ContainersEuropePorts and Logistics

Rail strikes force Cosco to shift boxes from Piraeus to Slovenia

Photo of Sam Chambers Sam ChambersJuly 13, 2016
6 1 minute read

China Cosco Shipping’s controversial take over of Greece’s largest port has suffered another setback. Greek politicians finally greenlighted the sale of Piraeus port a fortnight ago to the Chinese conglomerate. Moves to privatise the port had sparked a series of strikes by dockworkers.

However, it is striking rail workers in recent days that have now forced China Cosco Shipping to reroute many boxes from Piraeus to the port of Koper in Slovenia. China Cosco Shipping is using feeder ships to move boxes from the Greek port to Slovenia to counter the rolling strikes.

China Cosco Shipping has stated it wants to use Piraeus as a distribution hub, beefing up rail freight links to Central Europe. It has earmarked more than $500m to develop the port.

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest port, is also slated for privatisation.

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Photo of Sam Chambers Sam ChambersJuly 13, 2016
6 1 minute read
Photo of Sam Chambers

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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