A landmark occasion for both Greek and global shipping occurred when Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners Association, delivered a keynote address during a high-level debate on maritime security, as part of Greece’s Presidency of the United Nations Security Council. Chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the meeting highlighted Travlos’s powerful message on the critical issue of maritime security.
In his address, UN Secretary-General António Guterres made a universal appeal for unity and collaboration, urging all nations to uphold the mission of the United Nations and work together to protect freedom of navigation—a shared responsibility fundamental to peace and humanity.
“The seas must remain open, free, and safe for everyone,” Travlos emphasized.
She highlighted Greece’s rich maritime heritage, noting that over 20% of global shipping and 60% of the European fleet originate from the country. “This is not merely a point of national pride; it represents our deep maritime legacy,” she stated.
“The security of our seas affects everyone”
Travlos asserted, “The security of our seas affects everyone, everywhere,” and remarked that this crucial issue has been overlooked for too long. She emphasized the seas’ vital role in global trade, which binds economies and fosters societal growth.
With 110,000 ships at sea transporting 90% of the world’s trade efficiently and affordably, she noted that over 12 billion tons of goods—from raw materials to essential medicines—are in constant motion, including critical submarine cables.
“At the core of our industry are 2 million sailors working tirelessly,” she pointed out, stressing that if global shipping were to halt, the repercussions would be immediate, impacting trade worldwide within just 90 days.
“Shipping is not merely a mode of trade; it serves as a silent protector of global prosperity and unites nations,” she declared.
Highlighting shipping’s crucial role during the pandemic in maintaining supply chains and delivering medicines, she lamented that sailors often lacked access to necessary medical care.
She also mentioned that commercial vessels frequently engage in rescue missions, but stressed that such ships are not designed for this role. “Nations must take on this responsibility,” she urged.
“Shipping never sails in calm waters”
“Shipping never sails in calm waters; we are perpetually navigating storms. Today, threats extend beyond mere natural disasters. The industry faces economic and political exploitation,” she noted.
She raised concerns about piracy, which remains a persistent threat to ships and cargo, and referenced the geopolitical instability that heightens risks at sea, including attacks on commercial vessels with military weaponry. Travlos also addressed alarming issues such as trafficking in arms, drugs, and human beings.
Moreover, she underscored the emerging threat of cyberwarfare, explaining that a cyberattack could immobilize a ship, compromise sensitive information, and cause environmental disasters, compounded by vulnerabilities introduced by Artificial Intelligence.
“We are continuously refining our practices, adhering to global regulations, and collaborating with naval forces in high-risk areas; when necessary, we also implement our own security measures, including armed guards on merchant vessels,” she stated.
“A global commitment is needed”
However, she cautioned that “while shipping has demonstrated resilience, we cannot expect it to resolve all of these issues independently.” “A global commitment is essential to prioritize maritime security,” she added, calling for the establishment of a robust maritime security system to uphold freedom of navigation.
“We must take action. I would like to use the Greek term ‘synergeia’ to illustrate how we can achieve maritime security,” she concluded, expressing gratitude for the UN’s support and appreciating the personal commitment demonstrated by the UN Secretary-General.
