By Paris Tsirigotis

Greek-owned shipping stands at the top of the world with 5,691 ships, confirming its leading role in global maritime trade at a time of heightened uncertainty and ongoing challenges.

As the president of the Union of Greek Shipowners' Association, Melina Travlou, emphasized, "the vital role of shipping in maintaining the stability of the global ecosystem presupposes the free and safe passage of ships, seafarers, and goods, as a global responsibility," underscoring Greek shipping's role not only as an economic powerhouse but also as a pillar of international stability. The Greek-owned fleet accounts for approximately 20% of the world's tonnage in deadweight (dwt) terms, making Greece the world's largest shipping power.

The dominance of Greek shipping is clearly reflected in the composition of its fleet, which spans all major vessel types. In dry bulk transport, the Greek-owned fleet comprises 2,685 ships, representing approximately 24.9% of global tonnage. Its presence in tankers is equally strong, with 887 ships and a share of around 29.2%, placing Greece at the forefront of maritime energy transport. In chemicals and petroleum products, the fleet includes 526 ships (15.4% of global tonnage), while its presence in LNG is particularly dynamic, with 169 ships and a share of approximately 24.5%, highlighting the role of Greek shipping in the energy transition.

The Greek-owned fleet also includes 153 LPG ships (11%) and 528 container ships (8.1%). In addition, 72 vehicle carriers are recorded, accounting for approximately 8.2% of global tonnage, completing the multidimensional footprint of Greek shipping.