Common Greek-US plan on shipping American LNG in the next few months

Greek and US officials are working closely to develop a joint plan to transport American liquefied natural gas (LNG) through Greek-owned ships, and the plan will be presented in the coming months, Maritime Affairs Minister Vasilis Kikilias said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the 15th Capital Link conference in Athens, the minister noted that “the US produces and exports LNG, while the Greek-owned fleet, with 5,700 ships, constitutes 20% of the global fleet and 24.5% of the global LNG carrier capacity. It is obvious that we can work closely together to achieve new jobs and growth, through partnerships in energy and its transportation.”

He added that before and during his recent trip to the US, he had successive meetings in Athens and Washington with US Secretary of the Interior Doug Bergham, who is responsible for coordinating energy policy, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and high-ranking State Department officials, as well as with investment banks, senators, governors and the private sector.

The minister commented that “the talks were productive. There is a clear will to cooperate. Our teams are working together on a realistic, workable plan that will be presented in the coming months.”

Kikilias also referred to the potential Greece has to emerge as a key energy center: “Greece is a gateway for LNG from various countries, such as the US, facilitating gas flows to meet the energy needs of other countries as well. We are therefore contributing to the energy security of both the country itself and the entire Southeast Europe.”

The minister added that “the relationship between Greece and the US is at a very high level. It is being upgraded and strengthened. In energy, shipyards and shipping, great opportunities are opening up in the near future. Our duty is to make the most of them.”