Greek orderbook exceeds 700 ships

The data in the monthly report of Xclusiv Shipbrokers for December record a clear strategic choice: fleet renewal, emphasis on efficiency and positioning in markets of timeless importance for global trade.

In an environment of increased uncertainty – from geopolitical tensions to the transition to stricter environmental standards – Greek shipowners not only did not “step on the brakes”, but methodically increased their orders, strengthening their position in key shipping segments.

Tankers are the protagonists

The most impressive picture is recorded in tankers. With 317 tankers on order, Greek shipowners control approximately 25% of the global tanker orderbook, maintaining their global lead.

The Greek presence in bulk carriers also remains strong, with 169 ships under construction, corresponding to approximately 12% of the global orderbook.

The distribution reveals a clear preference for Panamax, Kamsarmax and Post-Panamax, which account for almost 60% of Greek orders in the segment.

This choice is not accidental. These sizes offer flexibility, better energy efficiency and easier adaptation to future fuels.

At the same time, the global bulker fleet has an average age of 12.4 years, with over 28% of ships being over 16 years old, which creates the ground for a wave of replacement in the coming years.

In the container ship market, Greek orders amount to 141 containerships or approximately 11% of the global total.

The strategy is clearly selective: Feeder and Neo-Panamax ships dominate, covering a total of over 70% of Greek orders.

At a global level, the containership orderbook has skyrocketed to 34% of the active fleet in TEUs, with the average age reaching 13.8 years and almost 46% of the ships being over 16 years old.

The Greek strategy reflects the need for renewal, but also the shift to markets with stable demand, such as regional and main international routes.

Long-term investments

The presence of Greeks in gas carriers is also of particular importance. In LNG carriers, Greek orders reach 54 ships, representing approximately 18% of the global orderbook, with the vast majority in the 141,000-200,000 cubic meter sizes.

The average age of the global LNG fleet is only 9.8 years, however the orderbook remains high, confirming the long-term importance of natural gas in the energy mix.

Correspondingly, in LPG carriers, the Greeks have 46 ships under construction or 15% of the global orderbook, with an emphasis on VLGCs, which constitute the backbone of the international LPG trade.

The picture emerging from the Greek orderbook of 727 ships is not accidental.

On the contrary, it reflects a coherent strategy: investment in newer technology ships, differentiation by segment and preparation for a more demanding regulatory and environmental environment.

In an era where global shipping is changing, Greek shipowners are showing that they are choosing to be not just present, but ahead of developments.