10th Naftemporiki Shipping Conference - Karamanolis (Alpha Bank): Banks now focus more on the resilience of the shipowner

Yiannis Karamanolis, Chief of Shipping at Alpha Bank, spoke about how banks now assess risk in the shipping sector during Naftemporiki’s 10th Shipping Conference.

As he noted, geopolitical uncertainty, shifting trade relations and sanctions have led banks to adopt a markedly more cautious stance. At the same time, he stressed that cyclicality remains the natural environment of shipping, although uncertainty today is far more intense.

Stress tests and compliance

Karamanolis explained that banks are now placing greater emphasis on the resilience of both the vessel and the shipowner.

According to him, assessments focus on the ability to respond to crises, cash flow stress tests and full compliance with the international regulatory framework.

The role of Greek banks

He described the role of Greek banks in financing Greek-owned shipping as crucial.

According to the figures he presented, the order book of Greek shipowners for the next three years stands at approximately 55 billion dollars, while new orders worth around 10 billion were placed in the first quarter of 2026 alone.

Despite competition from international funds and alternative lenders, he noted that Greece’s systemic banks have significantly increased their share in shipping finance.

“What differentiates us is our consistent and long-standing support for Greek shipping throughout the entire market cycle,” he stressed.

Source: naftemporiki.gr