POSIDONIA 2026 – OPENING CEREMONY – FACT SHEET

POSIDONIA AT A GLANCE

·         Posidonia 2026, the world’s leading international shipping exhibition, opens its doors on Monday, 1 June at the Athens Metropolitan Expo and runs until 5 June.

·         The Opening Ceremony will be addressed by:

o   Mrs. Melina Travlos, President, Union of Greek Shipowners

o   Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organisation

o   Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, European Union

o   Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece

·         More than 40,000 shipping professionals from around the world are expected to attend this year’s event, making it the largest and most anticipated edition in Posidonia’s history.

·         Posidonia 2026 takes place against a backdrop of significant geopolitical challenges, highlighting the critical role of shipping in global trade, energy security and economic stability.

EXHIBITION BY THE NUMBERS

·         2.227 exhibitors from 83 countries and territories.

·         Nearly 9% growth in exhibitor participation compared to 2024.

·         45,000 sqm of exhibition space at the Athens Metropolitan Expo

·         A record 24 national pavilions, including the return of Germany and Italy with official national participation.

KEY THEMES

·         Geopolitical developments, risk management and maritime security.

·         Energy transition and shipping’s pathway to net-zero emissions.

·         Digitalisation, cybersecurity and technological transformation.

·         Regulatory compliance and sustainability.

·         Nuclear energy as a potential marine fuel.

TECHNOLOGY & SUSTAINABILITY

·         More than 30 exhibitors will showcase Artificial Intelligence applications developed specifically for the maritime industry.

·         Over 100 exhibitors will present green technologies and solutions supporting the industry’s transition towards net-zero emissions.

·         Posidonia has received ISO certification as a sustainable event for the third consecutive edition, remaining the first exhibition in Greece to achieve this distinction.

INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE

·         The President of Panama, accompanied by members of his Cabinet, will attend the exhibition.

·         Participants also include the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, and more than ten ministers and deputy ministers representing maritime nations and jurisdictions, including Norway, Bahamas, France, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Germany, and Singapore.

CONFERENCES & PARALLEL EVENTS

·         The conference programme features approximately 70 conferences, seminars and networking events, both within and outside the exhibition venue.

·         This year’s exhibition is the longest-running in Posidonia’s history, with its conference and seminar programme having commenced on 6 May, several weeks ahead of the official opening.

·         The Posidonia Games expand further this year with the introduction of the Posidonia Tour cycling event, alongside the established Posidonia Cup, Posidonia Golf Tournament, Posidonia Running Event, Posidonia Shipsoccer Tournament and Posidonia 3×3 Basketball Tournament.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

·         The total economic activity generated by Posidonia 2026 is expected to significantly exceed €100 million, representing the largest economic impact in the event’s history.

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

·         Posidonia 2026 is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Union of Greek Shipowners, with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Cooperation Committee.