Greece targets economic boost by linking shipping sector with shipbuilding industry

A study attached to the Bank of Greece's monetary‑policy report highlights that tighter integration between the country's merchant fleet and its shipbuilding and repair sector could raise domestic value added, increase high‑spec exports and strengthen Greece’s position in heavy industry and high‑technology manufacturing.

The Greek‑owned fleet accounts for over 16 % of global tonnage, but only about one‑tenth sails under the Greek flag, while most vessels are built or repaired in East‑Asian yards that handle roughly 80 % of world shipbuilding. The report urges modernization of Greek shipyards and the development of a new Eleusis port. It notes that global shipbuilding market value is projected to grow from $207 bn in 2025 to $219 bn in 2026 and $275 bn by 2030. Maritime transport revenues contributed on average 8.2 % of Greece’s GDP (≈€18 bn a year), representing over 38 % of service‑export earnings and 19 % of total export earnings, with about 36 % of those revenues coming from Asian markets (China, Singapore, India, UAE), 22 % from Europe and 21 % from the Americas (US, Brazil).