The president of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Melina Travlou, sent a strong message to the European Union today at noon on the issue of the double attack by the Houthis on Greek-owned ships in the Red Sea.

“We are alone. Europe must wake up. Because the ships that pass through the Red Sea carry goods mainly to Europe. Why should Greece bear the whole burden? They have more frigates and more money. And they don’t do anything,” she added: “I heard that when a CMA CGM ship (note: large liner company-container carrier, French interests) passes by, it has a French frigate next to it. Why? Only their ships serve Europe.”

The attacks on the two Greek-owned ships in the Red Sea are a cause for intense concern on many levels – geopolitical, economic, and maritime. The deteriorating security in this maritime region due to the Houthi attacks brings a number of issues to the fore: Ongoing attacks on merchant ships – including Greek-owned ones – increase the risks to crews and bring back to the fore the need for international maritime protection. Merchant shipping is again facing threats after a seven-month truce on one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.

More specifically:

Economic Impact
– Insurance coverages are increasing rapidly.
– Bypassing the Red Sea via the Cape of Good Hope raises transportation costs and delays deliveries.
– Greek shipping, as a global power, is particularly affected, given that a large proportion of its ships operate internationally.

Greece‘s involvement – even if indirectly – in a geopolitically tense zone may put it in a difficult position between international alliances, interests and needs for protection.

The situation in the Red Sea is a reminder of how fragile the global supply chain is and how exposed Greek shipping is to international conflicts. Managing the crisis requires coordination, diplomatic intervention and perhaps a review of transport strategies for Greek shipping companies.