The year 2016 was another
one of multiple challenges for shipping but also a year, at the end of which,
Greek shipping emerged stronger both nationally and internationally. Shipping
continues to face a weak market with very poor freight rates, due to the continuing
oversupply of capacity and the resulting imbalance in supply and demand, as
well as the constraints of shrinking ship finance. The first months of 2017
have shown signs of slight recovery supported by firm activity in ship
recycling and adaptations (eg. cancellations, extensions) to shipbuilding
programmes and by the expected albeit small upward trend in world merchandise
trade.
Wider international
geopolitical developments were also significant. First and foremost, the
decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union and a few months
later the election of Donald Trump to the Presidency of the USA, both marking
the beginning of a new era for Europe and the USA. In the face of these
developments, Greek shipowners were able to retain a 20% share of global
capacity remaining active in shipbuilding and confirming their resilience but
also their inherent ability to make the most out of the high volatility of
maritime markets and the business opportunities this creates.
Furthermore, it is important
to note that the Greek Prime Minister during his inaugural speech at Posidonia
Exhibition in June 2016 paid tribute to the Greek shipping as a business
development model and praised the Greek shipowners’ characteristics, those of
extroversion, insight and innovation in investment and decision-making. It is a
common belief of the State and shipowners that Greek shipping must remain
internationally competitive so as to be able to maximize the economic,
political and strategic benefits for the country and for Europe, especially in
the face of fierce competition from major shipping centres outside Europe.
The year 2017 has been
declared «European Maritime Year». However, paradoxically, while the European
Union seeks to enhance the competitiveness of its shipping, it acts in a way
that undermines the stability of maritime activity in Europe. In this context,
the perpetuation of the investigation into the Greek shipping institutional
framework, by the services of the Directorate – General for Competition of the
European Commission, leaving a shipping community which represents 50% of the
European Union fleet in uncertainty, places half of European shipping at risk.
The prospect of relocation
to hospitable shipping countries outside Europe, or even within Europe but
outside the European Union, is no longer hypothetical. The Greek shipping
community and the Greek State share the common goal of maintaining and further
strengthening the ties of Greek shipping with its homeland. This requires
respect and continuous support for the institutional maritime framework and the
revitalization of the maritime know-how and traditions of the Greek nation. The
shipowning community is making every effort to strengthen and upgrade maritime
education and to increase the Greek seafaring workforce as long as it is
understood that the economic terms of employment must be internationally
competitive.
Furthermore, the important
work carried out by SYNENOSIS, the Greek Shipowners’ Social Welfare Association
founded in April 2016 on the initiative of the UGS, makes our sector an
exemplar of collective social solidarity. The UGS will continue to be the flag
bearer of the SYN-ENOSIS vision, promoting it to the members of the shipping
community and to our associates in the broad network of shipping activities.
The centenary celebration of the UGS on 9 November 2016, attended by the
highest institutions in the country, sent out a strong message in and outside
Greece regarding the historical character of Greek shipping as a national asset
and regarding its importance for our country.
It is our business but above
all our national aim to continue to offer our country the privilege of
possessing the world’s leading shipping industry. The historically successful
course of our sector demonstrates that we have the potential to achieve this
despite today’s complex and unpredictable economic and political environment
internationally. Representing an industry of such national and global scope is
an honour and a responsibility. The unity of the Greek shipping community
through the Union of Greek Shipowners is our collective duty and is no doubt
the most effective means of successfully achieving this common goal.
Source: hellenic
shipping news. 04 July 2017
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