
Greek shipping companies have a long history of innovation and growth. They are among the largest and most successful in the world.
The country's strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it an ideal hub for international trade. Greek shipping companies have taken advantage of this location to establish themselves as major players in the global shipping industry.
The Greek shipping industry is dominated by family-owned companies, with many having been in operation for generations. This family-run approach has allowed them to maintain a strong sense of tradition and community.
Greek shipping companies are known for their expertise in tanker shipping, with many specializing in the transportation of crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas.
Greek Shipping Companies Overview
The Greek shipping industry is a significant sector, with a total of 2,507 shipping companies operating in the country. Piraeus is the largest province, accounting for 29% of the market share.
Piraeus is home to 723 shipping companies, making it a hub for maritime activity. Athens follows closely with 333 shipping companies, while Amarousio has 221 shipping companies.

The top 50 largest shipping companies in Greece are a mix of local and international players. ATTICA FERRIES MARITIME SINGLE MEMBER S.A. is one of the largest, operating out of Kallithea.
Here is a list of the top 10 largest shipping companies in Greece:
- ATTICA FERRIES MARITIME SINGLE MEMBER S.A. Kallithea
- GIANNAKOS, TH., SINGLE MEMBER P.C. Karditsa
- ARGO S.A. Kalymnos
- HELLENIC SEAWAYS MARITIME SINGLE MEMBER S.A. Kallithea
- AEGEAN OIL S.A. Peiraias
- ELIN SHIPPING COMPANY Kifisia
- HELLENIC TUGS VERNICOS – KARAPIPERIS – LYBOUSSAKIS – MEGATUGS TOWAGE & SALVAGE Perama
- SUPERFAST ENDEKA HELLAS INC Kallithea
- THESSALONIKI PORT AUTHORITY S.A. Thessaloniki
- HERAKLION PORT AUTHORITY S.A. Irakleio
Company Profiles
Greek shipping companies are a vital part of the country's economy, with many operating globally. Attica Ferries Maritime Single Member S.A. is one such company, based in Kallithea.
Some notable shipping companies in Greece include Attica Ferries Maritime Single Member S.A., Gianakos, Th., Single Member P.C., and Argo S.A.
Here's a list of some of the shipping companies mentioned in the article:
- Attica Ferries Maritime Single Member S.A. - Kallithea
- Gianakos, Th., Single Member P.C. - Karditsa
- Argo S.A. - Kalymnos
- Hellespont Shipping Company
Blue Star Ferries Single Member Maritime S.A. is another prominent company, also based in Kallithea.
Fleet Profile in New York
In New York, the company operates a fleet of vehicles, with a total of 500 cars and trucks on the road. This is a significant presence, especially considering the city's dense population and high demand for transportation services.

The majority of the fleet is made up of sedans, with 70% of vehicles being passenger cars. This is likely due to the high demand for ride-hailing services in urban areas like New York.
The company's fleet in New York is also notable for its high-tech features, with 90% of vehicles equipped with advanced safety features like lane departure warning systems and automatic emergency braking.
The company has a strong focus on sustainability, with plans to electrify 50% of its fleet in the next five years. This will not only reduce emissions but also help the company meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations.
Crew Management
Nereus Shipping S.A. recruits and offers career opportunities to Greek Officers and Filipino ratings.
Their crew department is responsible for manning vessels, including sourcing, selection, recruitment, and the professional development and education of all crew staff.
The company's selection methods ensure that crew members have the required professional qualifications, as well as the right personality to maintain a "Family connected and caring for each other" environment onboard.
Consistent training programmes are in place to ensure crew members are always up-to-date with the latest legislation and industry demands.
Take a look at this: El Faro Ship Crew
Industry Data

Greek shipping companies are a significant force in the global maritime industry. They operate a combined fleet of over 4,000 vessels, making up about 16% of the world's total merchant fleet.
The Greek shipping industry is known for its high standards of quality and safety, with many companies adhering to the International Safety Management (ISM) code. This code is an international standard for the safe management of ships and is mandatory for all ships over 500 gross tons.
Greek shipping companies are also major players in the container shipping market, with some of the largest container shipping companies in the world, such as Costamare and Danaos, being based in Greece.
For another approach, see: Holland America Alaska Ships
Shipping: Capitalization Skyrocketed
The capitalization of Greek shipping companies has skyrocketed over the last months, with a total of 15.28 billion dollars on May 10, 2024, compared to 9.6 billion dollars in mid-June 2023.
This impressive increase is almost 60% on an annual basis, making it a remarkable turnaround for the industry.

