Legislative frameworks for port concessions in Greece

In Greece the legislative framework for concession contracts is mainly governed by recently enacted Law 3389/2005 related to public–private partnerships (PPPs). This paper first sets out the key provisions of the new law, which is basically divided into three main sections: (a) terms, field of application and central support mechanism; (b) award process; (c) contractual framework, financing and tax details. The paper then considers the particular situation of concession contracts involving Greek authorities. Recently, the Greek state started the simultaneous transformation of the twelve main port authorities from public to private entities (sociétés anonymes). Two of these entities (Piraeus and Thessaloniki) signed concession contracts with the state, according to which the usage and exploitation of existing and future infrastructure is accorded – in return for a fee – to the port authorities. Finally, other structures of financial cooperation in the port sector are also proposed, such as the creation of joint-venture partnerships.