On Tuesday, 16 March 2026, the Annual General Assembly of the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA)was held at the Association’s offices.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Charalampos Simantonis, presented the review of activities for 2025, highlighting that the past year was marked by significant developments, challenges, and impactful interventions for the Association. He also emphasized the crucial role of shortsea shipping in the national economy, European cohesion, and the sustainable transition of the transport network.
“Shortsea shipping is not merely a link in the supply chain, nor is it solely a national or regional activity. It is a fundamental pillar of cohesion, resilience, and development for our islands, as well as a key tool for sustainable growth within both national and European policies,”
stated Mr. Simantonis, declaring the opening of the Assembly.
Key Developments in 2025
A major milestone of 2025 was the assumption of the Presidency of the European Shortsea Network by the Shortsea Promotion Centre Greece for the 2025–2026 term.
At a critical time for shipping—marked by ongoing discussions on the IMO Net Zero Framework and the implementation of new EU regulations—Greece undertook an enhanced and responsible role. Through coordinated actions, it strengthened its institutional presence in the European dialogue and highlighted the importance of shortsea shipping as a key pillar of intermodality and Europe’s supply chain cohesion.
Key interventions included participation in:
The Strategic Dialogue on shaping European maritime strategies, and
A high-level discussion on the present and future of European shortsea shipping with the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, representing the European Shortsea Network.
HSSA and the European Shortsea Network continue to work closely with the European Commission and institutional stakeholders, actively contributing to the shaping of the European regulatory framework, ensuring that the recently presented strategy—incorporating several Greek proposals—is implemented effectively through new or revised regulations.
Green Transition: A Realistic Approach
Regarding the green transition, HSSA maintains a clear position: it must be implemented with realism and supported by accessible financial tools, including the reinvestment of part of ETS revenues into the sector required to undertake these investments.
The Association’s goal is to ensure that the green transition becomes an opportunity to strengthen—not weaken—the sector.
European Shortsea Network Summit 2025
Special reference was made to the successful European Shortsea Network Summit 2025, organized by SPC Greece in October 2025.
The Summit highlighted four key pillars shaping the future of shortsea shipping:
Intermodality
Energy transition
Geopolitical adaptability
Technological innovation
A key conclusion emerged: due to its geostrategic position, Greece can—and should—play a leading role in this new era.
National Initiatives and Impact
At the national level, HSSA undertook a series of important initiatives. Notably, the study:
“Shortsea Shipping: Trends, Challenges and Contribution to the Greek Economy”, conducted by the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE),
clearly demonstrated the sector’s contribution:
€914 million to GDP
€207 million to public revenues
8,300 jobs
These findings underline that shortsea shipping is a strategic asset for Greece.
HSSA also intervened on key institutional matters, including:
Reform of General Port Regulation No. 1
Improvement of the regulatory framework for bunkering vessels
Delays in issuing seafarers’ certificates
The need for explicit recognition of shortsea shipping within the EU Military Mobility framework
Furthermore, Memoranda of Understanding were signed with key institutional stakeholders of the port and logistics chain, including:
ELIME (Hellenic Ports Association)
Hellenic Logistics Company
These collaborations strengthen intermodal transport synergies with mutually beneficial outcomes.
The Association also remained committed to supporting the next generation of maritime professionals, awarding scholarships for postgraduate studies and training programs to 17 young individuals in 2025.
Recognition
HSSA’s work received notable recognition at the Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards 2025, where the Association was honored with the Piraeus International Centre Award.
Looking Ahead
Closing the Assembly, Mr. Simantonis outlined the Association’s strategic priorities:
“Our objectives for the period ahead are clear:
To ensure that the green transition strengthens rather than weakens our sector,
To further reinforce our institutional voice at both national and European levels,
To actively contribute to shaping realistic and implementable policies supporting competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability, and
Most importantly, to safeguard the competitiveness of the Greek national transport fleet through the modernization of the national legislative framework, which still includes regulations dating back to the 1960s and 1970s.”