TThe 29th edition of the biennial Posidonia Expo concluded today at the Athens Metropolitan Gallery, cementing its position as the world’s leading maritime business platform and the primary forum for setting the policy agenda for an industry that transports 87% of global trade.
Against a backdrop of unprecedented geopolitical and regulatory pressures – from disruptions in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, protectionist trade policies to the accelerating and controversial decarbonisation schedule under the IMO 2030/2050 Convention – this year’s event demonstrated that the global shipping community is looking to Greek shipping not just to do business, but to find its compass and achieve alignment.
The highly anticipated press conference of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), held within the framework of Posidonia 2026, brought the global gathering of the shipping community to a close in Greece.
In a packed room, in the strong presence of Greek and international media representatives, the President of the Hellenic Shipowners Association, Melina Travlos, answered questions covering the entire scope of the shipping industry at national, European and international levels.
The transition to zero-emission shipping was prominent on the agenda over the five days, with the 2026 edition marking the first Posidonia to be held entirely within the EU Emissions Trading System for Shipping – a regulatory reality that has radically changed the economics of operating ships for European flagged and European liaison fleets.
More than any previous iteration, Posidonia 2026 is set against a geopolitical landscape that places shipping squarely at the intersection of global trade, security, and sovereignty. With seafarers’ lives increasingly at risk, supply chains strained, trade routes under threat, and tariff regimes in flux, the exhibition hall became an arena not only for trade but also for strategic recalibration.
The strength of Greek shipowners and the potential of Greece’s shipbuilding sector were on display during Posidonia Week with a series of new business deals. George Procopio’s Dynacom Tankers led the charge with a $1.47 billion order for 12 VLCCs at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Company in China. Hengli Heavy Industries has announced a $2.2 billion package comprising 21 firm orders plus four options across six international shipowners, covering container ships, kamsarmax and capesize bulk carriers, LR2 product tankers and suezmax crude oil tankers – with Greek owners prominently represented across multiple vessel types, including Venergy Maritime’s new suezmax vessels. Also, ONEX Shipyards has signed a 4+4 design and build contract with V Group’s Antipollution company for eco-friendly ships to be built entirely in Greece at Elefsina and Syros.
“As with every edition, Posidonia 2026 served as the venue for the maritime industry’s most important commercial announcements, with major transactions concluded via newbuild orders, technology partnerships, classification agreements and fuel conversion initiatives,” said Theodor Vokos, Managing Director of Posidonia Exhibitions SA.
The 2026 edition was characterized by an unprecedented focus on high-level government and intergovernmental engagement, reflecting the growing recognition among world leaders that shipping policy cannot be separated from foreign policy, energy transition and economic sovereignty.
Posidonia 2026 is organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Hellenic Shipowners Association, and with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Hellenic Maritime Cooperation Committee.
Source: Posidonia Gallery
