"We have proven that with the joint efforts of the nine gas operators from seven countries (Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine and Moldova) we can achieve a lot and the concept of the Vertical Corridor is today a project that is already being built and change the energy landscape. By October 1, 2026, the infrastructure on Bulgarian territory will be completed and the increased capacity will be offered at the next annual auction." This was said by Bulgartransgaz EAD Executive Director Vladimir Malinov during his participation in the 9th Southeast Europe Energy Forum, organized in Thessaloniki by the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and the Hellenic Association for Energy Economics. The Vertical Gas Corridor and its role in ensuring energy security and industrial competitiveness of the region was among the leading topics at the energy forum.
“As we have already commenced building the necessary infrastructure, it will be important to make the route even more attractive,” Malinov stressed out. “The Vertical Corridor is fully in line with the US policy of increasing the share of American liquefied gas in the region,” he added. According to him, if LNG from the US is combined with investment from American companies, American technologies and financing, this project will also be used to produce the necessary electricity in the region, thus increasing the attractiveness of American gas.
Malinov informed the conference participants about the progress in implementation of construction activities on Bulgarian territory. In the 48 km length section from Kulata to Kresna 80% of the pipes have already been welded and laid in the excavated trench. At the end of August, the actual construction works began on Rupcha - Vetrino looping, which will increase the capacity between Bulgaria and Romania.
The Executive Director of Bulgartransgaz EAD Vladimir Malinov held a bilateral meeting with the Attaché of the US Department of Energy for Central and Eastern Europe Ms. Arlene Fetizanan. They discussed the Vertical Corridor significance as key infrastructure needed to strengthen energy security, ensure natural gas supplies from secure sources and develop the integrated regional market in Southeastern Europe. According to the representative of the Department of Energy, the US government relies on Bulgartransgaz to enhance the role of LNG from the US for the region in unison with the European policy of introducing a comprehensive ban on Russian natural gas supplies by 2027. Ms. Fetizanan expressed readiness for expert support from the US to improve the competitiveness of the gas transmission infrastructure.
Malinov also met with Josh Huck, Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Greece. They both agreed that the idea of incorporating American technology and financing into a project of an American investor that would use the American liquefied natural gas delivered through the Vertical Corridor will be of interest to the US government and Trump administration. The Vertical Corridor will be a leading solution in the process of phasing out Russian natural gas supplies to Europe. Josh Huck presented the energy priorities the US administration is working on and underlined the need for continued cooperation with the gas operators in the region. "It is important for us to maintain the pace at which the project is being implemented and to meet the needs of the regional market," Malinov said.
