Greek fleet underpins international trade
The Greek-owned fleet plays a crucial role in global trade, controlling significant shares of transport capacity for energy and raw materials.
The Greek fleet, managed largely by the Union of Greek Shipowners, represents 19.1% of global transport capacity and is vital for the economies of major powers like Europe, the USA, and China. It has been recognized as a key player in ensuring energy and food security. Current figures show that Greek ownership extends to over 26% of tankers and 23% of LNG carriers, marking it as a dominant force in the transportation of critical energy products while also commanding significant shares in bulk carriers for raw materials and cereals.
Melina Travlou, president of the Union of Greek Shipowners, highlighted the strategic importance of Greek shipping during a recent statement, where she noted that almost one in four ships transporting energy products globally are Greek-owned. This reliability has earned the Greek fleet a high level of respect and trust from international partners, as demonstrated in recent comments from Chinese trade officials acknowledging the fleet's essential role in their logistics, particularly for energy-related shipments.
The relationship between Greek shipping firms and China is particularly significant, with over 20% of China's cargo being transported by Greek ships. This partnership fortifies the Greek maritime industry's global presence and underlines its pivotal role in international trade, especially concerning energy resources like crude oil and liquefied natural gas, thereby influencing global market dynamics and trade relations.