Posidonia 2026, set to be held from 1st June 2026 to 5th June 2026 in Athens, is expected to welcome more than 40,000 maritime professionals from across the globe. Organisers describe this edition as both the biggest and most highly anticipated in the history of the exhibition.
The conference agenda this year will place strong emphasis on the major changes reshaping the global maritime sector, covering areas such as insurance, risk management, energy transition, maritime security and digitalisation.
The event takes place at a time when geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed global shipping further into international focus, highlighting the critical role maritime transport plays in trade, energy security and economic stability. The ongoing disruption in the Straits of Hormuz, where hundreds of vessels have remained stranded for several months, has placed additional pressure on global energy supply chains and tested the resilience of the shipping industry.
Mr. Vasilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, said: “Posidonia is the leading international meeting point where the critical decisions shaping the future of global shipping, energy, and the economy are discussed, with a direct impact on local communities and people’s lives.”
Mrs. Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, said: “In a time of international challenges and multiple disruptions, Greek shipping stands as a pillar of stability, resilience and global connectivity. It unites the world and leads with vision, determination and institutional responsibility. The strategic value of shipping is also reflected in Posidonia 2026, a prestigious global maritime event that fosters meaningful dialogue and cooperation in shaping the future of the industry.”
Mr. George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, said: “In Posidonia 2026 once again confirms its role as the premier international meeting point of the global maritime community, where partnerships are forged, ideas are exchanged, and the vision that shapes both the present and the future of shipping is brought to life.”
Mr. John C. Lyras, President of the Posidonia Coordinating Committee, said: “The 29th Posidonia biannual exhibition and events are occurring at a time when geopolitical conflicts and rivalries are at their highest since the historically momentous collapse of the Soviet Union 35 years ago, and when attacks on merchant shipping are, regrettably, the highest since the age of sail. Against this worrying (and rather disheartening) background we are happy and proud to host a maritime week that, once again, brings together so many national delegations from all over the world to cooperate in the pursuit of peaceful trade, goodwill and coexistence.”
This year’s Posidonia 2026 exhibition will include a record 24 national pavilions across 45,000 square metres of gross leasable space at the Athens Metropolitan Expo. Germany and Italy are among the countries returning with official participation after a long absence. Overall, 2,227 exhibitors from 83 countries and territories are expected to take part, representing all sectors of international shipping. Organisers said the number of exhibitors has risen by nearly 9% compared with the 2024 edition.
Technology and sustainability are expected to feature prominently throughout the exhibition. More than 30 companies will present Artificial Intelligence applications tailored for maritime operations, while another 100 exhibitors will showcase environmental technologies designed to support the sector’s transition toward zero-emission operations and regulatory compliance.
Speaking at the pre-event Press Conference, Mr. Theodore Vokos, Managing Director of Posidonia S.A., said: “The economic impact of this year’s Posidonia on the Greek economy will be greater than ever before. Not only are we expecting approximately 40,000 participants overall, but international visitors are also extending their stay in Greece in order to attend the expanded conference programme and the Posidonia Games sporting events. We expect the total economic turnover generated by Posidonia 2026 to significantly exceed €100 million.”
Posidonia 2026 is already generating momentum well before its official opening, according to Mr. Vokos, who pointed to the growing number of conferences, meetings, receptions and networking gatherings that have been taking place in recent weeks, underlining the event’s wider economic impact.
High-level international participation is also expected at the event. The President of Panama, accompanied by cabinet members, is scheduled to attend alongside the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the European Commissioner for Transport, and over ten ministers and deputy ministers from maritime nations worldwide.
The event has also maintained its sustainability credentials, receiving ISO certification as a sustainable event for the third consecutive edition. Posidonia remains the first exhibition in Greece to secure this certification.
Alongside the exhibition, the parallel events programme continues to expand. Around 70 events are planned at the 2026 Conferences and Seminars Programme, with several sessions being hosted outside the exhibition venue due to increased demand. One of the key discussion topics will centre on nuclear energy as a possible maritime fuel, including a high-level event exploring the potential use of advanced nuclear technologies in commercial shipping and near-shore power generation.
The Posidonia Games programme has also grown with the addition of the Posidonia Tour cycling race. Revenue generated through the sporting events will continue to support charities and non-governmental organisations.
Posidonia 2026 is being 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 support from the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.
For more information, visit https://posidonia-events.com/
