Greece’s largest port, which handles over 20 million passengers and thousands of vehicles daily, is in a state of systematic decline.
Despite repeated orders from the Greek government to the Chinese company Cosco Shipping, which has controlled the Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) since 2016, the infrastructure remains inadequate, and operating conditions are disastrous.
The situation has reached a point where Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias said it is “unbearable,” especially during the tourist season.
The port of Piraeus, the main gateway to the Aegean tourist islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, operates with just 12 boarding gates, while passenger and vehicle traffic has exceeded all reasonable limits.
The Chinese investments promised to improve the facilities, such as water systems, Wi-Fi, enhanced security systems, and new passenger terminals, remain at the promise stage.
In contrast, Cosco Shipping has increased its share in the port to 67%, strengthening its control over Mediterranean shipping, but without meeting the city’s basic needs.
According to the ministry, the situation during the summer months is outrageous. Thousands of tourists and drivers are forced to wait for hours in unsanitary conditions, without adequate shelter or basic services.
At the same time, Cosco announced record revenues for 2023, totaling 230.9 million euros, an increase of 5% compared to the previous year. This financial success, however, is in stark contrast to the company’s lack of investment in basic infrastructure, which raises questions about its real priorities.
US authorities have expressed concerns about China’s growing control over strategic European infrastructure, including the port of Piraeus. The US Department of Defense has warned that Beijing may use state-owned companies, such as Cosco, to exert geopolitical influence, jeopardizing NATO and EU interests.
In January, the US government denounced possible links between Cosco and the Chinese military, raising new questions about the security of European ports under Chinese control.
In Greece, Cosco’s inaction has sparked backlash from both the government and the residents of Piraeus.
Kikilias has stressed the need for direct investment “without delay,” but the Chinese side seems to be ignoring the calls so far. Meanwhile, the city continues to suffer from the systemic neglect of a port that could be the heart of the Greek economy – if it were given the attention it deserves.
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