Deputy Maritime Minister Stefanos Gkikas during the 8th Infrastructure & Transport Conference – ITC 2025. Photo source: Maritime Ministry
The Greek Maritime Ministry has announced a 585-million-euro program to modernize and expand its port infrastructure, aiming to improve connectivity, strengthen island competitiveness, and accelerate the shift to greener maritime operations.
“Upgrading port infrastructure is a top priority for Greece to ensure its islands can compete on equal terms with the mainland,” Deputy Maritime Minister Stefanos Gkikas said at the 8th Infrastructure & Transport Conference – ITC 2025 in Athens on Tuesday.
It is noted that the maritime ministry has already secured over 180 million euros from the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) Transport 2021-2027 program to upgrade 30 island ports, with priority given to small and remote locations. Twenty-one of these projects are included in Growthfund, Greece’s state investment fund that manages a portfolio of national assets.
Moreover, an additional 80 million euros from the Recovery and Resilience Fund has been earmarked for upgrades to island and regional ports.
Driving the green transition
Corfu Port. Photo source: Corfu Port Authority
A key focus of the initiative is the decarbonization of Greek ports, particularly those within the European Transport Network.
According to Gkikas, 23 ports will be equipped with cold ironing systems — allowing docked vessels to plug into shore-side electricity instead of running engines — with €10 million already allocated for studies at the ports of Lavrio, Rafina, Kavala and Corfu. By 2029, 12 major ports are expected to have these systems in place.
The total budget for the green transition component stands at 265 million euros, including 150 million euros from the Environment and Climate Change (PEKA) 2021-2027 program and 115 million euros from the Decarbonization Fund.
Strengthening safety and border controls
The ministry also plans to invest 50 million euros to improve safety across port infrastructure in line with EU maritime policies (International ISPS Code) and enhance border checks under the Schengen Code and the upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES).
Concluding his address, Gkikas noted that funding for infrastructure and transport is set to double following an announcement by European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas — a development expected to further support Greece’s port modernization strategy.
Taking place September 22–24 at the Megaron in Athens, the ITC 2025 is Greece’s leading forum on transport and infrastructure, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, and experts to discuss major projects, green technologies, and investment strategies shaping the country’s future.
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