PIRAEUS, Greece, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Standing on the quay at Piraeus Port, a humid Mediterranean breeze drifts in from the sea. Towering cranes move with precise choreography as containers glide smoothly between railway tracks and massive ships. The port's rhythm today feels strikingly different from a decade ago.

A DECADE OF TRANSFORMATION

China COSCO Shipping Corporation (COSCO) officially took over the operation of Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (PPA) in 2016, when Piraeus, a typical regional hub, handled about 680,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually, ranking 93rd globally, with aging facilities and limited capacity.

Today, it has grown into one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean, with annual throughput exceeding 5.6 million TEUs and a global ranking that has risen as high as 25th -- a striking leap forward.

"The past decade has seen Piraeus evolve from a 'corner of the Mediterranean' into a 'global hub,'" said PPA Chairman Han Chao.

Over the past 10 years, the most visible changes have been in the port's infrastructure. Terminals have expanded, deep-water channels have been dredged and automated equipment has been steadily introduced. Cranes and yard systems have been upgraded, turning once fragmented and inefficient operations into a highly coordinated modern system.

Today, Piraeus is more than just a container port. It is Europe's fourth-largest container port, the second-largest cruise homeport, and the largest ferry port. It has also become a key vehicle transshipment hub and ship repair center in the eastern Mediterranean, said Han.

The port is also undergoing a quieter transformation in its operational model. Inside the container terminal's office building, large screens display real-time data on vessel movements, operations and equipment status.

Han noted that a port-wide digital monitoring platform is now in place, incorporating 5G and artificial intelligence technologies to move from manual planning toward intelligent coordination.

The port is also advancing in green energy. Solar power is already supplying electricity in some areas of the port. Shore power facilities are also under development. Once completed, these will enable docked ships to shut off their engines and drastically cut emissions.

A BRIDGE FOR COOPERATION

In recent years, the port has achieved sustained growth in both revenue and profits, reversing a prolonged period of losses.

According to the latest financial report released by PPA, the company recorded total revenue of approximately 251 million euros (295 million U.S. dollars) in 2025, up 8.6 percent year on year, while operating profit reached 132 million euros (155 million dollars), a 2.2 percent increase.

Over the past decade, COSCO has invested more than 10 billion yuan (1.4 billion dollars) locally, creating thousands of direct jobs and tens of thousands of indirect employment opportunities.

From dockworkers to truck drivers, from maintenance staff to service providers, more Greek families have developed tangible connections with the port.

The port has also brought significant benefits to surrounding communities. Tax revenues and concession fees have bolstered local public finances, while commercial activity has expanded rapidly. Once quiet neighborhoods now host cafes, small businesses and logistics-related services.

"For many residents, the port is no longer a distant facility, but part of everyday life," said Piraeus Mayor Yiannis Moralis. "It has changed not only the port itself, but also the relationship between the city and its people."

Savvas Sanozidis, Piraeus board secretary and head of public and investor relations, said the integration of COSCO's corporate values has helped strengthen corporate governance, enhance oversight of management, and promote transparency, prudence and accountability, thereby supporting long-term sustainable growth.

Stefanos Gkikas, Greek deputy minister of maritime affairs and insular policy, described the 10-year COSCO-PPA cooperation as "productive," noting that it has significantly enhanced the port's competitiveness and strengthened Greece's position in global shipping.

SMARTER, GREENER FUTURE

"The port of the future will be smarter and greener," Han said.

Looking ahead, Piraeus has charted a clearer strategic blueprint for the next decade. It will continue advancing smart and green port development while expanding along its industrial chain, building on five core sectors -- containers, cruise, ferry, vehicle logistics and ship repair -- and extending into logistics, warehousing and integrated services to become a more influential global logistics hub.

At the same time, greater emphasis is being placed on social responsibility. Public welfare programs and cultural exchanges are underway, making the port not only an economic hub but also a point of social and cultural connection.

Construction of a new port park project officially began in April. The project will create a modern waterfront space for leisure, sports and social activities, delivering benefits for local residents while upgrading infrastructure around the cruise terminal, strengthening connectivity between the port and the city, and enhancing the overall experience for international visitors.

Over the past decade, Piraeus has transformed into a key hub linking Asia and Europe, and a flagship project of China-Greece cooperation. The Mediterranean gateway is now heading toward a smarter, greener and more open future. ■