Steer supports business planning across Greek ports

The project, commissioned by Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations S.A. (the Growthfund), spans the Port Authorities of Corfu, Patra, Rafina, Elefsina and Kavala, reflecting a diverse cross-section of the country’s maritime economy.

At its core is a detailed understanding of traffic demand, flows and market positioning. Steer’s work places particular emphasis on market potential to inform realistic, evidence-based business planning across each port.

Steer engaged with the Port Authorities in a series of site visits in cooperation with the Growthfund, also bringing together representatives from shipping lines, operators, suppliers and the wider ports ecosystem. 

Market intelligence

Steer’s approach combined market intelligence and data analysis to build a granular understanding of how each port operates today, how demand is likely to evolve, and the implications to the operational and infrastructure requirements needed to support sustainable growth.

Insights included:

• Ferry vehicle and passenger flows across the Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) and Ro-Pax segments
• Freight volumes across bulk, break-bulk and general cargo
• Tourism demand in the ferry, cruise and marina sectors
• Competitive positioning within regional and international networks

Five ports, five distinct markets

The ongoing study highlights the diversity of Greece port system, with each Port Authority managing multiple terminals and focussing distinct markets:

1. Corfu – manages a network of 37 ports, with traffic driven by tourism in the Ionian Sea across cruise, ferry and yachting, resulting in pronounced seasonal variation.
2. Rafina – a high-intensity ferry port in Attica serving both residents and tourists travelling to the Aegean islands, characterised by strong peaks and frequent sailings.
3. Patra – a key gateway in Peloponnese connecting the East Med, Greece and Western Europe, particularly Italy, combining Ro-Pax and Ro-Ro services with freight and a multi-purpose legacy port.
4. Elefsina – located in West Attica’s industrial corridor, serving a specialised freight market linked to heavy industry and energy logistics.
5. Kavala – a distributed port system in Northeast Greece / Eastern Macedonia combining cargo, ferry services to Thassos island, fishing and recreational activity, creating a layered demand profile.

A platform for informed decision-making

This project demonstrates how a clear market understanding can unlock more confident investment and development decisions across complex port environments.

To explore how Steer can help unlock better strategic decision making across the ports and maritime sector, contact Alberto Preti (Ports and Maritime Lead) or Angeliki Terpou (Business Development Lead, Greece).