Nafplio Marina Project PPP Agreement Finalized
The Nafplio marina, the first marina to be constructed under a public-private partnership agreement was signed last week between the Municipal Port Fund of Nafplio and TEKAL SA.
Budgeted at 25 million euros, the project concerns the construction of a 210-berth marina in the town of Nafplio some 500 meters north of the current port to cater to watercraft of up to 12 meters.
The deal was signed in the presence of Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias between Peloponnese Region Governor Panagiotis Nikas, Nafplio Port Fund President Tassos Zafeiris and TEKAL SA President Panagiotis Psaltakos.
The project concerns the study, financing, construction, operation, technical management and exploitation of the port.
“Today is an important day for the entire eastern Peloponnese. The project will impact economic life. We are starting with 25 million euros and in its development, as soon as the project is completed, it will reach 100 million euros,” said Nikas. “This is the first PPP project in our country that concerns a marina and it can serve as a pilot for similar projects,” he added.
Nikas went on to announce the finalization of an agreement next week for a project that concerns linking Argos with the A7 road network. He also added that the European Committee had agreed to finance the reoperation of the Corinth-Argos-Nafplio railway service.
Commenting on the news, Kikilias said the Nafplio marina project will contribute to the upgrade of “the historic destination”.
“It will generate more revenue to the region, added value, new jobs, quality tourism, high-income travelers and [attract] tourists who spend much more, thus extending the tourist season,” he said.
“The project will proceed at a rapid pace and we are convinced that the local community and the Greek economy cannot wait any longer. Nafplio Marina SA will then operate the marina according to ‘strongest’ development and environmental standards. Combining tourism and economic development with respect to the environment is feasible,” said Psaltakos.