Greek marine equipment manufacturers visit eight leading shipyards across Northern Spain to explore new business opportunities and partnerships
HEMEXPO successfully concluded its first business mission to Northern Spain, held from 21 to 25 September 2026. The mission aimed to strengthen the presence of Greek marine equipment manufacturers in one of Europe’s most active shipbuilding markets and open new opportunities for Greek companies and technologies.
Over the course of the mission, participants travelled more than 1,000 kilometres, from Vigo and Ferrol to Asturias, Santander and Bilbao, holding meetings with Metalships & Docks, Armon, Freire, Nodosa, Navantia, Gondan, Astander and Zamakona.
Representatives from ERMA TECH GROUP, EMMIS, EUROCHEM, LALIZAS, PRISMA ELECTRONICS, PSYCTOTHERM, SEABRIGHT, UTECO and VELA ELECTRIC joined the delegation, alongside HEMEXPO executives, showcasing a broad range of Greek technologies, systems and equipment for the maritime and shipbuilding sectors.
Direct Access to Decision Makers
During the visits, the Greek companies met directly with management, procurement and commercial executives from the shipyards. These meetings provided valuable insight into ongoing and future shipbuilding programmes, as well as the procurement processes and requirements for becoming approved suppliers within Spanish shipyard supply chains.
The delegation identified a market characterized by strong orderbooks, advanced technological capabilities and increasing demand for reliable and innovative suppliers. Several shipyards already have newbuilding programmes extending well into the coming years.
Particular interest was generated by the wide variety and technological complexity of the vessels being built in Northern Spain. Projects currently underway include research and oceanographic vessels, fishing vessels, ferries, tugboats, patrol vessels, naval ships and support vessels, alongside highly demanding repair and conversion projects.
The breadth of these activities creates opportunities for Greek manufacturers across numerous product categories and areas of expertise. The interest shown in Greek technologies quickly led to concrete follow-up actions.
Part of HEMEXPO’s International Growth Strategy
The mission forms part of HEMEXPO’s long-standing international outreach programme, which it has pursued since its establishment in 2014 through national pavilions at major maritime exhibitions, targeted business missions and networking initiatives in strategic markets worldwide.
Over the years, HEMEXPO has developed into a key platform for the international promotion of the Greek marine equipment industry, helping member companies gain access to new markets, global networks and business opportunities that can be difficult to develop independently.
The association continues to expand its international network, creating new opportunities for an increasing number of Greek companies across the sector.
Christos Papakis, Executive Director of HEMEXPO, said:
“We were particularly impressed by the advanced technological level of the projects currently under construction in Spanish shipyards, as well as by the warm welcome we received. Shipyard executives highlighted their need for high-quality, reliable and innovative solutions, while also providing valuable guidance on procurement procedures and supplier qualification requirements. We believe that Greek companies have both the expertise and the capabilities to establish a meaningful presence in the Spanish market.”
Strong Support from Spanish and Greek Partners
A significant contribution to the success of the mission came from ACLUNAGA – Asociación Clúster del Naval Gallego, the Galician shipbuilding cluster representing shipyards, manufacturers and companies across the regional maritime supply chain. ACLUNAGA supported and facilitated the majority of the meetings in Galicia and contributed to the organisation of the networking dinner in Vigo. Oscar Gomez, CEO of ACLUNAGA, commented:
“HEMEXPO and ACLUNAGA identified significant opportunities for cooperation between Greek and Galician companies, whose respective value chains can complement one another. The next step should be to create even more opportunities for direct B2B engagement, allowing these relationships to develop into tangible business collaborations.”
The mission also benefited from the support of Foro Marítimo Vasco in Bilbao, the Office for Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Embassy of Greece in Madrid, and Enterprise Greece, whose contribution was once again instrumental to the initiative’s success.
