The pivotal role of Greek shipping in the new energy architecture of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean was highlighted by Dr. Nikos Tsakos, founder and CEO of Tsakos Energy Navigation, during the second panel of Naftemporiki’s 10th Shipping Conference titled “Greece as an Energy Hub.”Dr. Tsakos underlined that shipping operates with a long-term strategic outlook rather than a short-term profit mentality.“It is important that our industry is not penalized, but supported,” he noted, emphasizing that shipping investments are based on long-term contracts and planning horizons that span decades.As he explained, profits from oil are not driven by day-to-day speculation, but are built gradually through stability and continuity.
“Greek shipowners can play a leading role in FSRUs”Responding to a question on whether it is realistic for Greek shipowners to invest in FSRUs, Dr. Tsakos expressed strong optimism.As he noted, Greek shipowners have consistently been at the forefront of innovation, while his company gained experience in FSUs in China as early as five years ago, with highly successful results.“There is significant future potential here,” he said, explaining that a significant part of first-generation LNG carriers will eventually require repurposing, with FSRUs representing a natural solution.He stressed that although Greece is not an oil-producing country, it holds an exceptionally important position in global energy transportation.“Greece accounts for approximately 30% of the transportation of energy products worldwide,” he said, highlighting the strategic importance of infrastructure such as Alexandroupolis and Revithoussa.At the same time, he underlined that a genuine energy hub cannot exist without a strong shipbuilding industry and the appropriate infrastructure.“We support the Greek shipyards, which of course must keep prices at reasonable levels,” he noted, adding that the presence of high-quality shipyards in Greece constitutes a significant competitive advantage.
