Within the framework of the 16th Hydra Shipping Conference, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, Prof. Georges Prevelakis, founding member of Komvos, delivered a speech focused on geopolitics in shipping, highlighting its significance for the Greek maritime community and the wider economy.
Mr. Prevelakis began with a remark beyond the main topic, emphasizing the need to raise awareness in Greek society, especially among youth, about maritime issues. He noted that Greek society often overlooks not only shipping-related matters but also the broader maritime context, and stressed the importance of integrating the maritime dimension into education. He referred to an initiative he led in May 2025 in France, the conference “Enseigner la mer – Teaching the Sea”, which showcased best practices for embedding the maritime dimension in education.
Geopolitics and Shipping
He then focused on the link between shipping and geopolitics. He reminded the audience that both commercial and military shipping have always been closely connected to geopolitical dynamics, from the two World Wars to the Suez crises and other international events. The geography of the seas, particularly strategic points and chokepoints, continuously creates challenges that can affect shipping as well as the global economic system.
Mr. Prevelakis highlighted that the era of globalization led to a false sense of security, as U.S. dominance and various economic theories created the impression that geopolitical considerations could be bypassed. Today, however, geopolitics is “returning,” and shipping must adapt to a world where major powers and regional conflicts define new dynamics.
He distinguished geopolitics into two levels:
Micro-geopolitics: the short-term monitoring and analysis of local and regional developments, useful for anticipating immediate crises and shaping operational strategies.
Macro-geopolitics: the theoretical approach to geographical and political structures, as developed by Halford Mackinder, focusing on the division of the world and the balance of power between land and sea powers.
Mr. Prevelakis emphasized that the period of globalization has ended, giving rise to new regional blocs, the rise of China, and the reshaping of alliances on a global scale. In this context, Greek shipping is called upon to strengthen its geopolitical knowledge, protect its advantages, and adapt to a world of increased risks and fragmentation.
In conclusion, the speaker underlined that preparing for geopolitical challenges is now essential for the strategic maintenance of Greek shipping leadership and the protection of the global trade and economic framework.
About the Conference:
The conference was organized by Τhe Fraternity of the Athenian Hydriots for the 16th consecutive year, bringing together the elite of Greek shipping. Special thanks were extended to the President of the Fraternity, John Sahinis, for the excellent organization and hospitality at the historic residence in Hydra.
Komvos expresses its gratitude to Piraeus Bank for supporting the realization of its vision.
📹 Watch the full speech by G. Prevelakis here.
