With a record number of exhibitors and a packed conference programme Posidonia’s 28th edition welcomes global maritime community to home of shipping

In the presence of Greek Prime Minister Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek and international ministers, European officials and presidents of all major international shipping organisations, Posidonia 2024 was officially inaugurated during a ceremony held at the main conference hall of the Athens Metropolitan Expo.

Posidonia 2024 is the biggest in the biennial event’s six decades of existence with over 2,000 exhibitors from 82 countries and 23 national pavilions ready to showcase their offering on Posidonia’s exhibition floor, which proved too small to meet this year’s demand for space. Furthermore, a total of 68 maritime conferences, forums and seminars are scheduled to take place.

Organisers are prepared to welcome at the venue more than 40,000 participants during the week ahead and say that Posidonia 2024 is expected to generate some Euro 80 million revenue for the Greek economy mainly for the hospitality, MICE, transportation and F&B sectors. 

Addressing representatives of Greek and international media as well as more than 800 senior leaders from the global maritime community who attended the opening ceremony, the Greek Prime Minister said: “There is no doubt that the field that you lead is facing changes that will determine the future or maritime transport. I want you to know that I will stand by your side in every battle that the Greek shipping industry will fight in order to enhance this value chain, which is centered on our country: from the green transition to safe ports and from the rejuvenation of Greek shipyards to the infusion of our workforce with the skills that developments impel.”

And he added: “At a time when Europe is seeking to define the concept of strategic autonomy, the time has come for it to understand that shipping, European shipping, Greek shipping which constitutes the most significant force within European shipping, will play a crucial role in this strategic autonomy.”

On her part, Ms Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners said: “Shipping is the backbone of humanity. It guarantees the survival, the subsistence, and the prosperity of the global community under any circumstances. A reality that has been so for millennia, but without true recognition of its profoundness and significance.”

She added: “Posidonia fosters the dialogue and the exchange of views, it generates business opportunities, and presents innovations and proposals that respond to the current situation and the demands of the global shipping community.”

On behalf of the organisers, Theodore Vokos, Managing Director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., said: “We often refer to the achievements of our industry as ‘the miracle of Greek shipping’. It is tempting to do so when one tries to understand how a small nation of 12 million people can be home to the largest and most modern fleet in the world – over six thousand ocean going vessels, tankers, container ships, bulk carriers, and others, trading around the globe and keeping the world economy ticking.

“This ‘miracle’ originates in our country’s seafaring traditions, going back thousands of years, utilising the flexibility of the Greek family business and allowing innovation to grow while looking at a world without borders.”

He added: “As organisers of Posidonia, we are proud that through our exhibition, the sporting and social events and the many conferences and seminars, we are showcasing the achievements of shipping and the benefits it brings to Greece and to the wider world.”

Posidonia is the first exhibition in Greece to receive ISO certification as a sustainable event, underscoring the organisers’ commitment to minimising environmental impact and maximising economic benefits for the local economy and businesses.

Posidonia 2024 is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Union of Greek Shipowners and with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.