The Corfu Port Authority (OLKE S.A.) was a leading voice at the 9th Infrastructure & Transport Conference – ITC 2026, held in Athens from 28 to 30 September. Authority CEO Dimitris Apergis presented the strong showing of Corfu’s cruise sector over the first nine months of 2026, together with the Authority’s wider investment plan to upgrade and develop port infrastructure. Discussion centred on new infrastructure for cruise operations and passenger connectivity, projects across the Authority’s broader port network, and investment designed to grow marine tourism further.
Apergis took part in the panel titled “Rebuilding Greece’s Port Industry: The Critical Role of Ferry Services, Cruise, Ports and Shipyards”, joined by representatives of leading institutions and organizations, among them the Regulatory Authority for Ports, the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies (SEEN), Thessaloniki Port Authority, MSC and Celestyal.
In the course of the discussion, Apergis shared the latest figures on cruise activity in Corfu, pointing to the strong momentum at the port and the continued upward trend in 2026. He also cited initial estimates for 2027, which suggest traffic will stay at high levels.
In the first nine months of 2026, the Port of Corfu recorded more than 851,000 cruise passengers and 422 cruise calls. The key figures for the period are:
- +20.1% in passenger traffic compared with 2025
- +17.9% in cruise calls compared with 2025
- The upward trend is expected to continue through the end of 2026, with traffic estimated to exceed 560 cruise calls and 1 million cruise passengers
This momentum further strengthens Corfu’s position as a major cruise destination and underlines the port’s role in supporting the island’s tourism sector and passenger connectivity.
“The strong performance of the cruise sector and the positive trajectory of ferry traffic confirm the important role of the Port of Corfu in supporting tourism and the island’s connectivity. Our next challenge is to ensure that this high level of traffic translates into even better services, an enhanced visitor experience and greater added value for the local economy,” said Dimitris Apergis, CEO of Corfu Port Authority.
Investment in infrastructure and connectivity
Particular attention went to the Authority’s investment plan, which centres on advancing key projects and upgrading the infrastructure serving both cruise and ferry operations.
Apergis spoke about plans for a new cruise passenger terminal and a new terminal serving the Corfu–Albania route. As he noted, the final studies are expected to be completed within the next six months, while the necessary approvals and licensing procedures move forward, paving the way for an implementation timetable to be set and for available funding opportunities to be explored.
He also turned to the Diapontian Islands and Paxos, where new and upgraded port infrastructure is being planned to strengthen connectivity and support local development. He pointed to Erikousa as an example, where a comparable port project has contributed to the island’s development.
Related projects include:
- New ports in Mathraki and Othoni, for which the required studies and project-maturity procedures have been completed, with the projects now at the preparation stage ahead of tendering for construction
- Agios Stefanos Avliotes Port, with the final design study completed
- Lefkimmi Port, where infrastructure improvements have been included in the NSRF funding programme
- Dredging works at 20 ports, as part of the broader programme to improve the functionality of the port network
Apostolos Papapostolou, President of the Regulatory Authority for Ports (RAL), also made a notable contribution. He underlined the significance of cruise activity and its impact across the entire port network managed by OLKE S.A. and on local communities, noting that the Authority’s activities reach beyond the main Port of Corfu to a broad network of 37 ports. He also spoke more broadly about the importance of a comprehensive Master Plan as a key tool for strategic planning and development.
The Authority’s investment in yachting infrastructure forms part of the same strategy, aimed at further developing marine tourism in Corfu and the wider region. Specifically:
- Spilia Marina: expected to be delivered by the end of the year
- Imerolia Marina, Kassiopi: the approval process for the project is progressing, representing a significant investment in the further development of yachting in Corfu
- Mega Yacht Marina: the marina at the western end of the port is moving forward towards implementation, strengthening Corfu’s prospects in the high-end marine tourism market
Meanwhile, the first call by a luxury small cruise ship to Paxos shows the potential to broaden the region’s tourism offering and bring new destinations into the cruise and marine tourism landscape.
“Our objective is to create infrastructure that responds to the port’s growing needs while further strengthening Corfu’s position as an important hub for cruise activity and passenger connectivity. We want this development to benefit our entire port network and local communities, creating long-term value for the destination,” said Dimitris Apergis, CEO of Corfu Port Authority (OLKE S.A.).
