V. Kikilias at the Inauguration of the Port of Itea: “A Politician’s Job Is to Serve the Public Interest

“Today, I have only words of praise, gratitude and congratulations to offer. At a time marked by difficulties, problems and challenges, arising mainly from external factors, nothing would be possible if certain people were not fighting to keep society standing and help it overcome these challenges,” said Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, at the inauguration of the new Port of Itea, a project with a total budget of €6.2 million.

As Mr Kikilias noted, the upgraded Port of Itea is a highly functional and attractive project, designed to complement the beauty of the area while respecting its cultural heritage and the values the region represents.

“Work has been carried out here in a coordinated and organised manner. I would like to thank Regional Governor Fanis Spanos, Mayor Panagiotis Tagalis, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Thanasis Kontogeorgis, my friend and Deputy Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament for Phocis, Giannis Bougas, the President of the State Port Fund, Sofia Anagnostakou, the General Secretariat for Shipping and Ports, as well as all the other organisations and services involved.

“Together with the General Secretariat for Shipping and Ports and the Ministry’s services, we are working to bring different efforts together and move projects forward. I assure you that such projects are never easy to deliver. Bureaucratic obstacles are a constant challenge and can cause significant delays before a project of this kind, or a port infrastructure facility, can finally be implemented,” he stressed.

In closing, the Minister pledged that attention would also be given to the marina, underlining that a politician’s duty is to serve the public interest and, through their conduct, personal example and respect for fellow citizens, show the way towards a better future.

Upgrading the Port of Itea

The upgraded Port of Itea, classified as a mixed-use port serving both tourism and commercial activities, strengthens its role as a Schengen entry port, enhances Itea’s position on the cruise tourism map, creates the conditions for increased visitor numbers and local economic activity, and aligns with current international cruise industry trends.

The project definitively resolves the problems associated with offshore anchoring and the transfer of passengers by small boats. It also enhances safety and the quality of port services, alongside the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

At the same time, the port’s operational capacity and resilience are being improved through the comprehensive dredging of the port basin to a depth of 10 metres below sea level.

The new depths will be suitable for accommodating larger vessels and cruise ships, with improved safety and operational conditions, strengthening the port’s ability to serve both commercial and tourism-related activities.

Dredging the port basin will upgrade the services provided by the port, directly improving its operational efficiency and its capacity to attract cargo. It will also strengthen maritime tourism and reinforce the port’s role as a gateway for visitors travelling to Delphi and the wider archaeological and cultural area.

These improvements are expected to contribute to the economic revitalisation of the local community and broader regional development.