HPH named preferred bidder for Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest container port. Its location in the north of the country ensures that it will benefit from the economic development of the Balkan countries and their accession to the EU, especially in terms of transit cargo, according to HPH. Development of the local hinterland is also expected to have a favourable effect on growth.

An offer of €419m has been made, representing the current value of the guaranteed portion of the annual fees over the entire 30-year concession period. There are other charges, such as annual rental fees for the docks, which would be in addition to this amount.

Commenting on the port authority’s announcement, John Meredith, group managing director of HPH said, “We are pleased with the port authority’s decision and support the government’s long-term plan to develop a modern container-handling facility at Thessaloniki. Building on recent strong throughput growth and the rapid development of the hinterland, the port is well positioned to be a gateway to the Balkans.”