Ten Greek-flagged vessels are in the Persian Gulf, five are outside, while a total of around 325 vessels linked to Greece but flying foreign flags are in the wider area, Greek minister of maritime affairs and insular policy Vasilis Kikilias said on Monday.
He clarified that the ten Greek ships have 85 Greek sailors on board, who are well and there is constant communication with them, noting that the ministry’s operations room remains on constant alert.
Without elaborating on details, the Minister said that one Greek-flagged vessel was hit. He pointed out, that there was a strike with minor damage to a Greek-owned ship, which continued on its course.
Speaking to Greek SKAI TV, he referred to the missile and drone attacks on commercial ships, strikes on three port facilities and one offshore facility, injuries to seamen and one dead seaman that have already been recorded, clarifying that these incidents do not concern Greek-flagged ships or Greek interests.
Kikilias described the targeting of seafarers as unacceptable, pointing out that shipping should remain outside of military conflicts, something that is unfortunately not confirmed by reality.
The minister stressed the importance of composure and exceptional caution when making public statements, as both the duration and the degree of escalation of the crisis remain unknown.
He warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz would cause enormous economic impacts on shipping and global trade, noting that any ships that continue to head towards the region remain outside the Strait.
He stressed that the developments directly affect international shipping and by extension the global economy, explaining that approximately 20% of the world’s oil and 20% to 25% of natural gas are transported through the Strait of Hormuz, which demonstrates the gravity and potential impact on global economic activity.
In conclusion, he stressed that the main priority of the Greek government remains the protection of Greeks in the region.
