“In an era of geopolitical realignments, uncertainty and multiple crises, shipping remains a force of stability, continuity and cohesion,” the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Melina Travlou, said in her message for Posidonia 2026.
More specifically, Travlou noted:
“In an era of geopolitical realignments, uncertainty and multiple crises, shipping remains a force of stability, continuity and cohesion. It keeps the planet connected, economies functioning and societies supplied.
Posidonia brings together the world’s leading shipping industry, the international maritime community, highlighting the strategic importance of a sector that not only transports goods and energy, but also safeguards the very functioning of the modern world.
In the current international environment, shipping operates under conditions of rising geopolitical tension. Threats to freedom of navigation and attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers have become a new reality, testing sea routes, supply chains, energy security and global economic balance.
The safe and uninterrupted operation of maritime transport is a prerequisite for human prosperity. Shipping carries food, medicines, energy, raw materials and essential goods at a scale and efficiency that cannot be substituted by any other transport system.
For this reason, maritime security is a global public good and a collective responsibility. The protection of human life at sea, of commercial vessels and of freedom of navigation must be an unequivocal obligation of the international community.
In this demanding environment, Greek shipping — representing nearly 20% of global tonnage and more than 60% of the European Union-controlled fleet — consistently confirms its strength, reliability and adaptability.
This leadership position is not reflected only in numbers. It is also reflected in the long-standing responsible and institutional stance of the Union of Greek Shipowners on all critical issues of the sector and international maritime policy. It is reflected in foresight, investment, and our ability to respond with consistency, composure and determination to constantly evolving global conditions.
At the forefront
At the same time, Greek shipping is at the forefront of the sector’s green transition, operating one of the youngest fleets globally and the largest fleet capable of using alternative fuels worldwide. Our investments in newbuildings, innovative technologies, digitalization and emissions-reduction solutions are continuous and substantial.
However, the transition to decarbonization requires realism, technological maturity and global alignment. It must not jeopardise the safety of crews and vessels, nor the sustainability of shipping and global supply chains. A truly sustainable transition must be safe, practically implementable, fair to all stakeholders and globally functional.
Recent discussions at the IMO, within the framework of MEPC 84, offer the international community a second opportunity to restore consensus and work towards a realistic, appropriate and workable global framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The ultimate success of this effort depends on the availability of safe, accessible, economically viable and sufficient alternative fuels on a global scale.
Shipping has consistently proven that it knows how to navigate responsibly even through the most turbulent waters. And it will continue to do so.
Because shipping is a force of vital continuity for the world. In times of crisis, it keeps the channels of cooperation open. In times of uncertainty, it provides stability. In times of transition, it ensures that progress can continue.
In this great global mission, Greek shipping remains at the forefront. With its seamanship, resilience and unity, it will continue to connect the world with consistency, vision and a sense of responsibility for future generations.”
Source: Naftemporiki