The seaports of Greece, such as Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Patras, Volos, Kavala, Alexandroupolis, Igoumenitsa, Chania, and Rethymno, contribute billions of euros each year to the national economy, creating employment for thousands of workers and boosting the transportation and logistics sector. As strategic gateways, these ports connect Europe with Asia, Africa, and America, while also supporting transit cargo transport. The activities at these ports also stimulate related industries such as shipbuilding, ship repair, and maritime services. Thanks to their advantageous geographical locations, Greece’s seaports are not only centers for cargo transportation but also enhance Greece’s presence on the global economic map.
1. Major Seaports in Greece Driving the Economy Across Europe
1.1 Piraeus Port – Greece’s Largest Seaport
Piraeus Port, the largest port in Greece, has been in operation since ancient times, over 2,500 years ago. Located southwest of Athens, Piraeus covers a vast area and is one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean. Annually, the port handles over 4 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containerized cargo. With a water depth ranging from 8 to 18 meters, Piraeus can accommodate large vessels.
Located about 12 km from central Athens, the port facilitates the transportation of goods to major economic hubs. Each year, Piraeus contributes billions of euros to Greece’s economy and serves as a crucial trade gateway between Europe and Asia. Trade between Piraeus and Vietnam is quite active, with many shipments of electronics, machinery, and agricultural products.
– **Shipping Costs**: Shipping costs from Piraeus to Vietnam range from $1,500 to $2,500 per container.
– **Sea Transport Time**: The shipping time from Piraeus to major ports in Vietnam, such as Hai Phong or Cai Mep, typically takes around 25-30 days.
1.2 Thessaloniki Port
Thessaloniki Port, located in northern Greece, began operations in the late 19th century, around 1904. Positioned strategically near the borders of North Macedonia and Bulgaria, this port has a spacious and modern area, playing a key role in transporting goods within the Balkan region. Annually, Thessaloniki Port handles approximately 450,000 TEUs of containerized cargo. The port has a water depth ranging from 12 to 16 meters, enabling it to accommodate large container ships.
Located just 1 km from the city of Thessaloniki, the port facilitates the transport of goods to major economic centers in northern Greece. Thessaloniki contributes significantly to both the local and national economy, estimated in the billions of euros annually. Trade from Thessaloniki to Vietnam is mainly composed of industrial products, chemicals, and construction materials.
– **Shipping Costs**: Shipping costs from Thessaloniki to Vietnam are similar to those from Piraeus.
– **Sea Transport Time**: Due to its location, the shipping time from Thessaloniki to Vietnam is typically 30-35 days.
1.3 Heraklion Port
Heraklion Port, located on the island of Crete, has been operational for over 3,000 years, dating back to ancient Greece. As the main port on the island, Heraklion is smaller compared to other large ports but plays an important role in transporting both goods and passengers. Annually, the port handles around 350,000 TEUs of containerized cargo. With a water depth ranging from 10 to 14 meters, the port is suitable for medium and small vessels.
Located about 4 km from Heraklion city center, the port is convenient for transporting goods to surrounding areas. This port contributes hundreds of millions of euros to Crete’s economy annually and serves as an important trade point between Greece and Mediterranean countries. Trade from Heraklion to Vietnam mainly involves agricultural products and processed food.
– **Shipping Costs**: Shipping costs from Heraklion to Vietnam range from $1,500 to $2,500 per container, with an average shipping time of 25-30 days.
1.4 Patras Deep-Sea Port
Patras Port, located in western Greece, is one of the country’s important ports, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. The port has a moderate size and mainly serves cargo and passenger transport to Western Europe and Italy. Annually, Patras handles around 250,000 TEUs of containerized cargo. The port has a water depth ranging from 9 to 12 meters, suitable for medium-sized vessels.
Located about 3 km from the city center, Patras is convenient for transporting goods. Each year, Patras contributes hundreds of millions of euros to Greece’s economy. Trade from Patras to Vietnam primarily consists of light industrial products and processed foods.
– **Shipping Costs**: Shipping costs from Patras to Vietnam range from $1,500 to $2,500 per container, with an average shipping time of 25-30 days.
1.5 Volos Port – A Historic Seaport
Volos Port, located in central Greece, began operations in the early 20th century, around 1922. With a strategic location, Volos is one of the key ports serving the Thessaly region. The port is of moderate size and modern, handling about 200,000 TEUs of containerized cargo annually. The water depth of the port ranges from 10 to 14 meters, allowing for medium-sized vessels.
