The Port of Thessaloniki hosted this year’s ESPO Conference. We thought it would be interesting to talk to Ioannis Tsaras, CEO of the Port of Thessaloniki (ThPA S.A). In the following sections, you will learn more about innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation in this Greek port, as well as the importance of resilience in the port sector. Discover more fascinating topics addressed by our Port Professional of the month below!
Can you briefly tell us about Port of Thessaloniki, highlighting its key features and current challenges?
The Port of Thessaloniki has been designated as a port of significant Interest and one of the Greek ports that belong to the Core Network of Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). It is one of Greece’s most strategic transport gateways for the Eastern Mediterranean. As the main port in Northern Greece and the leading national transit port for conventional cargo, it plays a vital role in cross-border trade and regional connectivity. Its strategic location, close to the major Trans-European motorway and railway networks, reinforces its importance as the gateway port to the Balkans, Southeast, and Central Europe. ThPA S.A., listed on the Athens Exchange since 2001 and operated under private management since 2018, handles containers and conventional cargo, operates the free zone of the Port, offers reliable and cost-efficient logistics solutions and intermodal rail services, and serves passenger traffic through cruise and ferry. The port’s main priorities today include upgrading infrastructure, digitalising operations, and maintaining service excellence, amid growing demand in an ever-changing environment.
What is your long-term vision for the Port of Thessaloniki? What are the main investment projects for the next few years? Can you briefly describe the importance of these projects for both the port and the city?
Our long-term vision is to establish the Port of Thessaloniki as a modern and significantly recognised centre that contributes to the city’s growth and connectivity. Focusing on the continuous upgrading of the port, ThPA S.A. has already implemented investments amounting to over €77 million since 2018. Key investments include the expansion of Pier 6, a project that is to create over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, generate more than €230 million annually throughout the port ecosystem, contribute over €93 million to GDP, and boost public revenue by over €35 million per year. The socioeconomic impact will be maximised and multiplied with the completion of Pier 6, creating more than 4,000 additional jobs. Ongoing cruise infrastructure investments drive unprecedented visitor numbers, supporting local businesses. Alongside sustainability and community initiatives, these projects strengthen the port’s role as a pillar of economic growth and social added value for Thessaloniki and beyond.
We read that the Port of Thessaloniki has become the first port in the EU and the Mediterranean to pilot Ship Emissions Monitoring under the HELMEPA-led METAVASEA initiative. If possible, could you please provide more details on the specific technologies or methods being used in this project? Additionally, how might this initiative influence future environmental regulations for ports across the EU and the Mediterranean?
Sustainability is at the core of our strategy. The pilot implementation of the MEP program strengthens our ability to set new standards in the port industry. The MEP uses advanced monitoring technology to measure value chain (Scope 3) emissions from incoming vessels, providing vital insights into the environmental impact of this activity and enabling targeted actions to reduce it. The initiative is expected to guide future environmental regulations across EU and Mediterranean ports by encouraging data-driven emission reductions and supporting the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. Beyond our role as a port, we actively engage with the community, ensuring our business practices align with environmental, social, and corporate governance principles.
Earlier this year the Master Plan for the Port of Thessaloniki was approved. If possible, we would like to understand how the expansion of Pier 6, as a flagship investment will contribute to enhancing the port’s competitiveness and commercial activity?
The Pier 6 expansion will enable Thessaloniki Port to serve main liner container vessels with a capacity of up to 24.000 TEU, substantially upgrading its competitive edge. This landmark project aims not only to further elevate the port’s position in the global port industry and the logistics supply chain, but also to generate long-term economic and social value. With a budget of €180 million and a 36-month completion timeline, the project includes the construction of a new 513-meter-long quay, and the creation of 157.000 m2 yard area, dredging of the navigation channel, and infrastructure upgrades. The port’s strategic location and modernised infrastructure will ensure its leading role in Southeastern Europe’s maritime trade, delivering steady growth and reliable solutions for the future.
Despite the challenging global environment characterised by geopolitical instability, conflicts, and supply chain disruptions, the Port of Thessaloniki demonstrated remarkable resilience and achieved good results. Could you please elaborate on the measures or steps implemented to accomplish this success?
