The Greek company Aktor Group, together with state gas operator Depa Commercial SA, plans to significantly increase the volume of imports of liquefied natural gas from the US for further supply to Ukraine and Romania. This was reported by Bloomberg, citing the management of the joint venture Atlantic See LNG Trade SA.

In November, Aktor and Depa signed a long-term agreement with American producer Venture Global Inc. for the supply of LNG to Greece in 2030-2050, with subsequent re-export to Eastern European countries. At the same time, Atlantic is already negotiating with other suppliers to secure additional volumes of fuel. Aktor Group Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Alexandros Exarchou stressed that the company will need at least two, and possibly three, separate contracts to cover its expected needs in 2026-2030.

The first deliveries of American LNG to Ukraine and Romania are planned to begin as early as 2026, although the main agreement with Venture Global covers the period after 2030. This comes against the backdrop of Greece’s efforts to establish itself as a key energy and gas transportation hub in the region, as well as in the context of a pan-European strategy to completely abandon Russian gas. For Ukraine, the issue of energy security is particularly critical — Russian missile strikes have destroyed more than half of its own gas production.

According to the Exarch, the agreement signed by Depa for the supply of American LNG to Naftogaz for the period from December to March will be implemented through Atlantic. The company plans to specialize in American fuel, which should ensure greater stability and predictability of supplies to the region.

To ensure future fuel transit, Greece will need a second floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), which is planned to be launched by 2030. Exarchou called this project key for the country's energy security and critical in the context of expanding gas exports to Ukraine, Romania and Moldova.

In the short term, Atlantic plans to lease tankers for LNG transportation, while simultaneously assessing the feasibility of creating its own fleet for long-term contracts. Atlantic's reorientation to the LNG market is part of Aktor Group's broader strategy, which seeks to reduce dependence on the construction business. The company plans to reduce the share of construction in the profit structure to 40% and significantly increase the energy segment by the end of this year.

"The impact of LNG in 2026-2030 will be very noticeable, and after 2030 - even more significant," Exarchou emphasized, commenting on market developments.

Currently, Aktor Group owns 60% of the shares of Atlantic See LNG Trade SA, and 40% of Depa Commercial SA, which determines the balance of participation in the management of new energy projects.