THE VITAL ROLE OF SHIPPING

Shipping in the EU

A strategic export industry for the EU

Shipping guarantees the food, energy and supply chain security of the EU, as it moves 75% of the extra-EU trade^[7].

EU countries are dependent on imports for 95% of their oil & petroleum products needs, 90% of natural gas needs and 41% of solid fossil fuels needs^[8]. Out of these imports, vessels carry 89% of oil & petroleum products, 47% of natural gas (LNG) and 93% of solid fossil fuel^[9].

Additionally, EU shipping is a dynamic sector in its own right, with an estimated economic impact of 127.8 billion euros annually^[10]. Greek shipping is the major force behind this, as it accounts for more than 61% of the EU-controlled fleet.

A strong EU shipping, with the Greek-owned fleet at its core, is a prerequisite for a competitive EU economy.

[7] Eurostat database, International Trade in Goods (2024)
[8] Eurostat database, Energy Balances (2023)
[9] Eurostat database, International Trade in Goods (2024)
[10] CE Delft, The economic value of the European shipping sector, March 2025