Greece invests €180 million to modernize island ports and foster green maritime growth

The Greek Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy has earmarked €180 million under the “Transport 2021‑2027” programme for the upgrade of roughly 30 ports, with a focus on island and regional facilities. Deputy Minister Stefanos Gkikas said the funding will improve connectivity, which he described as essential for economic development, social cohesion and retaining residents on the islands.

The investment includes a substantial increase in subsidies for ferry services, rising from about €90 million in 2019 to over €170 million today, and the launch of a new four‑year tender for non‑scheduled (agone) routes to provide greater stability for operators and island communities. Twenty‑one ports have entered the Strategic Contracts Unit of the Super‑Fund to accelerate project preparation.

A key element of the plan is the green transition of maritime infrastructure. The ministry aims to install shore‑power (cold‑ironing) systems at 23 islands and ports and to have at least twelve ports capable of supplying electric power to docked vessels by 2030, reducing emissions while supporting the blue economy. Local leaders, such as the mayor of Alonnisos, have highlighted the need for safe, modern ports as vital gateways for residents and tourists.