The 29th edition of Posidonia closed at the Athens Metropolitan Expo, setting new records for both attendance and exhibitor participation. More than 35,000 visitors and 2,200 exhibitors took part in what organisers describe as the world’s premier maritime business platform. A defining moment for the industry The 2026 edition took place against a backdrop of intense geopolitical and regulatory pressure, including disruptions in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, shifting trade policies and the accelerating IMO 2030/2050 decarbonisation timeline. It was also the first Posidonia held entirely within the European Union’s Emissions Trading System for shipping, a milestone that has materially altered the economics of vessel operation for European-flagged and European-calling fleets. Major deals concluded The exhibition floor saw a wave of significant commercial announcements. George Prokopiou’s Dynacom Tankers placed a USD 1.47 billion order for 12 VLCCs at China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding. Hengli Heavy Industries announced a USD 2.2 billion package covering 21 firm orders plus four options across six international shipowners, spanning container ships, kamsarmax and capesize bulk carriers, LR2 product tankers and suezmax crude tankers. Greek owners featured prominently across multiple vessel types, including Venergy Maritime’s suezmax newbuilds. ONEX Shipyards also signed a 4+4 design-and-construction contract with V Group’s Antipollution for eco-friendly vessels to be built at Elefsina and Syros in Greece. Union of Greek Shipowners press conference The highly anticipated press conference of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) brought the week’s proceedings to a close. UGS president Melina Travlos addressed a packed room of Greek and international media, covering the full spectrum of shipping issues at national, European and international level. “As in every edition, Posidonia 2026 served as the preferred venue for the ma