A meeting between Nikos Hardalias, the Governor of Attica, and Su Xudong, CEO of Piraeus Port Authority S.A., highlighted the necessity of enhancing collaboration to complete projects linked to the port of Piraeus expansion, financed with €20 million, focused on accommodating cruise ships.
As part of this initiative, Piraeus Port Authority S.A. plans to implement a network of “green” buses (ecobuses) to transport passengers within the port, aiming to decrease transit times and alleviate traffic in surrounding areas while minimizing environmental impact.
The PPA S.A. CEO emphasized that the organization has already initiated steps to acquire 24 vehicles that will connect the port to nearby public transport stations.
The meeting also touched on establishing a terminal for ferrying cruise passengers to and from the Peace and Friendship Stadium, facilitating access to tourist buses without increasing traffic congestion in the vicinity.
Additionally, discussions included the placement of electric vehicle charging stations, the use of eco-friendly buses for employee transport, and the potential for infrastructure that allows docked ships to receive power from the land through the port’s electrical network (cold ironing), among other technical considerations.
The regional governor indicated that a follow-up meeting at PPA S.A.’s offices is scheduled for June, following discussions with Cosco’s central administration in Shanghai during the ITB 2025 international exhibition.
Hardalias assured Su Xudong, “You have our full support in building a dynamic future for Piraeus, making it the largest port in Southeastern Europe.”
“At Piraeus, the entry point connecting Attica and Greece to the world, our Region is undertaking a significant renovation, funded by NSRF resources, to expand the port for cruise ship service,” remarked the regional governor. He added:
“Our exceptional cooperation has allowed us to make swift progress in both the port expansion and the associated projects that will significantly enhance the region’s profile.
I am pleased to report that, after extensive efforts, we secured a two-year extension last July, extending the deadline to mid-2027.
We are collaborating closely, ensuring that the capital—or Region—will benefit from state-of-the-art port facilities reflecting its metropolitan nature.
PPA S.A. will provide amenities that cater to the needs of a major international port, offering high-quality services to passengers and shippers, while local residents will benefit from reduced traffic and environmental impact. We will continue to push forward for the best outcomes for all parties involved.”
For his part, Su Xudong expressed gratitude towards the regional governor for the excellent collaboration and the effective coordination of relevant regional services, and he outlined the organization’s commitment to swiftly implementing the accompanying projects outlined in the respective contracts.
“Our priority is to adhere strictly to Greek and European legislative requirements, ensuring all ongoing projects are completed on schedule and in compliance with applicable standards,” noted Su Xudong, who also addressed delays caused by bureaucratic and judicial issues while sharing the timelines for the completion of associated projects with the regional governor.
