The Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Giannis Plakiotakis, has inaugurated two New Panamax specially designed ship-to-shore (STS) cranes at the Port of Thessaloniki (ThPA S.A.).
A ceremony to mark the event was help at Pier 6 of the Port of Thessaloniki.
The new equipment will directly serve main liner vessels of up to 14,000 TEU, contributing to the attraction of new lines according to the port authority.
The investment for the supply of the new equipment was valued at €15.7 million ($16 million) and marks the completion of more than 80 per cent of ThPA S.A.’s Mandatory Investments in mechanical equipment.
READ: Port of Thessaloniki expands STS crane fleet
“At ThPA S.A., we implement a comprehensive investment plan, which focuses on our company’s role as a gateway to growth,” added Thanos Liagkos, Executive Chairman of the BoD & Managing Director of ThPA S.A.
“The upgrading of our equipment and infrastructure is an integral part of this plan. This way, we create significant added value for the local and the national economy, as well as for all our business and social stakeholders”.
With the new equipment coming into operation, the port anticipates the production capacity of the container terminal to increase significantly.
The addition is also expected to strengthen the international competitiveness of the port as well as the role of Thessaloniki as the main gateway for international trade activities for the wider region of the Balkans, Southeast, Central and Eastern Europe.
“Strengthening the position of Greek ports in the trans-European transport networks is a priority for the Ministry,” said Minister Plakiotakis.
“The investments that ThPA S.A. is implementing in new mechanical equipment are in line with this direction, as they strengthen the position of the Port of Thessaloniki in the international port scene.
“Therefore, a little before the opening of the 86th TIF, I am pleased to be present at a particularly important event for the port, which is a key enabler for the development of the city and the wider region.”
Under the new agreement, both ports will work closely together for the overall development of port and trade activities, as well as the promotion of intermodal transports.
