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Τετάρτη, 15 Ιουνίου 2022 10:30

The Port of Piraeus - A driver of Growth and Sustainability

The Port’s expansion strategy aims at enabling the perfect dialogue of the Port with the city and the communities it serves

The historic Port of Piraeus, the biggest port in Greece has being at the very core of a flourishing Greek shipping sector, leading the world maritime industry. Τhe Port of Piraeus’ unique geographical position at the crossroads of three continents creates favorable conditions elevating the port and also the country into a significant maritime, freight, tourism and logistics hub on a global scale, while at the same time connecting the mainland with the numerous Greek islands. In recent years, investments by the major shareholder COSCO SHIPPING alongside a great number of projects have been implemented at a fast pace based on a comprehensive plan and a holistic strategy approach aiming at a complete port upgrade and modernization. A desired modernization, which, however, is developed with the basic concern of the protection and respect for the environment, but also on the basis of a fair and good governance. The Port could transform from once a periphery port into a top ranking harbor in the Mediterranean and among Europe’s top five ports.

Also, Piraeus improved its global 93rd position in 2010 to currently being among the top 30 ports in the world with a significant contribution to the local economy and industry. In the face of the pandemic and a changing planet, PPA S.A. has proved to be a resilient company built on solid foundations, a valuable asset in such unprecedented times. This is even more important given the fact that the more the company’s revenue increase, the more the local communities benefit, since 3.5% of the company’s annual revenue is returned to surrounding municipalities, as stipulated in the concession agreement with the Greek state. In 2021 alone, the concession fee amounted to approximately 5.5 million euros. Last year’s results showed a remarkable performance, revealing an all-time record in the history of PPA, achieving the highest level of profitability in spite of the difficulties of the pandemic. All company segments, including container, cruising, passenger, ship repair and car terminal business, recorded a double digit growth compared to year earlier. The Port’s expansion strategy aims at enabling the perfect dialogue between the Port, the city and the communities it serves. Supporting local communities is a key performance indicator of the company’s societal footprint, with a substantial spending increase each year, while new infrastructure projects aim at community integration, such as a new playground park and a bike lane totaling 8000 sqm, to be constructed at PPA’s own expenses within the port zone and be available to all citizens. Giving back to the community and facilitating the greening of the Piraeus Port is central to the company’s strategy and a prerequisite for a sustainable future.

The company is among the “Most Sustainable Companies in Greece 2022”, and already among the 35 listed companies included in the new ESG Hellenic Exchanges index. Further, the company holds the ECO PORT status, granted by the leading European environmental network and numerous environmental certifications, in addition to actively contributing to a series of European projects, being committed to act as a role model in green innovation and environmental performance for the port industry, fully in line with the company’s vision of a sustainable, Green Piraeus Port.