A Greek-North Macedonian oil pipeline, out of use over the past decade, is back on track for a reopening following approval by Macedonia’s regulatory authority.
The pipeline’s owner, Vardax, a subsidiary of Helleniq Energy, had submitted a request in November 2022 for the pipeline to be put back into operation, but the pending issue had remained unresolved.
Helleniq Energy CEO Andreas Siamisiis revealed the news of the North Macedonian regulatory authority’s approval of his company’s request for the pipeline’s reopening in an interview with Greek daily Kathimerini.
The pipeline was developed in 2002 to link the Greek company’s Thessaloniki refineries with its OKTA refinery in North Macedonia.
In 2013, the Greek energy group decided to change the use of the pipeline for the transport of clean products. However, it has remained dormant until the present as a result of the delayed new license, despite the modification of infrastructure.
The pipeline is fully ready to operate, Siamisis has stressed. A comprehensive inspection of the pipeline was recently completed, extending its operating ability to June 2051.
Helleniq Energy intends to transport diesel fuel through the pipeline once it is reopened.
If reopened, the pipeline, whose current capacity measures 2.5 million tons annually, promises to offer multiple benefits for both Greece and the energy group.
