The first cargo of U.S.-origin liquefied natural gas destined for Bulgaria arrived at the Alexandroupolis offshore terminal this week, transported by Metlen Energy & Metals in a move aimed at securing energy flows across the Balkans.
The delivery marks a significant expansion for the Vertical Corridor, a strategic route connecting the Aegean Sea to the Black and Baltic Seas.
Metlen, the region’s largest private natural gas consumer and trader, said the shipment reinforces its role in guaranteeing supply stability for Southeast Europe.
Panagiotis Kanellopoulos, executive director of Metlen’s Energy Supply & Trading arm, hailed the arrival as a milestone for regional energy security.
“Metlen guarantees supply routes throughout the Balkans,” Mr. Kanellopoulos said in a statement released Monday.
The arrival comes just weeks after Greece, Bulgaria and Romania signed a memorandum of understanding in Brussels to accelerate the development of the north-south transport and energy corridor.
The initiative, backed by the European Commission, seeks to reduce reliance on Russian gas by utilizing infrastructure like the Alexandroupolis Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU).
Metlen officials said the company plans to continue strengthening the axis, leveraging its position as a top LNG importer to Greece to serve neighboring markets.