Greece Looks Into Port Security System Upgrade Projects

Greek port authorities and operators met at the shipping ministry on Thursday, on the initiative of secretary-general for Port Policy and Maritime Investment, Christos Lambridis, to discuss ways to finance the provision and installation of security and surveillance systems at Greek ports.

The 26 port authorities attending the conference had submitted applications to get NSRF funding for the upgrade of their security systems on the invitation of the General Secretariat for Port Policy and Maritime Investment, which oversees the implementation of EU and international regulations.

The installation and operation of safety systems to detect security threats and take preventative measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade is an EU requirement and within the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

According to Lambridis, the security arrangements are a condition for Greek ports to be able to accommodate large cruise ships. He added that the aim is to implement a program that will ensure coordinated efforts and prevent delays or failures in the completion of the upgrade projects.

Lambridis went on to note that a priority is to proceed with the execution of large-scale projects with the use of an online platform, the inclusion of small-scale projects in the Public Investment Program for financing, and securing funding for the procurement and installation of port security systems.