The first LNG cargo from the United States destined for the market of Bulgaria has arrived in Greece and was delivered to the Alexandroupolis floating regasification terminal in Northern Greece.
The shipment, arranged by Metlen Energy & Metals, highlights the expanding role of Greece’s gas infrastructure as a regional transit hub. Southeast European markets are increasingly diversifying supply sources and turning to LNG imports.
LNG cargo strengthens Greece’s role in regional energy transit
This LNG cargo forms part of a broader trend in which Greece now serves as a key transit route for gas entering Balkan markets. Metlen ranks among the largest private natural gas traders and consumers in the region. The company imports LNG into Greece and then directs volumes onward to neighboring countries, including Bulgaria and Romania.
Moreover, Metlen helped establish this route in 2018, when it first transported LNG from the Revythoussa terminal into Bulgaria. Since then, new infrastructure projects have continued to expand this alternative supply channel.
LNG cargo supports Bulgaria’s gas supply diversification through Greece
The latest delivery supplies fuel to Bulgaria’s state-owned Bulgargaz. The two companies maintain a long-standing cross-border cooperation, and this relationship has become increasingly important as Bulgaria diversifies its energy supply and reduces dependence on single-source imports.
As a result, the Alexandroupolis delivery provides Bulgaria with an additional LNG entry point, complementing its existing import channels through Greece.
Significant market presence across Greece and Bulgaria
According to company figures, Metlen supplies roughly 35 percent of the combined gas demand in Greece and Bulgaria. In addition, the company handles nearly half of Greece’s LNG import volumes through the Revythoussa terminal.
Beyond the Balkans, Metlen also trades LNG and pipeline gas across European and Mediterranean markets. The company continues to expand its procurement portfolio through medium- and long-term LNG supply agreements.
Regional gas flows continue to evolve
The Alexandroupolis floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) represents one of several strategic developments reshaping Southeast Europe’s gas market.
As LNG adoption increases, Greece’s energy infrastructure increasingly functions as a gateway for supplies entering European networks to the north. Analysts expect this trend to continue, with Balkan countries prioritizing diversified and secure gas supply strategies.