At the recent Sustainable Shipping Summit in Athens, adaptability emerged as a key pillar to address the current challenges of the shipping industry. John Platsidakis, Honorary Chairman of Intercargo, emphasized the importance of keeping up with technological evolution and highlighted the maritime industry’s responsibility for environmental protection. This blog will explore the highlights of the summit and how the industry is responding to the need for more sustainable maritime transportation.
One of the central points was the environmental responsibility of maritime transportation, often unfairly singled out as a major polluter. Platsidakis defended the sector’s significance in transporting 90% of global trade and contributing only 2.3% to global emissions. However, the summit also addressed the need for the industry to take significant steps to reduce its environmental footprint.
The uncertainty and challenging conditions that the industry faces were highlighted, discussing the crucial role of new technologies in ensuring the sustainability of maritime transportation. Collaboration between industries was emphasized as key, both within companies and with external partners, to find optimal solutions.
Another vital point of discussion was navigating complex maritime regulations. The panel examined various regulations, from CII to EU ETS and FUEL-EU Maritime, assessing their commercial and financial impact. Revised strategies from the IMO and midterm measures were addressed, emphasizing the need to adapt to the changing regulatory landscape.
In the final session, the global position of Greece in maritime transportation was analyzed and how the country will maintain its leadership in the industry. The discussion revolved around how Greece can stay at the forefront, not only by adapting to regulations but also by leading technological advancements in the shipping industry.
In conclusion, the summit highlighted the critical need for maritime transportation to embrace adaptability and evolve towards more sustainable practices. From regulation to technology, the industry is called upon to lead significant changes. Collaboration, innovation, and a clear understanding of environmental responsibility are crucial to paving the way for a greener future for maritime transportation.
Source: Adapted from events at the 14th Sustainable Shipping Summit. – seatrade-maritime.com
