Elefsina: ONEEX opens “rival corridor” against Cosco and Piraeus

Elefsina enters the geopolitical arena of major ports: ONEEX is transforming the port into a strategic alternative hub to Piraeus and Chinese-backed Cosco, with strong U.S. support. This initiative is not just about trade—it also strengthens shipbuilding, logistics, and energy infrastructure, positioning Greece at the center of international trade and energy flows in the Mediterranean. With the Prime Minister’s direction and active involvement of Minister Vasilis Kikilias, the country is elevating its geostrategic profile and preparing to play a central role in major regional investment and political moves.

Greece is entering a new phase of strategic port investments, with ONEEX leading the effort to transform Elefsina port into a modern alternative trade and energy hub, aiming to compete with Cosco’s investments in Piraeus. This move is significant not only for Greek logistics but also for the country’s geopolitical leverage in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The CEO and President of ONEEX, Panos Xenokostas, emphasized that the program includes upgrading terminal stations, storage facilities, transport infrastructure, and energy installations, creating a reliable network capable of supporting both commercial and energy cargo. “The strategic investment is not only about commercial shipping but also about strengthening shipbuilding activity and the logistics infrastructure of the region,” he stated.

Also noteworthy is the intervention of the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, who described the initiative as a key step in Greece–U.S. relations:“The Prime Minister has instructed us to start discussions with our American counterparts on how to strengthen shipyards and ports, both here and in the United States, so that they can be connected,” he said. “In the coming weeks and months, we will proceed with an agreement concerning American strategic investments in Greece, in the infrastructure sector,” he added, showing that Athens seeks an active role in shaping the Mediterranean’s new trade flows.

Analyzing these moves, it is clear that Greece aims to enhance its geostrategic role: developing Elefsina as a counterbalance to Piraeus and Cosco signals a strategic effort to diversify foreign investors’ presence in the Greek logistics market. Meanwhile, strengthening shipbuilding and energy infrastructure provides a strong economic and geopolitical advantage for the country.

ONEEX is fully utilizing existing property and facilities, while cooperation with the U.S. ensures that Greece will have access to know-how, capital, and international trade networks. The plan envisions a modern logistics hub connecting Greece to energy markets and global trade routes, while simultaneously boosting employment and regional development.

In other words, Elefsina is emerging as a strategic hub that will not only support commercial and energy flows but also enhance transport security in the Eastern Mediterranean, providing a reliable alternative to Piraeus. The Greece–U.S. partnership through ONEEX represents a politically and economically significant move, demonstrating the country’s determination to upgrade its international role.