Alexandroupolis at the Forefront of European Environmental Security
Press Release
On Friday, June 6, 2025, a high-level operational preparedness and response exercise for marine pollution incidents was successfully conducted near the Alexandroupolis FSRU, approximately 17 kilometers southwest of the Alexandroupolis port. Organized in close collaboration with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), this marked the first operation of this scale in the region, utilizing European response resources and directly linking environmental protection with critical energy infrastructure. The exercise highlights Alexandroupolis’ growing strategic importance in Europe’s environmental protection and energy security frameworks.
Established in response to major pollution incidents such as the sinking of the Erika and Prestige vessels, EMSA supports EU Member States with crucial operational resources to enhance maritime transport safety and marine environment protection. EMSA’s participation in the Gastrade-led exercise underscores the recognition of Alexandroupolis’ as not only a key energy hub but also a focal point of environmental responsibility at the European level.
The exercise simulated an oil spill during FSRU bunkering operations, corresponding to a Level 3 mobilization under Greece’s national response plan. The specialized anti-pollution vessel AKTEA OSRV, active in the Eastern Mediterranean and equipped with advanced technology and an experienced crew, participated alongside representatives from all competent public and private sector authorities.
Key objectives included testing the response plans of the Alexandroupolis Port Facility and the FSRU, validating the operational readiness of the personnel involved and evaluating the effectiveness of communication and coordination systems in real-time conditions.
Dr. Vassilios Mamakoukas-Frangoulis, Director of the Environmental Protection Engineering S.A., commented, “The cooperation during the exercise was excellent and confirmed the readiness of both Gastrade and technical support teams to effectively address potential pollution incidents.”
From Gastrade’s side, Mr. Sotiris Tsiantoulas, Licensing & Monitoring Manager, emphasized that “safety and environmental protection are at the core of our operations, with simulation exercises and staff training conducted regularly.” He added, “Such exercises ensure high levels of preparedness, not only for protecting the environment but also for safeguarding the local community and the country as a whole.”
This exercise follows a first-level internal drill conducted in January, further strengthening Gastrade’s integrated risk management system and overarching philosophy of prevention.
With the successful completion of this initiative, Alexandroupolis confirms its rising role as a key point not only for energy security but also for marine environment protection in the wider Southeastern Europe region.
