On the occasion of the celebration of World Maritime Day, on 24 September 2026, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Mr. Vasilis Kikilias, addresses the following message:
“World Maritime Day is an opportunity to highlight the importance of shipping for the global economy, trade and prosperity, with a focus on the people who daily serve and support its operation.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), through an extensive framework of international rules, has for decades shaped the global institutional framework for safer, more efficient and environmentally sustainable shipping. This year’s celebration highlights, precisely, the need for international rules to be implemented effectively and to bring tangible benefits for ships, seafarers, safety at sea and our societies.
Greece is at the forefront of this effort. As a leading maritime power, with approximately 5,800 Greek-owned ships representing around 20% of global tonnage, it possesses one of the strongest maritime ecosystems internationally.
Piraeus and the wider Athens area constitute a leading international ship management center, with more than 1,820 established companies and more than 5,650 oceangoing ships being managed from here.
Shipping, together with the Greek ports and a strong network of businesses and services, forms a dynamic maritime cluster, which creates jobs, added value and growth for the national economy and local communities.
The protagonists in this effort are the people of shipping: our seafarers, the workers in the ports, in shipping companies and throughout the entire maritime ecosystem.
Greece, as a leading maritime state and a consistently elected member in IMO Category A, will continue to contribute substantially to the shaping and the effective and uniform implementation of international rules, with the aim of a safe, sustainable and competitive global shipping industry.
With faith in our strengths, a strong voice in international forums and unwavering support for the people of the sea, we continue to keep Greek shipping at the top of the world.
On the occasion of World Maritime Day, I wish every member of the Greek Shipping Community and all Greek seafarers health, progress and safe seas.”