Insights from Dr. Vasileios Zeimpekis
In a world where supply chains are becoming increasingly complex, the importance of sustainability in logistics has never been greater. During his speech at our recent logistics conference in Athens, Dr. Vasileios Zeimpekis, a distinguished logistics expert and sustainability advisor, shared critical insights on how Greece — and the world — can evolve toward greener, smarter logistics systems.
📈The current state of Greek logistics
Greece has made significant progress in recent years, securing the 19th position in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index for 2023.
However, as Dr. Zeimpekis highlighted, major challenges persist, particularly in:
- The aging transport fleet — the average age of trucks remains at 22.7 years, far older than the European average.
- Infrastructure limitations, especially in rail connectivity, which limits combined, lower-emission transport options.
- Fragmented logistics operations, where opportunities for collaboration and efficiency gains are often missed.
Despite these challenges, the momentum for transformation is building rapidly.
🌍The key pillars for sustainable growth
Dr. Zeimpekis outlined a clear vision for how Greek and European logistics can embrace sustainability and competitiveness simultaneously:
🔹 Modernization of transport fleets
Transitioning to newer, low-emission vehicles is essential. Investment in greener technologies, such as electric or LNG-powered trucks, is a strategic priority for companies aiming to remain competitive and compliant with tightening environmental regulations.
🔹Embracing multimodal transport
The future belongs to combined transport models, leveraging road, rail, and maritime networks to optimize routes, reduce emissions, and lower costs. Strengthening rail freight options will be a critical factor for Greece’s logistics hubs.
🔹Digitalization and smart logistics Hubs
New logistics parks, automated warehouses, and digital solutions like Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are pivotal. Digitalization not only improves efficiency but also directly supports sustainability by optimizing resource use.
🔹Sustainable development as a competitive advantage
Companies that embed sustainability into their logistics strategies will not only reduce operational costs but also enhance brand value, attract new clients, and increase market valuation.
Sustainability is no longer optional — it’s a business imperative.
🏛️A National Strategy for the future
To support this transformation, Dr. Zeimpekis stressed the need for:
- Modernized legislative frameworks for logistics activities.
- Development of national logistics hubs like Thriasio and Gonou.
- Creation of a National Logistics Observatory to monitor progress, competitiveness, and environmental impact.
- Promoting Greek logistics abroad to attract international trade flows and partnerships.
✨A step forward together
At DS Freight Forwarding, we were proud to organize this event, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the future of logistics and sustainability.
Stay connected with DSFF for more updates, insights, and collaborations that move our industry — and the planet — forward.
This blog post is based on the presentation by Mr. Vasileios Zeimpekis who was the first speaker at DS Freight Forwarding’s client event in Athens. We sincerely thank him for sharing his insights, inspiring perspectives, and for contributing to a meaningful discussion on the challenges and opportunities in the logistics sector.
Connect with him on LinkedIn: profile here
