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The forum, organised on July 6 by the Ministry of Interior\u2019s Macedonia and Thrace Sector and the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, brought together more than 40 speakers from the maritime, port, transport, business and academic sectors under the theme \u201cShipping and Northern Greece: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Participants highlighted Thessaloniki\u2019s strategic position as Greece\u2019s gateway to the Balkans, the Black Sea, Central Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, while stressing the need to strengthen Northern Greece\u2019s connection with the maritime industry through infrastructure, education, technology, business development and workforce training.<\/p>\n European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas emphasised the importance of improving rail and road connections to the Port of Thessaloniki, describing the city and Northern Greece as being at the centre of a new geography of transport, trade, tourism, energy and security.<\/p>\n Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas said upgrading critical transport infrastructure remains a government priority, with stronger links between northern ports, the Greek hinterland, the Balkans and Central Europe identified as essential for boosting trade and logistics.<\/p>\n Shipping and Island Policy Minister Vasilis Kikilias highlighted the maritime sector\u2019s career opportunities for young people, saying shipping professions can provide long-term employment and encourage young professionals to remain in their local communities.<\/p>\n Cruise tourism also featured prominently during the forum. George Koubenas, President of the Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Shipping Agencies and Chief Operating Officer of Celestyal Cruises, announced that from 2027 the ports of Macedonia and Thrace will join a new Celestyal itinerary linking Thessaloniki with Constantinople (Istanbul), Aegean islands, Egypt and Volos.<\/p>\n Speakers agreed that expanding cruise tourism will require modern marinas, upgraded port infrastructure, improved passenger services and stronger transport links between ports and inland tourist destinations.<\/p>\n The forum also highlighted the role of education and innovation in supporting the maritime industry. Danae Bezantakou, President of the Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, promoted stronger collaboration between universities and the shipping sector through the YES Forum initiative, while Aristotle University of Thessaloniki announced plans to establish a named academic chair in the \u201cBlue Economy\u201d, focusing on maritime sustainability, port management, cybersecurity, technology and artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n Deputy Interior Minister for Macedonia and Thrace Konstantinos P. Gkioulekas said Northern Greece possesses the ports, infrastructure, skilled workforce and strategic location needed to play a much larger role in the maritime economy.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to bring Northern Greece closer to shipping and shipping closer to Northern Greece,\u201d Gkioulekas said. \u201cWith planning, cooperation and outward-looking policies, we will strengthen our region\u2019s role on the modern development map.\u201d<\/p>\n The forum concluded that continued investment in transport infrastructure, improved connectivity and closer cooperation between Greece and its Balkan neighbours will be essential for Northern Greece to realise its ambition of becoming a major maritime, cruise and logistics hub.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n