Amidst growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and mounting pressure to meet sustainability goals, Greek shipping remains a pillar of global stability and resilience. The Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) released its 2024–2025 annual report, offering a detailed overview of the structure, scale, and strategic importance of the Greek-owned fleet at national, European, and global levels.
The report reaffirms that Greece is not only a traditional maritime power but a cornerstone of Europe’s energy and food security, ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of global supply chains. The Greek-owned fleet, comprising approximately 5,700 vessels, continues to be the largest in the world, representing 20% of global tonnage and 61% of the European Union fleet.
Sustainability and Modernization at the Core
Greek shipowners are actively investing in fleet modernization, prioritizing technologically advanced and environmentally friendly vessels, thereby playing a key role in the industry’s transition to greener maritime practices. The report highlights the sector’s commitment to realistic approaches toward emissions reduction, balancing climate targets with operational feasibility.
Key Challenges Identified in the Report:
- Energy transition: The need for practical, gradual pathways to achieve decarbonization
- Maritime safety, given the growing risks in international sea lanes
- EU shipping policy and the urgency to safeguard the competitiveness of European shipping interests
- Access to green financing and sustainable funding options
- Trade policy amid shifting global trade alliances
- Human capital, focusing on enhancing maritime education and attracting youth to seafaring careers
Strategic Vision from UGS Leadership
In her foreword to the report, UGS President Melina Travlos underlined the stabilizing role of Greek shipping in an increasingly volatile world:
“This past year served as another springboard of multifaceted challenges for global shipping. Greek shipping honored its responsibility as an industry leader.”
She also emphasized the Union’s institutional role in the international maritime dialogue:
“Our Union has promoted collaboration within and beyond the industry with a calm, clear, well-documented, and powerful voice, advancing realistic and implementable policy discussions worldwide.”
Looking Ahead
The annual report arrives at a pivotal moment, confirming Greece’s decisive role on the global maritime chessboard. It calls for strategic investment, institutional continuity, and continuous technological innovation to ensure that Greek shipping maintains its leadership position in the decade ahead.
Source: pagenews.gr