T osidonia 2026 is preparing to break every previous record, not only in size and participation but also in duration, positioning itself as the longest-running shipping event in the world.
For the first time, Posidonia will unfold over a three-week period, starting in early May and culminating during Posidonia Week, from 1–5 June, transforming Athens into a continuous hub of maritime dialogue, business and global networking. Beyond the exhibition itself, the programme will include conferences, high-level meetings, industry forums, social gatherings and an expanded calendar of sporting events, welcoming thousands of exhibitors and visitors from approximately 140 countries.
All 50,000 square metres of exhibition space at Metropolitan Expo were sold out months in advance, confirming Posidonia’s role as one of the most influential drivers of the global maritime economy. The event is expected to contribute over €100 million to the economy of Attica and neighbouring destinations, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transport providers, event venues and the wider services sector.
According to Theodore Vokos, Managing Director of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., the impact of the event is now felt well before the official opening. Conferences, corporate meetings, industry gatherings and sporting competitions are increasingly scheduled in the two-week period leading up to Posidonia Week, effectively extending the lifecycle of the event and amplifying its economic and business footprint. Hotel and event-space bookings have already surpassed 2024 levels, underlining the growing momentum.
As the home event of the Union of Greek Shipowners, the world’s largest and most influential shipowners’ association, Posidonia continues to attract a uniquely powerful mix of stakeholders. Shipyards, maritime equipment manufacturers and service providers are joined by finance, insurance and technology companies, reflecting the strength of Greek shipping. In 2025 alone, Greek shipowners placed 250 newbuilding orders and ranked second globally in second-hand vessel acquisitions, with around 260 purchases completed.
After years of absence, Germany and Italy will return with National Pavilions, while organisers have maximised available space to accommodate around 40 new and returning exhibitors, including technology innovators, start-ups and shipyards from the Far East and Australia.
With shipping navigating a complex international environment, Posidonia 2026 is set to host critical debate around geopolitics, environmental regulation, technological innovation and artificial intelligence. The conference programme already includes Marine Insurance Greece, RightShip, the TradeWinds Shipowners Forum, HELMEPA and the SNAME Conference, focused on the renaissance of Greek shipyards.
At the same time, the Posidonia Games continue their evolution into a major social and sporting platform. A full sports weekend will precede the exhibition, while a new highlight for 2026 is the Posidonia Cycling Tour, from Syntagma Square to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, with around 300 participants expected. Sailing, football, golf, 3×3 basketball and running events will also return, engaging more than 4,000 shipping professionals.
Posidonia 2026 is 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 the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.
