform all stakeholders on the management of critical environmental issues in the Port. , implements an integrated environmental management approach, certified by the European Port Management Environmental Review System (PERS), and has already become an energy producer. .

Also, in parallel with the title “ECO PORT”, provided by the leading European environmental network, the Port of Piraeus holds many environmental certifications, in addition to its active contribution to a number of European environmental projects and initiatives, thus supporting the company’s vision for a Green Port of Piraeus.

Positive imprint on society

Recognizing that the great effort made by the PPA to upgrade and modernize the Port has complete meaning and real value when it comes to contributing to fellow human beings, the Organization provides systematic support to citizens and local communities. On an annual basis, it implements a continuous program of support for vulnerable and vulnerable groups, fight against poverty and promotion of sports, while helping the new generation in its education and other important activities.

Proven, the port of Piraeus is entering a new era of prosperity with common benefits for both Greek society and its shareholders.