site mechanisms (global standards, instead of
rules with European-only scope) that will help
the shipping industry conform with environ-
mental protection rules (reduction of CO
2
emis-
sions etc.)
Although shipping is the most energy-efficient
means of transportation, the fact that 90% of
international trade is conducted through the use
of ships certainly imposes a heavier responsibil-
ity on the sector and makes it necessary for
states to be more effective in helping European
merchant fleets adapt to the corresponding
requirements.
●Shipping is an industry whose success depends
on the human factor.
In spite, though, of Europe’s long-standing
maritime tradition, these days the seafarer’s
profession is attracting less and less young
people, causing serious structural problems
and giving rise to the risk that, in the immedi-
ate future, there will be no officers and special-
ized personnel available in EU, and especially
Greek, shipping. Maritime training in Europe
has to get upgraded and adapted to the new
conditions, while it is also necessary to
improve the industry’s image, in order to offer
young people with increased incentives for
selecting ocean-going shipping.
●The simplification of administrative procedures and
the abolition of the various customs obstacles
that still exist in European ports would signifi-
cantly facilitate the work of the shipping industry
and its contribution to growth.
●Finally, the full liberalisation of international trade
would provide a major boost to the activities of
Europe’s shipping industry. Greek shipowners
and their European peers are fully in support of
the conclusion of international agreements that
would lift any existing barriers, both to the pro-
vision of maritime services (negotiations for
the Trade in Services Agreement —
TISA), and to the economic relations between
the US and the EU (Transatlantic Trade and
Investment Partnership — TTIP).
European shipowners, in general, consider ship-
ping to be a global economic activity, and the
European Union must take all measures required,
on one hand for establishing equal terms of com-
petition among Community fleets and, on the
other hand, for continuously improving the com-
petitiveness of Community shipping, so that it can
successfully stand up to international competition.
Conclusions
Thanks to massive investment, Greek shipping has
been boldly and decisively dealing with internation-
al challenges, while Greece is becoming a magnet
for attracting all types of economic activity that is
related to international maritime transport. It is now
up to the state to take the measures required for
attracting as many Greek-owned shipping opera-
tors as possible, as well as for developing the mar-
itime cluster (shipyards, charters, classification
societies, fuel trading firms, law firms, insurance
and re-insurance groups, banks etc.).
The climate that is currently prevailing —in a period
of generalized uncertainty— in shipping is captured
by the following statement of the President of the
Union of Greek Shipowners:
“Greek shipping is offering a lot to the Greek
economy and is prepared to offer even more, pro-
vided that everyone will respect the existing insti-
tutional framework that governs its operation, and
enables it to remain competitive worldwide”.
Bibliography
•“The contribution of Greek-owned ocean-going shipping
to the Greek economy” — IOVE Study (2013)
•“Posidonia 2014” — Special edition, “To Vima” newspa-
per (1/6/2014)
•Speeches made during the 1st Shipping Forum of
“Naftemboriki” newspaper (24.1.2015).
•“The value of the Greek-owned merchant fleet”, article
by Elias Bellos, “Kathimerini” newspaper (17.2.2015).
Trade with Greece
71