Amidst all of the changing environment, the robust operational performance of the Port of Thessaloniki fuelled strong financial results in 2024 across almost all core sectors, including all-time highs in revenues, volumes, and profitability. This strong performance was driven by increased activity across core services, as well as improved operational efficiency. It reflects the consistent implementation of our long-term business and investment strategy, aimed at reinforcing the port’s role as a strategic logistics solutions provider in Southeast Europe. The recent approval of the Master Plan marks a new era of growth, ensuring continued progress and strong positioning in an evolving environment.
The greening of a port requires the help of all port stakeholders. What can the Port of Thessaloniki do to encourage all stakeholders to make their operations more sustainable?
The Port of Thessaloniki, recognised as the first “green” port in Greece by the Green Award Foundation, adopts a multi-faceted approach to foster stakeholder engagement. Along with financial incentives for adopting eco-friendly technologies, it aims to provide training programs to raise awareness and further enhance high environmental standards. Facilitating collaborative pilot projects, establishing transparent environmental reporting mechanisms, and promoting innovation through partnerships will further drive change. By aligning all stakeholders under a shared sustainability vision and leveraging its leadership role, the port can ensure collective commitment to greener operations and set an example for ports across the region.
Hosted in Thessaloniki, we would first like to thank you for the warm welcome and for being excellent hosts of this year’s ESPO 2025 Conference. In this context, could you share your perspective on the key themes and outcomes of the 21st edition?
Ιt has truly been an honor to welcome such a diverse and forward-thinking community of port professionals. The 2025 edition focused on resilience, energy transition, and digital transformation, three themes that are shaping the future of European ports. Discussions highlighted the need for collective action in decarbonising port operations, leveraging digitalisation to improve efficiency, and ensuring ports remain competitive yet sustainable in a rapidly evolving global context. As a result, ports were recognised as pillars of stability and progress. The ESPO Conference fostered essential dialogue and knowledge exchange, reinforcing cooperation across Europe and supporting the development of sustainable, innovative, and socially integrated port infrastructures.
In this regard, if possible, could you kindly share your experience hosting the ESPO Conference? Could you please share your thoughts on the ways this event has impacted the ThPA S.A. and the local port community in Thessaloniki?
Hosting the ESPO Conference 2025 was a defining moment for ThPA S.A., placing Thessaloniki at the heart of key European port discussions. This opportunity came at a time when European ports are called to adapt to new geopolitical, economic, and environmental realities. For our organisation, it affirms the value of our long-term strategy built on infrastructure upgrades, sustainability, and digital transformation. The conference offered vital exposure, enabling us to engage with top policymakers, share insights from initiatives such as the Maritime Emissions Portal (MEP) under the HELMEPA-led METAVASEA project, and position ThPA S.A. as an active contributor to shaping the role of ports in Europe’s sustainable and strategic future.
Could you explain how you began your career in maritime transport and the professional journey that led you to your current position?
Since 1985, as a member of a research team at a major U.S. university, I have been involved in studies on the organisation of new and reorganisation of existing container terminals. Since 1998 I have been a consultant to large construction companies dealing with port projects, design/studies. In 2000 I participated in the preparation of the master plan of the Port of Thessaloniki, while from 2004 to 2010 I took over as CEO of the Thessaloniki Port Authority, a position to which I returned in 2024.
Finally, if you had to bring us to your favourite spot in the Port of Thessaloniki, where would you take us?
If I had to bring you to my favourite spot in the Port of Thessaloniki, it would undoubtedly be Pier 1. Right in the heart of the city, this vibrant landmark blends the port’s historic identity with a forward-looking spirit. Open to the public, this popular meeting point is a lively place where culture, business, and creativity converge. From hosting major festivals to housing museums and embracing everyday moments of joy, Pier 1 captures our commitment to inclusivity and social impact. It’s more than a port pier -it’s a connection point between the port and the city, where its people and visitors come together, reflecting the strong bond we share with the local community and our commitment to port-city integration.
Source: ESPO
