By Antonis Tsimplakis

The investment rally in feeders by Greek shipowners continues unabated in 2025. In a year when the number of investments, mainly in new ships, has plummeted in most ship categories, and especially in bulk carriers, orders for feeder-type ships dominate.

After Latsco, owned by Paris Kasidokostas–Latsis, Chartworld Shipping, owned by the Kollakis family, and Chios Navigation, owned by the Karousis family, several other Greek shipowners immediately followed. Minerva Marine, owned by Andreas A. Martinos, has reportedly ordered two feeders at the Yangzijiang Shipbuilding shipyards and two more at Huanghai Shipbuilding, as well as an option for two additional ships at each shipyard. The ships have a carrying capacity of 1,800 TEUs. The company, which initially invested in feeders second-hand, has purchased seven ships of this type in the last two years. The group of companies manages a mixed fleet of ships, including tankers, bulk carriers, LNG carriers, and containerships.

Capital Group, owned by Evangelos Marinakis, is also reported to have ordered two additional container ships at South Korean shipyards. According to Tradewinds, the Greek shipping group placed an order in April 2024 for eight Chittagongmax-type feeders of 2,800 TEU, to be fitted with scrubbers and auxiliary power systems enabling the installation of CO₂ capture technology.

Athenian Sea Carriers, owned by the Kyriakou family, which traditionally manages tankers, is also considering opening up to the market for these ships. The company, according to a report by Alphaliner, seems to be close to signing an agreement for the construction of up to four containerships, with a capacity of 3,000 TEUs, in China. According to the report, the company is in talks with Jinglu Shipyard for two orders and two options. The company is in the process of completely renewing its fleet, having gradually sold all the large tankers in its fleet and is currently building 10 product and chemical tankers, with a capacity of 18,500 dwt, at the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry shipyard in China, with deliveries from July 2025 to January 2027.

Goldenport Group, owned by the Dragnis family, appears to be re-entering the containership and feeder market. The company, which traditionally manages tankers, recently invested in support ships, and now, according to shipping sources, has purchased the new (built in 2023) Norderney with a carrying capacity of 1,900 TEUs. Latsco Shipping had previously ordered two containerships, with a capacity of 1,900 TEUs, which will be delivered by Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding in 2027. The order includes an option for the construction of two more ships, while the cost is approaching $31 million each.

Greek-owned fleet remains a leading maritime force

The Greek-owned fleet remains the leading maritime power with 5,700 ships. It represents 20% of the global fleet and 61% of the European Union fleet. Consequently, Greece, as a dominant maritime country, contributes decisively to the energy and food security, as well as the security of the supply chain of the Member States of the European Union, but also of the global community.

According to the annual report of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Greek shipowners are leading the sector’s green transition, with continuous and significant investments in new ships, equipped with more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

The President of the Union, Melina Travlou, pointed out in her message: “The past year was another period of multiple challenges for global shipping. In the unstable economic, environmental and geopolitical landscape, with the successive tensions in the sea lanes and with the ongoing threats of circumvention of freedom of navigation, Greek shipping honored its responsibility as a leader. Our Union has promoted, with a calm, clear, evidence-based and strong voice, cooperation, within and outside the sector, as well as the global dialogue for the adoption of realistic and workable policies.”