2023 was yet another year of important developments and severe geopolitical tensions. New conflicts have emerged. Economic rivalries and policies of protectionism threaten the fundamental principles upon which hipping has thrived and operates for the benefit of global prosperity and peoples’ general well-being. Awareness, strategic thinking and determination are essential to ensure the sustainability of our sector. Up to this day, we have successfully dealt with external disruptions, always taking into account the unique characteristics of our industry.

It is now more evident than ever that shipping is the cornerstone of world trade, ensuring the smooth operation and security of supply chains and energy autonomy. It connects and vitally unites people and economies, under any circumstance.

In this context, the shipping sector has welcomed an updated and explicit goal regarding its energy transition. Member States participating in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have agreed on achieving net-zero Greenhouse Gas emissions from shipping by or close to the middle of this century. Both the Greek and international shipping communities firmly and actively support IMO’s strategy, as a decisive step to climate crisis resolution.

Research and innovation are crucially important for achieving this common goal, enabling the development of suitable, low- or zero- emissions fuels and technologies by the stakeholders under whose remit this task falls, such as fuel producers and suppliers, shipyards, engine and marine equipment manufacturers. In any case, the prerequisite for using new fuels and technologies, as well as digital tools, including AI (Artificial Intelligence), must be safety: the safety of, above all, our people at sea, our vessels and the environment. We firmly believe that sustainable development can only exist with people at its center.

Shipping has drastically reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions, while constantly investing in new, environmentally advanced, and certified technologies. The Greek-owned fleet leads the way to green transition, with eco-friendly and new-built vessels, as well as insightful entrepreneurial decisions made by Greek shipowners. Sustainability is an integral part of Greek shipping’s core resilience and evolution, while fully incorporating ESG criteria.

Undoubtedly, we are going through a transitional period marked by new challenges. We must turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and expansion, drawing from our multi-faceted legacy of successes and achievements at a national, European and international level.

We take pride in Greece being the world’s leading shipping nation. We continue to control more than 20% of global tonnage, with a strong presence in all shipping segments. Thus, our contribution to the livelihoods of billions of people around the globe on a daily basis is decisive.

Greek shipping remains a beacon of stability and progress thanks to its ability to adapt and effectively respond to any challenge, a fact that was recently proven once again. Despite geopolitical tensions, shipping has efficiently contributed to the security of Europe’s food and energy supply chains. Accounting for more than 60% of EU shipping, we are the backbone of a key sector for the European Union (EU). Three quarters of the EU trade with third countries is carried by ships. Controlling a merchant fleet that operates in every part of the world, the EU has a strategic advantage regarding its relations with other economies.
Shipping is also a catalyst for the green transition as it will transport the new low-or zero- emissions fuels as well as the raw materials required for their production to and from Europe.

Consequently, we strive for further recognition of the indispensable role of our industry at European level. This recognition entails the upgrade of shipping’s status in an EU institutional context but also in the Union’s broader strategy to enhance the competitiveness of its industries.

We are always stoutly present, with clear positions, realistic suggestions and well documented proposals. Joining forces, we work in a methodical and thorough way, closely co-operating in order for shipping to expand and evolve while dealing with a demanding future.

In the Union of Greek Shipowners, we uphold the power of togetherness and collectivity for the common good. Greek shipping continues to constitute a proud economic and social partner of our country. In 2023, we initiated and established the largest scholarship programme in the history of our Union, granting 100 scholarships as well as the "Excellence” Scholarship for the top student.

It is with great pride that I refer to the immediate response of the Union of Greek Shipowners to the national call for the restoration of the damages caused by the 2023 floods in Thessaly, Central Greece. Our sector was the first to raise more than 50 million euros to relieve our fellow citizens affected. Greek shipping continues to create, to evolve, to invest and to lead with deep faith in its seamanship, honoring its long maritime tradition. Always a pioneer at sea.