A beacon of Stability in a period of crises

by Melina Travlos*

The decades-long and world-famous Poseidonia Maritime Exhibition returns this year,following a 4-year break due to the pandemic, with strong foundations to meet and even exceed the high expectations of the international shipping community.

Being the home of the world’s largest fleet, it is with great pleasure that we welcome in Greece international exhibitors and visitors participating in this prestigious global shipping event.

Greek-owned shipping retains its leading role in the industry, currently accounting for 21% of global fleet and 59% of European fleet. In particular, it controls 32% of the global tanker fleet, 25% of bulk cargo vessels and 22% of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) fleet.

Greek and European shipping provide the EU with a strategic advantage in its effort to ensure supply adequacy and independence.

Notably, during the four-year period since Poseidonia 2018, the shipping industry continued to serve day-and-night 90% of world trade. Amid a fragile global environment, shipping has functioned as a beacon of stability, responding to the unprecedented conditions prevailing in recent years, including the global Covid-19 health crisis, and the war in the Ukraine. Once again, the shipping industry has highlighted its strategic dimension and crucial contribution to the well-being of the citizens of the global community.

In this context, the international shipping event of Poseidonia 2022 will be the ideal environment to highlight the crucial, multi level and irreplaceable role of the shipping industry in the global economy.

With a strong international interest in tackling climate change, Poseidonia 2022 will also set the stage for promoting global shipping’s environmental footprint, as well as the environmental performance of Greek-owned fleet. In addition, Poseidonia Exhibition offers a unique communication platform of the most innovative and technologically advanced capabilities of ship operation, with a particular focus on applications gradually leading to carbon free shipping.

Setting the agenda

I would especially like to highlight the timeless commitment of Greek shipping to the promotion of green shipping.. Greek shipping, utilizing its accumulated know-how and experience, remains a front-runner, always promoting realistic proposals and goals, such as the research and development of alternative, environmentally-friendly marine fuels. Furthermore, we support all substantiated efforts aimed at making shipping even more environmentally friendly and internationally competitive.

The Union of Greek Shipowners is committed to fully supporting Greek shipping, as a world leader in the industry. to always remain at the forefront of initiatives to adopt viable policies for the benefit of sustainable development, protection of the planet and smooth functioning of the global ecosystem.

*President, Union of Greek Shipowners