‘Defense – Energy – Commodities’: The triptych for the success of the port of Alexandroupolis

Of Foti Foteinou

In view of the completion of the tender for the concession of 67% of the port of Alexandroupolis, the Greek State is “pushing” in another direction, which will strengthen the competitiveness of the port.

Yesterday, the Greek Minister of Transport, Costas Karamanlis, met with the European Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, and, among other things, discussed the inclusion of the port of Alexandroupolis in the Trans-European Transport Network (DED-M / TEN-T).

The inclusion of the port of Alexandroupolis in TEN – T will automatically mean its upgrade and designation as a port of “strategic importance” and at the same time, the possibility of receiving co – financing from EU financial instruments and funds to improve its infrastructure.

Commodities, defense and energy enhance the importance of Alexandroupolis

According to diplomatic analysts, the main advantage of the port of Alexandroupolis is its geostrategic position, as the port is used as a base for transporting military equipment to the wider Balkans and beyond.

Also, the port of Alexandroupolis can be an energy hub, as it is at the center of plans for the import of liquefied natural gas in the Balkans, via a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) station.

Moreover, if there are some improvements in the Alexandroupolis – Ormenio railway line, then the port of Alexandroupolis is able, even now, to boost freight flows through Bulgarian ports.

According to combined transport analysts, this railway corridor is able to be a satisfactory alternative route of crossing the Bosphorus Straits for specific types of cargo, avoiding Turkey, in conjunction with the creation of a Freight Center in Alexandroupolis.

It is indicative that ERGOSE has auctioned, through Competitive Dialogue, two important projects for Alexandroupolis: the section Alexandroupoli – Ormenio and the section Thessaloniki – Kavala – Toxotes (plain alignment), with the aim of creating high speed electric lines.

Respectively, the Ministry of Transport contracted the project of the new Ring Road, which will connect, mainly, the port of Alexandroupolis with the Egnatia Road, upgrading the road freight transport of the port.

“In no case is the port of Alexandroupolis Piraeus or Thessaloniki. However, it is an important regional port that has Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey as” inland “, something that the new owners must take advantage of,” said the executives of combined transport.

It is noted that for the port of Alexandroupolis the following companies have the right to submit a binding offer: QUINTANA INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT, BLACK SUMMIT FINANCIAL GROUP – EUROPORTS – EFA GROUP – GEK TERNA and CAMERON SA – A GOLDA – GOLDA CAR.