- The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of the Hellenic Republic, ICS, and UGS will co-host a high-level shipping summit in Greece.
- The summit will deal with global megatrends such as geopolitical conflict, supply chain security, political instability, migration, and technological change.
- It will gather international ministers, policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders from sectors including shipping, energy, finance, and logistics.
- Discussions will highlight geopolitical impacts on shipping, seafarer training, industry regulations, GHG emissions policy, MEPC83 outcomes, and the Clean Energy Marine Hubs initiative.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of the Hellenic Republic, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) will co-host the high-level “Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit” in Athens on 11 June 2025. Taking a position at the Athens Conservatoire, the summit comes at a time of significant volatility in the maritime sector and will convene leading policymakers and industry figures to explore critical issues impacting the maritime value chain. Key topics will include implementing the IMO’s GHG reduction agreement and accelerating the transition to alternative fuels, as reported by the International Chamber of Shipping.
A Global Platform for Strategic Dialogue and Collaboration
The Summit will serve as a vital forum for high-level dialogue on the forces reshaping the maritime sector. From geopolitical tensions to technological disruption, the summit will address the most critical global megatrends affecting the industry.
The event will bring together ministers, policymakers, regulators, international agencies, and senior leaders from across shipping, energy, finance, ports, and logistics. This diverse and influential group of participants is expected to foster cross-sector collaboration, challenge sector-specific thinking, and develop practical strategies to enhance global economic security and resilience. Building on the success of previous editions, this invitation-only summit will foster open dialogue, fresh perspectives, and practical solutions to the industry’s key challenges.
The summit will focus on major issues affecting shipping, including global political challenges, industry regulations, and the need for better seafarer recruitment and training to support future trade.
Key topics will also include rules on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon pricing, the results of the MEPC83 meeting, and progress on the Clean Energy Marine (CEM) Hubs initiative.
Key Statements of the Summit Leaders
The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of Greece, Mr. Vassilis Kikilias, conveyed his honor in welcoming global leaders to Greece, a country with a long maritime tradition. He highlighted the summit’s symbolic importance and emphasized the need for discussions on the increasing challenges in the shipping industry, given the evolving geopolitical and regulatory landscape.
Ms. Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, recognized that the shipping sector is facing extraordinary times that require strong cooperation. She expressed appreciation for the ICS’s leadership in organizing the summit, which she believes will address the critical challenges faced by the maritime sector.
Mr. Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, noted that the shipping sector plays a central role in global trade and faces unprecedented challenges. He also expressed gratitude for the positive response to the summit and the participation of key policymakers and industry leaders, underscoring the summit’s timely relevance.
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Source: InternationalChamberofShipping