Located about 1 km from the city center, Volos Port is convenient for transporting goods to regional economic hubs. This port contributes hundreds of millions of euros to Greece’s economy annually. Trade from Volos to Vietnam mainly involves industrial products and agricultural goods.
– **Shipping Costs**: Shipping costs from Volos to Vietnam range from $1,500 to $2,500 per container, with an average shipping time of 25-30 days.
1.6 Kavala Port – A Strategic Seaport
Kavala Port, located in northeastern Greece, has been in operation since the late 19th century, around 1890. Despite its smaller size, Kavala serves as an important port for trade between Greece and the Balkan region. Annually, the port handles around 100,000 TEUs of containerized cargo. The water depth of the port is between 9 and 12 meters, suitable for small and medium-sized vessels. The port is located about 2 km from the city center, making it convenient for transporting goods.
Kavala contributes millions of euros annually to the local economy. Trade from Kavala to Vietnam mainly involves agricultural products and light industrial goods. Shipping costs from Kavala to Vietnam range from $1,500 to $2,500 per container, with an average shipping time of 30-35 days.
1.7 Alexandroupolis Port – Ensuring Continuous Trade
Alexandroupolis Port, located in northeastern Greece near the Turkish border, began operations in the early 20th century, around 1920. Strategically located, Alexandroupolis serves as a hub for trade between Greece and the Balkan region. The port has a moderate size and modern facilities, handling about 150,000 TEUs of containerized cargo annually. The water depth of the port ranges from 10 to 14 meters, suitable for medium-sized vessels. The port is located about 1 km from the city center, making it convenient for transporting goods.
Alexandroupolis contributes millions of euros annually to the local economy. Trade from Alexandroupolis to Vietnam mainly consists of agricultural products and light industrial goods. Shipping costs from Alexandroupolis to Vietnam range from $1,500 to $2,500 per container, with an average shipping time of 30-35 days.
1.8 Igoumenitsa Port
Igoumenitsa Port, located in northwestern Greece, has been operational since the late 20th century, around 1960. The port has a moderate size and modern facilities, playing a crucial role in transporting goods and passengers between Greece and Italy. Annually, Igoumenitsa handles around 200,000 TEUs of containerized cargo. The water depth of the port is between 9 and 12 meters, suitable for medium-sized vessels. The port is located about 1 km from the city center, making it convenient for transporting goods.
Igoumenitsa contributes millions of euros annually to Greece’s economy. Trade from Igoumenitsa to Vietnam mainly consists of industrial products and processed food. Shipping costs from Igoumenitsa to Vietnam range from $1,500 to $2,500 per container, with an average shipping time of 25-30 days.
1.9 Chania Port
Chania Port, located on the island of Crete, has been operational since ancient Greek times, around 3,000 years ago. With its strategic location, Chania is an important port serving cargo and passenger transport on the island. Annually, the port handles about 150,000 TEUs of containerized cargo. The water depth of the port is between 8 and 12 meters, suitable for small and medium-sized vessels.
The port is about 2 km from Chania city center, making it convenient for transporting goods. Chania contributes millions of euros to Crete’s economy annually. Trade from Chania to Vietnam mainly involves agricultural products and processed food. Shipping costs from Chania to Vietnam range from $1,500 to $2,500 per container, with an average shipping time of 25-30 days.
1.10 Rethymno Port
Rethymno Port, also located on the island of Crete, has been operational since ancient Greek times, about 2,500 years ago. With a smaller size than other ports on the island, Rethymno mainly serves local cargo and passenger transport. Annually, the port handles around 100,000 TEUs of containerized cargo. The water depth of the port is between 8 and 12 meters, suitable for small vessels. The port is about 1 km from Rethymno city center, making it convenient for transporting goods.
Rethymno contributes millions of euros annually to Crete’s economy. Trade from Rethymno to Vietnam mainly consists of agricultural products and processed food. Shipping costs from Rethymno to Vietnam range from $1,500 to $2,500 per container, with an average shipping time of 25-30 days.
The comprehensive information about the seaports in Greece clearly highlights their significant role in the national economy. From Piraeus to Rethymno, each port contributes positively to Greece’s economic development and international trade connections. This information has been verified by maritime experts, ensuring its accuracy and reliability. For more details about seaports in other countries and global logistics services, please visit Boom Logistics’ website.
