“A global dynamic ecosystem that meets at Posidonia, confirming that the heart of global seafaring is beating in Greece”, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said at the opening of the international maritime exhibition Posidonia 2026.
The Prime Minister stressed, among other things, that Greek shipping is a source of pride and inspiration.
“It is no coincidence that the Greek-owned fleet numbers more than 5800 ships, accounting for 20% of the world’s capacity and 60% of the European capacity. For European shipping nothing can be done for us without us,” he stressed.
Mitsotakis said that at a time when all economies are looking for ways to grow faster, Greek shipping acts as a multiplier.
“At the same time, Greek shipowners are also coming ashore with investments while having a strong social footprint. He referred to the reconstruction of about 50 schools in Thessaly, investments in hospitals and extraordinary aid to national defence and civil protection. They continue the actions of national benefactors,” the Prime Minister said.
“Shipping stands by the State and the State stands by shipping whenever needed. It is precisely this alliance that makes us stronger and more effective in our demands. Greek-owned shipping is a national and European capital that must be preserved, all the more so at a time when the strategic and geopolitical importance of shipping is strongly highlighted.”
Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that a shock to free navigation translates into a global energy shock.
“You understand how important a geopolitical and geo-economic power our country’s 25% of the world fleet and more than 80% of the European oil and LNG transport fleet belongs to our own shipowners. These are critical goods and raw materials that are transported by Greek ships. It is a power factor for our country that is linked to the resilience and strategic autonomy of Greece and Europe, making our country an important player with a pivotal role internationally. A few months ago, Greece had, in an unsuspected time, put forward the security of navigation as a central theme of its presidency of the UN Security Council. It is no coincidence that the Greek state decided to actively participate in Operation Shields in the Red Sea in order to actively protect free navigation,” he noted, while speaking about the presence of the frigate Psara in the area.
“Greece is actively demanding a return to the previous status quo in the Strait of Hormuz so that there are no tolls or transit fees. They should remain a free navigation channel as they were and should be restored. Greece will raise this issue in every diplomatic contact and in the UN Security Council, we have the presidency again in October,” he said.
Mitsotakis also referred to the Green Transition and said the Greek-owned fleet is already at the forefront of this transformation.
“I believe in the Green Transition. We have transformed ourselves from an electricity importing country to an electricity exporting country in the Balkans. I am also a pragmatist. This Green Transition is necessary, but it cannot under any circumstances be at the expense of the competitiveness of shipping. We must focus on achievable targets. Global shipping contributes less than 2% to carbon dioxide emissions at the same time as it transports 90% of world trade. Until this transition is ripe, we must chart a path that is economically sensible and does not place an additional burden on global shipping. If we want Europe to remain a thriving economy, we must remove the blinders,” said Mitsotakis, who said he took it for granted that the objections of other shipping nations would be taken into account in the final agreement.
“Shipping is a sector of strategic importance for Europe. It cannot be tackled with horizontal policies,” he pointed out.
“At the national level, this government can be proud of the renaissance of Greek shipyards. They are creative hives by the sea that offer jobs and good wages to workers. We are also proud of the dynamic of the ports. We must also stand on the smallest island port. We are proud of our coastal shipping. We are especially proud of Piraeus. And this message must be taken up by society. We should start a major effort to make seafaring attractive to the new generation. It is a bet we must win together. Artificial intelligence is already being exploited. The human factor at sea will always be decisive. Our country has also attracted the management of ships of third-party interests. We have everything needed to make the Greek flag an attractive option at the same time,” Mitsotakis said.
The prime minister said he is optimistic that Greeks will continue to dominate the oceans.
“The foresight, realism and boldness that brought Greek shipping to the top will continue to be the great weapons. The Greek state will continue to be an ally. Treating shipping as a unique global asset for our country. Together we can achieve a lot and go even further. Good luck at Posidonia and good seas to all,” Mitsotakis said, concluding his speech.
