The Thessaloniki-Skopje oil pipeline resumed operations on New Year’s Eve, marking the end of a 13-year suspension, Helleniq Energy CEO Andreas Shiamishis announced Monday.

Speaking at a company event, Shiamishis described the 213-kilometre (132-mile) line, of which 70 kilometres runs through Greek territory, as a "vertical energy supply corridor" that will transport diesel to North Macedonia and wider Balkan markets, including Kosovo, southern Serbia, and Bulgaria.

The pipeline, which was built in 2002, had been inactive since 2013 after the OKTA refinery in Skopje ceased refining operations as it was deemed unprofitable. 

Following a modernisation project, which was completed in the final quarter of 2025, the line has transitioned from carrying crude oil to transporting refined petroleum products.

“The operation of the pipeline facilitates exports and strengthens the country’s geopolitical footprint,” Shiamishis said.

Beyond energy security, the reopening is expected to provide environmental and logistical relief to Thessaloniki by removing thousands of fuel trucks from the roads, reducing safety risks as well as the transportation cost, and lowering the consumer prices. Under its new configuration, the pipeline has a capacity of 2.5 million tons per year.

The project is managed by Vardax, a joint venture in which Helleniq Energy holds an 80% stake and the North Macedonian government holds 20%. 

The North Macedonian Regulatory Commission for Energy confirmed a transportation fee of 20 euros per ton. At full capacity, the service could generate approximately 50 million euros annually.

Shiamishis also provided updates on offshore exploration. He confirmed that joint ventures with ExxonMobil and Energean are on track for exploration drilling in the Ionian Sea within 12 to 18 months, with seismic surveys south of the Peloponnese in collaboration with Chevron also moving forward.

The CEO emphasised that these developments are critical for securing Greece's sovereign rights and regional energy stability.

In addition to the already operational Thessaloniki-Skopje pipeline, the Greece-North Macedonia natural gas interconnector pipeline, whose construction work began months ago, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027, according to a report published by the Hellenic Business Association in November 2025.