The international, European and national dimension of the projects carried out by Greek shipping is the main element of the Union of Greek Shipowners, UGS Annual Report.
In particular the statistics and data are captured from the annual report for the basic characteristics of the Greek-owned fleet and its environmental performance reflects the irreplaceable role that shipping plays in modern societies. The UGS Annual Report 2023-2024 also summarizes the positions and proposals of the UGS on the main challenges that have strongly discussed during the previous period of time.
For another year, the available data highlight the leading role of Greek shipping internationally, as:
- With more than 5,500 ships, Greek shipowners control over 20% of the world's tonnage, making our country the largest shipping power in the world.
- More than 60% of shipping controlled by the EU belongs to Greek interests. Shipping contributes the most to the economic security of the European Union and to the achievement of its climate goals.
- Shipping is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, with the lowest cost for the consumers. The Greek-owned fleet is constantly growing and renewed, is energy efficient and equipped with state-of-the-art environmental systems. It is already the largest fleet capable of using alternative fuels in the world.
In relation to maritime policy issues, a large part of this year's Exhibition is dedicated to the sector's path towards a sustainable future. The agreement at the IMO level for the transition of shipping to net zero greenhouse gas emissions close to the middle of the century, is undoubtedly a positive development, which was warmly welcomed by the Greek, as well as the international shipping community.
The Annual Report 2023-2024 of the UGS also records the contribution of the sector to the economic development of our country as well as the multi-level social contribution work of the Greek fleet, with an emphasis on its immediate response to the natural disasters that hit the Thessaly region.
In her address the President of UGS Melina Travlos remarks: “2023 was yet another year of important developments and severe geopolitical tensions. New conflicts have emerged. Economic rivalries and policies of protectionism threaten the fundamental principles upon which shipping has thrived and operates for the benefit of global prosperity and peoples’ general well-being. Awareness, strategic thinking and determination are essential to ensure the sustainability of our sector. Up to this day, we have successfully dealt with external disruptions, always taking into account the unique characteristics of our industry.
It is now more evident than ever that shipping is the cornerstone of world trade, ensuring the smooth operation and security of supply chains and energy autonomy. It connects and vitally unites people and economies, under any circumstance.
In this context, the shipping sector has welcomed an updated and explicit goal regarding its energy transition. Member States participating in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have agreed on achieving net-zero Greenhouse Gas emissions from shipping by or close to the middle of this century. Both the Greek and international shipping communities firmly and actively support IMO’s strategy, as a decisive step to climate crisis resolution.
Research and innovation are crucially important for achieving this common goal, enabling the development of suitable, low- or zero- emissions fuels and technologies by the stakeholders under whose remit this task falls, such as fuel producers and suppliers, shipyards, engine and marine equipment manufacturers. In any case, the prerequisite for using new fuels and technologies, as well as digital tools, including AI (Artificial Intelligence), must be safety: the safety of, above all, our people at sea, our vessels and the environment.
We firmly believe that sustainable development can only exist with people at its center.
Shipping is the cornerstone of world trade
Shipping has drastically reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions, while constantly investing in new, environmentally advanced, and certified technologies. The Greek-owned fleet leads the way to green transition, with eco-friendly and new-built vessels, as well as insightful entrepreneurial decisions made by Greek shipowners. Sustainability is an integral part of Greek shipping’s core resilience and evolution, while fully incorporating ESG criteria.
Undoubtedly, we are going through a transitional period marked by new challenges. We must turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and expansion, drawing from our multi-faceted legacy of successes and achievements at a national, European and international level.
We take pride in Greece being the world’s leading shipping nation. We continue to control more than 20% of global tonnage, with a strong presence in all shipping segments.
Thus, our contribution to the livelihoods of billions of people around the globe on a daily basis is decisive.
Greek shipping remains a beacon of stability and progress thanks to its ability to adapt and effectively respond to any challenge, a fact that was recently proven once again. Despite geopolitical tensions, shipping has efficiently contributed to the security of Europe’s food and energy supply chains. Accounting for more than 60% of EU shipping, we are the backbone of a key sector for the European Union (EU). Three quarters of the EU trade with third countries is carried by ships. Controlling a merchant fleet that operates in every part of the world, the EU has a strategic advantage regarding its relations with other economies.
Shipping is also a catalyst for the green transition as it will transport the new low-or zero- emissions fuels as well as the raw materials required for their production to and from Europe.
Consequently, we strive for further recognition of the indispensable role of our industry at European level. This recognition entails the upgrade of shipping’s status in an EU institutional context but also in the Union’s broader strategy to enhance the competitiveness of its industries.
We are always stoutly present, with clear positions, realistic suggestions and well-documented proposals. Joining forces, we work in a methodical and thorough way, closely co-operating in order for shipping to expand and evolve while dealing with a demanding future.
In the Union of Greek Shipowners, we uphold the power of togetherness and collectivity for the common good. Greek shipping continues to constitute a proud economic and social partner of our country.
In 2023, we initiated and established the largest scholarship programme in the history of our Union, granting 100 scholarships as well as the “Excellence” Scholarship for the top student.
It is with great pride that I refer to the immediate response of the Union of Greek Shipowners to the national call for the restoration of the damages caused by the 2023 floods in Thessaly, Central Greece. Our sector was the first to raise more than 50 million euros to relieve our fellow citizens affected.
Greek shipping continues to create, to evolve, to invest and to lead with deep faith in its seamanship, honoring its long maritime tradition.
Always a pioneer at sea”.
ELNAVI Newsletter
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