Six Greek shipping companies have exceeded the 1 billion dollar threshold, with Star Bulk Carriers being a "breath" away from 3 billion dollars, valuing its shares at 2.91 billion on May 10.
Dorian LPG has a capitalization of 1.75 billion dollars, and Danaos Corporation follows closely with 1.61 billion dollars.
Costamare and Navios Maritime Partners round out the list with share values of 1.59 billion and 1.42 billion dollars respectively, while Okeanis Eco Tankers is the latest entry, valued at 1.05 billion dollars.
These six companies operate in different shipping industries, from tankers and bulkers to containerships and LPG carriers.
Available Data in This List
The list of Greek shipping companies contains a vast amount of data, including company names, trade names, and addresses.
You can find the CEO's contact details, such as their telephone or mobile number, as well as whether they have a website or email.
The list also includes geographic information, like longitude and latitude, which can be useful for mapping purposes.

Some companies may also have a Facebook URL, Twitter URL, LinkedIn URL, or YouTube URL, making it easy to find their online presence.
Here's a breakdown of the available data:
The list also includes other useful information, such as the company's year of establishment, Chamber of Commerce number, and industry.
Data Sources and Accuracy
Our data sources are accredited and premium, continuously updated from various sources such as the local Chamber of Commerce, D&B, phone books, directories, and numerous public sources.
D&B, or Dun & Bradstreet, is the market leader in providing global business information, with a database of over 300 million companies in 240 countries.
We update our data around the clock to keep it verified at the highest levels in the data industry.
Dun & Bradstreet has been providing business information for over 165 years, making it a trusted source.
However, it's impossible to reach 100% accuracy due to people constantly changing jobs and companies changing their contact information.
A small error rate is to be expected with our custom lists.
Discover more: Norfolk & Washington Steamboat Company
Largest Shipping Companies

Greek shipping companies are a significant part of the country's economy, and some of the largest ones can be found in the ports of Greece.
ATTICA FERRIES MARITIME SINGLE MEMBER S.A. is based in Kallithea, one of the top shipping companies in Greece.
The company is not the only one with a strong presence in the country's shipping industry. HELLENIC SEAWAYS MARITIME SINGLE MEMBER S.A. is also located in Kallithea.
AEGEAN OIL S.A. is based in Peiraias, and it's another major player in the Greek shipping industry.
These companies are not only big in terms of size but also in terms of the services they offer. For example, HELLENIC TUGS VERNICOS – KARAPIPERIS – LYBOUSSAKIS – MEGATUGS TOWAGE & SALVAGE is a tugboat company that operates in Perama.
Here are some of the top 50 largest shipping companies in Greece, grouped by location:
There are many other shipping companies in Greece, each with its own unique services and offerings.
Historic Background

The Greeks have been a maritime nation since antiquity, with their mountainous landscape and limited farming area leading people to shipping as a natural choice.
Their geographical position on the crossroads of ancient sea lanes in the eastern Mediterranean helped shape the maritime nature of the Greek nation at an early stage. This allowed them to establish trade with other advanced civilizations in the region.
The presence of goods such as pottery, gold, and copper objects far away from their area of provenance attests to a wide-ranging network of shipping transport and trade that existed between the Greek mainland and the Greek islands.
The Greeks soon came to dominate the maritime trade in the region, gradually expanding it along the shores of the Mediterranean to Egypt, Phoenicia, Asia Minor, and the Black Sea.
A large part of the sea trade of the Roman Empire was carried out by the Greeks, while they continued to be involved and play a major role in shipping during the era of the Byzantine Empire.
Modern Shipping Industry

The modern shipping industry is a significant contributor to Greece's economy. In 2010-2011, Greek companies had 32.5% of the world's tankers and 23.8% of the world's bulk carriers.
Shipping is one of Greece's most important industries, accounting for 8% of GDP in 2010-2011. It employed about 290,000 people, which is 8% of the workforce.
Greek shipping companies have a strong presence globally, with the Greek flag being the first-most-used internationally for shipping. In 2013-2014, there were approximately 950 Greek shipping companies in operation.
Here's a breakdown of Greece's shipping services "exports" from 2000 to 2011:
Greek shipping services "exports" have been steadily increasing over the years, reaching $17.704B in 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are so many shipping companies Greek?
Greece's long history of shipping dates back to ancient times, making it a natural fit for the industry. This maritime tradition has contributed to the country's expertise and dominance in the global shipping sector.
Who are the famous Greek shipping families?
The famous Greek shipping families include Lemos, Kulukundis, Pateras, Carras, and Papalios, who collectively own a significant portion of Greek shipping. These families hail from the rocky Greek islands, particularly Chios and Inoussai.
Sources
- https://www.euro-maritime.com/index.php/shippingdirectory/shipping-companies/greek-shipping-companies
- https://www.naftemporiki.gr/english/1661556/shipping-greek-companies-capitalization-skyrocketed/
- https://nereuship.gr/about/
- https://bolddata.nl/en/companies/greece/shipping-companies-greece/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_shipping
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