PIRAEUS

• GRPIR
• Latitude: 37.9461
• Longitude: 23.616
• East Mediterranean
• Port in Greece

Location: Piraeus Attica 18538 Greece

Piraeus Port, located in Greece, is one of the largest and most significant ports in the Mediterranean region. As the primary port of Athens, it serves as a major gateway to both international shipping routes and the Aegean Islands. Here is a detailed description and specification of Piraeus Port:

General Information

• Location: Piraeus, Athens, Greece
• Coordinates: 37°57′N 23°38′E
• UN/LOCODE: GRPIR
• Operational Since: Ancient times, with significant development in the 20th century
• Management: Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (OLP - Οργανισμός Λιμένος Πειραιώς)

Infrastructure

• Terminals: The port consists of multiple terminals, including:

  • Container Terminals: PCT (Piraeus Container Terminal), operated by COSCO Shipping
  • Passenger Terminals: Three major terminals for ferry and cruise services
  • Car Terminals: Facilities specifically for vehicle handling
  • Ro-Ro Terminals: For roll-on/roll-off cargo
  • Logistics Centers: Several facilities dedicated to warehousing and distribution

• Berths: Numerous berths available for different types of ships, including:

  • Container Berths
  • Cruise Berths
  • General Cargo Berths
  • Bulk Cargo Berths

• Crane and Handling Equipment: State-of-the-art cranes, including Super Post-Panamax cranes capable of servicing the world's largest ships.

Specifications

• Depth: Varies across different terminals

  • Container Terminals: Up to 18 meters
  • Passenger Terminals: Ranges from 9-11 meters
  • General Cargo and Bulk Terminals: Varies but generally shallow compared to container terminals

• Total Area: Approximately 2.8 million square meters

Capacity

• Container Capacity:

  • Terminal I: Approximately 1 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units)
  • Terminal II: Approximately 2.6 million TEUs
  • Terminal III: Approximately 3 million TEUs

• Passenger Traffic:

  • Over 20 million passengers annually, including ferry and cruise passengers

Connectivity

• Rail Links: Direct rail link to Greece's main rail network, facilitating inland transport of goods.
• Road Links: Well-connected to major highways leading to Athens and other significant regions in Greece.
• Airport Proximity: About 45 km from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos).

Services

• Pilotage and Towage: Available and mandatory for all commercial vessels.
• Bunkering: Comprehensive bunkering services provided at the port.
• Ship Repair Services: Several shipyards and repair facilities located nearby.
• Customs and Inspection: Efficient customs services ensuring smooth import and export processes.

Environmental and Sustainability Efforts

• Waste Management: Comprehensive waste collection and management protocols.
• Emission Regulations: Compliance with MARPOL regulations and significant efforts towards reducing air and sea pollution.
• Green Initiatives: Investments in sustainable projects and technologies to minimize environmental impact.

Developments and Investments

• Expansion Projects: Ongoing infrastructure improvements, enhanced terminal operations, new logistics centers, and expansion of container handling capacity.
• Technological Upgrades: Implementing advanced IT systems for port management, logistics, and security.

Economic Significance

Piraeus Port plays a critical role in the Greek economy and maritime industry. It serves as a central hub for European-Asian trade routes, enhancing Greece's position in global maritime trade. The port's strategic location and comprehensive services make it a preferred choice for shipping lines, cruise operators, and logistics companies.

Key Takeaways

Piraeus Port is a highly advanced, strategically located, and economically vital maritime facility. With its extensive infrastructure, significant capacity, and connectivity, it stands out as a major player in the Mediterranean and global shipping industries.