THE SOCIAL WELFARE CONTRIBUTION OF GREEK SHIPPING
The Union of Greek Shipowners has established itself as a steadfast contributor to the welfare of Greek society for decades now. Through SYN-ENOSIS, the Greek Shipowners’ Social Welfare Company, and nationwide programmes, it has contributed over 130 million euros to health, education, social welfare, food aid, other public interest projects as well as crisis management, directly or indirectly supporting more than 3 million of our fellow citizens in recent years.
In health and welfare in 2025 alone, the UGS:
- provided financial support to 2,200 single-parent families with underage children and elderly people in 51 regions across the country,
- completed the procurement and installation of necessary equipment for the full operation of the New Nursing Home of Kilkis, while also making various other donations to hospitals.
In the field of education:
- The flagship scholarship programme, “+ENOSIS for Education,” awarded 130 graduate scholarships in 2025 to outstanding students to study in 14 countries at 52 universities in Greece and abroad.
- It is expanding the scholarship programme for the 2026-2027 academic year, offering 365 scholarships to empower the next generation every day.
In crisis management:
- Of paramount importance to society and to the safety of all citizens is the donation to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure for the development of the country’s train tracking system. It is a critical project that will crucially improve the safety of rail transport in Greece.
- Donations were made to improve road traffic and safety.
- Donations were also made to the strengthening of forest fire protection and to the Hellenic Police.
Thessaly - “Agios Nikolaos” action plan:
- In 2023 the UGS managed to raise immediately over 50 million euros for the restoration of areas in Thessaly affected by unprecedented floods that year, initiating the multi-faceted “Agios Nikolaos” action plan, which encompasses the sectors of education, healthcare and culture.
- In 2025 the restoration and reconstruction of 33 school facilities were completed.
- Studies are underway for yet more relevant projects undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.
- More work is ongoing towards strengthening local social welfare organisations.
Greek shipowners actively show their solidarity to the Greek society, leaving a powerful legacy.