Greek Deputy Minister Stephanos Gikas backs Thessaloniki port expansion and island ferry upgrades

On 11 June, Greek Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Stephanos Gikas visited the Thessaloniki Port Authority (OLTH AE). He was briefed on the Problyta 6 expansion, a key component of a long‑term investment programme aimed at turning the port into a modern multimodal transport and tourism hub for southeastern Europe. The plan emphasizes completing critical links to national road and rail networks, boosting cargo and passenger capacity, and expanding cruise‑ship facilities to support regional economic growth.

At a conference in Corfu on island connectivity, Gikas highlighted that island policy now features prominently on national and EU agendas. He announced that funding for unprofitable ferry lines has risen from €90 million in 2019 to €170 million today, with new four‑year contracts covering routes such as Patras‑Ithaca and multiple inter‑Ionian services, totaling €28.15 million. He also outlined water‑infrastructure projects on small islands and confirmed secured financing for port upgrades in the Ionian Islands, including works in Ithaca and Agios Stefanos. The deputy minister cited the recent establishment of a Government Committee for Island Policy by Prime Minister Mitsotakis as evidence of the government's commitment to maritime and island development.