Greece has announced a significant increase in funding for maritime education, with an additional €90 million allocated over the next seven years to support the training of seafarers.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, who presented the plan during a ministerial conference on seafarers held in Limassol, Cyprus, under the country’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The new investment represents a 25% increase in the existing budget and is aimed at making maritime education more attractive to younger generations while encouraging both men and women to pursue long-term careers at sea.
Officials say the initiative responds to the growing need for skilled professionals in the global shipping industry, which remains a cornerstone of international trade and economic activity.
Speaking at the conference, the minister highlighted the importance of encouraging families to reconsider maritime professions as a viable and rewarding career path. He noted that the sector offers high salaries and plays a significant role in economic and social development.
He also pointed to the increasing presence of young professionals with advanced skills entering the shipping industry, saying this trend is helping to raise the profile and prestige of maritime careers.
Beyond education, the minister underlined the broader strategic importance of shipping, calling it a key driver of national and European competitiveness. He stressed the need for updated policies in areas such as ports, energy, and commercial shipping infrastructure, noting that global maritime trade accounts for the vast majority of international goods transport.
He also addressed a wider societal challenge, observing that younger generations in many countries are increasingly drawn to office-based professions, moving away from traditional sectors such as maritime work. He said efforts are underway to reverse this trend through communication and outreach.
The minister concluded by emphasizing the resilience of the maritime sector amid global geopolitical and economic uncertainty, stating that cooperation, vision, and sustained effort are essential to future progress.
