The Port of Piraeus, Greece’s largest, was named “Ferry Shipping Port of the Year 2024” during the two-day European Ferry Shipping Summit held in Athens last week.
The award goes to the Piraeus Port Authority SA (PPA SA) – majority owned by China Cosco Shipping – for its coastal shipping services and was presented during a special ceremony on the sidelines of the event.
The port authority attributed the performance to ongoing investments in port infrastructure upgrades and modernization particularly with a focus on cruise and ferry shipping services.
Piraeus Port handles approximately 20 million passengers each year making it one of the busiest passenger ports in Europe and the world and serving as a key transportation hub connecting mainland Greece with the Aegean islands and Crete, and also as a primary gateway from Europe to its southeastern borders.
“This award highlights Piraeus’ commitment to strategic development, ongoing investments, and comprehensive modernization, resulting in consistently positive upward trajectory across all sectors of port operations,” the port operator said in a statement.
“At PPA SA, we are delighted and deeply proud of the continuous recognition the port receives. The dedicated and systematic efforts of our team combined with their extensive experience and expertise are key to Piraeus’ success as a model port, exemplifying efficiency and responsible operations,” said of PPA SA CEO Su Xudong commenting on the news.
Photo: Piraeus Port Authority SA
The European Ferry Shipping Summit was held in Greece for the first time with the participation of over 200 industry leaders from across Europe.
Delegates were given a tour of the Piraeus Port facilities and presented the port services at the passenger and cargo piers.
Next year’s European Ferry Shipping Summit will be held in Malmö, Sweden on Nov. 13-14.
Earlier this month, the PPA said Q3 revenues had hit historic highs with net profits reaching 29.8 million euros, up by 9.6% on an annual basis.
