Representatives of Hellenic Ports officially joined international port authorities and maritime ecosystem leaders in New Delhi today for the formal launch of the IMEC Ports Club. Marking a major milestone in Mediterranean and trans-continental trade integration, the Hellenic Ports delegation participated in the inaugural meeting and signed the Joint Declaration of the IMEC Ports.
The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) represents a strategic transformation in global logistics, connecting India, the Arabian Peninsula, and Europe. By formalizing their participation in the IMEC Ports Club, Hellenic Ports reaffirm Greece’s, and in particular, Port of Thessaloniki’s critical role as the primary Mediterranean gateway linking Southeast and Central European markets with trade flows originating from India and the Middle East.
A Flexible, Pragmatic Platform for Maritime Cooperation
The IMEC Ports Club is conceived as a voluntary, open, and pragmatic platform for operational dialogue and institutional cooperation among port ecosystems along the corridor. Designed without creating burdensome institutional structures, the initiative enables participating port authorities and commercial entities to build directly on existing maritime infrastructure, established cargo flows, and real-world market requirements.
Through the Joint Declaration of the IMEC Ports signed in New Delhi, Hellenic Ports and fellow signatories have committed to focusing joint efforts across four priority operational areas:
- Connectivity & Supply Chain Alignment: Optimizing intermodal integration and capacity between maritime routes, railways, and inland transport networks.
- Trade & Procedural Facilitation: Streamlining regulatory practices, customs efficiency, and administrative protocols across participating port nodes.
- Energy Transition & Decarbonization: Collaborating on sustainable port infrastructure, alternative fuels, and low-carbon maritime initiatives.
- Digitalization & Data Interoperability: Enhancing digital tracking, cargo visibility, and smart port data sharing across the entire corridor.
Broad Ecosystem Involvement and Pilot Projects
The signatories emphasized that successful implementation requires active collaboration across the entire maritime and commercial value chain. The IMEC Ports Club will actively engage shipping lines, terminal operators, logistics providers, digital innovators, energy suppliers, customs authorities, and public sector partners to translate high-level corridor ambitions into targeted pilot projects.
"The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor represents a major opportunity to strengthen trade and connectivity between India, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Europe," the signatories noted in the Joint Declaration. "Mindful of the essential role played by ports in international supply chains, we intend to contribute to the practical implementation of this ambition by building on existing infrastructure, actual cargo flows, business needs, and the complementarities between our port communities."
Following today's declaration in New Delhi, Hellenic Ports and participating international partners will proceed with structured, flexible discussions to advance practical frameworks and pilot initiatives, welcoming additional ports and industry partners who share this common vision for a smoother, more resilient, and sustainable trade corridor.
Robban Assafina is now on WhatsApp channel. Click Here
