Transshipment hub · Greece
Port of Piraeus
Piraeus is a transshipment hub on the Mediterranean Sea in Greece (Mediterranean, Black Sea & North Africa). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Greece
- UN/LOCODE
- GRPIR
- Port type
- Transshipment hub
- Region
- Mediterranean, Black Sea & North Africa
- Waters
- Mediterranean Sea
- Coordinates
- 37.95°N, 23.57°E
- Container throughput
- ≈ 5.1 million TEU (2023)
- Local name
- Πειραιάς
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 6,270 nm
About the port of Piraeus
Piraeus near Athens is one of the Mediterranean’s leading container ports. Since 2016 COSCO Shipping has held the majority of the port authority, and the port serves as a Med hub and a gateway to South-Eastern Europe by rail.
Piraeus works as a transshipment hub, where a large share of containers is moved between mainline and feeder vessels rather than entering or leaving the country by land. Shipments to many secondary ports in the region are relayed here.
According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Piraeus handled approximately 5.1 million TEU in 2023.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Asia–Mediterranean services normally enter the Med through the Suez Canal; while Red Sea diversions apply, many services reach the region via the Cape of Good Hope and the Strait of Gibraltar, often using hubs such as Tanger Med, Algeciras or Piraeus.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Piraeus | 6,270 | 18–21 days |
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
- For the European Union, entry summary declarations under the ICS2 system must be filed before loading.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with Greece that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: EVFTA. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Piraeus
Where is the port of Piraeus?
Piraeus is in Greece, on the Mediterranean Sea, in the Mediterranean, Black Sea & North Africa shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Piraeus?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Piraeus is GRPIR. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Piraeus?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 6,270 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 18–21 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
How big is the port of Piraeus?
According to published rankings, Piraeus handled approximately 5.1 million TEU in 2023.
What documents are needed to ship via Piraeus?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Piraeus?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Piraeus through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.