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Hellenic Shipowners Association: 17 billion euros contribution to the country’s GDP in 2021

LAST UPDATE 15:15

By Anastasia Vamvaka

Greece remains the leading shipping country in the world as Greek shipowners with 5,514 ships currently control about 21% of the world fleet, in terms of tonnage (dwt). The annual report of the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association records the increase in the total capacity of the Greek-owned fleet by 45.8% compared to 2014, while even during the COVID-19 pandemic, ie from 2019, the capacity increased by 7, 4% 2.

Hellenic Shipowners Association: 17 billion euros contribution to the country's GDP in 2021

“In the fluid global environment, shipping has functioned as a beacon of stability, responding to the unprecedented conditions we are facing in recent years with the international health crisis, but also in recent months with the geopolitical crisis in Europe. Once again, its industry Aware of the fact that society as a whole does not have a complete picture of the irreplaceable and multi-level services offered by our industry, I call on all of you who belong to the shipping family, to act as messengers of the vital role of shipping internationally.Greek shipping, holding 21% of the world fleet and 59% of the Community shipping, has a responsibility to undertake and support information and enlightenment initiatives for the strategic importance of the industry, as well as for the “by the political leaders at the global level” said in her message the President of the Union, Melina Travlou

Greek shipowners control:
• 31.78% of the global oil tanker fleet

• 25.01% of the global bulk dry cargo fleet

• 22.35% of the global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) transport fleet

• 15.60% of the global fleet transporting chemicals & petroleum products

• 13.85% of the global Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) fleet

• 9.33% of the global container transport fleet

Investments in new type of ships at a steady pace

Greek shipowners are constantly investing in new, energy efficient ships and environmentally friendly equipment. The average age of the Greek-owned fleet (9.99 years) is lower than the world average (10.28 years). Shipbuilding orders from Greek shipowners amount to 173 ships (from 104 ships last year), corresponding to 17.3 million dwt3. More than a third of the oil tankers and almost one in six LNG carriers currently being built worldwide will be delivered to Greek shipowners. In addition, more than a quarter (27.6%) of Greek-owned tonnage (in dwt) falls within the scope of the Global Standard on Ship Design Energy Performance Index, a technical measure of the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO), which ensures improved energy efficiency for ships.

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Greek shipowners are steadily investing in larger ships that also have greater efficiency and environmental benefits due to economies of scale. Since 2014, the increase in capacity (in dwt) of the Greek-owned fleet is much greater than the increase in the number of ships. In 2014 the average capacity of Greek-owned ships was 71,308 dwt, while today it is estimated at 86,247 dwt, a number almost double that of the world fleet

Green transition

It is important to note that shipping is the most efficient means of freight. This is evidenced by the fact that in the last 50 years, although world maritime trade has quadrupled in volume, CO2 emissions from shipping have just doubled.

According to the President, Melina Travlou, the Greek shipping utilizing its accumulated know-how, remains a pioneer in developments always with realistic proposals and substantial goals, such as research and development of alternative marine fuels, environmentally friendly. “Shipping, as a sector, has timely adopted and implemented a truly environmental and efficient operation, which is constantly improving. The fact is that shipping drastically minimizes pollutants, while constantly investing in new, modern technologies, environmentally advanced and certified, with Greek-owned shipping starring in environmentally friendly new ships. that shipping needs international rules of operation and in no case regional measures that distort international, healthy market competition.In addition, shipping alone can not be dependent on coal. material competence, such as constructions ship engine manufacturers and fuel producers and suppliers. “Horizontal enforcement measures, such as the current European Emissions Trading Scheme, are not in line with the specific characteristics of shipping.”

Contribution to the Greek economy and society

At the national level, Greek shipping remains a strategic advantage, especially important for the Greek economy. Maritime transport contributes more than 3% of gross value added and totals about 7% of GDP (directly and indirectly), offering almost 200 thousand jobs. They also provide significant net inputs to the Greek economy. In 2021, inflows into the Greek balance of payments from maritime transport, not only exceeded the levels of 2019, after the recession caused in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, but are also the highest recorded since 2008 and amount to over 17 billion euros. It is also noteworthy that Greek shipping provides these inputs to Greece from various parts of the world.

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“At the national level, we cooperate with the State to preserve the competitiveness of the Greek-owned fleet, which is a crucial parameter for maximizing the multidimensional contribution of shipping to our country. The choice of the Greek flag, the modernization of the Greek register and the choice of Greece as the headquarters of the shipping companies are a common goal of the State and the ship “stressed Ms. Travlou adding that” our priority remains to communicate to the new generation the prospects of choosing the maritime profession. To achieve this goal, we work with the responsible bodies and State, aiming at the holistic reform of the maritime education system, in order to create the right modern bases, so that our young people, women and men, can be trained, join, as well as create and progress in our industry, reviving its seamanship of our people “.

According to the annual Report, the shipping family has raised over 80,000,000 euros, to support small and large-scale actions in areas such as food aid, social welfare, health, education, maritime education, public works and crisis management.

“The social solidarity of the Greek shipping industry has been recorded over time, both individually and collectively. For decades, both national and global institutions, organizations, programs have been funded and operate with the decisive contribution of Greek shipowners. My personal goal is for SYN-UNION to UNITE all of us, all members of the maritime community, into a common vision for a better, more humane world. “In this demanding environment, as Greek-owned shipping we declare ourselves present, strong and ready to meet national and international challenges with prudence, realism, vision and knowledge as a leading force in global shipping,” the President concludes.

Source: Capital

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