Greece's economy has been hit hard by the financial crisis but its shipping industry remains competitive.

Greek operates the biggest merchant fleet in the world – at least 3,500 oceangoing vessels, generating business worth $18bn a year at home – more than six percent of the Greek economy.

The government hopes the country’s flagship business can help turn the economy around - but ship owners are not so sure.

Al Jazeera's John Psaropoulos reports from Athens.