Piraeus, Greece
Piraeus is Greece’s largest port and a major Mediterranean gateway, serving as a vital hub for global trade and passenger traffic.
Port Overview
Piraeus, located on the Saronic Gulf near Athens, is Greece’s largest port and ranks as the fourth busiest container port in Europe. Its strategic position connects Europe with Asia, serving as a major transshipment hub for Mediterranean and intercontinental trade. Managed by COSCO Shipping, Piraeus handled approximately 5.1 million TEU in 2023, reflecting steady growth and cementing its role as a key gateway for cargo and passenger traffic in the region.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Piraeus, Greece’s main port, features three container terminals with a combined capacity of 8.3 million TEUs, a cargo terminal handling up to 25 million tonnes annually, and two automobile terminals for 670,000 vehicles per year. Key equipment includes ship-to-shore cranes and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for efficient container handling. The port also has three cruise terminals, extensive passenger facilities, and modern logistics infrastructure supporting both cargo and passenger operations.
Container Terminals
Piraeus, Greece’s largest container port, operates three main container terminals with a combined annual capacity exceeding 7 million TEUs. The terminals feature multiple deep-water berths capable of handling post-Panamax vessels up to 16,000 TEUs, with a total quay length of over 1,150 meters. Automation is moderate, with advanced ship-to-shore cranes but not full terminal automation. The major operator is COSCO Shipping through its subsidiary Piraeus Container Terminal, driving significant growth and modernization since 2010. Piraeus is a key hub for Asia-Europe trade and regional transshipment.
Port Services
- Container handling: Modern terminals with high TEU capacity for efficient container operations.
- Cargo operations: Facilities for bulk, general, and automobile cargo, including large storage areas and transshipment capabilities.
- Ship services: Bunkering, husbandry, pilotage, towage, waste management, and vessel support.
- Warehousing: Extensive warehousing and logistics zones for storage and distribution.
- Customs: On-site customs clearance, compliance assistance, and brokerage for import/export cargo.
Global Connectivity
Piraeus is a major Mediterranean hub, directly connected to 69 ports across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. It serves key regions including the Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Main shipping routes link Piraeus to major markets such as Turkey, Italy, Egypt, Singapore, Cyprus, and leading European ports like Rotterdam and Antwerp, supporting both transshipment and regional distribution to global trade networks.
Port Statistics
Piraeus Port Key Statistics
Container Throughput: Approximately 5.1 million TEUs annually, with combined terminal capacity of 7.5-8.3 million TEUs across three container terminals.
European Ranking: 5th largest container port in Europe as of 2024.
Terminals: Three container terminals (Pier I: 1.0-1.3m TEU capacity; Piers II & III operated by COSCO: 5.7m TEU capacity), plus cruise, car, and passenger ferry terminals.
Facilities: Car terminal capacity of 12,000 vehicles, cargo terminal with 25 million ton capacity, and Europe's largest passenger ferry terminal.
Operator: Managed by COSCO under concession from Piraeus Port Authority.
