Greece Retains Title as World’s Largest Shipping Power
Greece Retains Title as Shipping Powerhouse in 2025
Greece has once again been recognized as the world’s leading shipping nation, according to the latest report from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for 2025. Together with China and Japan, Greece controls over 40% of the global shipping capacity, significantly influencing international trade and energy flows. This dominance is attributed to Greece’s strategic investments and deep-rooted maritime tradition.
Global Fleet Ownership Rankings for 2025
The latest data reveals the top ten shipping nations ranked by fleet ownership and deadweight tonnage (DWT), a crucial measure of a nation’s shipping capacity. Greece’s fleet continues to excel in DWT, showcasing its focus on larger vessels that cater to high-volume global trade routes. Despite China operating more than double the number of ships, Greek-owned vessels dominate in terms of carrying capacity, underscoring the effectiveness of Greek shipping strategies.
How Greece Maintains Its Shipping Dominance
Greece’s position as a shipping leader is rooted in a combination of historical expertise and strategic foresight. The country has a long-standing maritime tradition that informs its current shipping practices. Greek shipowners have effectively diversified their investments across various vessel types, including tankers, bulk carriers, and LNG carriers, ensuring resilience in fluctuating markets.
While Greece leads in capacity, China and Japan are also enhancing their shipping capabilities. China is rapidly expanding its fleet through both state-owned and private enterprises, while Japan focuses on innovation in shipbuilding and energy efficiency. Together, these nations reflect the growing influence of Asia in global shipping, which now accounts for over 50% of the commercial fleet.
Greece’s enduring maritime legacy positions it at the center of global trade dynamics, where control over shipping fleets translates into significant strategic influence over energy and raw material markets. As the landscape of global shipping evolves, Greece remains a pivotal player in shaping the future of international commerce.
