Greek Merchant Navy

The Hellenic Merchant Navy refers to the merchant navy of Greece, engaged in commerce and transportation of goods and services universally. It consists of the merchant vessels owned by Greek civilians, flying either the Greek flag or a flag of convenience. As of 2020, Greece is the largest ship owner country in the world in terms of tonnage; with a total deadweight tonnage of 364 million tons and 4,901 Greek-owned vessels. Greece is a maritime nation by tradition, as shipping is arguably the oldest form of occupation of the Greeks and a key element of Greek economic activity since the ancient times. Today it is the second largest contributor to the national economy after tourism. The Greek fleet flies a variety of flags; however, some Greek shipowners gradually return to Greece following the changes to the legislative framework governing their operations and the improvement of infrastructure.

History

Greece is a maritime nation by tradition, as shipping is arguably the oldest form of occupation of the Greeks and has been a key element of Hellenic economic activity since ancient times. The Greeks continued to be involved and play a major role in shipping during the Byzantine period as well as during the Ottoman period, and Greek ships could be found especially in the ports of the eastern Mediterranean.

In 1860s and after the War of Independence, the financial crisis saw some of these businesses collapse Nonetheless, the tradition of endowment continued, and it was shipping that funded institutions such as the National Library of Greece.

During the Second World War the Greek shipping companies were seen operating in the Allied areas and placing their fleets under control of the British Merchant Marine.

After the end of World War II the Greek-run fleets were able to re-establish themselves under their national flag. The changing dynamics saw them more closely aligned to their own national state, and the establishment of the Greek Merchant Marine service.

Development in Asia

Greek firms have managed to capture the expansion of Asia, particularly China. It is mostly the dry bulk shipping firms that have benefited from the development, since iron ore and coal are the two major resources that are required for a country's infrastructure to be taken to the next level. Since 2000, China has provided lucrative contracts both on the spot, and time charter market for dry bulk shipowners. As a result, many new shipping tycoons were created.

Shipowners

Traditionally Greek shipping has been run as a family business, with family members located in key ports or in key positions, and in the past with marriages cementing relationships between commercial dynasties. These close-knit families have allowed financially sensitive information to be kept within the local community, with many transactions kept within trusted family networks. Some historic shipping families include:

From the 18th century:
* Kountouriotis from Hydra (island)
* Miaoulis (Vokos) from Hydra (island)

19th century:
* Embirikos from Andros
* Goulandris from Andros
*Kourtzis from Lesbos
*Lemos from Oinousses
*Lyras family from Oinousses
* Mavroleon family from Kasos
*Rethymnis family from Kasos
*Hadjilias family from Kasos
*Kulukundis family from Kasos
*Hadjipateras from Oinousses
*Pateras

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