Greek merchant fleet remains buoyant

Greek shipping companies maintained the top spot in the world maritime business in October, ordering more than 30 vessels, worth $1.1 billion in October, bringing the total in the 10 months of 2006 to $14.5 billion, according to data supplied by George Moundreas & Co. The Greek-managed commercial fleet now numbers 3,397 vessels, totaling a capacity of 190,058,535 dwt. Their average age is 15.3 years, with the Greek-flagged vessels even lower, at 11.7 years. The Greek shipowners focus on tankers and bulk carriers, which they mostly order at South Korean, Chinese and Japanese shipbuilders.