Top operators compete for Piraeus' container terminal

China’s Cosco Pacific and Hong Kong-based conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa bid for running Piraeus' container terminal.

Last December, the government announced plans to privatise the container management operations at the Piraeus Port Authority and the Thessaloniki Port Authority.

The government, which controls slightly over 74 percent of both ports, is seeking private companies to manage and invest in the ports' container terminal operations for up to 35 years as part of its 2008 privatisation programme.

For Piraeus Port, the deadline is May 9, while for Thessaloniki Port the deadline is May 14.