The opening ceremony of the Cruise Terminal Expansion project was held last week (February 25) at the cruise terminal of Port Piraeus-Athens. It is a project with an initial budget of EUR 120 million, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Priority Axis 7 of the Regional Operational Program Attica 2014-2020.
The Cruise Terminal Expansion to the south will be constructed two berthing positions for the “new generation” cruise ships of more than 280 metres long with a timetable for implementation of 32 months. The project will contribute to the increase of the capacity of Piraeus port in order to receive large “new generation” cruise ships and consequently to the increase in homeporting (start/end of cruise vacations from the port of Piraeus), which means more revenue for the local economy.
The inauguration ceremony was welcomed by Mr. Ioannis Plakiotakis, Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy. Mr. Georgios Patoulis, Regional Governor of Attica, referred to the project's great contribution and Mr. Yiannis Moralis, Mayor of Piraeus, highlighted the importance of the project for the local economy. The Ambassador of China Mrs. Zhang Qiyue, the Minister of Tourism Mr. Charis Theocharis, the Archbishop Ieronymos and the Metropolitan of Piraeus Seraphim also honored the inauguration with their presence.
Representatives of the major cruise companies and other representatives from shipping agencies, local authorities, chambers, and various associations showed with full participation that the project will have a positive impact not only for the port of Piraeus itself but also for the local and national economy.