Greek Merchant Fleet grows in vessel numbers

Provisional data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) show that the Greek merchant fleet increased in vessel numbers in November 2025, while total gross tonnage continued to decline, highlighting an ongoing shift in fleet composition.

According to ELSTAT, the number of Greek-flagged merchant vessels of 100 gross tons (GT) and above rose by 0.9% year-on-year to 1,849 vessels, compared with November 2024. This followed a smaller annual increase of 0.6% recorded in the previous year.

In contrast, total gross tonnage decreased by 2.8% compared with the same month in 2024, falling to 34.8 million GT. This decline continues a longer-term trend, following a 4.1% reduction recorded in the previous annual comparison, indicating that fleet growth is being driven by smaller units rather than increased carrying capacity.

Changes by vessel category

The reduction in tonnage was mainly driven by declines in the cargo and tanker segments. The number of cargo vessels fell to 350 units, down 1.4% year-on-year, while their total tonnage decreased by 3.7%. Tankers also declined, with 404 vessels recorded in November 2025, representing a 1.5% decrease, while tanker tonnage fell by 2.5%.

By contrast, the passenger vessel segment continued to expand, reaching 808 vessels, up 2.8% compared with November 2024. Despite the increase in vessel numbers, passenger vessel tonnage declined slightly by 1.1%, reflecting a trend toward smaller or more efficient vessels.

Other vessel categories recorded moderate growth, with vessel numbers increasing by 2.1% and tonnage rising by 2.7%, partially offsetting declines in larger commercial segments.

Vessel size trends

Large vessels above 30,000 GT continue to account for the majority of total fleet tonnage. However, this category recorded a 2.9% decrease in vessel numbers and a 3.0% reduction in gross tonnage, reinforcing the overall contraction in capacity.

Smaller vessel categories between 100 and 3,000 GT continued to expand, with increases in vessel numbers across all size brackets, indicating a gradual shift of the Greek-flag fleet toward smaller and mid-sized ships.

Fleet age profile

The fleet’s age structure shows a degree of renewal. Vessels aged 0 to 5 years increased by 10%, although their combined tonnage declined by 5.5%. Older vessels aged 30 years and above remain a significant part of the fleet, totaling 859 vessels, with overall tonnage remaining broadly stable.

Market outlook

The November 2025 figures confirm that Greek shipping is continuing to grow in terms of vessel numbers while reducing overall capacity. This reflects fleet optimisation strategies, market conditions and regulatory pressures shaping ownership and flagging decisions.

The data cover Greek-flagged merchant vessels registered both in Greece and abroad and are based on official registry updates provided by port authorities and Greek consular maritime offices worldwide.

The post Greek Merchant Fleet grows in vessel numbers appeared first on Container News.