Are the Greeks the best sailors in the world?

The Greek Courier

If "best" is defined by an unbroken 3,000-year maritime tradition combined with modern commercial tonnage, Hellas is arguably the world's preeminent seafaring nation.

The Enduring Legacy of Greek Seafaring: From Ancient Innovation to Modern Dominance

Hellas, a nation imbued with a storied maritime tradition spanning over 3,000 years, continues to be a formidable force in global shipping. While opinions may vary on whether Hellenes are the "best" sailors in the world, their historical significance and modern economic prowess in the maritime sector are indisputable. This article delves into Greece’s maritime legacy, examining both its ancient innovations and its contemporary status as a leader in global shipping, including the contentious practices of Greek shipowners during wartime.

Modern Global Dominance

In today’s maritime landscape, Hellas stands tall as a beacon of commercial success and influential leadership. As of early 2025, Greek shipowners command the world's largest merchant fleet, controlling approximately 16.4% to 20% of global deadweight tonnage (DWT). This remarkable capacity attests to Greece's profound impact on international trade and logistics.

Greek leadership in specific sectors further cements its status in the maritime industry. The nation dominates crude oil tanker operations, holding over 30% of the world's capacity in that category, and is a key player in bulk carriers. Shipping is not merely an economic activity for Greece; it is the backbone of the national economy. The industry significantly contributes to the country’s GDP and employs roughly 7% of the total workforce, reinforcing its critical role in the nation's economic fabric.

Historical Maritime Legacy

The roots of Hellenic seafaring stretch back to ancient times, where innovation flourished on the open waters. Ancient Greek seafarers pioneered the trireme, an advanced warship that played a crucial role in significant naval victories, notably at the Battle of Salamis, where they successfully thwarted the advancing Persian fleet. This triumph exemplified the Greeks' superior maritime capabilities and strategic acumen.

Moreover, Greek seafarers were instrumental in the colonization of the Mediterranean and Black Seas, establishing colonies that disseminated Hellenistic culture from modern-day Spain to the distant shores of North Africa. Their navigational prowess allowed them not only to explore uncharted territories but also to forge economic and cultural ties that resonated throughout history.

Ancient Greek seafaring in the Persian Gulf 

In 325 BC, under Alexander the Great, Admiral Nearchus led a fleet of roughly 400 ships from the Indus River to the Euphrates. This expedition mapped the coastlines of the Persian Gulf and established the first major Greek maritime presence in the region. During the 3rd century BC Greeks established a fortified settlement and a sanctuary to Artemis on the Island of Icarus (Failaka):  this island (modern-day Kuwait) during the 3rd century BC, served as a strategic naval and trade outpost in the Gulf. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, a 1st-century AD maritime guide, written by a Greek-speaking merchant, documents trade routes through the Persian Gulf, though it notes that some local ports were "forbidden" or tightly controlled by local Arab tribes.

The War of Independence

The Greek War of Independence in 1821 highlighted the importance of maritime traditions in Greece's quest for liberation from Ottoman rule. During this pivotal period, the Hellenic merchant fleet evolved into a formidable naval force. The skillful seamanship of Greek sailors allowed smaller merchant vessels to effectively challenge and outmaneuver the larger Ottoman naval fleet, a feat reminiscent of the historic victory at Salamis in 480 BC against the Persians. This situation underscored the enduring significance of Greece’s maritime capabilities, tradition, and experience.

Greek Piracy and Privateering In Wartime 

In Greek history, the line between piracy (illegal raiding) and privateering (state-sanctioned raiding) was often blurred, especially during conflicts. For example, during the Russo-Turkish wars (late 18th century), many Greek sailors acted as privateers under the Russian flag to strike at Ottoman interests. During the war for independence, the lack of a centralized navy led many Greek sailors to engage in privateering against Ottoman and European shipping. This became so widespread that the United States Navy Mediterranean Squadron was dispatched to the Aegean between 1825 and 1828 to protect American merchant vessels from Greek "pirates" who often held letters of marque from the provisional Greek government.

Then were the Maniots. Based in the Southern Peloponnese, descendants of the Spartans, the Byzantine Greeks, the Venetians, and other invading nations, the Maniots were legendary for treating piracy as a legitimate profession and a primary source of income from Byzantine times until the 19th century. They targeted both Ottoman and European vessels, often justifying their raids as part of their ongoing resistance against foreign rule. 

Challenges of Wartime Shipping

While the historical prowess of Greek seafarers is well documented, the practices of shipowners during periods of conflict reveal a more complex narrative. Throughout history, particularly during wartime, the Greek maritime industry has faced ethical and operational dilemmas that underscore the tensions between commercial interests and national loyalties.

Greek shipowners, like good old buccaneers in a quest for profit, have occasionally blurred the lines of neutrality during conflicts. For instance, during all 20th-century wars, Greek shipping interests were involved in transporting goods for multiple warring nations, often leading to scrutiny and allegations of complicity in wartime activities. The strategic positioning of Greece in the Mediterranean made its shipping routes critical for military logistics, creating a landscape where navigating legal and moral obligations became increasingly challenging.

The actions of prominent shipping families, such as the Onassis and Niarchos families, illustrate these complexities. Aristotelis Onassis, one of the most renowned shipowners of the 20th century, utilized his fleet to support both commercial and personal interests during turbulent times, often leading to accusations of opportunism. Similarly, the Niarchos family faced challenges related to their fleet's engagements during various conflicts, reflecting the broader tensions within the shipping industry regarding wartime practices. Their legacy is followed nowadays by the Prokopiou family, whose ships often navigate the Strait of Hormuz in dead silence while missiles and enemy drones are flying by, carrying millions of barrels of oil to buyers around the world for tons of money. 

The Viking Navigators and the Phoenician Masters of the Sea

While Greece enjoys a prestigious maritime legacy, it is essential to recognize that other nations have also contributed to the rich tapestry of seafaring history. The Vikings, known for their agile longships, navigated both the open seas and shallow rivers, balancing naval prowess with land-based exploits. The Phoenicians, often credited as the first true masters of the sea, established long-distance trade routes even before the Greeks, setting a foundation for maritime trade that Greeks later built upon.

China, Japan, and South Korea

In contemporary terms, China has outpaced Greece in terms of dollar value, commanding a significant share of the global fleet, particularly when combined with Hong Kong. However, akin to the legacy of the Greek merchant fleet, countries like Japan and South Korea dominate the shipbuilding sector, accounting for 93% of global production. This contrasts with Greece's enduring strength in maritime operations and fleet management.

Ultimately, if the definition of the "best" seafaring nation intertwines unbroken maritime tradition with current commercial success, Greece stands as a formidable candidate. The blend of ancient innovations and modern economic dominance forms a unique narrative that showcases Greece's lasting connection to the sea. While the journey has not been without its challenges, the enduring legacy of Greek seafaring remains a testament to their remarkable adaptability and resilience, making them a key player on the global maritime stage. As we continue to navigate the waters of history and commerce, the importance of understanding the complexities of this relationship cannot be understated.