The Union of Greek Shipowners has released its annual report for the period 2025–2026. Through updated statistical data, the report highlights the leading position of the Greek-owned fleet and its profound impact on the Greek, European and global economy. Additionally, the report emphasizes the pivotal and strategic role that shipping plays in securing international trade, energy and food security, as well as the stability of global supply chains.
Read: Melina Travlou: “Shipping has been instrumentalized in geopolitical crises”
Furthermore, it includes the Union of Greek Shipowners’ positions regarding developments and challenges concerning the “present” and “future” of the sector, with emphasis on decarbonization, European maritime policy, shipping safety and the decisive role of seafarers.
Greece remains the world’s leading maritime power, with a fleet numbering nearly 5,800 ships representing over 19% of global capacity.
Greek shipping represents 61% of the European Union’s commercial fleet, which constitutes a strong strategic advantage for the continent’s autonomy and resilience.
Greek shipping leads the sector’s energy transition, with increasingly higher investments in new ships incorporating the most modern energy-saving technologies.
Greek shipping remains national capital for Greece, directly and indirectly representing 7-8% of the country’s GDP and providing approximately 200,000 jobs.
The annual report 2025-2026 also highlights the strong social footprint of Greek shipping. Specifically, it “illuminates” the UGS Action Plan for Thessaly “Saint Nicholas,” within which the restoration and reconstruction of 33 school units was completed.
Additionally, it records the commitment to the vision “SHIPPING + SOCIETY ALWAYS TOGETHER,” through the expanded UGS scholarship program “SYN-ENOSIS for Education +100 SCHOLARSHIPS,” which for the academic year 2026-2027 will offer 365 scholarships, empowering the new generation every day.
Travlou: Force of continuity, stability and global cohesion
Introducing the report, UGS President Melina Travlou emphasizes: “In an era of increasing uncertainty, shipping confirms its timeless role as a force of continuity, stability and global cohesion.
Within this demanding environment, Greek shipping maintained its leading position internationally, confirming its strategic importance, reliability and resilience.
Our strength remains our unity. With common strategy, institutional consistency and collective responsibility, Greek shipping will continue to lead on the world’s seas and contribute substantially to shaping the future of global shipping.
Always seafaring. Always pioneering.”
