Master Plan for Rafina Port Gets Green Light

The port of Rafina.

A master plan for the development of Attica’s second largest port in Rafina, was approved this week by the Greek Shipping Ministry’s Port Planning and Development Committee, local daily Naftemporiki reports.

More specifically, the development of the port is a top priority for the government and comes on the back of a successful year in 2022. According to the Rafina Port Authority (RPA), which submitted the master plan proposal, the port handled 1.7 million passengers last year and generated over 3 million euros in revenues.

The port of Rafina is expected to play a leading role as a coastal shipping hub in the coming years thanks to a number of key investments foreseen in the master plan including its connection with the suburban railway and the Attiki Odos motorway set to be completed by 2027 by the infrastructure ministry.

Rafina port.

The plan was initially tabled in 2020 but underwent several revisions. Requirements still pending are an environmental impact study and the inclusion of antiquities in the overall project which once completed will receive presidential approval by decree and become the second port in Greece with a ratified master plan.

Among others, the master plan foresees the direct connection of Rafina port with both the suburban railway and the Attiki Odos motorway, port infrastructure to cater to the needs of passenger ships, recreational boats, professional vessels and sea sport facilities, additional berthing spots, a passenger station and buildings to house Rafina Port Organization and Port Authority offices as well as shops and ticket offices. A key project involves the creation of a 220-spot parking space within the port as well as a second outdoor parking area near the suburban train stop.