Overview
Greece’s infrastructure sector has experienced a significant rebound in recent years, driven by renewed access to capital, structural reforms, and a strong pipeline of EU-supported investments. Starting in 2019, regulatory changes enabled the privatization of state-owned assets and opened the door to a wave of public-private partnerships (PPPs). The sector is projected to grow by 4.2 percent in 2025, maintaining strong momentum from the previous two years.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) oversee key public tenders, with PPPs remaining the government’s preferred delivery model. Although there is the presence of small and medium-sized firms, the market is dominated by major construction groups – GEK Terna, Ellaktor, AVAX, METKA and Intrakat – with the top three historically winning over 80 percent of major public contracts. These firms currently face a project backlog exceeding $13 billion USD, caused by ongoing supply chain challenges, labor shortages, and rising raw material costs.
As Greece ramps up infrastructure expansion, demand for international project management, engineering, and consulting services is increasing, presenting clear opportunities for U.S. firms.
Leading Sub-Sectors
Transport (Ports, Shipyards, Rail, Road)
Transport infrastructure investment is expected to grow by two percent annually through 2032. The government is prioritizing the modernization of ports, roads, rail, and airports, particularly those linked to tourism, logistics, and intercontinental energy trade.
Shipyards & Ports
In 2022, U.S. company Onex acquired the Elefsina Shipyard, backed by $125 million USD in financing from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). The facility supports Greek Navy and commercial operations including LNG vessels. Similar privatizations, such as Scaramanga Shipyard and Kavala Port, are in various stages, with expected investment requirements for modernization and digital transformation. In June 2025, Greece’s Maritime Minister Vasilis Kikilias announced a strategic initiative to upgrade ports in central Greece, with a focus on the Port of Stylida near Lamia. The project is backed by EU Recovery and Resilience Facility funds and aims to leverage the region’s geographic advantages to boost trade, connectivity, and economic growth.
Rail
Following a tragic 2023 train collision in the area of Tempi that claimed 57 lives, the government has prioritized railway modernization, with EU-backed projects focused on new signaling, safety systems, and route development. A notable tender involves a $260 million USD project connecting Nea Karvali and Toxotes Xanthi.
Road
Construction on the Northern Crete Highway (BOAK) is underway. The $2.2 billion USD Chania-Heraklion section was signed in May 2025, and other regional highways are under planning. Projects aim to connect ports, airports, and major cities with logistical centers and border crossings.
Airports
New facilities like Kastelli Airport are over 40 percent complete and expected to boost regional connectivity. Existing privatized airports are also undergoing upgrades to accommodate tourism and cargo growth. Fourteen regional airports, including key tourism gateways like Santorini and Thessaloniki, are operated by Fraport Greece under a long-term concession. The agreement includes extensive upgrades in capacity, safety, and passenger services. Additionally, plans are underway to expand Athens International Airport to accommodate rising passenger demand and strengthen its role as a regional air transport hub.
Urban Transport
The government will introduce 950 new electric buses and upgrade 14 metro trains in Athens in 2025.
Urban Development: The Ellinikon Project is the largest private infrastructure development in the European Union, valued at over $8.6 billion, which totals nearly 3% of Greece’s GDP. The project aims to transform the former Athens international airport into a smart, sustainable city. Spanning 6,200 acres along the Athenian Riviera, it includes residential complexes, commercial hubs, hotels, cultural venues, a marina, one of Europe’s largest coastal parks, and an integrated resort casino operated by Hard Rock. This multi-billion investment is a flagship project for urban regeneration in Greece and a model for green development.
Opportunities
There is strong demand for U.S. project management, consulting, engineering and technical advising services in Greece. The growing volume of infrastructure projects, particularly those funded by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), require timely and high-quality execution, making experienced partners essential.
Public Sector: U.S. firms can offer value in PPP tenders by teaming with local partners to meet bureaucratic and on-the-ground execution needs. Strong presence in-country is necessary.
Private Sector: Opportunities abound in landmark developments like the Ellinikon Project. Managed by Lamda Development. U.S. companies have already won major roles in the integrated resort and related infrastructure.
Events
Infrastructure and Transport Conference 2025 | September 22-24, 2025, | https://www.ypodomes.com
Resources
To pursue vendor opportunities, U.S. firms should:
- Monitor public tenders via Greek and EU procurement portals.
- Proactively identify projects of interest and approach developers early in the procurement lifecycle.
To learn more, please contact Commercial Specialist Irini Karajani at Irini.Karajani@trade.gov.