G
reece has always been a maritime
nation. Largely based on this tradition,
its shipping industry has emerged as a
world leader and one of the two main pillars of the
Greek economy, alongside tourism. Reflecting
this fact, maritime policy has been drafted since
1936 by a dedicated Ministry located in the port of
Piraeus. Today, the main priorities of the Ministry
of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy include sup-
porting oceangoing shipping, developing cruise
shipping, facilitating investment in Greek ports
and shipyards, and upscaling maritime education.
A history of risk-taking at sea
The history, culture and economy of Greece have
always been inextricably linked to the sea and
shipping. After founding numerous colonies
throughout the Mediterranean and the Black Sea,
the ancient Greeks where the first to establish
maritime states. In fact, the very birth of democ-
racy in Athens has been partly attributed to the
need to preserve naval power, which relied on
oarsmen from the lower classes. In the centuries
that followed, all Mediterranean fleets –whether
Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Venetian, Genoese
or, indeed, pirate– relied heavily upon Greek cap-
tains, mariners and shipbuilders.
In the early 1800s, the Greek merchant navy,
already thriving under Ottoman rule, provided
decisive financing and manpower to the struggle
for Greek independence. During both World
Wars, the Greek shipping sector chose to support
the war effort of liberal democracies, suffering
immense losses of vessels. In recent decades,
Greek ship-owning family concerns, benefiting
from a centuries-old tradition of seamanship,
extensive diaspora networks, a cosmopolitan out-
look and a stable institutional framework, have
come to dominate the industry.
Today Greek-owned shipping is a world leader,
accounting for 20% of global and 50% of EU ton-
nage capacity. Despite the volatile international
environment and unstable market conditions, the
sector continues to maintain its leading role, pro-
viding high quality maritime services with a mod-
ern fleet that operates under the highest safety
Trade with Greece
18
Reaping the benefits of a long tradition,
a powerful fleet and a strategic location
Greek maritime industry
By Panagiotis Kouroumblis,
Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
