The Strategic Role of Maritime Clusters: The Case of the Greek Maritime Cluster

ABSTRACT: This paper examines the strategic importance of maritime clusters in enhancing the competitiveness, innovation capacity, and economic resilience of national and regional enterprises. Maritime clusters, understood as geographically concentrated networks of shipping companies, ports, logistics providers, shipyards, financial institutions, legal firms, research centers, and regulatory bodies, create strong synergies that improve operational efficiency and facilitate regional development. The study explores the economic, technological, and organizational effects of maritime clusters on enterprises, emphasizing their role in trade facilitation, supply chain integration, employment generation, and knowledge transfer. Particular attention is given to the implementation and strategic management of maritime clusters, highlighting the importance of infrastructure development, stakeholder collaboration, innovation policies, sustainability initiatives, and human capital investment. Furthermore, the research analyzes the diverse types of companies participating in maritime clusters and evaluates the contribution of coordinating and governing bodies that enhance interaction, innovation, policy advocacy, and market expansion among member firms. The paper also assesses the case of the Greek maritime cluster, examining its strategic advantages, institutional framework, global competitiveness, and current challenges, including regulatory pressures, infrastructure modernization, and labor market issues. The findings demonstrate that well-structured maritime clusters constitute critical drivers of economic growth, sustainability, and long-term maritime competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

KEYWORDS: Shipping Industry, Maritime Policy, Maritime Logistics, Innovation, Maritime Economy, Sustainable Development, Maritime Clusters, Competitiveness

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Citation note:

Korkidis V., Boviatsis M.: The Strategic Role of Maritime Clusters: The Case of the Greek Maritime Cluster. TransNav, the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, Vol. 20, No. 3, doi:10.12716/1001.20.03.17, pp. 701-709, 2026

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