Major deficiencies in Greek ports highlighted

Greece’s ports are facing serious shortcomings, according to this year’s report from the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Captains (PEPEN). The report cites crumbling piers, outdated beacons, inadequate signage, uncontrolled movement of leisure boats, lack of waiting areas, and dangerous loss of depth at berths.

Captains often have to dock and depart safely several times a day in under-maintained facilities, the report warns. Numerous interventions have been made to port authorities with detailed proposals to prevent accidents.

The report is compiled by the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Captains and is based on observations submitted by its member captains.

Although the government has secured over €265 million in EU funds for infrastructure upgrades, local port authorities—managed by municipalities—struggle to implement projects due to understaffing and lack of expertise.

Problems are widespread across the islands. In Paros, captains describe the chaotic and unrestricted movement of small vessels in Parikia bay as a “serious accident risk,” with boats cutting across berthing areas. In Santorini, they stress the “urgent need” for an alternative docking site sheltered from western and southwestern winds, in case the main port becomes inaccessible.

The findings underscore the widening gap between pressing maritime needs and the pace of infrastructure delivery.