It raises critical issues on the table, such as the new cruise port charges, the implementation of the European Entry-Exit system for passenger control at ports, and most importantly, the disbursement of European funds for infrastructure projects.
“The implementation of the measure for cruise charges started last July and soon there will be the first data on how it affected passenger behavior, total revenues, and the progress of the projects to be funded,” he points out in
his interview with “N”.
Referring to his recent meeting with the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, he emphasizes that it was particularly productive, as the focus was on the prospects of Greek ports within the E.U. and the strengthening of funding for green and digital transition projects.
In fact, he notes that the commissioner informed him that the available amount under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has doubled, a fact which
opens new possibilities for Greece, while he awaits the relevant proposals from ELIME.
Mr. Kamarinakis emphasizes that the goal is the creation of a unified, resilient, and competitive port system, capable of supporting the national economy and making the country a protagonist in the European supply chain.
The full text of the interview follows:
Mr. Kamarinakis, what is the first message you want to send as the new president of ELIME?
“ELIME is at a pivotal point. The first message I want to send
is that the Hellenic Ports Association will work to shape a unified, resilient, and competitive port system, capable of meeting the needs of the era and supporting the national economy.
Our strategy is based on four key pillars: the green transition, digital transformation, strengthening the interconnection of ports with transport networks, and institutional representation at the national and European level.
Our goal is the further expansion of the Association, so that all the country’s ports are represented. We want to transfer know-how from the larger to the smaller ports, giving everyone the tools to evolve.
At the same time, we will focus on better coordination of the members and on seeking financial resources for critical infrastructure projects, which will strengthen and expand the capabilities of the Greek port system, making it competitive at an international level.”
What are your expectations from the new collaboration between ELIME and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy? What problems did you ask to be solved as a priority?
“Our cooperation with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy is fundamental.
The commitment of the Secretary General of Shipping and Ports, Evangelos Kyriazopoulos, for more direct communication and systematic cooperation is extremely positive and necessary.
Regular communication will benefit all parties, as it will allow for the immediate exchange of views, rapid problem-solving, and a common understanding of the country’s priorities within the framework of policy formulation by the state.”
What prospects open up for Greek ports after your meeting with Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas and what are the funding priorities?
“Our meeting with Commissioner Mr.
Tzitzikosta was particularly productive and substantive.
All the critical issues concerning Greek ports and their prospects within the E.U. framework were put on the table.
We emphasized the need to strengthen European funding for projects related to the green transition and digital transformation.
Mr. Tzitzikostas informed us that the available funding amount under the E.U. financial instrument CEF has doubled, a fact which gives Greece significant room for additional funding. He expects the proposals we will send him as soon as possible”.
What is required to accelerate the connection of ports with the land networks?
“The connection of ports with the land networks is one of the most enduring demands of ELIME. Without it, the supply chain cannot function effectively.
We need project bundles, which will be integrated into the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and will include:
The European Union is already directing a large part of CEF resources to such projects, but good synchronization with national projects and cooperation with the implementing bodies is needed.
If we accelerate the procedures, we can transform Greece into a central transport hub for the wider region”.
Given Greece’s increasing geopolitical importance, what are the next steps to strengthen the position of Greek ports in international competition?
“Greece’s geopolitical position is an advantage but also a challenge. Greek ports are located at the crossroads of three continents and this creates opportunities for the development of transshipment trade, cruises, and logistics.
However, there are also risks. One example is the EU-ETS, the European Emissions Trading System.
If there is no common strategy, there is a risk that shipping companies will choose ports outside the E.U., in order to avoid the additional cost, a fact that will hurt the competitiveness of Greek ports.
To secure our position, we need:
Do you believe that ELIME should have a more institutional role in the planning of the country’s port projects?
“Absolutely.
ELIME, which now has 44 members – port authorities and Port Funds-, must operate as a state advisor and provide impact assessment and technical know-how to all its members.
What challenges does the implementation of the Entry-Exit system bring for Greek ports?
“The implementation of the Entry-Exit System (EES) is one of the largest projects that Greek ports are called upon to implement in the coming years.
It is a European system that will electronically monitor the entry and exit of travelers from third countries into the Schengen area.
The challenge is great:
ELIME has already held a coordination meeting with its members, the Ministry of Public Order and YNANP, which was also attended by ports that are not our members.
The goal is to have common planning, exchange of knowledge and best practices.
We want all Greek ports to be fully ready for the system’s activation during the current month, ensuring security as well as fast passenger service.
With these initiatives, ELIME aims to make Greek ports protagonists in the green and digital transition, to strengthen their role in the European supply chain and to offer multiple benefits to the national economy.”
Which strategic axis do you consider most critical and which green transition projects will be implemented first?
“The green transition is the most critical axis of our strategy. Without it, Greek ports will not be able to remain competitive nor meet the EU’s environmental requirements.
The first projects that should be implemented are the shore /OPS facilities, in order to provide ships with the ability to use electricity from shore and turn off their engines while in port.
Studies have already been approved for Piraeus and Igoumenitsa, followed by ports such as Heraklion, Lavrio, Kavala, Rafina, Volos and Thessaloniki.
At the same time, projects for alternative fuels (LNG, hydrogen, biofuels) and for the energy efficiency of land-based infrastructure are being planned.”
How will ELIME handle the increased embarkation fees in Santorini and Mykonos, so as not to harm the tourism image?
“The recent Ministerial Decision on seasonal fees in Santorini and Mykonos has created intense discussion. The fee reaches 20 euros per passenger for these two ports, while in other destinations in the summer it remains at 5 euros.
We understand the need to fund infrastructure projects, but it must be ensured that there will be a national framework that sets limits and proportionality clauses.
The measure’s implementation started last July. Soon we will have the first
data on how it affected passenger behavior, total revenue and the progress of the projects to be funded.”
Will ELIME take the initiative for a unified cruise database?
“Today, ELIME collects data through the Greek Cruise Cluster Portal, which provides data on itineraries and approaches.
However, the process is largely manual, with ports sending the data via email.
Our goal is the creation of a “Cruise Observatory”, which will gather in real time all arrivals, departures, homeporting percentages and passenger flow.
The data will be drawn directly from the port administrations through standardized APIs, ensuring validity and immediacy.
The platform will be available through the official websites of ELIME ( and ) and will constitute a valuable tool for:
The full upgrade is expected to be completed within 2026».
How will ELIME support its members in utilizing European funding?
«Access to European funding tools is one of the biggest challenges for our members.
Often, the difficulty is not only in finding funds, but also in the maturation of projects.
For this reason, ELIME will create:
