PPA S.A.: Resumption of Operations of the Floating Dock “Piraeus II” at the Perama Ship Repair Zone
Piraeus Port Authority (PPA S.A.) announces the resumption of full operational activity of the Floating Dock “Piraeus II” at the Perama Ship Repair Zone and its delivery for use, following the completion of a series of extensive repair and maintenance works. The dry-docking operations were carried out as part of a special survey and were successfully concluded with the issuance of a new five-year operational certificate by the competent Classification Society.
In line with the renewed docking program, the first docking at the Floating Dock “Piraeus II” has already been successfully completed, involving the passenger/vehicle vessel “POSEIDON”, marking the dock’s return to operation and its dynamic re-entry into the ship repair sector.
The upgrade of this dock — measuring 113 meters in length, 18.5 meters in internal width, and offering a lifting capacity of 4,000 tons, with the ability to accommodate vessels with a carrying capacity of up to 7,000 tons — is included in the broader set of developmental interventions, aimed at the radical transformation of the Perama Ship Repair Zone.
The restart of operations of the Floating Dock “Piraeus II”, in full compliance with international safety and operational protocols, constitutes a landmark for strengthening the ship repair activity and the operational capacity of the Perama Ship Repair Zone, as well as for the engagement with the Greek market. Furthermore, it reflects PPA S.A.’s strategy for the continuous upgrading of infrastructure and the enhancement of the Port of Piraeus’ competitiveness.
PPA S.A.: Infrastructure upgrade and reconstruction works at the Perama Ship Repair Zone successfully completed
PPA S.A. announces the successful completion of large-scale infrastructure upgrade works at the Eastern side of Pier II at the Perama Ship Repair Zone.
The works are part of the second phase of a broader infrastructure improvement project in the Perama ship repair zone involving among others a complete platform replacement.
The first ship to berth at the brand new pier, experiencing first-hand the upgraded services, was warmly welcomed by the relevant PPA department.
It should be noted that works are already in progress on parts of the West side of Pier II and the East side of Pier I for the installation of two new Jib Cranes at the beginning of 2023 that are scheduled for delivery to PPA S.A.
The maintenance works at the Piraeus I floating dock were both started and completed during the second half of 2022. The scope of the project includes the replacement of nearly 400 tons of steel plates & stiffeners, high-pressure hydro-blasting & anti corrosion painting in the ballast tanks and external areas, as well as the maintenance and repair of pumps, valves, and piping systems. During the whole period of special inspection and repair, the average number of workforce in dock and workshops reached 150 per day, while directly driving the need of a large number of materials and relating supporting business activities. In addition, this creates a large number of job and income opportunities for local workers and relevant staff in the industry.
Overall, the systematic enhancement projects and the targeted investments at the Perama Ship Repair Zone have already led to the desired outcomes. The large-scale investment projects started back in 2016 by COSCO SHIPPING GROUP, greatly contributed towards the revitalization of the Ship Repair industry in the country. All ship repair operation indicators are improving on a year on year basis, while enabling state of the art services, higher capacity solutions and higher safety standards. It is worth noting that in 2016 were only 69 vessels docked in PPA floating docks while in the year 2022 are expected to reach about 150 vessels. The working days in the docks have been increased similarly from 435 in 2016 to 1306 in 2022.
PPA Chairman Yu Zenggang said: “PPA’s aim was the provision of upgraded ship repair and maintenance services for all companies active in the industry. More importantly, the ship repair zone is an important new jobs generator, positively boosting the local economy. The 55 million euros in relevant mandatory investment projects are gradually advancing as planned, injecting a strong impetus into the local ship repair industry, towards transforming the Port of Piraeus into a significant regional ship repair hub.”