Port of Piraeus looks for ways to tackle environmental issues

As Chrysanthi Kontogiorgi, head of PPA’s environmental department, informed Xinhua

"We elaborated an integrated environmentally assessment study which includes not only the activities of the port, but also the future projects and how the environmental aspects will be when they are set in full operation in the future."

Moreover, PPA is a member of EcoPorts, therefore it collaborates with overseas experts and universities for the monitoring and analysis of environmental indicators.

In light of its 'green' actions,  PPA was honored with a Special Award in the 'Environment' category last month in Athens at the 4th Annual Sustainability Summit.

Evangelos Bakeas, associate professor of analytical chemistry at Athens University commented

"Our collaboration with the Piraeus Port Authority is a very nice example of cooperation between a private organization and a university. It is a very useful way to exchange knowledge."

In the meantime, PPA also explores alternative marine fuels, such as LNG and electricity, to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate environmental challenges emerged by the port’s new development plans.

As Kontogiorgi added

"We are in a continuous process to monitor our actual footprint on the environment."

She continued that for the expansion of the cruise terminal they are looking for solutions to supply electricity to the ships. The other pillar is the LNG supply to ships. Both are under the umbrella of the deployment of new installations for the port to be prepared for the changes of 2020 with the clean fuel.

Concluding, Kontogiorgi noted that renewable energy plays a major role in addressing challenges of on-shore power supplies and supplies to ships.