In a critical factor, exceeding the narrow framework of the mining, the selection of the port base for the Hydrocarbon drilling in Ion, with three ports of Western Greece – Patras, Igoumenitsa and Astakos – at the heart of the claim.
In addition to the energy dimension of the project, real economic significance is identified in all activities developed around drilling. This is a complex service grid, which includes logistics, technical work, equipment maintenance and personnel transfer, composing a dynamic turnover with a strong footprint in the local and national economy.
The operation of an offshore facility requires continuous support from specialized services, such as towings, anti-pollution actions, security, storage of materials, as well as feeding and hosting infrastructure. The total of these functions converts the selected port into a key operational centre, with energy hub characteristics.
As market players point out, drilling investments close to EUR 1 billion, an important part – that can reach up to EUR 400 million – is directed towards activities related to port support and accompanying services. This means that much of the total value is not limited to the subsoil, but is diffused into the supply and industrial chain starting from the port.
In this light, the selection of the base is not merely a technical decision, but a strategic choice with wider economic and developmental extensions for the area to be hosted by the project.
In the significant economic and developmental benefits that can arise for the port of Patras from its operation as a basis for supporting offshore drilling in Ionion, the CEO of PPA and President of ELIME, Panayiotis Anastasopoulos, refers to the APE-BE.
As he points out, this activity creates a wide range of economic benefits, culminating in the formation of a stable flow of revenue from high-value services, such as the service of specialised support ships, the management of energy equipment and the provision of integrated logistics services.
At the same time, it notes that through the specific use of offshore drilling, the commercial activity of the port is enhanced through increased handling of cargo and materials.
According to him, the importance of evolution is not limited to direct economic results, as the port acquires a new strategic role as an energy hub, which enhances its overall value and attractiveness for investment.
It also emphasises employment, noting that hundreds of direct jobs and multiple indirect jobs can be created. Direct positions concern specialized areas such as port functions, technical services, safety and ship support, while indirect activities such as transport, storage and services are extended.
At the same time, as he stresses, the local economy can be greatly strengthened, as small and medium-sized enterprises will be able to join the new value chains created around energy projects, leading to increased demand for services and products.
Mr Anastasopoulos also refers to the presence of a strong academic potential in Patras which creates conditions for the development of specialized skills, strengthening the professional prospects of young people and limiting the leakage of scientific potential.
With regard to infrastructure, it stresses that taking such a role requires targeted investments, such as strengthening port facilities, creating specialised zones and upgrading of security and environmental protection systems.
Finally, he notes that Patras's geographical location and proximity to the energy sectors of the Ionian Sea constitute significant comparative advantages, which, combined with the institutional stability of the port, can attract investment and strengthen Greece's position on the region's wider energy and port map.
Porphyris: Development Catalyst for Western Greece the energy base in the Ionian
The dynamics it creates for the ports of Western Greece, the prospect of supporting offshore drilling, the CEO of the Port Authority of Igoumenitsa, Thanasis Porfyri, points out, noting that this is a development that can reform the role of port infrastructure in the region.
It describes a transition with a clear geo-economic footprint as Igoumenitsa is no longer just a passenger portal to Italy, but is evolving into a central operational hub for hydrocarbon mining in the Ionian Sea, utilizing - and capitalizing - its geographical proximity to Block 2
He notes that the signing of the contract for research drilling in April 2026 functions as a catalyst, integrating Igoumenitsa into a wider design linking energy with modern port infrastructure and supply chains of high added value.
At the center is the new Master Plan of OLOG, which received positive comments from the ESAL, marking the port's transition to a multifunctional node of logistics and industrial activities.
He points out that the possible choice of Igoumenitsa as a support base is not accidental. The port has the ability to serve tankers and supporting vessels, while the completion of the C1 Phase projects within 2026 is expected to decongest critical functions and release extensive spaces for storage of drilling equipment, installation of supply bases, development of shipbuilding-repairing activity.
At the same time, the port adopts «green» characteristics, by providing land electricity (Onshore Power Supply) to ships, significantly reducing the environmental footprint in the urban zone.
The dynamics created are not limited within a port. The need for rapid transport of equipment strengthens the role of Egnatia Street, upgrading the interconnection of Epirus with energy projects.
At the same time, new investments in natural gas networks and digital infrastructure are expected, strengthening regional development and creating an integrated energy ecosystem.
Mr Porfiris also notes that the economic dimension of evolution is equally crucial. The Municipality of Igoumenitsa will receive 3.5% of the revenues of the port, while the Region of Epirus will collect 5% of the revenue from the production of hydrocarbons, with the amounts directed towards infrastructure and local development projects.
Lobster: In the game for the drilling support base in the Ionian
Among the ports considered to support offshore energy activities in the Ionian Sea are Astakos, with Platygiali projecting as an option with special characteristics for the development of related infrastructure.
As the vice-president of Akarport S.E., Dimitris Kolonias, says, in the past, contacts had been made with representatives of the syndicated scheme investigating the area, as part of an assessment of port capabilities.
According to him, Platygiali's zone has advantages that make it suitable for hosting mining-related activities, as it combines spatial flexibility and functional isolation from urban areas. The existence of extensive available areas facilitates the development of facilities for the storage of equipment, technical support and other accompanying functions.
Particular reference is made to the technical characteristics of the port, with the depths considered sufficient to serve specialised ships, while existing infrastructure provides a basis for supporting demanding operational activities.
At the same time, Astakos port is of institutional interest, as it operates in a corporate structure under the control of banking institutions. Astakos Terminal S.E., which manages the port, belongs to a scheme in which Alpha Bank and Piraeus Bank participate, through APE Investment Property S.E., which affects the prospects for exploitation and future development decisions.
Under these circumstances, Astakos maintains an active role in the evaluation process to host the base of support for energy projects, with its special characteristics making it one of the candidate nodes in Western Greece.
«The role of Greek drilling support ships»
The decisive role that Greek ships can play in offshore hydrocarbon extractions highlights, speaking to «N o», Paul Xeradakis, president of the Greek Association of Shipowners of Rhymulkes, Shipwrecks and Anti-pollution Ships and director of MEGATUGS Salvage & Towage.
As he points out, Union members have the necessary know-how and appropriate fleet to support demanding offshore activities such as hydrocarbon drilling and the operation of floating platforms. «We have been active for years in highly demanding projects, such as Petrobras in Brazil and West Africa, gaining significant experience in complex offshore environments», notes.
According to him, the role of these ships is central, as without their assistance the operation of a drilling cannot be supported. The so-called Supply Vessels are a key link in the chain, carrying fuel, water, drilling equipment and supplies from ports to platforms, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of offshore operations, with the most widespread type being PSVs.
At the same time, these ships are also involved in the transport and placement of floating platforms at the drilling point, while they play a crucial role in the safety of businesses, as they remain on the lookout for potential risks, from technical damage to environmental incidents.
Όπως υπογραμμίζει ο κ. Ξηραδάκης, η ελληνική ναυτιλιακή κοινότητα διαθέτει τα μέσα και την εμπειρία για να υποστηρίξει τέτοιου είδους έργα, γεγονός που δημιουργεί προοπτικές για ουσιαστική συμμετοχή της χώρας στην αναπτυσσόμενη δραστηριότητα των υπεράκτιων εξορύξεων στο Ιόνιο.
Source: RES-APA
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