Greece Rises to 19th Place Globally in Logistics Rankings 

by · Greek City Times

Greece has climbed to 19th place globally in logistics rankings, up from 42nd in 2018, as the government advances major infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the country’s position in international supply chains.

Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis announced the improvement during his address to the 27th Panhellenic Supply Chain Conference, highlighting the importance of combining Greece’s strategic geographical location with investment, modern infrastructure and an effective national logistics strategy.

“To improve our international position, we need more than geographical advantages. We need the right strategy, ports effectively connected to road and rail networks, modern freight centres, faster customs and administrative procedures, digital infrastructure and a regulatory environment that allows investment to proceed without unnecessary obstacles,” Hatzidakis said.

He described Greece’s rise to 19th place in the World Bank’s latest international ranking as a national achievement, adding that the government aims to place the country among the world’s best-performing logistics markets in the coming years.

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“Logistics represent both critical infrastructure and a source of competitive advantage for our country,” he said.

Major Projects Set to Transform Greece’s Freight Network

Hatzidakis highlighted a series of infrastructure projects that he said could significantly reshape Greece’s freight transport network.

Among the most important developments are:

Thriasio I and II in Western Attica

Thriasio I is moving into the implementation phase as a modern logistics centre, while authorities are completing the concession process for the freight railway station and marshalling yard at Thriasio II.

Hatzidakis said the government intends to resolve the Thriasio II issue as quickly as possible, noting that discussions about the project have continued for 30 years.

Skaramagas triple interchange

Construction of the Skaramagas triple interchange will improve access along the Piraeus-Thriasio-Aspropyrgos corridor and strengthen its connection with Greece’s national road network.

Private logistics investments in Aspropyrgos

Major private-sector investments are also strengthening the logistics ecosystem in Aspropyrgos.

These include IKEA’s distribution centre and a new freight hub at the former Hellenic Steelworks site.

Relocation of transport companies from Elaionas

The government is examining plans to relocate transport companies from Elaionas to an organised industrial and logistics area.

The move would free up land for the wider redevelopment of Elaionas while allowing transport businesses to operate from facilities with modern infrastructure.

Thessaloniki Port expansion

The expansion of the sixth pier at Thessaloniki Port is progressing alongside plans for a railway connection linking the port to the national rail network.

Gonos Camp Business Park

The proposed new Business Park at the former Gonos military camp in Thessaloniki has also entered the tendering process.

E65 motorway and Balkan connections

Completion of the E65 motorway and improved connections towards the Balkans will further strengthen Greece’s freight transport network and its links with neighbouring countries.

Rail Connections Critical to Greece’s Logistics Ambitions

Hatzidakis stressed that the projects must operate as an integrated network rather than as isolated infrastructure developments.

Ports, railways, motorways and freight centres must work together to establish Greece as a major logistics hub for Southeastern Europe.

He pointed to Greece’s participation in major European transport corridors connecting the Balkans, the Black Sea and Central Europe, arguing that the country must accelerate railway infrastructure development.

“We cannot aspire to become a major logistics hub in Southeastern Europe without reliable freight connections from our ports to Europe’s hinterland,” he said.

Following the full restoration of the Athens-Thessaloniki railway corridor, the government must accelerate two further connections: Thessaloniki to Greece’s northern borders and the Alexandroupolis-Ormenio railway line.

Hatzidakis Highlights Earlier Reforms in Logistics

The Deputy Prime Minister also outlined his previous involvement in developing Greece’s logistics sector.

In 2008, when he served as Transport Minister, he established the Permanent Logistics Committee.

Between 2012 and 2014, while serving at the Ministry of Development, he worked with industry representatives and the World Bank to develop Greece’s National Supply Chain Strategy.

The strategy linked logistics policy with the simplification of international trade procedures and improvements to infrastructure and transport networks.

In 2013, authorities inaugurated the railway connection between Ikonio and Thriasio, while in 2014 the government introduced Law 4302/2014, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the supply chain sector.

Hatzidakis said these reforms, together with privatisations and the restructuring of public transport organisations, laid the foundations for a sector that subsequently attracted significant investment and gained greater economic importance.

Greece Targets Stronger Position in Global Supply Chains by 2030

Looking ahead, Hatzidakis said Greece must bring together infrastructure, transport networks, investment, technology and a skilled workforce to fully exploit its geographical advantages.

The government wants the logistics sector to generate more investment, increase exports, create better employment opportunities and strengthen Greece’s role in international supply chains.

He identified logistics as one of five sectors that Greece should prioritise.

“The next step is the most demanding: bringing all the pieces of the puzzle together – infrastructure, networks, investment, technology and people with modern skills,” he said.

“This is the challenge for 2030, and we have the knowledge, determination and people to achieve it.”

(Source: AMNA)

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