U.S. Military Ship docks in Kavala instead of Alexandroupoli: A strategic shift?
A notable development has occurred in U.S. military logistics toward the Balkans and Baltic states. Instead of docking at the strategically important Alexandroupoli Port in northern Greece, the U.S. opted to use the nearby port of Kavala. For the first time, the massive military cargo vessel M/V Endurance anchored at Kavala’s “Filippos B” terminal.
At 264 meters long and 32 meters wide, the ship barely fit into the port. Military equipment was unloaded and reloaded directly at the site — raising questions about whether this signals a shift in NATO logistics strategy for its eastern flank.
A “Historic Moment” According to U.S. Diplomats
U.S. Consul General in Thessaloniki, Jerry Ismail, was present in Kavala and enthusiastically shared the moment on social media. He stated:
“Today, we witness a historic moment. For the first time, the Port of Kavala is hosting an American military vessel. This highlights the port’s multifaceted potential in defense, trade, and energy. U.S.-Greece relations have never been stronger.”
What stood out to observers was that Ismail had not made similar visits or public statements regarding previous U.S. military shipments through Alexandroupoli, strengthening the impression that the latter may be losing its strategic priority.
Is Turkish Pressure a Factor?
Some analysts suggest that Türkiye’s recent discomfort with the U.S. military presence in Alexandroupoli may have influenced the change. Ankara has consistently viewed the port’s militarization as a direct threat and a point of tension in U.S.-Türkiye relations.
Recalibrating the Strategic Map?
This quiet shift could mark a broader recalibration of U.S. defense logistics in southeastern Europe. Favoring Kavala may serve both to diversify NATO routes and to ease diplomatic friction with Ankara.
Attention now turns to how the Greek government — especially politicians from the Western Thrace region — will respond. As Alexandroupoli’s strategic prominence potentially declines, the local community’s and political actors’ reactions remain to be seen.
