“A global dynamic ecosystem that meets at Poseidonia, confirming that the heart of global seafaring beats in Greece,” said Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the opening of the international maritime exhibition ” Poseidonia 2026″.

The prime minister emphasised, among other things, that Greek shipping is a source of pride and inspiration.

“It is no coincidence that the Greek-owned fleet numbers more than 5800 ships, corresponding to 20% of global tonnage and 60% of European tonnage. For European shipping, nothing can be done for us without us,” he said.

Mitsotakis said that at a time when all economies are looking for ways to grow faster, Greek shipping functions as a multiplier.

“At the same time, Greek shipowners are expanding into the mainland with investments, while also making a significant social impact. He cited, for example, the reconstruction of approximately 50 schools in Thessaly, investments in hospitals, and emergency aid for national defense and civil protection. They are continuing the work of the nation’s benefactors,” the prime minister said.

He further added:

“Shipping stands by the State and the State stands by shipping whenever necessary. It is precisely this alliance that makes us stronger and more effective in our claims. Greek-owned shipping is a national and European asset that must be preserved, all the more so in a situation that strongly highlights the strategic and geopolitical importance of shipping.”

Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that a shock to free navigation translates into a global energy shock.

“You understand how important geopolitical and geoeconomic power our country has is the fact that 25% of the world fleet and over 80% of the European oil and LNG transport fleet belongs to our own shipowners. These are critical goods and raw materials that are transported by Greek ships. It is a factor of strength for our homeland that is linked to the resilience and strategic autonomy of Greece and Europe, making our country an important player with a key role internationally. Greece, at an unsuspecting time a few months ago, had proposed maritime safety as the central issue of its presidency of the UN Security Council.

“It is no coincidence that the Greek state decided to actively participate in Operation Shield in the Red Sea in order to practically protect freedom of navigation,” he noted, while speaking about the current presence in the area of the frigate Psaras.

He stated: “Greece is actively demanding a return to the previous status quo in the Straits of Hormuz so that there are no tolls or transit fees”.

“They should remain a free navigation channel as they were and should be restored. Greece will raise this issue in every diplomatic contact and in the UN Security Council, we have the presidency again in October,” Mitsotakis said.

The prime minister also referred to the Green Transition and said that the Greek-owned fleet is already at the forefront of this transformation.

“I believe in the Green Transition. We have transformed from an electricity importing country into a country that exports electricity to the Balkans. I am also a pragmatist. This Green Transition is necessary but in no case can it be done at the expense of the competitiveness of shipping. We must focus on achievable goals. Global shipping contributes to carbon dioxide emissions by just under 2% while transporting 90% of global trade. Until this transition is mature, let us chart a path that is economically sensible and does not place an additional burden on global shipping. If we want Europe to remain a thriving economy, we must take off our blinders,” Mitsotakis said, noting that he takes it for granted that the objections of other shipping states to the final agreement will also be taken into account.

“Shipping is a sector of strategic importance for Europe. It cannot be addressed with horizontal policies,” he said.

“At a national level, this government can be proud of the revival of Greek shipyards. They are creative hives by the sea that offer jobs and good wages to workers. We are also proud of the dynamics of the ports. We must also stand on the smallest island port. We are proud of our coastal shipping. We are particularly proud of Piraeus. And this message must become the property of society. Let us begin a great effort to make seafaring attractive to the new generation. It is a bet that we must win together. Artificial Intelligence is already being utilized. The human factor at sea will always be decisive. Our homeland has also attracted the management of third-party ship interests. We have everything needed to simultaneously make the Greek flag an attractive choice,” said Mitsotakis.

The Prime Minister expressed optimism that Greek men and women will continue to dominate the oceans.

“The insight, realism and boldness that brought Greek shipping to the top will continue to be the great weapons. The Greek state will continue to be an ally. Treating shipping as a unique global advantage for our homeland. Together we can achieve a lot and go even further. Good luck to Poseidonia and good seas to everyone,” Mitsotakis noted at the end of his speech.