Greek shipowners are increasingly making critical risk decisions before vessels leave port as geopolitical instability, sanctions exposure and changing trade routes reshape maritime operations, according to The Swedish Club.

Risks now extend beyond traditional concerns such as seaworthiness and cargo handling, with route selection, counterparties and regional tensions all capable of affecting crew safety, cargo integrity and claims exposure.

The warning comes amid heightened tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, where military activity and attacks on vessels have disrupted commercial shipping.

Ludvig Nyhlén, regional executive director, Team Greece at The Swedish Club Greece, said: “Risk today is far less predictable than it used to be. Owners are not just managing the ship – they are constantly reassessing the environment around it. Decisions taken before a voyage, such as routing or counterparties, can now have as much impact on exposure as what happens onboard.”

Despite growing geopolitical pressures, the insurer reported stronger operational performance across its Greek portfolio, with claims frequency down almost 25% since the pandemic and average claims costs improving by around 30%.

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