Salonika, Greece
Greece’s second-largest port and cultural hub, Salonika links Europe and the Balkans to the Aegean Sea.
Port Overview
Salonika, officially known as Thessaloniki, is located on the northwestern shore of the Thermaic Gulf in northern Greece. It is the country’s second-largest port and ranks as the second busiest container port in Greece. Strategically positioned, it serves as a key gateway for Central and Southeastern Europe, with direct rail links to the Balkans. The port covers 1.5 million square meters and handled approximately 520,000 TEU in 2023, highlighting its importance for regional trade and logistics.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Salonika (Port of Thessaloniki) features a modern container terminal at Pier 6 with a 550-meter quay, 12-meter depth, and annual capacity of around 600,000 TEU. The conventional cargo terminal has 14 quays totaling 4.2 km, handling bulk and breakbulk cargo. Key equipment includes ship-to-shore cranes, mobile cranes, and reach stackers. The port also offers intermodal rail links and a new cruise terminal at Pier 2. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not currently in use.
Container Terminals
Salonika (Thessaloniki) container terminal has 3 main berths dedicated to containers, with a total quay length of about 600 meters and a water depth of up to 12 meters. The terminal’s annual capacity is approximately 800,000 TEU. Automation is moderate, featuring a modern terminal operating system but not fully automated equipment. The major operator is Thessaloniki Port Authority S.A. (ThPA), with strategic partnerships for logistics and rail services.
Port Services
- Container handling: Modern container terminal with a capacity exceeding 500,000 TEU, operating 24/7 and equipped for efficient loading, unloading, and storage.
- Cargo operations: Handles all types of bulk, breakbulk, and general cargo, with direct connections to road and rail networks for smooth inland distribution.
- Ship services: Offers berthing, towage, water and power supply, waste management, lashing/unlashing, and fire-fighting support.
- Warehousing: Extensive covered and open storage areas, including logistics and third-party logistics (3PL) facilities for value-added services.
- Customs: Free Trade Zone status, on-site customs offices, and streamlined procedures for international trade and transit cargo.
Global Connectivity
Salonika (Thessaloniki) is a major gateway port in northern Greece, directly connected to 22 ports in 12 countries, including key hubs in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, and Malta. It serves the Balkans and Southeast Europe, with strong rail and road links to regions such as Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Romania. Regular feeder and mainline shipping routes connect Salonika to major Mediterranean and global markets, supporting both container and bulk cargo flows.
Port Statistics
Port of Thessaloniki (Salonika) Key Statistics
TEU Throughput: 566,000 TEU in 2024, representing a 9% increase from the previous year. The port's container terminal has a maximum annual capacity of 550,000 TEU.
Facilities: The Container Terminal spans 254,000 m² with 550m quay length. Total port area includes 14 conventional cargo quays with 4,200 meters of quay walls.
Cargo Handling: The port processed 16.8 million tonnes of total cargo in 2023, plus 250,000 tonnes of conventional cargo in 2024.
Infrastructure: Accommodates vessels with up to 12-meter draught, primarily feeder vessels. Connected to national and international rail networks.
