Posidonia "25 | Ships are changing, ports must follow

• Cruise tourism, port infrastructure, and the future of sustainability at the center of the second day of the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum in Heraklion

With 21st-century cruise ships resembling floating cities and passengers exceeding 6,000 per ship, Mediterranean ports – many of which were designed decades ago – are facing a new reality. This gap between ships and infrastructure dominated the second day of the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum 2025 (PSTF), held in Heraklion, Crete.

During the panel entitled “Cruise Ports: Can Infrastructure Keep Up with Demand?”, top executives from companies, port authorities and stakeholders highlighted the need to upgrade infrastructure, sustainability, and local cooperation.

New technologies and immediate interventions

“Ports were designed for ships of another era – today we host ‘beasts’”, said Manolis Alevropoulos (Royal Caribbean Group), highlighting the need for modern solutions such as coastal energy support, waste management, and desalination. Isabelle Côté (Virgin Voyages) was of a similar opinion, speaking of “immediate, creative solutions”, such as smart renovations and a better guest experience.

According to Aziz Gungor (Global Ports Holding), the difficulties are both bureaucratic and technical, with local coordination and environmental responsibility being crucial factors.

The Voice of Ports: Communities and Economic Challenges

Minas Papadakis, CEO of Heraklion Port Authority, emphasized the dual role of ports: as transport hubs but also as energy centers that directly affect local communities. He stressed the importance of investment, planning, and social consensus while announcing OLI’s intention to implement berth cancellation fees to limit losses from companies’ indecision.

Coordination, transparency, and sustainable experience

Gianluca Suprani (MSC Cruises) highlighted the paradox of easier ship construction from ports, underlining the need for transparent berth allocation and closer cooperation with local authorities. In the same vein, Adam Sharp (Cruise Terminals International) underlined: “We must first admit that there is a problem.”

One of the highlights of the Forum was the announcement of a strategic partnership between PSTF and MedCruise, paving the way for long-term collaboration and events that will bring together companies and Mediterranean ports.

Destinations and Companies: Time for Honest Dialogue

The second panel of the day, entitled “Cruise Companies & Destinations: The Need for an Honest Dialogue”, shifted the discussion to local communities and the tourism experience. Ligia Balea (Carnival) spoke about cultural experiences that rely on the participation of local suppliers, while Dimitris Bekos (Intercruises) highlighted the need for respect for culture and the environment.

Michele Bosco (Princess Cruises) presented practical solutions such as staggered arrivals and extended stays to decongest, while Alessandro Carollo (Royal Caribbean) referred to the need for local cohesion and internal coordination before starting cooperation with companies.

Professor Thanos Pallis (University of Piraeus) struck a more realistic note, emphasizing the need for data, planning and predictability, and less wishful thinking.

The future: Education, innovation, green solutions

In parallel sessions, eco-friendly short-sea vessels, the development of yachting marinas, and new trends in maritime mobility were highlighted. The Forum closed with the YES to Sea Tourism Forum, giving a platform to the new generation of shipping professionals.

With strong supporters – including the Region of Crete, OLI, GNTO, and CLIA – PSTF 2025 has written a new chapter in the relationship between ports, companies, and destinations. The challenge is no longer just growth. It is a shared journey towards a future that will balance tourism success and local prosperity.

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