Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Vasilis Kikilias spoke about the enduring strength of Greek shipping, the importance of Piraeus as an international shipping hub, and the challenges posed by current geopolitical instability for global trade and navigation, during his address at the Xinde Marine Forum Athens 2026, held at the Piraeus Port Authority (OLP) as part of Posidonia 2026.
Mr. Kikilias emphasized that Attica, from north to south and east to west, is these days filled with shipping people from every corner of the world, who have come to honor Posidonia, which he described as a landmark event for international shipping. "In Piraeus lies the entire shipping ecosystem: companies, traditional Greek shipping, shipowners, seafarers, and all those working in the most important sector of the Greek economy. Along with tourism, services, and real estate, shipping is one of the main pillars of Greek GDP," he noted, highlighting that it provides about 200,000 well-paid jobs and contributes 7%-8% of the country's GDP.
The minister underscored the global position of Greek-owned shipping, which represents about 20%-21% of global capacity and 61% of the fleet controlled by European Union countries, adding: "This did not happen overnight. It is the result of tradition, hard work at sea, in ports, and in trade. It is a culture inextricably linked to the Greek people, through which it has progressed and prospered."
He made special reference to the importance of reconnecting the younger generation with maritime professions, emphasizing that today shipping is linked to the revival of shipyards, the upgrade of port infrastructure, and the creation of new professional opportunities around energy and international trade.
Furthermore, he focused on safety as a top priority, especially for the port of Piraeus, from which nearly 11 million travelers depart each year to the Greek islands. "Safety is the top priority for me and the administration," he stressed, referring to Greek citizens, islanders, and the millions of tourists who pass through the country's largest port.
At the same time, he stated that the cooperation between COSCO and the Greek administration at the port of Piraeus was a particularly important investment, at a time when the country faced serious economic difficulties and limited investment capacity.
"Greece continues to move forward both in terms of Greek-owned and Greek-flagged vessels. The 5,800 ships are not a number that can go unnoticed. We are proud of the first place globally, but this primacy comes with responsibility," he said elsewhere in his intervention.
Regarding the international situation, the minister stressed that global trade must remain free and that the ability of ships, seafarers, captains, engineers, and all people of the sea to travel freely around the world is vital for the global economy. "The first thought of the political leadership of the ministry is always the safety of seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf," he noted, emphasizing that the current situation once again highlights the importance of shipping and the sea for the common future.
Regarding discussions at the IMO on carbon emissions, Mr. Kikilias pointed out that since shipping is global, a global agreement is required, adding: "Every country and every major international player must make the greatest possible effort so that a realistic agreement is reached next autumn that works for the benefit of all."
Concluding, Mr. Kikilias thanked the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Fang Qiu, for the cooperation and the invitation, and wished "fair seas" to seafarers and shipping people. "Above all, I wish them safety and quality in their work. Tradition connects us, and as Greeks, we will never stop being people of the sea," he concluded.
