“In Greece, we cannot easily say that we are at the top in any field. But in the maritime sector we can claim it and be sure that we are the leading power on the planet.”
This was stressed by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, during his opening speech at the 10th Capital Link Maritime Leaders Summit, in the framework of Posidonia, underlining that Greece, as a leading power in global shipping, must actively participate in shaping international decisions on the future of the sector and not just follow developments.
Mr. Kikilias highlighted the size and international influence of Greek shipping, noting: “Our country accounts for about 2% of the European Union’s GDP and yet we have 5,800 Greek-owned ships, which means 19%-20% of the world fleet and 61% of the European fleet, with activity in more than 171,000 ports/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. Since then, in the years of poverty in Greece, we have been pioneers at sea. Captains, engineers – islanders and from mainland Greece – decided to overcome their fate, to get on a ship and sail around the globe. The voyages were not like today, 4-5 months, with excellent technological conditions, Wi-Fi, telephones, large facilities inside the ships and with the possibility for the sailor to take a plane and quickly return to his family. It wasn’t like that. They were difficult voyages. But they did it. They believed it. They made it a real success story. And Greece spread its wings to the North, to the South, to the East and to the West. And we are very, very proud of that.”
The Minister then stressed that the strength of Greek shipping implies increased responsibility in the international decision-making process, noting: “So we are very happy, but we are also obliged to start talking as a country, within the European family, within the IMO and globally, as partners in this effort and not just follow. We respect every point of view. We respect every law. We believe in the IMO. We really want a global framework. We really want to cooperate and work with everybody. But we are present with our own policies.”
Referring to geopolitical developments and their impact on shipping and global trade, Mr. Kikilias pointed out: “Unfortunately, we are still living under a crisis regime. After the pandemic, after a war in the heart of Europe, after an energy crisis, we have a war in the Middle East, with incalculable consequences. Given that 80%-90% of world trade is carried by sea, maintaining the security, resilience and freedom of international maritime transport is not just a maritime priority. It is a strategic necessity for the global economy and international stability.”
He particularly emphasised the need for policy decisions to be taken in cooperation with the shipping community and with full awareness of the realities of the market. “The first lesson we have learned in the last few months is that you cannot take the industry for granted. You have to ask the industry, you have to talk to the industry. Unfortunately, when it comes to the sea, we politicians may or may not like it, but they know best. So, it’s wise to discuss with people who have the expertise. So what happened? We have been discussing, of course under the IMO, for many many years, trying to create a new framework for shipping in terms of fuel. And then a geostrategic problem erupted in the Strait of Hormuz and completely changed the picture. Because now we are not just talking about moving from one transitional fuel to another possible fuel. Now we are talking about the survival of society. So, we call on everybody to leave world shipping, world trade, out of the equation of any conflict and any war. Primarily because of our seafarers, their safety, which is the most important thing for us today. And secondly, also very, very important, so that we can continue to work together as a planet and provide for those who need us.”
For the ongoing debate on the energy transition of shipping, he called for realistic decisions that will not jeopardise the competitiveness of the industry, the economy and social cohesion. “Once again, to state clearly and frankly where we stand, we definitely want to move forward in everything to do with technologies in the industry, digitalisation, to deliver a better planet to our children, to work towards that. But with realistic steps that do not leave society behind and do not force us to take decisions that the industry cannot implement. So let us be sensible, let us understand what is at stake and let us work in that direction. This will allow us to buy time, debate, and gradually have a real decision IMO on the important and serious stuff. First of all, safety. First of all, safety in the maritime world.”
As he added, “I was very frank and straightforward with the Secretary General from the last 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 in terms of alternative fuels, they are currently produced at 0.5% of the global need.”
In conclusion, Mr. Kikilias stressed that shipping remains the key factor in international economic and geopolitical developments and that countries that maintain a strong presence at sea will play a decisive role in global developments in the coming decades. “I invite you, this week, to talk frankly with each other and see how important this industry really is. Port infrastructure, FSRUs, drilling, new technologies, lower carbon emissions, infrastructure-related tourism, bigger ships. Where will they travel? How will they be able to travel around the planet without problems? Where are our problems? Let us identify them. Let us try to solve them. Let’s be visionary about the future. Because at the end of the day, the Straits have proven that it is impossible to overtake shipping, ships and the sea. And those who will dominate the sea in the next 25 years are the ones who will geostrategically and geopolitically move the planet.”
