A draft maritime spatial plan for the northern Aegean prioritizes offshore wind farms, energy infrastructure and expanded maritime transport, while offering few concrete environmental protections for coastal areas or marine ecosystems.

The proposal, the first of four regional maritime plans tied to a national strategy approved in April 2025, was submitted to the Environment Ministry and remains subject to revisions and public consultation.

The study frames the northern Aegean as an energy and transport hub. International goals include strengthening the region’s role as a gateway between Greece and Turkey, expanding maritime transport links and supporting natural gas transit. Nationally, the plan calls for “the upgrading of the region on the country’s energy map through the development of offshore renewable energy installations and the rational and sustainable utilization of hydrocarbon reserves.”

The document repeatedly stresses offshore renewable energy projects, especially wind farms. It says small offshore wind parks should generally be located at least five nautical miles from shore, though projects near non-tourist areas could be placed between three and five nautical miles offshore.

The plan divides the region into four “development zones,” stretching from Samothraki to central Evia and from Chios to Skiathos. Proposed measures include cruise infrastructure on Lesvos and Chios, marinas and tourist ports for Volos, Skyros and other coastal areas, new ferry connections among islands and mainland ports, and pilot offshore wind projects northeast of Samothraki with capacity up to 600 megawatts.

Environmental goals are largely absent. The proposal mentions coastal protection only through technical anti-erosion works and suggests aquaculture development on uninhabited islets, areas scientists often regard as biodiversity strongholds.

The proposal also backs continued hydrocarbon research in the Gulf of Kavala, support for liquefied natural gas infrastructure in Alexandroupoli and expanded island ferry routes across regions.

Source: Ekathimerini.com