The workshop was organized by an inter-university research team from the University of Piraeus, the Ionian University, and Panteion University, where, perhaps for the first time in Greece, a scientific discussion was attempted on the issue of concession agreements in the port industry.
International and national experience was highlighted by scholars specialized in the subject, as well as professionals and institutional experts active in the field. It offered the opportunity for a significant discussion focusing on both the present and especially the future of the port industry, internationally and in Greece.
Concession agreements in the port industry are used by the state, port managing authorities, and other key actors in order to create win-win conditions for all participants. They allow ports to attract qualified private investors with knowledge and experience in the sector, mobilizing sufficient capital from the private sector to fund necessary investments in port infrastructure and superstructure, and to provide high-quality port services.
The workshop presented the research project's progress and findings to date and provided an opportunity for the academic community and all interested or involved parties to discuss related current issues.
The first session highlighted the complexity and strategic importance of concession agreements in the port industry. Speakers agreed that despite significant progress in Greece – with characteristic examples being the concessions of the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki – challenges remain. These include the fragmentation of the regulatory framework, the limited coordination among competent authorities, and the absence of a unified port planning body.
International best practices show that long-term concessions can attract investments and foster development, provided they are supported by effective regulatory control that balances public and private interests. Overall, a more cohesive and flexible governance model is required to maximize the benefits of port concessions in Greece (detailed presentation slides at https://icasport.gr/).
Moderator: Konstantinos Chlomoudis, Emeritus Professor, University of Piraeus
Speakers: Apostolos Papapostolou, President, Regulatory Authority for Ports (R.A.L.); Vasileios Mamalis, Executive Director, Hellenic Ports Association (E.LIME); Sotiris Theofanis, Managing Partner, MARLOGMIND PC, Member of the Board of Directors, University of Macedonia; Markos Tozidis, PhD Candidate, Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, Member of the iCaSPort Research Team; Konstantinos Baros, Senior Manager, Strategy Advisory, PwC Greece.
The second session highlighted the need for a holistic and strategically aligned redesign of concession agreements in the port industry. Particular emphasis was placed on integrating the principles of the European Green Deal and the “Fit for 55” package, so that sustainability becomes an integral part of the design and implementation of concessions.
At the same time, the structural inability to develop intra-port competition in Greece was noted, due to institutional restrictions embedded in existing agreements, limiting market efficiency and the qualitative advancement of port services.
Moreover, the need for spatial planning and the creation of a National Register of Port Facilities were emphasized as critical tools to support regulatory oversight and the rational development of the port system. The use of digital technologies to monitor the implementation of contract terms and support decision-making—especially regarding environmental and social impacts—was also deemed important.
Finally, the sustainability of the Greek model of full port concessions to private entities was questioned, with a call for the redefinition of the terms and architecture of private sector participation in order to better serve national interests and align with international best practices.
Moderator: Christos Lambridis, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, Member of the iCaSPort Research Team
Speakers: Maria Boile, Professor, Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus; Georgios Vangelas, Associate Professor, Department of Port and Shipping Management, NKUA; Panagiotis Agourogiannis, Executive, Regulatory Authority for Ports (R.A.L.); Konstantinos Dedes, Legal Advisor, Regulatory Authority for Ports (R.A.L.); Matthaios Damigos, Assistant Professor, Department of Archives, Library Science and Museology, Ionian University; Athanasios Pallis, Professor, Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus
The third session demonstrated the significance of the iCaSPort research project as a starting point for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to concession agreements in the port industry. Critical observations were presented concerning the need to incorporate social and environmental criteria into contract terms, drawing on international frameworks such as the GRI and performance indicators that allow for the evaluation and improvement of concessionaire performance.
Particular emphasis was placed on the low degree of integration of sustainability principles in existing agreements in Greece, highlighting the need to redesign both the model and the content of such agreements. Issues of institutional oversight ambiguity were also highlighted, along with the need for transparency and active stakeholder participation.
This part of the workshop underscored the importance of the research initiative as a foundation for shaping a modern port governance framework and stressed the need for the continuation of this scientific dialogue, in order to develop a more sustainable and resilient development model for Greek ports in the future (detailed presentation slides at https://icasport.gr/).
Moderator: Ioannis Theotokas, Professor, Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, Scientific Coordinator of Phase B of iCaSPort
Speakers: Petros Pallis, Associate Professor, Department of Shipping and Business Services, University of the Aegean, Member of the iCaSPort Research Team; Theodoros Styliadis, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, Member of the iCaSPort Research Team; Charalampos Platias, Assistant Professor, Department of International and European Studies, Panteion University, Member of the iCaSPort Research Team; Konstantinos Chlomoudis, Emeritus Professor, University of Piraeus, Scientific Coordinator of Phase A of iCaSPort.