By Antonis Tsimplakis

The Greek government is making every effort to support citizens and the average Greek family, and in this context, an amendment was submitted that provides for a 50% reduction in port fees—a move that is expected to help contain ferry ticket prices,” Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vasilis Kikilias said in his speech to Parliament.

“Unfortunately, as of 1/5/2025, EU legislation imposes special fees and additional costs on coastal shipping across Europe in connection with the transition to green fuels. This creates a financial burden on the coastal shipping sector.”

“With this amendment, the government is reducing port fees by 50% for one year (excluding cruises) for the benefit of passengers, as it provides ferry companies with an additional opportunity to maintain their pricing policies during a period of difficult economic conditions,” the minister explained.

Kikilias stressed that “finding a legal way to support our fellow citizens was not an easy task at all,” and said the issue would not have been resolved without the excellent cooperation of Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, who is also responsible for coordinating economic policy; Minister of Energy and Environment Stavros Papastavrou; Minister of Interior Thodoris Livanios; as well as Deputy Ministers of Finance Thanos Petralias and Minister of National Economy Nikos Tsafos, whom he thanked.

Compensation for the reduction in port fees

Regarding compensation for the reduction in port fees, he emphasized that this will be achieved through an equal amount of aid provided by the Green Fund, aimed at implementing green and environmental actions alongside efforts to environmentally upgrade the ports.

Greek shipping will reach 25% of the global fleet

Greek shipping will soon increase its share of the global fleet from 21% to 25%, according to Simeon Palios, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Diana Shipping Inc.

Speaking at the Delphi Economic Forum X, Palios stated: “Greece’s share currently stands at 21% globally, and we will soon rise to 25%. This is certain. Every four days, a Greek ship is built in China, every six days in South Korea, and every seven days in Japan.”

He emphasized that Greeks are considered the best shipowners in the world and added: “The new generation of Greek shipowners is emerging. They are much more qualified than the previous generation, and I envy them because they have every opportunity to go even further.”

Commenting on the tariffs announced by the U.S. government, Palios noted that in order to assess their effects, “we must first see where the ball will land.”

Speaking on the recent downturn in U.S. stock markets, he said that it does not directly affect his company, and reiterated his belief that being listed on the stock market works to the benefit of shipping companies.

Palios also pointed out the need to combat bureaucracy in Greece and called on young Greeks to consider careers in the shipping sector. “Greek youth have misunderstood what this profession entails—it is an excellent profession. Salaries are also attractive, starting from 2,500 euros and exceeding 14,000 euros,” he concluded.

Turmoil in shipping from Trump tariffs will not be generalized

Panos Laskaridis, CEO of Lavinia Corporation and Laskaridis Shipping Company Ltd., discussed international developments and the challenges facing the shipping industry during the Delphi Economic Forum X.

Commenting on the new tariff policy introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump, Laskaridis said the situation remains fluid and continues to evolve unpredictably. However, he expressed the view that disruptions in the shipping sector caused by Trump’s tariffs would not be widespread. “There will be isolated disruptions in specific types of ships,” he estimated.

He warned that the U.S. threat to impose fees on shipping is a far more serious concern than tariffs. These fees are expected to be announced at the end of April and implemented (following a 100-day consultation period) in November 2025. Nonetheless, he excluded Greek shipping from the threat, arguing that such fees could be transferred and ultimately become the responsibility of charterers of Greek-owned vessels.

On the issue of decarbonizing the shipping industry, he noted that two fundamental questions remain unanswered: First, what fuel will replace oil, and second, how readily available that fuel will be in ports around the world. “These are questions that will take years to answer,” he emphasized.