Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has described Greece as the centre of global maritime expertise during the opening of the international shipping exhibition Posidonia 2026 on Monday evening.
Addressing industry leaders and delegates, Mitsotakis said the international shipping gathering “confirms that the heart of global seamanship beats in Greece,” while praising Greek shipping as a major source of national pride and inspiration.
He highlighted the scale of the Greek-owned fleet, noting that it exceeds 5,800 vessels and represents around 20 per cent of global shipping capacity and 60 per cent of Europe’s shipping capacity.
“For European shipping nothing can be done for us without us,” the Prime Minister said.
Mitsotakis also emphasised the wider social contribution of Greek shipowners, pointing to investments in schools, hospitals, national defence and civil protection initiatives.
“Shipping stands next to the state, and the state next to shipping when necessary. It is this alliance specifically that makes us stronger and more effective in our demands,” he said.
Describing shipping as both a geopolitical and economic asset for Greece, Mitsotakis said Greek shipowners control 25 per cent of the global fleet and more than 80 per cent of Europe’s oil and LNG transport fleet.
“What is transported by Greek ships are critical goods and raw materials,” he said, adding that the industry strengthens both Greece’s and Europe’s resilience and strategic autonomy.
The Prime Minister also referred to Greece’s recent diplomatic and military efforts to protect maritime trade routes, including the country’s involvement in the ‘Aspides’ mission in the Red Sea and support for free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
“It is not accidental that the Greek state decided to actively participate in the ‘Aspides’ operation in the Red Sea, so we may protect free shipping in practice,” Mitsotakis noted.
On environmental policy, Mitsotakis reaffirmed his support for the green transition but warned that sustainability goals should not undermine the competitiveness of global shipping.
“This green transition is necessary but can at no account take place to the detriment of shipping’s competitiveness. We are duty bound to focus on feasible goals,” he said.
He also stressed that while global shipping transports around 90 per cent of world trade, it accounts for less than 2 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions.
The Prime Minister concluded by highlighting the revival of Greek shipyards and ports, while encouraging younger generations to pursue careers at sea despite rapid technological changes.
“Despite the use of artificial intelligence, the human factor will always be decisive at sea,” Mitsotakis said, expressing confidence that Greeks would continue to lead the global shipping industry.
Source: AMNA
