Greek Shipyards — The “Energy Fortress” Reshaping Global Geopolitics

In a revealing speech at the Athens Energy Summit 2026, ONEX Shipyards CEO Panos Xenokostas described Greek shipyards not merely as industrial facilities but as strategic pillars of energy independence and national security. He emphasized that they are “the gatekeepers of energy sovereignty”, highlighting that without a strong domestic shipbuilding base, a reliable energy transition or secure supply cannot exist.

From Traditional Industry to Geostrategic Hub

Xenokostas stressed that the Elefsina and Syros shipyards are transforming from simple repair facilities into integrated technological and energy hubs. Here, ships and floating units transporting fuel, LNG, and other strategic goods are built, repaired, and upgraded — supporting critical global supply chains.

These facilities are also designed to support future technologies and infrastructures, such as floating energy production platforms, large offshore renewable energy units, and small modular reactors (SMRs) — demonstrating that the Greek shipbuilding base is central to transitioning to new energy models.

Energy Upgrade vs. Transition

In his speech, Xenokostas suggested moving beyond the narrow concept of an “energy transition” toward a more ambitious “energy upgrade”, stressing that global energy demand will rise sharply — and those who lag behind risk being left out of the game.

Geopolitical and Investment Context

While Greek shipyards establish themselves as essential infrastructure for energy projects, Greece is accelerating cooperation with international partners. Elefsina port, for example, is being developed with U.S. capital and legislative support to become an energy, trade, and transshipment hub, enhancing the country’s geopolitical value in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Despite bureaucratic hurdles and high investment costs, ONEX advances projects without subsidies, highlighting the urgent need for fast-track licensing and a flexible regulatory framework, allowing large projects to finish within 12–24 months.

Global Competition

Greece’s return to the global shipbuilding map — with new builds and international partnerships — shows that the country is no longer a passive observer but an active player in energy and geopolitical affairs. Collaborations with the U.S., investment inflows, and the shift toward energy infrastructures reinforce this trend.

Greek shipyards are no longer mere production units — they are pillars of energy and geopolitical power, capable of supporting both national and European energy security. In a world facing a global energy crisis and rising demand, Greece has a historic opportunity to strengthen its position on the global stage.

Source: pagenews.gr