“In Greece, we cannot easily claim to be at the top in any sector. But in the shipping sector, we can make that claim and be certain that we are the leading force on the planet.”
This was emphasized by Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Vassilis Kikilias during his opening remarks at the 10th Capital Link Maritime Leaders Summit, as part of the Posidonia event, emphasizing that Greece, as a leading force in global shipping, must actively participate in shaping international decisions regarding the future of the industry and not merely follow developments.
Mr. Kikilias highlighted the size and international influence of Greek shipping, noting:
“Our country accounts for approximately 2% of the European Union and yet, we have 5,800 Greek-owned ships, which represents 19%–20% of the global fleet and 61% of the European fleet, operating in more than 171,000 ports and port calls. This is a success story of which we are proud, and it goes back many, many years, to our tradition, to our relationship with the sea.
Back then, during the years of poverty in Greece, we were pioneers at sea. Captains and engineers—from the islands as well as mainland Greece—decided to defy their fate, board a ship, and travel across the globe. The voyages weren’t like they are today—4–5 months long, with state-of-the-art amenities, Wi-Fi, phones, spacious facilities on board, and the option for a sailor to catch a plane and quickly return to his family.
It wasn’t like that. Those were difficult voyages. But they did it. They believed in it. They turned it into a true success story. And Greece spread its wings to the North, the South, the East, and the West. And we are very, very proud of that.”
Greece’s Role in International Shipping
The Minister of Shipping and Island Policy emphasized that Greece must actively participate in the international decision-making process.
“So we are very happy, but also obliged, to begin discussing as a country, within the European family, within the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and globally, as partners in this effort, and not simply to follow. We respect every opinion. We abide by every law. We believe in the IMO. We truly want a global framework. We truly want to cooperate and work with everyone. But we are here with our own policies.”
Geopolitical Developments and Shipping
“Unfortunately, we continue to live under a state of crisis. After the pandemic, after a war in the heart of Europe, after an energy crisis, we have war in the Middle East, with incalculable consequences. Given that 80–90% of global trade is conducted by sea, maintaining the security, resilience, and free operation of international maritime transport is not merely a shipping priority. It is a strategic necessity for the global economy and international stability.”
It is emphasized that policy decisions must be made in collaboration with the shipping community.
“The first lesson we’ve learned in recent months is that you can’t take the industry for granted. You have to ask the industry, you have to discuss with the industry. Unfortunately, when it comes to the sea, whether we politicians like it or not, they know best. So, it is wise to discuss with people who have the expertise.
So what happened? We were discussing, naturally under the IMO, for many, many years, trying to create a new framework for shipping regarding fuel. And then, a geostrategic crisis erupted in the Strait of Hormuz and completely changed the picture. Because now we’re not just talking about transitioning from one transitional fuel to another potential fuel. Now we’re talking about the survival of society.
Therefore, we call on everyone to keep global shipping and global trade out of the equation of any conflict and any war. First and foremost, for the sake of our seafarers and their safety, which is the most important thing for us today. And secondly, also very important, so that we can continue to work together as a planet and provide for those who need us.”
The energy transition in shipping
“Once again, to state clearly and honestly where we stand, we certainly want to move forward with everything related to technologies in the industry, digitalization, to leave a better planet for our children, to work toward that goal. But with realistic steps that won’t leave society behind and won’t force us to make decisions that the industry can’t implement.
So, let’s be reasonable, let’s understand what is at stake, and let’s work toward that goal. This will allow us to buy time, to discuss, and gradually reach a real decision at the IMO on the important and serious issues. First and foremost, safety. First and foremost, safety in the shipping world.”
And he added:
“I was very frank and direct with the Secretary-General, since the previous IMO session, saying that for us today, LNG is the fuel of the present, and we will see what the fuel of the future will be. Because as far as alternative fuels are concerned, they currently account for 0.5% of global demand.”
Conclusion
“I urge you, this week, to speak frankly with one another and see just how important this sector really is. Port infrastructure, FSRUs, drilling, new technologies, lower carbon emissions, tourism related to infrastructure, larger ships. Where will they travel? How will they be able to travel around the globe without problems?
Where are our problems? Let’s identify them. Let’s try to solve them. Let’s be visionaries when it comes to the future. Because at the end of the day, the Straits have proven that it is impossible to bypass shipping, ships, and the sea. And those who will dominate the seas over the next 25 years are the ones who will shape the planet geostrategically and geopolitically,” he concluded.