A report by Allied QuantumSea, the research arm of Greece-based Allied Shipbroking, reports that Greek shipowners and interests retain first place for new orders of ships and for the purchase of secondhand ships, and specifically in the period between May 2023 to May 2024, according to a report in the Athens mass daily Ta Nea.

Ta Nea also highlights that Greek shipowners are atop of the category in terms of vessel sales, a figure that points to a trend of modernizing their fleets.

Specifically, Greek shipowners have placed orders for 191 new ships, comprised of 64 dry bulk carriers, 92 tankers and 28 liquefied natural gas and LPG carriers.

In terms of secondhand purchases, the Greek shipping industry has purchased 266 ships, comprised of 183 bulk carriers and 58 tankers.

Japanese and Chinese shipping companies hold second and third place, respectively, in terms of new ship orders, having purchased 125 ships and 122 ships the past year.

Ta Nea also highlighted a Lloyds report, which reveals that Greek interests own more than 5,500 ships, representing 20.2% of the world’s ocean-going transport capacity.

Within the European Union context, Greek shipping controls an estimated 61% of the Union’s merchant fleet, led by LNG carriers, dry bulk carriers and tankers.