During the meeting, the CEO of OLH, Mr. Minas Papadakis, pointed out that “we are here to talk about our course, our vision, and about how the port of Heraklion is being transformed into a pillar of development for Crete and Greece.”
He then presented the strategic directions of OLH’s master plan and also gave particular emphasis to the cruise sector, which is a key pillar of economic development.
Specifically, the CEO of OLH, Mr. Papadakis, referred to:
The dynamic course of the cruise sector, with 2025 being a milestone year, as an increased number of cruise ship arrivals was recorded, with new routes that integrate Heraklion into major hubs, as well as a record number of visitors, a fact that contributes decisively to the local economy, commerce, gastronomy, and culture. So far in 2025, 179 arrivals with 373,866 passengers have been carried out, while by the end of the year, 294 arrivals with 550,000 are expected.
Within 6 years, an increase in cruise ship arrivals by 44% and in passengers by 80% was presented.
October, however, is expected to be “strong” with 52 arrivals, while traffic will continue until December, something that proves that cruising contributes to the extension of the tourist season. At the same time, the fact that the operation of the new airport is expected to bring a surge, particularly in home ports, with 2026 being a strong year also in the cruise sector, was emphasized.
Regarding the investments planned under the master plan, the CEO of OLH stressed that, with the master plan, the port of Heraklion is entering a new era of sustainable development.
Specifically, the port’s master plan includes:
A new building for the Port Authority and the pilotage service, new spaces for warehouses – logistics, the capability to receive up to 4 cruise ships simultaneously, a hotel and conference center, new floating piers with the capability to berth up to 15 catamarans, east and south of the current Port Authority building, an upgrade of the ship repair zone, use of the free zone for a car terminal.
Finally, the CEO of OLH, Mr. Minas Papadakis, added that the vision of OLH is “to make Heraklion a point of reference in the Eastern Mediterranean. To enhance the competitiveness of the port with high-quality services. To become a pillar of green development, by integrating innovative environmental practices. To operate as a bridge of culture and tourism, highlighting the unique character of Crete.”
The CEO of Minoan Lines, Mr. Loukas Sigalas, referred to the Heraklion-Piraeus-Heraklion line, where Milos was added with a positive response from the public. He announced that in 2028, two new ships with new technologies will replace those currently serving this specific route.
The event was also greeted by the vice president of the Board of Directors of Minoan Lines and member of the Board of Directors of OLH, Mr. Michalis Chatzakis.
