Piraeus port inaugurates expanding car terminal

Greek Shipping and Island Policy Minister Christos Stylianides pointed out at an inauguration ceremony 6 February for the new car facilities, the Ministry's goal is to promote sustainable urban development, the use of sustainable transportation methods and advanced technologies in pursuit of projects with a minimal environmental footprint. 

"The completion of this EUR20 million investment and an extension of 40,000 sq metres, constitutes an important achievement, as it opens up new perspectives for the port of Piraeus while at the same time, it will significantly strengthen the competitiveness and attractiveness of the country's largest port.”

He went on to say, "with the implementation of this defining project, the government's strategic commitment to development and innovation is confirmed”.

He said: “At the same time, our country’s leading position in the world of shipping is being strengthened." 

The expansion of the car terminal increases the station’s total area to 110,000 sq metres and creates an additional parking area for cars, with a total capacity of 5,100 vehicles.

The project is part of the port’s mandatory investments and will increase its total capacity as it will be able to accommodate a total of approximately 11,000 vehicles making Piraeus one of the largest car transit centres in the Eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea and North Africa. 

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In addition to the loading / unloading and storage of new cars, Piraeus port car stations handle all types of wheeled goods, such as machinery, trucks, trailers, etc., as well as general cargo. The port’s list of customers includes most major car manufacturers. 

Transport Minister Christos Staikouras stressed that Piraeus is today one of the fastest growing ports in the world.  “It is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa and is the natural port of Athens and the main cargo gateway of Greece. Its geographical location makes it a vital transit, commercial, logistics, tourism and communications hub.

“This particular investment, will act as a growth driver for the wider region and will further improve the competitiveness and attractiveness of the port as a transshipment, transit and storage hub for vehicles and wheeled goods in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and North Africa.”