Greek shipowners transport 20% of Chinese cargo

A four-point maritime message to Greece and Greek shipowners, who transport over 20% of China’s cargo, was sent by the Chinese ambassador to Athens, Mr. Fang Qiu, in an event organized by the China Classification Society (CCS), the XRTC and the Huayang Maritime Center for the new year.

Mr. Fang Qiu stated that China and Greece are major maritime countries. In other words, he added, there are conditions for deepening their cooperation in the maritime sector.

In particular:

First, China warmly welcomes Greek shipowners to participate in the transportation of Chinese imports and exports. China has been the world’s leading trading power for nine consecutive years and has become a key trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions. This strong and ever-increasing demand creates significant opportunities for international shipping. China is ready to share these opportunities with all countries, including Greece, and looks forward to strengthening cooperation between Greek shipowners and Chinese shipping companies.

Second, China is willing to enhance cooperation with Greece in shipbuilding and ship repair. Chinese shipyards are distinguished by their short delivery times, high cost-effectiveness and flexible management. At the same time, China has made significant progress in the construction of high-tech ships, including LNG carriers and large tankers. This year, its shipyards have again recorded a significant increase in orders, reflecting the strong market confidence in the Chinese shipbuilding sector. I would like to emphasize that Chinese shipyards are ready to provide high-quality services to Greek shipowners.

ΔΙΑΒΑΣΤΕ ΕΠΙΣΗΣ

Όταν ο Καραμανλής κάλεσε τον Χανδρή

Third, China is willing to support Greece in strengthening its own capabilities in shipbuilding and ship repair. At the same time, China welcomes the entry of Greek shipbuilding components and systems into the Chinese market. The Chinese Embassy is ready to facilitate cooperation between the two countries in these areas.

Fourth, China is ready to work with its Greek partners to address the challenges of the green transition in shipping. Although the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently decided to postpone the discussion of the Net-Zero Framework for one year, this does not constitute a rejection of the decarbonization of shipping, but reflects the need to further study and improve relevant measures. China seeks to deepen investment and technological cooperation with Greece in the field of green shipping, jointly promote the production and use of green marine fuels, and formulate objective, rational and realistic positions in the international community.

The role of the Greeks

The new director of the Chinese Classification Society in Greece, Cui Yuwei, focused on the role played by the Greek shipping community in transporting cargo for China. As he said, they transport more than 20% of China’s cargo. Approximately 50% of the transport of energy cargo, such as crude oil, refined products and natural gas, related to China’s imports and exports, is carried out by Greek ships, he underlined.

The Greek fleet also transports key bulk cargoes such as iron ore, coal and grain. According to 2025 data, around 30% of the volume of cargoes such as bauxite and LNG carried by Greek shipowners is directly linked to the Chinese market. The Greek fleet has a world-leading safety record, with no major accidents reported in 2025. The average annual operating time (days at sea) is 320 days, compared to an industry average of 290 days. In the Port State Control (PSC) records of the China Maritime Safety Authority, the Greek fleet maintains a high operational efficiency and safety performance, thanks to a high level of compliance and effective management.

The importance of Piraeus’ port

Regarding the China-Greece cooperation on the Port of Piraeus, Mr. Cui Yuwei emphasized that it is developing into a model of international cooperation. “Piraeus is emerging as the largest container port in the Mediterranean and the fourth largest in Europe, having indirectly created more than 12,000 jobs in Greece and substantially contributing to the increase in the country’s GDP.” He also noted that it has been described by the Greek ambassador to China as a “model of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation” between our two countries.

The “China-Europe Land-Sea Express Transport Corridor”, with Piraeus as its hub, has reduced logistics time between Asia and Europe by 7-11 days, constituting a “third trade corridor” connecting the Maritime and Land Silk Roads and extending to Central and Eastern Europe.

Turning point

The shipping industry is currently at a critical turning point. According to George Xiradakis, Founder and CEO of XRTC, regulatory reforms, decarbonization, digitalization and risk management frameworks are reshaping the way ships are designed, financed, classified and operated.

In recent years, he added, cooperation between China and Greece in the shipping sector has reached a new level of maturity and scale. Greek shipping leads the world in the ownership of large, high-value merchant ships, while Chinese shipping is distinguished by fleet expansion, large-scale shipbuilding production and integration into global logistics networks.

This cooperation has extended far beyond traditional trade ties, covering shipbuilding, shipping financing, technical services and long-term fleet development strategies. Today, 63% of new ship orders by Greek shipowners are built in China. Together, Greek and Chinese shipping interests control almost 34% of global ship tonnage.

Chinese shipyards have become a strategic destination for Greek shipowners, not only due to their capacity and cost efficiency, but increasingly due to their technological superiority, environmental performance and the possibility of customized ship design. At the same time, cooperation in maritime financing through Chinese financial institutions and innovative leasing structures, and Greek maritime know-how, continue to enhance fleet renewal and long-term investments.