There is no evidence linking Greek ships to the so-called “dark fleet”

“The fact that shipping has now been instrumentalized in crises that are geopolitical and highly political in nature, while it has also been unfairly targeted, is unprecedented,” the president of the Union of Greek Shipowners Melina Travlos emphasized, adding, however, that the current crisis has given the sector greater visibility within international decision-making centers.Europe and the Importance of Greek Shipping

Travlos criticized Europe for its long-standing stance toward shipping, arguing that the importance of the sector had been consistently underestimated.

“Unfortunately, for many years Europe did not understand the importance of shipping in general,” she said, adding that Greek shipping accounts for around 61% of European shipping, while European shipping as a whole represents approximately 35% of global maritime activity. She was speaking at the energy conference organized by the Financial Times and Kathimerini.

According to Travlos, the war between Russia and Ukraine ultimately forced Europe to recognize its dependence on shipping and the broader maritime industry.

Shipping and Decarbonization

The president of the Union of Greek Shipowners also placed particular emphasis on the green transition, pointing out that shipping was the first industrial sector confronted with measurable decarbonization targets as early as 2013.

“Shipping is the most difficult sector to decarbonize,” she stressed, noting that related targets are often set before the necessary technological and energy solutions are available for implementation.

Referring to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Travlos said that decisions concerning shipping are now directly influenced by geopolitical balances between the United States, China and Europe.

“We are voicing that this solution is not feasible,” she said, adding that current international conditions are leading to a more realistic discussion regarding the decarbonization of shipping.

New Fuels and LNG

Travlos also focused on alternative marine fuels, noting that despite ongoing discussions around biofuels, ammonia, methanol and hydrogen, significant issues remain regarding both supply adequacy and safety.

“We forget that there are people onboard ships — and it is not only about the ships, but also the ports and the environment,” she remarked.

According to Travlos, LNG currently remains the only immediately available solution capable of making a meaningful contribution to emissions reduction, while she underlined that Greek shipping operates one of the youngest fleets globally.

“We have managed to reduce our carbon footprint by around 20%,” she said.

Geopolitical Crises and Global Trade

Referring to war zones and disruptions in trade routes, Travlos stressed that around 90% of global trade is transported by sea.

“We realized this during Covid, when the only means still moving was the ship,” she said, noting that maritime transport kept global supply chains operational during a period of worldwide crisis.

She emphasized that shipping is required to operate in an environment that is constantly changing and unpredictable.

“A shipowner must be an economist, engineer, sailor, insurer, cook and captain,” she said.

Tariffs and Trade Distortions

Regarding tariffs and trade tensions, Travlos warned that unilateral decisions ultimately increase costs for citizens and create distortions in competition.

She also referred to China’s strategic development in shipping and industrial production, noting that Beijing pursued a long-term policy over decades linking raw materials, manufacturing, exports and maritime transport.

Nevertheless, despite mounting pressures and geopolitical rivalries, she stressed that “ships sail, and ships will continue to sail.”

The “Shadow Fleet”

The president of the Union of Greek Shipowners also addressed the issue of the so-called “shadow fleet,” arguing that Greek shipping has been unfairly targeted.

According to Travlos, Western sanctions imposed on Russia created distortions in competition and encouraged the growth of parallel networks for transporting oil and natural gas.

“The shadow fleet is a threat to shipping,” she noted, adding that there is no evidence linking Greek vessels to the so-called “dark fleet.”

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