5.2.13
It was decided at yesterday’s TAIPED meeting to sign contracts allowing private investors in the country’s major ports of Lavrio, Rafina, Elefsina, Volos, Igoumenitsa, Patra, Alexandroupoli, Heraklion, Corfu and Kavala. The ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki have not been decided upon.
One of the plans for Piraeus and Thessaloniki is to sign concession contracts allowing commercial activity, although there are thoughts about selling all shares. Should TAIPED opt for concession contracts, they will be for cruise piers, commercial stations, vehicle transhipment and tourist development.
A possible sale at this period would not be wise, as port shares are low; according to the prices in Athens Stock Market Exchange, the 74.4% share of the organization operating the port of Piraeus was worth 341 million euros and the Thessaloniki Port Organization was worth just 156 million euros.
In any case, TAIPED will have to decide by the end of February, in order for the appropriate procedure to commence in the first trimester, in compliance with the memorandum. The issue is to be examined in detail, as administrative and legal reforms will be required for any development procedure.
