Watch: Containers Topple Over At Greek Port Of Piraeus, Raising Security Concerns

Containers at the Greek Port of Piraeus collapsed on Saturday, October 5, raising serious safety concerns among port workers.

While no injuries were reported, the Union of Cargo Handling Workers (ENEDEIP) highlighted the incident amid ongoing conflicts with COSCO, the port’s operator.

The union posted videos and images of the chaotic scene, which showed containers overturned on the dock and some crushed against the crane base. Several containers were smashed or split open, exposing possible risks in the facility.

The incident occurred as the Port of Piraeus faces increased pressure in 2024 due to a diversion of containerships away from the usual Suez Canal routes.

Container movements at the port have decreased by 13.5% in the first five months of the year, reaching around 320,000 TEU monthly. In May, volume fell by more than 24 per cent compared to the same month last year.

Video Credits: 902.gr/YouTube

COSCO initially purchased a majority interest in the port from the Greek government for €365 million in 2016, with a commitment to invest an additional €760 million. In 2021, the company increased its stake by acquiring an additional 16 per cent for €88 million.

Despite declining volumes, COSCO reported a more than 4% gain in container revenues at the Piraeus Container Terminal in the first half of 2024.

During this period, the port generated nearly $120 million in revenue, with net income increasing by more than 7% to nearly $60 million.

ENEDEIP has long been caught in issues with COSCO, including attempts to stop further investments.

After the latest incident, the union accused port management of failing to implement crucial safety measures, claiming that the focus appears to be more on maximising profits rather than ensuring worker safety.

The union warned that lives could have been at risk if the containers had fallen moments earlier or later. The union is organizing a general assembly meeting for Wednesday, October 16, in response to the safety concerns.

Greek workers are demanding more decisive action to improve safety measures, citing comparisons with dockworkers on the East Coast of the United States who successfully fought for better working conditions and wages.

Reference: Container News

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