Deputy Minister Stefanos Gikas reported that 160 Greek-interest ships are currently operating in the Middle East, highlighting a decrease from the previous counts as Greece ratified an agreement to combat maritime piracy.
In a recent Parliament session, Greek Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Stefanos Gikas, revealed that there are currently 32 Greek-flagged and a total of 160 Greek-interest ships operating in the Middle East region, which encompasses the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman. The announcement pointed to a noticeable decline in the number of vessels in the area, with counts dropping from 215 on Wednesday morning to 200 by afternoon, raising concerns about maritime safety amid regional unrest.
Gikas' statement underscores the implications of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East for international shipping routes, especially as Greece maintains active maritime interests in locations like the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. The decline in ship numbers could signal potential risks to Greek shipping operations, possibly influenced by geopolitical tensions and safety fears heightened by piracy incidents in the region.
In conjunction with this data, the Greek Parliament ratified a key multilateral agreement aimed at establishing a cooperative framework to combat piracy and armed robbery against ships operating in Asia. This agreement enhances Greece's role in regional maritime security and facilitates information sharing among participating countries, showcasing a proactive approach to safeguarding Greek maritime interests in volatile waters.
