The total economic turnover generated by this year’s Posidonia, which opens its doors next Monday, June 1, is estimated to reach 100 million euros.
More than 40,000 industry professionals from around the world will attend the international shipping exhibition, which is taking place against the backdrop of geopolitical challenges in the Middle East.
“In an era of international challenges and multiple divisions, Greek shipping, as a pillar of stability, resilience, and global continuity, unites the world and leads with vision, determination, and institutional responsibility.
The strategic value of shipping is also highlighted at Posidonia 2026, a prestigious event that promotes meaningful dialogue and cooperation to shape the future of the industry. “We proudly welcome the international shipping community to Greece, home to the world’s strongest shipping industry,” stated Melina Travlou, president of the Union of Greek Shipowners, on the occasion of the upcoming opening of Posidonia.
The role of shipping
On the strategic importance of Greek shipping for the global economy and international trade, as well as the critical role of Posidonia 2026 amid a landscape of geopolitical and energy shifts, was highlighted by the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, during a press conference for this year’s event.
V. Kikilias emphasized that Greek shipping constitutes the country’s “heavy industry,” making a decisive contribution to growth, employment, and the economy’s outward orientation. At the same time, he stressed the need to adapt to new technological and energy developments, noting that the future of shipping is linked to the green transition, port infrastructure, energy, and maritime professions.
“We will defend our heavy industry as the apple of our eye, for it can bring prosperity, hope, and a better life to our people and our society. Our goal is to bring shipping closer to the general public and to encourage young people to turn once again to maritime professions,” he said emphatically.
Georgios Alexandratos, president of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, emphasized that this year’s Posidonia is a premier international gathering for the global shipping industry, where partnerships and new ideas that shape the sector’s future are developed. He also emphasized that shipping is not merely being promoted but is evolving, highlighting the broad shipping ecosystem and the multiple career opportunities that are often not sufficiently recognized by society.
“The 29th biennial exhibition and the parallel events of Posidonia are taking place at a time when geopolitical conflicts and confrontations are at their highest level since the historically pivotal collapse of the Soviet Union 35 years ago, while attacks on merchant shipping have, unfortunately, reached their highest level since the Age of Sail,” said Ioannis K. Lyras, chairman of the Poseidonia Coordinating Committee.
The president of the Greek Committee for Maritime Cooperation in London, Charalambos Fafalios, emphasized that our country has built the strongest shipping industry in the world, which is at the forefront of global shipping progress.
For his part, the mayor of Piraeus, Yannis Moralis, highlighted Piraeus’s role in shipping. “Piraeus, the country’s largest port and now one of the largest in all of Europe, the gateway for millions of tourists to Greece, is the base and the city where the heart of Greek shipping has always beaten.
Shipping is not only our historical heritage but also the driving force for the future. Through our Blue Growth strategy, we are systematically investing in transforming Piraeus into a modern, international hub of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability.”
He added: “Our goal is for the ‘blue economy’ to translate into new jobs, support for shipping ventures, and the promotion of new business ideas emerging in our city with a focus on the sea.”
The Numbers
“It is important to emphasize that, despite initial concerns, the crisis in the Gulf did not affect us, and all exhibitors and visitors from the Gulf region confirmed their attendance. However, this crisis also highlighted the resilience of our shipping industry, which not only responded effectively to the challenges but also reaffirmed its importance to the global economy, continuing to operate seamlessly and support international trade under adverse conditions,” said Theodoros Vokos, CEO of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A.
This year’s event will bring together 24 national pavilions, including the official delegations from Germany and Italy, which are returning after several years, at the 45,000-square-meter exhibition space of the Athens Metropolitan Expo.
A total of 2,227 exhibitors from 83 countries and regions will participate, covering all sectors of the international shipping industry. Compared to 2024, the number of exhibitors has increased by approximately 9%.
Particular emphasis is expected to be placed on the technological transformation of shipping, with over 30 exhibitors presenting Artificial Intelligence solutions tailored to maritime applications.
At the same time, the shift toward sustainability and regulatory compliance is driving demand for “green” technologies, which are being showcased by approximately 100 exhibitors with the aim of reducing the industry’s emissions.