Big powers vie for Greece’s ports

Russia's state-of-the art frigate Admiral Kasatonov sailed into the port of Piraeus last week along with a number of escort vessels for a working visit, according to a statement by the Russian Embassy on social media. The Russian frigate docked at a Greek port that is controlled by a Chinese state company, just 5 nautical miles from a Greek naval base.

It was not a first either, as naval units from the United States, China, France and other countries have often docked at Piraeus as part of their missions. However, the arrival of the Gorshkov-class frigate took place at a time when Greece's ports are becoming a geopolitical and financial playground that has drawn interest from all major powers. Companies from the US, China and Russia, but also from Israel, Italy and Germany, have already set foot in or set their sights on Greek ports, from Alexandroupoli in the north to...