As mentioned, according to business owners’ reports, of the nine cranes the Organization has in total, only one remained in operation until recently. In fact, this specific crane, which served exclusively containers, was also put out of operation, causing huge waiting times and delays in the commercial port, while simultaneously skyrocketing costs for the business owners waiting to receive their ordered cargo.
Pointing out that the other cranes have also remained immobilized for a long time, due to mechanical failures and a lack of spare parts, Mr. Karkanakis stresses that this image is not in line with the strategic role of the port of Heraklion, as a main supply gateway for Crete, and asks the OLH to immediately proceed with the necessary interventions to restore the smooth operation of the port.
In detail, Mr. Karkanakis states in his letter:
“With this letter, we wish to convey to you the intense concern of the business community regarding the situation prevailing in the commercial section of the port of Heraklion. According to the daily testimonies of our member-companies, the port is currently operating with a severe lack of operational equipment. Of the nine cranes the Organization has in total, only one remains in operation. The others, according to information, have remained immobilized for a long time due to mechanical failures and a lack of spare parts, resulting in significant delays being recorded in commercial activity. However, based on recent publications in the local press, even the single crane that serves exclusively containers has been put out of operation, causing huge queues and delays in the commercial port, while simultaneously skyrocketing the costs for the consignees.
This image is not in line with the strategic role of the port as a main supply gateway for Crete. It is clear that the prolongation of the existing situation undermines the supply chain’s function, increases business costs, and, ultimately, harms the competitiveness of the local economy. Serious delays are already being recorded, which in several cases reach five to seven days, while businesses are forced to resort to private workshops for unloading, bearing enormous additional costs.
The Heraklion Chamber of Commerce considers it imperative that immediate measures be taken to restore the smooth operation of the port. The maintenance and reactivation of the cranes that remain idle, ensuring technical support and spare parts for the rapid restoration of breakdowns, as well as initiating the procurement of new modern equipment, constitute critical actions that can no longer wait. At the same time, it is necessary to have a clear and binding timetable for the implementation of the projects foreseen in the Master Plan, so that businesses know with certainty how the port’s future is planned.
Mr. Papadakis,
the commercial port cannot be downgraded nor sidelined in favor of other activities. The balanced development of tourism and commerce is possible, provided there is will and effective management. We call upon you to proceed immediately with the necessary interventions, in order to restore the smooth operation of the port and to strengthen the confidence of the local business community. The Heraklion Chamber of Commerce declares itself ready to assist with all its might in this effort, as the port constitutes a fundamental developmental pillar for the whole of Crete”.
