- Melina Travlos re-elected as UGS president for a second three-year term.
- Key industry figures, including Nicholas Veniamis and Angeliki Frangou, elected to the board.
- Greece leads global shipping, controlling 20% of the world fleet.
- Travlos prioritizes competitiveness, decarbonization, national ship register, and maritime education.
- UGS committed to proactive leadership and ensuring Greek shipping’s stability.
Melina Travlos has been re-elected for a second three-year term as president of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS). As the owner of Neptune Group, which oversees Neptune Lines’ vehicle carrier fleet, logistics operations, and dry bulk carriers, Travlos made history in 2022 as the first woman to lead the century-old UGS. Her re-election, with the highest number of votes among candidates, reflects her strong leadership in the industry, according to Lloyd’s List.
Other prominent figures securing key positions on the 30-member governing board include Nicholas Veniamis of Golden Union Shipping, Thenamaris CEO Nikolas Martinos, George Youroukos of Technomar Shipping and Global Ship Lease Incorporated, and Angeliki Frangou of Navios Maritime Holdings, who made a return to the board. Industry heavyweights such as Evangelos Marinakis, George Economou, Michael Chandris, Ioanna Prokopiou, Kostis Konstantacopoulos, John Coustas, and Maria Angelicoussis also placed prominently in the elections.
Global Leadership and Industry Challenges
Speaking at the UGS annual general assembly in Athens, Travlos reaffirmed Greece’s dominant role in the global shipping sector. According to a UGS study, Greece controls 20% of the world’s fleet while accounting for only 0.1% of the global population.
She acknowledged the challenges facing the industry, stating that Greek shipping operates “against unequal and powerful competition, which stretches from east to west in various forms, and from state-owned shipping companies to large multinational business conglomerates.” Despite these pressures, Greek shipowners have successfully maintained their leadership position in global maritime trade.
Strategic Priorities for the UGS
Travlos outlined the UGS’ focus areas, emphasizing two critical issues on the international front: competitiveness and decarbonization. She stressed the need for Greek shipping to remain competitive while also working toward environmentally sustainable practices in response to evolving regulations and global demands.
Domestically, she highlighted two major policy priorities: the national ship register and maritime education. She called for initiatives to restore the attractiveness of the Greek flag, urging both government intervention and industry support to enhance its global recognition.
Regarding maritime education, she underscored the importance of attracting young talent to the shipping industry. In collaboration with the shipping ministry, UGS is working on a comprehensive modernization program aimed at improving maritime training institutions. She expressed optimism that by 2025, concrete actions would be taken to enhance the current system.
Commitment to Progress and Stability
Travlos emphasized her proactive approach to leadership, stating, “I prefer action to reaction. That’s how we work to stay ahead of the curve.” She reiterated the UGS’ commitment to ensuring that both the Greek government and the public understand the vital role of the shipping industry.
By safeguarding the stability of Greek shipping, Travlos asserted that Greece is also securing its economic strength and global maritime influence. Under her leadership, the UGS aims to navigate industry challenges while fostering innovation, resilience, and growth in Greek shipping.
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Source: Lloyd’s List
