Image:UGS
Melina Travlos, recently re-elected as president of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), used the organisation’s annual general meeting to send a powerful message of unity and strength within the Greek shipping industry. Travlos, who leads the Neptune Group of Companies, secured the highest number of votes in the election, reaffirming her leadership in one of the world’s most influential maritime communities.
Speaking at the meeting on February 6, Travlos underscored the importance of solidarity among Greek shipowners, emphasizing that their collective strength is key to maintaining their global leadership. “We are united, and unity means strength. Our Union is the beacon of our solidarity. The closer we stand to the Union, the brighter our light shines, both in Greece and abroad,” she declared.
The Greek shipping sector continues to dominate the global maritime landscape, controlling over 20% of worldwide shipping tonnage and 61% of the European fleet—an impressive feat for a country that represents just 0.1% of the world’s population. Travlos highlighted this resilience in the face of intense global competition, ranging from state-backed fleets to large multinational shipping conglomerates.
The newly elected UGS board, formally assembled on February 7, includes key industry figures alongside Travlos. Michael Chandris and Andonis Lemos will serve as vice-presidents, with Nikolaos Veniamis and Dimitrios Fafalios taking on secretarial roles. John Xylas was appointed treasurer, further solidifying a leadership team focused on addressing the challenges ahead.
One of the most pressing issues discussed was decarbonisation. Travlos expressed optimism about a potential universal agreement on mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures at upcoming IMO MEPC meetings. If such an agreement is reached and implemented by March 2027, she believes it could align European Union regulations with broader global efforts, ensuring a level playing field for Greek shipowners.
Additionally, the declining number of vessels sailing under the Greek flag was a major concern. Travlos stressed the need to restore the registry’s attractiveness by modernising registration procedures through digitalisation. She called for increased support from both the state and shipowners to reverse the downward trend and maintain Greece’s strong maritime identity.
With Travlos at the helm for another term, the Greek shipping industry remains poised to navigate global challenges while reinforcing its role as a dominant force in world trade.
Source: riviera.UGS
