Greece and Japan are looking to deepen cooperation across shipping, shipbuilding, ports and logistics, while exploring greater two-way investment and closer coordination on maritime issues.
The discussions took place at the Port of Thessaloniki between Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias and Japan’s Minister of Economic Security and Minister in charge of Development Strategy Minoru Kiuchi during the Thessaloniki International Fair, where Japan is the honoured country.
Kikilias highlighted the long-standing relationship between Greek shipowners and Japanese shipyards, noting that Greek owners continue to rank second in terms of ship orders placed with Japanese yards. The two sides discussed opportunities to increase investment in both directions and expand exchanges of maritime expertise and technology.
Port logistics and shipbuilding were identified as areas with significant potential for further cooperation under Japan’s new growth strategy, which includes shipbuilding and port logistics supply chains among its strategic sectors. Japan also expressed interest in increasing direct investment in both Greece and Japan.
The ministers also discussed shipping decarbonisation and cooperation at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Greece welcomed Japan’s role in IMO negotiations and stressed the importance of closer coordination to find mutually acceptable solutions on the future regulatory framework for shipping emissions.
The talks also covered closer cooperation between the two countries’ coast guards, while the Greek side highlighted the strategic role and expansion plans of the Port of Thessaloniki as a regional logistics hub.