Vector in time: Greek presence at sea before and after 1821

The conference aims to highlight the relationship of the Greeks with the sea on a global scale from the 18th century until today. The conference sessions investigate and analyse the main factors that lead to the development of shipping -of the Greeks at first and of Greece consequently- the response of the sector to technological innovation challenges, the global markets and the international political context.

On the bicentenary of the Greek War of Independence, Greek shipping, with the city of Piraeus as its main hub, is the largest in the world holding the lead for half a century. A relatively small country in terms of economy and populations maintains the largest post-war merchant fleet against countries such as Germany, the USA, Japan and China.

In an attempt to explain this unparallel success of Greek shipping in the international sea transportation terrain, this conference  the traces its roots in the 18th century. The might of the Greeks at sea bestowed and contributed to instigation and successful outcome of the Greek War of Independence. Greek shipping has been and continues to be one the strongest pillars of Greek National Economy. Continuing the 18th century legacy, Greek maritime business developed the largest merchant fleet powered by the most prolific shipping firms internationally. Starting from local maritime communities in the Ionian and Aegean Seas, Greek shipping flourished navigating across all the oceans and seas worldwide.

Scientific Commitee

Gelina Harlaftis, Institute of Maritime Studies, FORTH

Apostolos Delis, Institute of Maritime Studies, FORTH

Ioannis Theotokas, University of Piraeus

Gerasimos Pagkratis, National Kapodistrian University of Athens

Maria Lekakou, University of the Aegean

The Conference Programme will be announced soon.