Greece’s Role and the Contribution of Maritime Thinking URL (slug)
The European port strategy is returning to the forefront of the discussion, as Europe seeks to reposition its maritime infrastructure within an environment of increasing geoeconomic competition and an accelerating energy transition.
The contribution of Komvos members
The discussion is prompted by a recent article published in Naftemporiki, titled “European Port Strategy: A First Step in a Long Journey”, authored by:
–Hercules Haralambides, Professor of Maritime Economics and Port Policy, Econometric Institute, Erasmus University Rotterdam & Sorbonne School of Economics
–Sotirios Theofanis, Professor at the University and Director of the Postgraduate Program in Shipping and Port Management, City College, University of York Europe Campus
both Founding Members and Partners of the non-profit civil partnership “Komvos – Node: Networks of Global Hellenism”, also members of the Advisory Committee of Komvos’ “Shipping & ESG” initiative, and
–Theodoros Syriopoulos, President of the Department of Port Management and Shipping at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
The three authors are directly engaged with maritime affairs at both national and European levels and contribute systematically to the development of evidence-based positions on shipping, ports, and the role of Greece within the European transport system.
Ports and European Strategy: An Evolving Field
The key message that emerges is that ports can no longer be treated as mere transport infrastructure. They are critical nodes of:
-energy transition
-supply chains
-geostrategic influence
-technological upgrading
The European strategy, as highlighted, is moving in this direction, yet it has not fully achieved the required level of coherence and operational clarity.
Greece’s Position
For Greece, this discussion carries particular significance. Its geographic location, strong maritime presence, and extensive port network create the conditions for an enhanced role within the European transport and energy ecosystem.
However, leveraging these advantages requires a strategic approach, institutional continuity, and active participation in the European policy dialogue.
The Role of Komvos in Maritime Affairs
The “Shipping & ESG” initiative of Komvos focuses on the transition of coastal shipping and short sea shipping toward a new model that combines:
-sustainability (ESG)
-technological innovation
-strengthening of insularity (island connectivity)
-upgrading of coastal and short sea shipping
The participation of Komvos members in public interventions, such as this article, is not an isolated activity but part of a broader strategic effort to contribute to the public policy dialogue.
Why This Discussion Matters
The development of a European port strategy reflects how Europe defines its role within an increasingly competitive global environment.
In this context, contributions such as this one by members of Komvos help shape a more mature and substantive dialogue, where maritime expertise and strategic thinking are effectively combined.
The present article is based on a publication by Naftemporiki, which you can read here (in Greek).
