Thessaloniki Port Authority S A : Press Release of 06.02.2018 – Thessaloniki Port Authority SA on the rise

Thessaloniki Port Authority SA is on the rise after achieving a significant increase in the container and conventional cargo throughput, according to the company's annual statistics for 2017.

During the past year, an increase of 16,74% was recorded in container throughput, with a total of 401,947 TEUs handled as compared to 344,316 TEUs in 2016. The company set a decade record (2008-2017) and its second best performance in 20 years since 2007. An important raise was recorded in transit traffic (19,73%) as well as in Greek container exports (14,46%). It should be noted that a traffic volume exceeding 400,000 TEUs approaches the limits of the Container Terminal's existing capacity.

2017 closed with an increase in the Conventional Port as well, where a total 3,598,271.00 tons of conventional cargo were throughput as compared to 3,312,527.00 tons in 2016 (8,63% increase). The largest increase was recorded in the transit cargo in bulk (25,5%).

During the same time, a 12,28% increase was recorded in the number of ships entering the Port of Thessaloniki, where a total of 1,417 ships were serviced in 2017 as opposed to 1,262 ships in 2016. Among them, 523 were container ships as opposed to 440 in 2016 (18,86% increase), 726 were conventional cargo vessels as opposed to 674 in 2016 (7,72% increase) and 168 were passenger ships as opposed to 148 in 2016 (13,51% increase).

Commendingonthecargothroughputdata, theManagingDirectorofThPASaMr. Dimitris Makris pointed out: 'The company set high targets as regards cargo throughput for 2017 and achieved them. Container throughput, in particular, set a decade record. The upward trend for conventional cargo throughput in 2017 fluctuated as regards bulk cargo, especially during the last three months, a fact attributed to the development in certain industries of the area. The upward trend in the bulk cargo is expected to continue after the second quarter of 2018. The upward trend in the container cargo throughput, as well as vessel support services were negatively affected during the last quarter of 2017 by the ongoing - as of September 16^th 2017 and up to present - strike of the customs officials trade union during night shifts at Gate 16 of the Free Trade Zone of the Thessaloniki Port. ThPA SA management made timely and significant efforts to address the problem by making realistic suggestions to the competent authorities. At the same time, exhausting all possibilities, ThPA SA provides workable solutions in order to reduce the particularly negative consequences that the ongoing customs officials strike has on the servicing of ships, always in communication with all the parties involved. The operation of Gate 16 of the Free Trade Zone of the Thessaloniki Port on a 24hour basis is always of paramount importance for trade facilitation and for promoting the development perspectives of the Thessaloniki Port.

According to the provisional financial data for 2017, ThPA SA's total proceeds amount to €58,106,000.00, namely a significant 11,25% increase as compared to 2016 (€52,230,000.00), by maintaining high financial performance indicators, increased cash deposits and zero lending. The aforementioned financial data confirm the company's ability to fund important investment projects for the sustainable development of the Port.

The above positive results reflect the key contribution of the ThPA SA's executives, employees and collaborators in their achievement.'

ThPASAturnsthepage

In the very near future, 67% of the ThPA SA's share capital will be transferred to the South Europe Gateway Thessaloniki (SEGT) Limited, the consortium consisting in the preferred investor «Deutsche Invest Equity Partners GmbH», «Belterra Investments Ltd.» and «Terminal Link SAS».

'ThPA SA is presented with new challenges; important investments in substructure and equipment are deemed necessary, as well as major reforms that will render the company's operation even more efficient. We aspire to the success of the strategic investor and their management at the ThPA SA; the goal is to upgrade Thessaloniki Port at the Trans-European Network for Transport and render it the principal transit centre of Southeastern Europe. This will be of great benefit to the national economy and employment', underlined Mr. Makris.