The Vertical Corridor is being developed as a potential commercial energy platform for Southeast Europe. Atlantic SEE LNG Trade, a joint venture between AKTOR and DEPA, has outlined a regional LNG strategy focused on US gas supply, Balkan market distribution, and improved northbound infrastructure connections. The initiative is supported by a 20-year agreement with Venture Global valued at approximately $9 billion. The contract includes annual supply of 1.5 bcm of gas from 2030.
Under the agreement, 1 bcm of the annual volume is allocated for Albania. An additional 500 million cubic metres are earmarked for Bosnia and Herzegovina. These allocations are part of the long-term framework set out for regional distribution.
From diversification talks to long-term contracting framework
The latest developments shift Balkan gas diversification discussions from a focus on reducing dependence on Russian gas toward a more commercial structure. The framework includes long-term supply contracts and take-or-pay commitments. It also covers capacity allocation, financing support, and infrastructure economics.
This approach links the corridor’s development to contractual demand and infrastructure planning tied to those commitments. It positions the Vertical Corridor as a trade-oriented route rather than only a geopolitical objective. The structure is intended to support financing and capacity decisions over the contract period.
Greece’s role in cross-border LNG flows
The project also strengthens Greece’s position as a regional energy hub through LNG imports via Greek terminals. From there, LNG could be directed toward Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Albania, and Bosnia through interconnected infrastructure. The potential extension to Central European markets depends on those interconnections.
As more capacity is secured through long-term agreements, the corridor’s investment profile is linked to commercially confirmed demand. Infrastructure development would align with capacity commitments rather than political timelines alone. This affects how investors evaluate returns tied to access and throughput.
LNG value for Southeast Europe’s security of supply
Across Southeast Europe, LNG is positioned around energy flexibility and security of supply. While LNG may not always compete with pipeline gas on price, it can provide protection during supply disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty. It is also relevant during periods of high winter demand.
The corridor’s performance depends on competitive tariffs for access and transport services. Reliable interconnections and coordinated storage solutions are also identified as key factors. Market willingness to invest in long-term security alongside short-term cost efficiency is part of the conditions described for the project’s success.
