The Greek shipping sector increased its tonnage by 42% since 2015

Greek shipping industry has achieved a remarkable 42% growth in capacity since 2015. Greek shipowners manage a fleet of 5,691 vessels, representing 20% of global tonnage and over 60% of the European Union’s maritime capacity.

Greek shipowners control a substantial percentage of global fleet share:

• Oil tankers: 29.2% of global share.

• Oil carriers: 24.9% of global share.

• LNG carriers: 24.5% of global share.

• Chemical & product tankers:  15.4% of global share.

• LPG carriers: 11% of global share.

• Containerships: 8.1% of global share.

The Greek shipping sector contributes between 7–8% of national GDP, with more than € 150 billion entering the domestic economy over the past decade. A recent study by McKinsey estimates that Greek shipping revenues total $ 40–50 billion annually, with approximately $ 14 billion reinvested within Greece. The Greek shipping sector currently supports an estimated 150,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

Greece also has a major ship management sector, comprising over 750 companies managing thousands of vessels, according to McKinsey.

In recent years, Greek shipowners have reinvested significantly in domestic sectors such as tourism, real estate, and renewable energy, investing more than $1.4 billion annually in non-shipping investments. Among the most famous tourism investments by ship-owning families in Greece include the Costa Navarino tourism complex in Messinia.

The Greek shipping industry is responsible for transporting a significant share of the European Union’s essential imports. Greek shipowners support over 75.5% of the EU’s external trade. In 2023, Greek-owned vessels delivered 40% of Europe’s crude oil imports and 30% of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Despite global decarbonization targets, geopolitical instability, and regulatory challenges, Greece’s shipping continues to modernize. Greek shipowners are investing in newer, more efficient ships and technologies to reduce the environmental footprint of shipping and improve overall sustainability. 

Source:

Union of Greek Shipowners annual report

McKinsey Greek Shipping: Success Factors and Opportunities  30 July 2024

Greek shipping has grown 42% since 2015  03 August 2025

McKinsey report underlines massive role of Greek shipping home and abroad  12 February 2025