The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ThPA S.A., Hellenic Train, and Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ), on April 7, 2026, is a significant step towards strengthening intermodal transport and expanding supply chain capabilities in Southeastern Europe. This trilateral cooperation paves the way for the development of a strong rail cargo corridor centered on the Port of Thessaloniki, enhancing its connectivity with Bulgaria and the Balkans and Central European markets. With a shared vision of creating faster, more reliable, and environmentally sustainable cargo transport and handling solutions, the trilateral cooperation focuses on:
- upgrading Thessaloniki’s rail connectivity,
• developing competitive cargo transport services,
• reducing transit times and logistics costs,
• promoting sustainable transport through the upgrading of rail infrastructure.
This new cooperation is being established at a time when ThPA S.A. is implementing an extensive investment program, with the expansion of Pier 6 serving as its flagship project. Upon completion of this major development project, the Port of Thessaloniki will be able to handle significantly increased cargo volumes, solidifying its position as a modern transit hub for Southeast Europe.
In this context, the MoU aims to ensure coordinated action among the contracting parties, accelerating critical infrastructure projects, and optimizing services to facilitate trade, industry, and regional development. In this way, new opportunities are created to serve the markets of Southeast Europe and meet the growing need for reliable and efficient transport solutions.
The CEO of ThPA S.A., Dr. Ioannis Tsaras, stated: “The Port of Thessaloniki, leveraging its geographical position at the heart of Southeast Europe, aims to establish itself as a reliable provider of intermodal transport solutions for the Balkans. The signing of the MoU with Hellenic Train and BDZ is an important step in this direction, as it facilitates coordination among stakeholders and creates the conditions for more efficient intermodal transport across the broader region. In this way, the port reaffirms its role as a driver of progress for all of Northern Greece, acting as a catalyst for major infrastructure projects that will benefit the local market and the national economy, while also serving as a multiplier for growth.
With the construction of the Pier 6 expansion and the more than doubling of the capacity of the Container Terminal, we are substantially strengthening the port’s competitiveness and highlighting Thessaloniki as a critical hub on the supply chain map of the broader region. Fully unlocking this potential requires further upgrading of rail connectivity to significantly reduce transport time and increase environmentally friendly modes of transport. Through strategy and consistency, through synergies such as today’s, we are working to establish the Port of Thessaloniki as a reliable main trade gateway.”
Source: Thessaloniki Port Authority
