As we count down to the planet’s premier maritime exhibition, “Posidonia”, the eyes of the international maritime community are turned to our country, amidst evolving geopolitical crises that are reshaping the status quo of maritime transport.
On the occasion of the upcoming opening of the exhibition on June 1st, the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Mrs. Melina Travlos, made the following statement:
In an era of geopolitical upheaval, uncertainty and multiple crises, shipping remains a force of stability, continuity and cohesion. It keeps the planet connected, economies operational and societies supplied.
Posidonia brings together in Greece, homeland of the strongest shipping, the international maritime community, highlighting the strategic importance of a sector that not only transports goods and energy, but safeguards the very functioning of the modern world.
In the current international environment, shipping operates under conditions of increasing geopolitical tension. Threats to freedom of navigation and attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers are now a new reality that tests sea routes, supply chains, energy security and the international economic balance.
The safe and uninterrupted operation of maritime transport is a prerequisite for the prosperity of humanity. Shipping transports food, medicine, energy, raw materials and essential goods, on a scale and with an efficiency that cannot be substituted by any other transport system.
For this reason, maritime security is a global public good and a collective responsibility. The protection of human life at sea, of commercial vessels and of free navigation must be a non-negotiable duty of the international community.
Within this demanding environment, Greek Shipping, representing almost 20% of global capacity and over 60% of the fleet controlled by the European Union, consistently confirms its strength, reliability and adaptability.
This leading position is not only reflected in the numbers. It is reflected in the consistently responsible and institutional stance of the Union of Greek Shipowners towards all critical issues of the sector and international maritime policy. It is reflected in our foresight, investments and ability to respond with consistency, composure and determination to constantly changing international conditions.
At the same time, Greek Shipping is at the forefront of the sector’s green transition, possessing one of the youngest fleets globally and the largest fleet with the capability to use alternative fuels internationally. Our investments in newly built vessels, innovative technologies, digitalization and emission reduction solutions are continuous and substantial.
However, the transition towards decarbonization requires realism, technological maturity and global alignment. It cannot jeopardize the safety of crews and vessels, nor the sustainability of shipping and global supply chains.
A truly viable transition must be safe, practically feasible, fair for all parties, and globally functional.
The recent discussions at the IMO, within the framework of MEPC 84, offer the international community a second chance to restore consensus and work towards a realistic, appropriate, and functional global framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The ultimate success of this effort presupposes the existence of safe, available, economically viable, and sufficient alternative fuels on a global scale.
Shipping has proven over time that it knows how to navigate responsibly even in the most turbulent waters. And it will continue to do so.
Because shipping is a force of vital continuity for the world. In times of crisis, it keeps the paths of cooperation open. In times of uncertainty, it offers stability. In times of transition, it ensures that progress can continue.
In this great global mission, Greek Shipping remains at the forefront. With the seamanship, resilience, and unity that characterize it, it will continue to unite the world with consistency, vision, and a sense of responsibility for future generations.
Always Ocean-going.
Always Pioneering.
