Greek Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilias unveils €200 m expansion of Thessaloniki’s 6th Pier

During a visit to Thessaloniki, Shipping and Islands Minister Vasilis Kikilias highlighted the strategic role of the port for Northern Greece and announced a €200 million investment to expand the 6th Pier. The project will extend the quay by more than 500 metres, include dredging works and allow the harbor to accommodate larger, modern vessels. Authorities expect the construction phase and subsequent operation to create and retain around 20,000 jobs.

Kikilias also noted the rapid growth of the cruise sector, rising from 17 ships in 2021 to 68 in 2023, and the port’s new capacity for home‑porting and simultaneous berthing of two cruise liners. He stressed that the pier expansion, together with road and rail connectivity upgrades, will strengthen Thessaloniki’s position as a logistics and trade hub, boost incomes and provide career prospects for the local workforce. Meetings with the Port Authority (OLT) and regional officials focused on integrating the project into Greece’s broader maritime and tourism strategy.