Shipping Minister: Lavrio Can Grow into Yachting, Cruise, Trade Hub

The port of Lavrio can evolve into a yachting, cruise and trade hub once the suburban railway link connecting it with the Greek capital and Athens International Airport is complete, said Shipping Minister Panagiotis Kouroublis during the 12th Regional Conference on the Reconstruction of Production in Eastern Attica held in the port city.

Addressing the conference, Kouroublis stressed the need to first link the port with the airport and then proceed with the development of tourism activity there including the transport of passengers and goods, cruise travel and yachting, which he said is currently on the agenda of the Lavrio Port Authority.

The minister went on to note that the liberation of the market for large recreational sea-craft under third country flags will bring in much-needed revenue for upgrades, stressing however that they will be subject to all the obligations of Greek-flagged vessels.

At the same time, cruise travel companies are in talks with the Lavrio Port Authority and the Greek assets body (TAIPED) in this direction.

“The government is paying attention to local communities and adapting to their needs. That said, it is now adopting a policy of distributing activities rather than moving with the concession of the entire port, allowing those activities that are needed and that offer growth prospects,” Kouroublis said.

Besides having expressed its interest to TAIPED in making use of the port, Celestyal Cruises was also the only company sailing out of Lavrio port since 2007. The cruise giant however decided this year to move activities to the port of Piraeus pulling out investment there.

Kouroublis underlined that only when supporting infrastructure at Athens Airport is in place to facilitate other Attica ports including those of Lavrio and Rafina, will there be development at other ports besides Piraeus.