ThPA S.A. (Port of Thessaloniki), Hellenic Train and Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, marking a significant step toward strengthening intermodal transport and expanding supply chain capabilities in Southeastern Europe.
According to a statement by ThPA S.A., the trilateral partnership paves the way for the development of a strong rail freight corridor centered on the Port of Thessaloniki, enhancing its connectivity with Bulgaria as well as the markets of the Balkans and Central Europe.
Based on a shared vision of creating faster, more reliable and environmentally sustainable cargo transportation and logistics solutions, the partnership focuses on:
-upgrading Thessaloniki’s rail connectivity,
-developing competitive freight transport services,
-reducing transit times and logistics costs, and
-promoting sustainable transportation through rail modernization.
Extensive Investment Program
The new collaboration comes at a time when ThPA S.A. is implementing an extensive investment program, highlighted by the expansion of Pier 6. Upon completion of the flagship development project, the Port of Thessaloniki will be able to handle significantly higher cargo volumes, further strengthening its position as a modern transit hub for Southeastern Europe.
Coordinated Action
Within this framework, the Memorandum of Cooperation aims to promote coordinated action among the participating parties in order to accelerate critical infrastructure projects and optimize services that facilitate trade, industry and regional development. The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for serving Southeastern European markets while addressing the growing demand for reliable and efficient transport solutions.
Conditions for More Efficient Intermodal Transport
The Chief Executive Officer of ThPA S.A., Ioannis Tsaras, stated:
“Leveraging its strategic geographical position at the heart of Southeastern Europe, the Port of Thessaloniki aims to establish itself as a reliable provider of intermodal transport solutions for the Balkans.
The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation with Hellenic Train and BDZ represents an important step in this direction, as it facilitates coordination among stakeholders and creates the conditions for more efficient intermodal transport across the wider region.
In this way, the port reaffirms its role as a driver of progress for Northern Greece, acting as a catalyst for major infrastructure projects that will benefit both the local market and the national economy, while serving as a multiplier of growth.”
He added:
“With the construction of the Pier 6 expansion and the more than doubling of the container terminal’s capacity, we are substantially enhancing the port’s competitiveness and positioning Thessaloniki as a critical logistics hub for the wider region. Fully leveraging this potential requires further upgrading rail connectivity, with the aim of significantly reducing transport times and increasing environmentally friendly transit solutions.”
Source: www.naftemporiki.gr
