Greece’s Port of Thessaloniki has entered a new stage of its long-term development strategy with the signing of a major construction contract that sets in motion one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades in its history.
The agreement initiates the full expansion of Pier 6, a project designed to elevate the port’s competitiveness as a logistics hub for Southeast Europe.
The Pier 6 Expansion: Transforming capacity and capabilities
The project centers on a substantial enlargement of Pier 6, adding 513 meters (1,683 feet) of new quay length and 306.5 meters (1,005 feet) of operational width. It also includes extensive dredging of the access channel and maneuvering area, enabling the port to safely accommodate Ultra Large Container Vessels up to 24,000 TEU ships (twenty-foot equivalent unit) that previously could not be handled in Northern Greece.
With the expansion, the port’s annual container capacity is expected to increase from 650,000 TEU to 1.5 million TEU, significantly strengthening its role as a gateway for cargo moving toward the Balkans, Central Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
A multiyear project with wide economic impact
Scheduled for completion in 40 months, the expansion represents a total investment of €195.6 million ($225,4 million). Funding will come from a combination of company equity and bank financing, underscoring the port operator’s financial resilience and strong growth outlook.
Beyond operational upgrades, the project is set to generate major economic benefits. Construction will create jobs, stimulate local industries and produce measurable contributions to Greece’s GDP, public revenue and long-term employment across the logistics ecosystem.
Strengthening Regional Connectivity and Competitiveness
Once operational, the upgraded terminal will allow Thessaloniki to service multiple large vessels simultaneously, reduce congestion and offer new routing opportunities for global shipping lines. This improvement enhances Greece’s connectivity to international maritime networks and reinforces Thessaloniki’s ambition to serve as a top-tier transit hub for Southeast Europe.
The investment further supports the port’s strategic goal of developing a modern, integrated logistics platform that connects maritime, rail and road transport. Increased capacity and upgraded infrastructure are expected to attract new commercial partnerships and expand the port’s influence in regional supply chains.
A strategic step in Greece’s Thessaloniki port modernization journey
The launch of the Pier 6 expansion marks one of the most pivotal milestones in the port’s modernization efforts since 2018. In recent years, Thessaloniki has steadily strengthened its presence in the maritime sector, and this project stands as the cornerstone of its future development.
As construction progresses, the port is positioned to reinforce its role as a vital economic engine for Northern Greece while offering enhanced services to global industries. The expansion addresses immediate operational needs while laying the foundation for a more competitive and resilient future for one of the Eastern Mediterranean’s key logistics gateways.