Ports of the future and ESG as business value

Sustainable development and the transition from strategy to action were at the centre of two panel discussions held at the Hellenic Growth Agora, organised by the Growth Fund, as part of the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair.

Specifically, the discussion titled “Sustainable Blue Growth: Building the Ports of the Future” highlighted the conditions required for the sustainable transition of Greek ports, with emphasis on the necessary infrastructure investments, the provision of shore-side electricity to ships (Onshore Power Supply – OPS), and strengthening climate resilience in the face of the challenges posed by the climate crisis.

Manolis Koutoulakis, secretary general for Shipping and Ports at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, stressed that the green transition should not be an end in itself, but should be linked to the competitiveness of ports, shipping and the Greek economy. As he noted, transition-related investments should also be supported by funds already paid by maritime transport under the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), so that part of these resources can be reinvested in the same value chain.

“Together with the Growth Fund, we aim to create a national portfolio, not simply for ports, but for the economy of ports and maritime transport,” he said.

He added that cooperation with the Fund had already accelerated critical infrastructure projects and investments, based on a modern approach and delivering measurable results.

Eugenia Mavrou, Senior Manager, Sustainability Integration at the Growth Fund, spoke about measurable ESG targets. Mavrou focused on the transition of ESG from planning to implementation, stressing that its meaningful integration into the business model requires measurable targets, clear allocation of responsibility and systematic monitoring.

At the Growth Fund, this approach is applied horizontally across its subsidiaries through ESG KPIs covering the Environment, Social and Governance pillars, regular reporting and tailored practices depending on the needs of each sector.

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