The Neapolitan shipowner group Grimaldi has today completed the acquisition of 67% of the capital of the Port Authority of Heraklion ( of 18 December 2023). The signing of the agreement took place today in Heraklion, at the headquarters of the port authority, formalizing the purchase of the share by the Holding of Heraklion Port S.A., a consortium formed by the companies of the Grimaldi Euromed group and Minoan Lines, for a consideration of 80 million euros. The the remaining 33% share of the port authority remains with Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF), previously holder of the entire capital.

50% of the €80 million paid by the Grimaldi group will be allocated to the Special Account for the Development of Infrastructure to the Bank of Greece for the financing of development and upgrading of state port infrastructures in the HRADF portfolio, as required by the provisions of the New Greek Law 5131/2024.

At the signing, representing the administrative apparatus Greek central office, the Minister of Economy and Economy Kostis Hatzidakis, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and of Insular Policy, Christos Stylianides, is the first Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament, Giannis Plakiotakis. In his speech, the president and CEO of Grimaldi Euromed, Emanuele Grimaldi, pointed out that "this port has great potential for new trade routes both for the passenger transport and freight transport, including cruises and motor vehicles. We know this well because many years we are the main customer of the port through the Minoan Lines, a Grimaldi group company based in Heraklion. With the investments we intend to make in energy sources - added Emanuele Grimaldi - we will support the development of renewable energy and its transformation into a truly sustainable port and model for the Mediterranean region. Our goal is to develop better services in the port, with a more commercial activity, more tourist traffic, more business opportunities, new jobs and greater prosperity for the city of Heraklion, the island of Crete and for Greece as a whole".

"Today," said Minister Hatzidakis, "it is a important day not only for Heraklion and Crete, but also for the national economy as a whole, for three reasons: firstly, place, the Port Authority of Heraklion acquires a strong shareholder, the Grimaldi group, one of the largest shipowners in Europe, which has already acquired the majority of the actions of the Port Authority of Igoumenitsa after the corresponding HRADF tender. Secondly, the State ensures a significant consideration of €80 million while maintaining 33% of the Fund's shares. And thirdly, it is the first contract for which the new provision applies of Law 5131/2024, according to which 50% of the price will be for the strengthening of ports that are in the portfolio of the HRADF. It is also important for the local community to Heraklion which, after the redefinition of the land area of the port, the freed parts are donated to the Municipality. This is It has always been a request of the municipal administration. The government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the country's ports. Why this upgrade means better services for islanders and tourists, facilitations for trade, greater revenue for the State, development and employment".