725 vessels of Greek interest, with a total capacity of 70 million dwt (a figure 13 million higher than one year ago ), are under construction around the world, at a total cost of US$60 billion.

The Greek-owned merchant fleet has a capacity of over 458 million dwt.

Greek shipowners are continuing to invest heavily in newbuild ships and equipment, as figures show that they remain frontrunners in fleet renewal. Investment by Greek shipowners in newbuildings is increasing again this year. Currently, 725 vessels of Greek interest, with a total capacity of 70 million dwt (a figure 13 million higher than one year ago), are under construction around the world, at a total cost of US$60 billion.

The Greek orderbook 

The Greek orderbook has grown exponentially compared to 2021, with a sevenfold increase in the number of vessels and a fivefold surge in capacity. Investment in various types of vessels by Greek shipowners is continuing, with a particular focus on tankers, bulk carriers, and LNG carriers. There has also been an increase in orders for containerships.

Greek shipping

Greek shipping is becoming more environmentally friendly every year, with an increase in the use of all types of equipment. For instance, whereas in early 2024 one in three Greek-owned vessels was equipped with at least one energy-saving technology, this figure has now surpassed 50%.

 The annual report for 2025-2026

According to the annual report for 2025-2026 of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), the Greek-owned fleet is made up of almost 5,800 vessels. This means that the Greek-owned fleet accounts for 19.1% of the global tonnage and 61% of the EU-controlled merchant fleet.

Related : ABS : Urge Greek Maritime Leaders to Align Strategy with Regulation

The Greek-owned merchant fleet 

Greek shipping dominates several key categories, holding the following shares of the global fleet:
- 22% in dwt (with 2,766 bulk carriers)
- 26% in oil tankers (with 1,064 vessels)
- 8% in containerships (with 527 vessels)
- 16% in chemical tankers (with 574 vessels)
- 23% in LNG carriers (with 172 vessels)
- 4% in general cargo (with 261 vessels)
- 11% in LPG carriers (with 157 vessels)
- 8% in vehicle carriers (with 77 vessels)
- N/A in other fleets (with 200 vessels). The total number of vessels currently stands at 5,798.

Unlike its main peers, Greek shipping primarily serves the external trade of other nations. More than 98% of its capacity is used to transport goods to and from third countries. In 2025, Greek-owned vessels made over 175,000 port calls in 171 countries worldwide. 

Greek shipbuilding: A national asset.

Greek shipping is still a valuable national asset for Greece. It has a significant impact on the country's economy, contributing to GDP and supporting employment. It is estimated that 6% of all private-sector jobs in Greece are shipping-related. 

investment by the Greek shipowning community

At the same time, the Greek shipowning community is investing almost US$1.5 billion, primarily in sectors such as real estate, hospitality, energy, banking, media, and sports. On average, it also donates US$500 million each year in support of social welfare initiatives.

Discussions on reducing GHG emissions from ships 

New discussions on reducing GHG emissions from ships – what the UGS says. In its 2025–26 report, the Union of Greek Shipowners also referred to the new round of discussions on reducing GHG emissions from ships. Following the outcome of IMO MEPC 84 in April/May 2026, a new round of discussions has been initiated.

The report says that this is a second chance for meaningful talks to create realistic and useful proposals for reaching a globally accepted agreement. Reports emphasise that any such agreement must take into account the unique characteristics of the shipping industry and the realities of the supply chain. They also stress that without affordable, scalable, low- and zero-carbon fuels that are available worldwide, full decarbonisation of the sector will remain an unattainable goal.

About the Union of Greek Shipowners

First established in 1916, the UGS represents Greek-owned and managed vessels from Greece over 3,000 gt under Greek and other European and third country flags. The UGS has traditionally supported and fostered policies ensuring a truly competitive business environment, free trade, global rules and regulations, and, first and foremost, safety of life at sea and a sustainable environment.

With headquarters in Piraeus and permanent representatives in Brussels and Washington D.C., the UGS closely follows developments in the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and other global bodies. The UGS is a member of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) and participates in the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the Economic and Social Council of Greece (ESC). The UGS is also a member of the Arctic Economic Council (AEC).

The UGS is active in engaging with international and EU institutions and stakeholders. It maintains a close working relationship with sector-specific industry organisations, such as INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, and with BIMCO, as well as with other national shipowners' associations. The UGS also regularly has meetings with the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) and individual classification societies. In addition, the UGS regularly visits the U.S. and meets with the Administration and Congress in order to promote common strategic interests and a better understanding of maritime issues of mutual concern.

The UGS also maintains long-standing close relations with the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the London-based Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee (GSCC), and the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), raising environmental awareness regarding the protection of the marine environment in Greece and abroad.

Source : Shipping Telegraph + Others

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