Greek shipowners currently hold the world’s largest orderbook for high-tech, advanced-specification vessels being built at Japanese, South Korean and Chinese shipyards.
The observation was made by Haralambos Fafalios during the annual general meeting of the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee in London. Fafalios, who was re-elected Chairman of the Committee, highlighted the leading position of the Greek-owned fleet on the global stage, noting that Greek shipowners are simultaneously and continuously selling older, less energy-efficient vessels across all segments and replacing them with newer and more efficient ships already in operation.
Greek seafarers
The Committee Chairman also referred to Greek seafarers and the Greek flag.
“Greek seafarers are among the greatest strengths of Greek shipping. We must continue to train new generations of Greek officers and crews capable of operating the ships of today and tomorrow and delivering the quality of management required in the modern maritime environment,” Fafalios stressed.
Regarding the Greek flag and the Greek state, he underlined that they remain an integral component of the strength and significance of the shipping sector.
However, he added, “the Greek state must do more to make the Greek flag more attractive, and this will not be achieved unless the bureaucracy associated with Greek-flagged vessels is substantially reduced.
At present, the registration and deregistration of vessels are time-consuming and…
