Piraeus Anchorage remains one of the most strategically positioned and cost-effective options in the Eastern Mediterranean. Whether your vessel needs crew changes, pre-dry dock preparation, or a convenient stopover between voyages, here is everything you need to know. A reliable local agent makes the difference between a smooth operation and costly delays.
Why Piraeus?
Located south of the Port of Piraeus in the Saronic Gulf, the anchorage serves as a critical node for vessels transiting between the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, and beyond. Its position on the east coast of Greece makes it a natural stopover for vessels traveling between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The anchorage offers good holding ground in sand and mud bottoms, with two main areas: one south of Psittalia island and another in Falirou Bay. Larger vessels generally use the Falirou Bay anchorage. With over four decades of experience at this anchorage, Trieris coordinates hundreds of port calls here every year.
Key data: Coordinates: 37°56'N / 23°38'E • UN/LOCODE: GRPIR • Port ID: 21852 • Time Zone: UTC +2
Duration and Costs
Vessels can remain at anchor for up to 15 days, extendable to 30 days depending on requirements. For vessels calling in transit without Free Pratique, the maximum stay is 48 hours.
Anchoring at Piraeus is significantly more cost-effective than berthing. With the Port of Piraeus reporting record revenues of €250.8 million for 2025 and berth space at a premium, the anchorage provides a practical and economical alternative.
Source: PPA S.A. Financial Results, March 2026
Services at Anchorage
A comprehensive range of services can be arranged while at anchor:
- Crew changes via Athens International Airport (approx. 45 min by road)
- Spares, stores, and provisions delivery by launch boat
- Cash remittance to vessels
- Sludge and garbage disposal (environmentally compliant)
- Underwater hull cleaning, propeller polishing, class-approved inspections
- Fresh water supply
- Bunkering coordination and quality checks
- PSC preparation and medical assistance
Nearby Shipyards
Piraeus Anchorage offers convenient proximity to major repair facilities, making it ideal as a staging area before and after dry dock:
- PPA Dry Docks, Perama: 5 dry docks (3 floating, 2 graving), up to 22,000t lifting capacity
- Kynosoura Dockyard, Salamis: vessels up to 300m LOA, full afloat repair capability
- ONEX Elefsis Shipyard: 3 floating docks, up to 120,000 DWT
- Skaramangas Shipyard: graving docks up to 500,000 DWT
How to Arrange
The value of a Piraeus-based ship agent becomes clear in the details: negotiating competitive launch boat rates, coordinating with port authorities on tight schedules, and ensuring documentation is processed without delays. Working with an experienced local agent ensures efficient coordination of all services, competitive rates, and smooth port authority documentation from arrival to departure.
Trieris Shipping Agencies has been coordinating anchorage operations at Piraeus since 1979. We act as a single point of coordination, securing competitive prices from all service providers. Contact us at agency@trieris.gr or call +30 210 422 1401.