The Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) reported that the Greek merchant fleet expanded its total number of vessels in March 2026. This growth specifically applies to ships of 100 gross registered tons (GRT) and larger. Conversely, the aggregate gross tonnage of the fleet decreased when compared to March of the previous year. This suggests a potential trend where new additions to the fleet might be smaller vessels, or that larger ships have been retired or sold without equivalent replacements.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this shift in the Greek fleet's composition could have implications for capacity and vessel availability, particularly for specific cargo types. A higher number of smaller vessels might offer more flexibility for certain routes or port calls, but a reduction in overall gross tonnage could signal less capacity for very large shipments or bulk cargo. This development might influence chartering options and the availability of specific vessel sizes in the market, potentially leading to adjustments in routing strategies or pricing for certain segments.
