STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNION OF GREEK SHIPOWNERS,

MELINA TRAVLOS, ABOUT TARGETING SHIPPING

Piraeus, 15.01.2026

Once again, merchant shipping, our vessels and above all our seafarers find themselves at the centre of military and hybrid attacks, as well as asymmetric threats, that are a grave danger to human lives, the environment and safe international navigation.

The targeting of vessels, in particular Greek-owned vessels that by extension are part of the European-owned fleet, operating lawfully, while serving the import and supply chain of the European Union, is completely illogical, unlawful and without political reason. It directly undermines EU foreign policy. 

Shipping is not a battlefield and it should not used or targeted as a means of political pressure.

Seafarers are civilians. They are people who work, often far away from their families, in the service of global trade, ensuring energy security, safeguarding food supply, and supporting the everyday functioning of our societies.

As I also stated at the United Nations Security Council in May 2025, shipping should be kept out of fields of geopolitical tension and military confrontation. Protection of seafarers and freedom of navigation are not optional, they are fundamental European and international obligations.

As Greek shipping, we have consistently served and continue to serve peace, cooperation, and stability. In this context, we welcome the position expressed by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the relevant communications of the Minister with competent authorities of the European Union and the Foreign Ministers of other European states.

The European Union must immediately take steps, in a coordinated and decisive manner, to protect its shipping industry, its people, and the strategic role shipping plays in the prosperity of Europe and its citizens.

It must make it clear that no attack on civilian vessels is acceptable and no threat against seafarers can be tolerated.

Shipping connects the world, and no geopolitical argument can justify it being violently targeted.