Piraeus Port facing severe shipping delays

The International Shipping Association in Greece (DNE) has issued a formal complaint to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy regarding significant operational disruptions at the Port of Piraeus. According to data collected from member companies, 40 delays were recorded for scheduled line vessels between October 5 and October 20, 2026.

These delays, which ranged from 1.5 to 8.5 hours, have impacted both incoming vessels awaiting pilots and those that have completed loading/unloading but remain docked unable to depart. The DNE reports that on October 19, nearly all vessels in the category were affected.

The association attributes the deterioration to insufficient staffing at the Piraeus Pilot Station. Despite previous commitments to increase and better distribute personnel, shifts are reportedly being managed by only two to three pilots. The DNE warns that these prolonged idle times undermine the port's international competitiveness and disrupt global shipping schedules.