Greece still holds the top position as the world's leading shipowning nation.

The annual report for 2022 - 2023 by the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) showed that the country's owners are in charge of a staggering 21% of the global merchant fleet in terms of deadweight tonnage with a total of 5,520 ships.

The Greek merchant fleet has experienced impressive growth over the past decade, with a significant increase of 50% in its vessel count.

Additionally, the report highlights that Greek investors are making significant investments in new buildings, with a total of 241 vessels currently on order as of April 2023.

These vessels have a combined weight of approximately 19 million deadweight tons.

"This represents a significant increase of 40% compared to the previous year’s order book (173 ships), attesting to the Greek shipping sector being the frontrunner also in fleet renewal," the report said.

It is estimated that more than 40% of oil tankers and almost one out of 6 LNG carriers being built today will be delivered to Greek shipowners. Moreover, the average age of the Greek-owned fleet, around 10 years, is lower than the global average of almost 11 years.

The latest UGS data also shows that Greek owners have a significant hold on the EU-controlled fleet's total capacity.

Greek shipowners control 80% of the EU-controlled bulk carriers, 73% of the EU-controlled oil tankers, 85% of the EUcontrolled LNG carriers and 17% of the EUcontrolled containerships.

It added that more than 1/3 of the Greek-owned fleet flies an EU Member State flag, thereby further supporting the sector’s added value to the EU economy. 

The transport of essential goods heavily relies on Greek shipping, which has a significant presence in the world's shipping industry.

Greek shipping companies control a staggering 31.27% of the world's oil tanker fleet, 25.32% of the world's bulk carriers, 22.65% of LNG carriers, 15.79% of chemical and product tankers, 11.46% of LPG carriers, and 8.92% of the world's containerships.

The report noted that the Greek shipping community invests heavily in new, more advanced ships and technologies which improve efficiency and minimize the industry's environmental footprint.

"In the current challenging environment, it is vital we work together with a common vision. Concerted and concrete actions are required to maintain our historical seamanship and advance our industry whilst, in parallel, maintaining our leadership and positioning ourselves for an ever-changing global status quo. Our goal is to safeguard Greek shipping, to safeguard our national assets," said Melina Travlos, the president of the Union of Greek Shipowners.