A budget contract of more than 24 million euros for the implementation of critical port infrastructure projects in the port of Souda and Stylida and the carrying out of a study for the modernization of the passenger fleet of Greek shipping and the reduction of its carbon footprint was signed by the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Christos Stylianidis and the Authorized Advisor of TAIPED, Panagiotis Stamboulidis.
The Strategic Importance Contracts Unit (PPF) of TAIPED undertakes the maturation and implementation of the tender process, with the Beneficiary being the Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy as the Ministry of Responsibility. The projects are co-financed by the Recovery and Resilience Fund and are as follows:
(a) “Construction of a new passenger station at the port of Souda – Intermediate phase”
The project concerns the construction of a new passenger station at the port of Souda, Chania, Crete, in accordance with the Master Plan that has been drawn up and comes as a result of a relevant pan-Hellenic architectural competition, which includes service areas for cruise ship and cruise ship passengers, as well as administration buildings and Schengen control areas.
The total budget amounts to €12,915,840.00 (including VAT) and according to the implementation horizon, it is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025.
(b) “Dredging of channel and port basin in the port of Stylida”
The project concerns the restoration of grades (dredging) in the port basin and the navigation channel of the port of Stylida Fthiotida. The total budget amounts to €10,000,000.00 (including VAT) and according to the implementation horizon, it is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025.
(c) “Plan to replace the passenger shipping fleet and reduce the CO2 footprint”
The project includes the preparation of an analytical study, strategy and development of a financing mechanism for the gradual renewal of the country’s coastal shipping fleet with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions and accelerating and smoothing the green transition in this critical sector.
The total budget amounts to €1,233,180.00 (including VAT) and according to the implementation horizon, it is expected to be delivered by the second quarter of 2025.
The Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Christos Stylianidisstated: “With the upgrading of the ports of Souda and Stylida, a new chapter begins for Greek shipping. By strengthening our ports, we strengthen Greece’s position as a central shipping hub in the Mediterranean and beyond. This agreement is expected to enhance our economic growth, create new jobs and offer advanced services to our shipping community. The port of Souda is a critical hub in the Mediterranean and is strategic for shipping. With its upgrade, it will be further strengthened as a logistics and infrastructure center and able to handle large-scale military and commercial operations. The port of Stylida plays a more regional but equally important role in strengthening the local economy and connectivity. Upcoming upgrades will strengthen the port as a hub for fishing, local shipping and smaller commercial activities».
The Authorized Advisor of TAIPED, Panagiotis Stamboulidisstated: “TAIPED and the Strategic Importance Contracts Unit are launching today a new period of productive cooperation with the Ministry of Shipping, with the common goal of upgrading the quality and functionality of two important ports of our country and also accelerating the green transformation of Greek shipping. These are projects that shape port infrastructures of high standards, putting the Region in the spotlight and strengthening the prospects of tourism development. At the same time, taking into account the increasingly intense effects of the climate crisis, we contribute with a coordinated plan to the implementation of sustainable practices in the field of the blue economy. TAIPED, with its know-how and experience, contributes catalytically to the State’s plan, so that in the coming years the Greek ports will be another strong driver of sustainable development for the country, with an economic, social and environmental footprint”.
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