Union of Greek Shipowners Annual Report 2025–2026 Greek Shipping continues to be a World-Leading Force

Union of Greek Shipowners Annual Report 2025–2026
Greek Shipping continues to be a World-Leading Force

Piraeus, 26.5.2026

The Union of Greek Shipowners has released its 2025–2026 Annual Report, offering a comprehensive overview of the latest data on the Greek-owned fleet and its indispensable contribution to the global,  European and national economy. The Report highlights the indispensable and strategic role of shipping as a fundamental pillar of international trade, energy and food security, as well as the stability of global supply chains.

In addition, it further outlines the UGS’s positions in relation to the key policy developments and emerging challenges shaping both the present and the future of the sector, with emphasis on decarbonisation,  European maritime policy, the safety of navigation and the critical role of seafarers.

Greece remains the world’s leading shipping nation, with a fleet of nearly 5,800 vessels, accounting for over 19% of total global tonnage. Greek shipping represents 61% of the EU- controlled merchant fleet,  constituting a strong strategic advantage for the continent’s autonomy and resilience.

Greek shipping leads the way to the sector’s decarbonisation, with increasing investments in new vessels incorporating the latest clean technologies.

At the same time, Greek shipping remains a national asset for Greece, directly and indirectly accounting for 7-8% of the country’s GDP and supporting approximately 200,000 jobs. The 2025–2026 Annual Report also highlights the strong social footprint of Greek shipping. More specifically, it presents the UGS Aid Programme for Thessaly, “Agios Nikolaos”, under which the restoration and reconstruction of 33 school facilities has been completed. It also reflects the Union’s commitment to the vision “SHIPPING + SOCIETY ALWAYS TOGETHER”, including through UGS’s expanded scholarship programme “SYN-ENOSIS for Education +100 Scholarships”, which will offer 365 scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year, empowering the next generation every day.

In her address in the Report, the President of the UGS, Melina Travlos, states:

“In an era of growing uncertainty, shipping once again confirms its enduring role as a force of continuity, stability and connection.

In this demanding environment, Greek shipping maintained its leading position internationally, reaffirming its strategic importance, reliability and resilience.

Unity is our strength. With a common strategy, institutional consistency and collective responsibility, Greek shipping will continue to lead on the seas of the world and contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of global shipping.”

The 2025–2026 Annual Report of the Union of Greek Shipowners is available here:
https://ugs.gr/media/14186/ugs_annualreport_2526_eng.pdf