« Rafina Port Authority SA " is managing the Ports of Rafina as well as Agia Marina (Municipality of Marathon).
The port of Rafina is among ports of international interest (according to Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD) 831/2007). Based on vehicle and passenger traffic, it is ranked the second busiest port of Attica.
It is worth noting that in 2013 5.286 ship departures - arrivals were made to and from the port of Rafina, making up a total of 1,723,634 passengers and 327,339 vehicles that were handled, while for the same period, the port of Agia Marina handled a total of 343,178 passengers and 126,702 vehicles, presenting an increased traffic during Christmas and Easter break as well as during the summer mainly from May to September when the tourist season is at its peak.
In 2013 "Rafina Port Authority SA" presented a sharp increase in profitability soared by 3,340 % and stood at € 433.000 in earnings (compared to earnings of just € 12.500 in 2012 ). This is mainly due to the increase in turnover and better asset utilization in its ports of jurisdiction.
Due to its geographical location the port of Rafina is a key port and has growth potential that could strengthen the connection between the mainland and the islands – it has direct ferry connection with the island group of Cyclades and southern Evia (through the port of Marmari ) .
Connection to southern Evia (Styra , Almyropotamos ) is possible through the port of Agia Marina. The proximity of both ports ( Rafina and Agia Marina) to Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos " as well as the easy port access via Attiki Odos, make both ports attractive in terms of passenger traffic . Recognition of the port’s critical role in handling passenger traffic by the competent bodies has led to the inclusion of the extension of commuter rail network to Rafina in the New Master Plan for Attica, among other things.
Rafina Port Authority SA conforming to the 2000/59 / 6K Directive has an approved Waste Reception and Handling Ship-generated and cargo residue Draft in place, under which all necessary services that ensure the protection of both the marine environment and the land area of the two ports are provided by fully equipped contractors.
Also, within the context of European cooperation, it is implementing the co-funded by the European Framework- Program 7 (FP7)- project, entitled «Energy Efficiency Knowledge Transfer Framework for Building Retrofitting in the Mediterranean Area» - eeWISE - 314347 ( Context Transfer of Expertise for Energy Efficiency in Building Adjustments / Transformations in the Mediterranean Area ) which ends in 9/2014 .
Tourism is of Fundamental importance for the development of our national economy and along with shipping, contributes greatly to the inflow of financial resources. East Attica, seaport of both Rafina and the Agia Marina ports, has natural and cultural wealth which if promoted appropriately, could become an attractive tourist destination, contributing to local development and employment.
In this context and under the new European policy framework regarding ports, the role of Rafina Port Authority is enhanced.
We are given the opportunity to boost our extroversion and to upgrade our participation in the sea passenger transport and island supply network.
For this reason we prioritize on the development of passenger shipping, small cruise support and infrastructure improvements to boost yacht tourism.
In this context, "Rafina Port Authority SA" has initiated the process of licensing and designing the construction of a water aerodrome at the port of Agia Marina, in order to cover the increased demand for daily connections to the Aegean islands, as well as other destinations nationwide.
The use of seaplanes is an ideal, fast and safe means of transportation, which meets modern needs and can boost regional development, contributing to the facilitation of everyday as well as emergency mobility needs.
In order for these goals to be achieved, a series of improving interventions with regards to port infrastructure in our ports of jurisdiction is required. In this context, we have planned the construction of port and building projects, subject to our ports’ master plan (dredging piers, construction of a modern passenger terminal, development and configuration of land space, creating autonomous -from the rest of the port- marina etc.).
All of the above underline the upgraded role of the Port Authority of Rafina SA.
We are asked to meet new requirements, work on our outreach and adapt to the new existing reality.