Greek-owned shipping continues to maintain its global leadership position, operating a fleet of more than 5,800 vessels and holding an orderbook of over 900 state-of-the-art ships currently under construction.“Greek shipping continues to evolve and modernize. It is also at the forefront in terms of the industry’s environmental footprint. We remain firmly committed to the maritime sector, which we experience and serve on a daily basis. We remain strong, as we always have,” stated Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, responding to a question from Naftemporiki during the Union’s press conference held at the conclusion of the international Posidonia shipping exhibition.Despite the unprecedented scale of Greek shipowners’ newbuilding programme—both in terms of volume and sustainable vessel design—the competitiveness of European shipping remains a pressing concern. As Travlos emphasized, “We must address the competitiveness of European shipping, a sector that is currently under significant pressure from competition originating in Asia. This competition is largely driven by state subsidies, which European shipping does not benefit from.”Regional Measures and Hidden CostsOne of the key challenges affecting competitiveness is the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). According to Travlos, the ETS is undermining the competitiveness of Greek shipping.Furthermore, Antonis Lemos, Vice President of the Union, noted that while the ETS directly impacts shipowners and charterers, its ultimate burden falls on European consumers. “The increase in transportation costs is ultimately passed on to European consumers, making the ETS an indirect cost for households and businesses across Europe,” he said.A Longstanding Social ContributionGreek shipping remains the only industry in Greece that delivers social impact through collective initiatives at an institutional level, according to the President of the Union. She highlighted the sector’s longstanding and substantial contribution to society, adding that “whenever extraordinary circumstances arise, we stand alongside the state and support our fellow citizens.”The Union is also placing particular emphasis on supporting younger generations and advancing education. “This year, we will implement the largest scholarship programme ever undertaken by the Union of Greek Shipowners, awarding 365 scholarships to 365 students to pursue postgraduate studies at universities around the world, across all academic disciplines,” Travlos stated.