A crucial factor, which goes beyond the narrow context of the extraction itself, is evolving into the choice of port base for hydrocarbon drilling in the Ionian Sea, with three ports in Western Greece – Patras, Igoumenitsa and Astakos – at the centre of the contest.
Beyond the energy dimension of the project, the real economic weight lies in the set of activities that develop around the drilling. It is a complex web of services, including logistics, technical operations, equipment maintenance and personnel transportation, making up a dynamic turnover with a strong footprint on the local and national economy.
Operating an offshore facility requires ongoing support from specialist services such as towage, anti-pollution, security, material storage, and staff feeding and accommodation infrastructure. The sum of these functions transforms the selected port into a key operational centre, with the characteristics of an energy hub.
As market players point out, in drilling investments approaching €1 billion, a significant portion – which can reach up to €400 million – is directed to activities related to port support and accompanying services. This means that a large part of the total value is not limited to the subsoil, but is spread through the logistics and industrial chain starting from the port.
In this light, the choice of base is not just a technical decision, but a strategic choice with wider economic and development implications for the region that will host the project.
Panagiotis Anastasopoulos, managing director of PPA and president of ELIME, told APE-MPA about the significant economic and developmental benefits that may arise for the port of Patras from its operation as a base to support offshore drilling in the Ionian Sea.
As he points out, this activity creates a wide range of economic benefits, culminating in the formation of a steady revenue stream from high-value services such as servicing specialized support vessels, managing energy equipment and providing integrated logistics services.
At the same time, it points out that through the specific use of offshore drilling, the port’s commercial activity is enhanced through increased cargo and material handling.
According to him, the importance of the development is not limited to the immediate economic results, as the port acquires a new strategic role as an energy hub, which enhances its overall value and attractiveness for investment.
Special emphasis is also placed on employment, noting that hundreds of direct jobs and many more indirect jobs can be created. Direct jobs are in specialised sectors such as port operations, technical services, security and ship support, while indirect jobs span activities such as transport, warehousing and services.
At the same time, he stresses, the local economy can be significantly boosted 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.
Anastasopoulos also refers to the presence of strong academic potential in Patras, which creates conditions for the development of specialised skills, enhancing the professional prospects of young people and limiting the drain of scientific potential.
Referring to infrastructure, he stresses that assuming such a role requires targeted investments, such as the strengthening of port facilities, the creation of specialised zones and the upgrading of security and environmental protection systems.
Finally, it notes that the geographical location of Patras and its proximity to the Ionian energy fields constitute important comparative advantages, which, combined with the institutional stability of the port, can attract investment and strengthen Greece’s position in the wider energy and port map of the region.
Porfiris: Energy base in the Ionian Sea is a catalyst for growth for Western Greece
The dynamics created for the ports of Western Greece by the prospect of supporting offshore drilling is highlighted by the managing director of the Igoumenitsa Port Authority, Thanasis Porfyris, noting that this is a development that can reshape the role of port infrastructure in the region.
It marks a transition with a clear geo-economic footprint as Igoumenitsa is no longer just a passenger gateway to Italy, but is evolving into a central operational hub for hydrocarbon extraction in the Ionian Sea, taking advantage of – and capitalising on – its geographical proximity to Block 2
He notes that the signing of the contract for exploratory drilling in April 2026 acts as a catalyst, integrating Igoumenitsa into a broader planning that links energy with modern port infrastructure and high value-added supply chains.
The focus is on the new OLEG Master Plan, which received positive feedback from ESAL, marking the port’s transition to a multifunctional hub of logistics and industrial activities.
He stresses that the possible choice of Igoumenitsa as a support base is not a coincidence. The port has the capacity to handle tankers and support vessels, while the completion of the Phase 1 projects within 2026 is expected to decongest critical operations and release extensive space for storage of drilling equipment, installation of supply bases, development of shipbuilding and repair activity.
At the same time, the port is adopting “green” features, with Onshore Power Supply to ships, significantly reducing the environmental footprint in the urban area.
The dynamics created are not limited within the port. The need for rapid transportation of equipment reinforces the role of Egnatia Odos, upgrading the interconnection of Epirus with energy projects.
At the same time, new investments in gas networks and digital infrastructure are expected to be attracted, boosting regional development and creating an integrated energy ecosystem.
Porfyris also notes that the economic dimension of the development is equally critical. The Municipality of Igoumenitsa will receive 3.5% of the port’s revenues, while the Region of Epirus will receive 5% of the revenues from the production of hydrocarbons, with the amounts to be directed to infrastructure and local development projects.
Astakos: In play for the Ionian drilling support base
Astakos is among the ports being considered to support offshore energy activities in the Ionian Sea, with Platygiali being touted as an option with particular characteristics for the development of related infrastructure.
As Akarport S.A. vice-president Dimitris Kolonias says, contacts had previously been held with representatives of the consortium exploring the area, as part of an assessment of the port’s potential.
According to him, the Platygiali 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 land facilitates the development of facilities for equipment storage, technical support and other support functions.
Special reference is made to the technical characteristics of the port, with depths considered sufficient to accommodate specialized vessels, while existing infrastructure provides a base to support demanding operational activities.
At the same time, the port of Astakos is also of institutional interest, as it operates under a corporate structure controlled by banking institutions. Astakos Terminal S.A., which manages the port, is part of a scheme in which Alpha Bank and Piraeus Bank, through APE Investment Property S.A., participate, a fact that influences the prospects for exploitation and future development decisions.
Under these circumstances, Astakos maintains an active role in the evaluation process for hosting the support base for energy projects, with its special characteristics making it one of the candidate hubs in Western Greece.
“The key role of Greek support ships in drilling operations”
The pivotal role that Greek support vessels can play in offshore hydrocarbon drilling is highlighted, speaking to N, by Pavlos Xiradakis, president of the Hellenic Association of Towing, Salvage and Anti-Rescue Ship Owners and director of MEGATUGS Salvage & Towage.
As he points out, the association’s members have the necessary expertise and fleet to support demanding offshore activities such as hydrocarbon drilling and floating rig operations. “We have been operating for years on highly demanding projects, such as Petrobras in Brazil and West Africa, gaining significant experience in complex offshore environments,” he notes.
According to him, the role of these vessels is crucial, as without their assistance the operation of a drilling operation cannot be supported. 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 common type being PSVs (Platform Supply Vessels).
At the same time, these vessels are also involved in the transportation and positioning of floating rigs at the drilling site, and play a critical role in the safety of operations, as they remain on standby to deal with potential hazards, from technical failures to environmental incidents.
As Mr. Xiradakis underlines, the Greek maritime community has the means and experience to support such projects, which creates prospects for the country’s substantial participation in the growing offshore mining activity in the Ionian Sea.
