Heraklion 19 June 2026
At the offices of the Port Authority, the official contract was signed with the contractor company HEC (Hellenic Environmental Center) for the provision of specialized services for the reception, transport and final management of liquid waste from ships and port facilities.
With this specific contract, the Heraklion Port Authority confirms its continued commitment to the principles of sustainable development and green port operation, investing in services that enhance environmental safety, compliance with international standards and the upgrading of services provided to the maritime community.
Through this collaboration, the port of Heraklion is environmentally shielded, upgrades its infrastructure and fully aligns with national and European guidelines for the prevention of marine pollution. HEC, with its cutting-edge know-how and specialized fleet, guarantees the safe removal of oil residues and other liquid cargoes. This process minimizes the environmental footprint of commercial and passenger ships during their stay at anchor.
The proper collection, transport and treatment of liquid waste is part of the modern model of the circular economy, ensuring the effective protection of the marine ecosystem and the coasts of Crete as well as the maintenance of the excellent quality of the port waters. The collected waste is not discarded, but is taken to specialized treatment units for recycling and recovery of raw materials. This practice ensures:
- The excellent quality of the waters in the harbor basin.
- The protection of the biodiversity of the coasts of Crete.
- Strengthening the Organization's ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) indicators, making it more attractive to international shipping companies.
In a statement, the CEO of OLI, Mr. Minas Papadakis, emphasized that the signing of the contract with HEC constitutes a practical commitment of the Organization to accelerate the green transition, pointing out that the protection of the marine environment is a non-negotiable strategic choice and not a simple institutional obligation.
Specifically, the CEO of OLI, Mr. Minas Papadakis, stated: "The signing of the contract for the management of liquid waste is an important step for the Heraklion Port Authority and is part of our broader plan for a modern, safe and environmentally responsible port. The protection of the marine environment is not only our institutional obligation but also our strategic choice. Through our collaboration with HEC, we ensure the provision of high-quality services, with absolute respect for the environment, public health and the needs of the maritime community. We continue to invest in actions and sustainable practices that reduce the environmental footprint of the port and highlight Heraklion as a model of green port management in the Eastern Mediterranean, while simultaneously creating added value for the local community, the economy and the natural wealth of the island."
