Patras port master plan targets jobs and regional growth

Greek Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Vasilis Kikliás visited the Port of Patras and, after a briefing with the head of the Patras Port Authority, announced that the recently approved Master Plan will be implemented with available funding. He said the plan “can give our children a better life” and highlighted its potential to create higher‑paid jobs, increase family incomes and revitalize the local economy. A key element of the plan is a 212‑berth mega‑yacht marina, which Kikliás expects will generate substantial revenue, upgrade tourism and activate a large portion of the port infrastructure.

During the same trip the minister travelled to the island of Zakynthos, where he attended the launch of a new specialised rescue boat—one of eleven such vessels funded by a €6.5 million program for islands and coastal areas. He met local officials to discuss port dredging, further infrastructure works and the implementation of the Zakynthos master plan. The visits underscored the government’s focus on improving port safety, expanding personnel (including planned recruitment of additional maritime staff) and introducing modern equipment such as drones and AI‑based surveillance systems.