UGS President calls for shipping safety and freedom of navigation as geopolitical unrest threatens vessels and seafarers, reports Safety4Sea.
The President of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) has condemned the targeting of commercial vessels and seafarers amid rising geopolitical tensions, reported Athens' Safety4Sea.
Melina Travlou stated that shipping and seafarers are being unjustly placed at the center of military and hybrid attacks, posing risks to human life, the environment, and international navigation. She emphasized that vessels operating lawfully in European trade should not be weaponized or turned into targets.
Ms. Travlou highlighted that seafarers are civilians who sustain global trade, energy sufficiency, and food security. She reiterated points raised at the UN Security Council in May 2025, calling for shipping to remain outside geopolitical confrontations and for freedom of navigation to be safeguarded.
The UGS president noted that Greek shipping has historically promoted peace and stability. She welcomed the stance of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its communications with EU authorities and European counterparts.
Ms. Travlou urged the European Union to act decisively to protect shipping, seafarers, and Europe's strategic role in global trade, warning that no attack on commercial vessels or threat against crews can go unanswered.
Separately, Greece has warned its fleet to raise security to the highest level when sailing to Russian Black Sea ports after drone strikes on two Greek-operated tankers, reports Reuters. The shipping ministry advised updated threat assessments and strict precautions, noting that war insurance costs nearly doubled following the incidents.
