Posidonia 2026 concludes with record participation
Posidonia 2026 concluded with record participation, featuring announcements of billions of dollars in new ship orders and major business agreements.
Two years after its previous edition, the 29th Posidonia Exhibition, widely regarded as one of the world’s most important maritime gatherings, came to a close today at the Athens Metropolitan Expo. The event set new records with more than 35,000 visitors and 2,200 exhibitors, further cementing its position as one of the shipping industry’s leading business and policy platforms.
Held against the backdrop of growing security concerns in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, rising protectionist trade policies, and the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2030 and 2050 decarbonization targets, the exhibition once again served as a key forum for shaping the future direction of global shipping.
The event concluded with the traditional press conference of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS). Addressing a large audience of international media and industry representatives, UGS President Melina Travlos answered questions on a range of issues affecting the maritime sector at national, European and global levels.
One of the defining themes of Posidonia 2026 was the industry’s transition toward zero-emission shipping. This year’s event marked the first Posidonia to be held under the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), with participants highlighting the significant impact ETS requirements are having on operating costs for European-flagged vessels and ships calling at European ports.
At a time when geopolitical developments are placing maritime transport at the center of global trade, energy security and national strategic interests, Posidonia once again proved to be more than a commercial exhibition. It provided a platform for high-level discussions on the challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of the industry.
Billion-Dollar Orders Take Center Stage
A number of major shipbuilding and investment agreements were announced throughout Posidonia week.
- Dynacom Tankers, owned by George Prokopiou, placed an order for 12 VLCCs at China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard, in a deal valued at approximately $1.47 billion.
- Hengli Heavy Industries unveiled a $2.2 billion order package involving six international shipowners and covering a range of vessel types, including containerships, tankers and bulk carriers.
- ONEX Shipyards and Antipollution, a subsidiary of V Group, signed a design and construction agreement for four environmentally friendly vessels, with options for an additional four ships, all to be built entirely in Greece.
Commenting on the event, Theodore Vokos, Managing Director of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., said Posidonia had once again served as the venue for some of the industry’s most significant commercial announcements, including newbuilding contracts, technology partnerships, classification agreements and alternative fuel initiatives.
Record Government Participation
Posidonia 2026 also welcomed a record number of government officials and representatives from international organizations, reflecting the growing recognition that maritime policy is increasingly intertwined with foreign affairs, energy transition strategies and economic sovereignty.
Posidonia 2026 was held under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Union of Greek Shipowners, with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.
