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.
