Rafina and Lavrio ports face capacity and infrastructure challenges

The recent mobilisation of the Panhellenic Union of Commercial Marine Seamen has revived debate over the ports of Rafina and Lavrio in eastern Attica. Rafina currently hosts eleven passenger vessels but has only five berthing positions, while Lavrio serves as an alternative hub despite having been previously earmarked for high‑speed ferry services.

Both ports lack rail connections – neither is served by the suburban railway or the metro – and rely solely on road access via Attica Road. Plans to modernise Rafina’s facilities remain pending, and earlier proposals for high‑speed routes from Lavrio and the nearby island of Kymi were withdrawn after railway extensions were delayed.

Stakeholders highlight the risk that inadequate port and land infrastructure could hamper the expansion of the fast‑ferry fleet, affect tourism, and potentially weaken the nearby Piraeus port’s dominance in inter‑island transport.