Piraeus, Greece – June 4, 2026 – The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, delivered a keynote address at the Xinde Marine Forum Athens 2026, held in Piraeus (PPA S.A.) as part of Posidonia 2026. His remarks focused on the enduring strength of Greek shipping, the strategic significance of Piraeus, and the challenges presented by current geopolitical instability to global trade and shipping.
Greek Shipping’s Global Leadership and Economic Impact
Minister Kikilias underscored the global position of Greek-owned shipping, which accounts for approximately 20%-21% of global tonnage and 61% of the fleet controlled by European Union member states. He attributed this success to a rich tradition, diligent work at sea, in ports, and in trade, deeply embedded in Greek culture. Shipping, alongside tourism, services, and real estate, stands as a crucial pillar of Greece’s GDP, contributing around 7-8% of the national GDP and supporting approximately 200,000 well-paid jobs.
The Minister highlighted that Attica, from north to south and from east to west, has been
