Shipping industry reports indicate that China COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 600026, Stock Abbreviation: COSCO Shipping Energy) recently released a preliminary earnings forecast for the first half of 2026. The announcement shows that COSCO Shipping Energy expects to achieve a net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company of approximately RMB 4.5 billion for the period from January 1 to June 30, 2026. This represents an increase of approximately RMB 2.6 billion compared to the RMB 1.87 billion reported in the same period last year, marking a surge of about 141%. The company also forecasts a net profit attributable to shareholders after deducting non-recurring gains and losses of around RMB 4.4 billion, a rise of roughly RMB 2.6 billion from the RMB 1.77 billion a year earlier, equating to a year-on-year growth of approximately 148%.
Separately, the liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure sector in Greece has seen a significant recent development, injecting fresh impetus into the further expansion of the country's Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) segment. Exchange filings reveal that the prominent Greek infrastructure and energy conglomerate AKTOR has formally finalized the acquisition of a 50% stake in the Dioriga Gas project, which is being developed by petroleum refining firm Motor Oil. This partnership aims to advance the implementation of this key energy infrastructure initiative.
Dioriga Gas will be responsible for the development and operation of this FSRU project. According to the existing development plan, the new FSRU will be located in the Agioi Theodoroi area, approximately 70 kilometers west of Athens, adjacent to the Motor Oil refinery. It will have a maximum storage capacity of 210,000 cubic meters. Upon completion, this facility will become Greece's second floating LNG import terminal. The country's first such terminal is the Alexandroupoli FSRU, which has a storage capacity of 153,500 cubic meters and a daily regasification capacity of 23 million cubic meters.
It is reported that the new facility will operate as a nearshore LNG import terminal. Specifically, LNG delivered by specialized carriers will be stored in the cryogenic tanks of the floating unit. A portion will be regasified onboard, converted into pipeline gas, and fed into the Greek National Natural Gas Transmission System (NNGTS). Another portion can be distributed directly in liquid form via bunkering vessels or LNG tanker trucks.
To ensure the long-term and stable progress of the project, at the end of May this year, Motor Oil signed a memorandum of understanding with the energy and commodities firm Mercuria Energy. The two parties plan to engage in phased cooperation covering several aspects, including reserving stable regasification capacity at the terminal, securing long-term LNG supply from Mercuria to Motor Oil, and jointly promoting the project's transition to commercial operation.
LNG is a core supporting element in Greece's strategy to diversify its energy mix. This project collaboration aligns closely with the country's national energy development strategy. AKTOR's Chief Executive Officer, Alexandros Exarchou, views this move as a critical step in strengthening the group's footprint in key energy infrastructure and supporting Greece's strategy for diversifying its energy sources. Previously, the group has been continuously enhancing its regional LNG energy industry chain layout through the establishment of a joint venture, Atlantic-SEE LNG Trade, with DEPA Commercial, and by expanding its LNG purchase agreement with the US-based firm Venture Global.
Motor Oil stated that bringing AKTOR on board as a joint venture partner aligns with the group's strategic focus on developing critical energy infrastructure and strengthening its position across the entire natural gas value chain. While the transaction is still subject to the finalization of contracts and regulatory approvals, the project's advancement clearly reflects Greece's national strategic intent to accelerate the diversification of its energy sources and enhance energy security in the Southeastern Europe region by building an LNG hub.
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