- The shipping industry can beat challenges next year and thrive as operators continue to develop the skills of their employees, delegates to a shipping forum in Athens were told
-
Speakers at the 17th Annual Forum of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Greek Branch emphasized the need for continuous professional development in the industry
-
The industry has historically emerged stronger after challenging times because it remains resilient, robust and adaptable, speakers said
Endless skills honing was stressed in a recent shipping industry forum in Greece to help make the industry resilient to overcome geopolitical challenges in the year ahead and thrive.
Attendees were told at the recent 17th Annual Forum of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Greek Branch that the shipping industry needs continuous professional development to stay robust and resilient as it navigates the challenges.
The event, “Moving Forward with the World in Turmoil,” was held on December 7 at the Eugenides Foundation in Athens and broadcast live around the world.
ICS executives said they are confident that the shipping industry will survive turbulence because constant skills upgrading of the industry’s employees has helped it become resilient.
Natalia Margioli, Komninou FICS, managing director of the ICS Greek Branch and Hellenic Management Centre, emphasized the importance of continuous professional development, saying this year’s theme aimed to capture the many challenges facing stakeholders.
“Shipping companies have continued to advance the skills of their human resources and this has contributed to the resilient character and progression demonstrated by Greek professionals. Continuous professional development and education is integral to navigating an increasingly complex world,” Margioli said.
Related Read: Shipping groups welcome PH vow to fix seafarers issues
Nicolas A. Tsavliris, FICS, chairman of the ICS Greek Branch and Tsavliris Salvage Group, told the delegates he is confident the industry can navigate through the turbulence successfully.
“The shipping industry remains resilient, robust and adaptable. Historically, it always emerges stronger after challenging times and the ICS has an important role play in these unpredictable times,” Tsavliris said.
The event was attended by Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy Ioannis Plakiotakis, British Ambassador to Greece Matthew Lodge, and Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Europe Leo Docherty.
Addressing the forum, Minister Plakiotakis noted the importance of the transport sector in ensuring resilient supply chains and creating reliable mechanisms for vessels to move smoothly and safely worldwide.
He remarked that the world is undergoing a radical transformation towards non-fossil fuel-based shipping.
A panel discussion followed, covering environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) policy, as well as how to support and develop the next generation of shipbrokers. There was a vibrant interaction between the audience and panellists who shared their expertise and insight.
The panel included the following speakers: Alexandra Couvadelli, senior claims director (P&I and FD&D); Thomas Miller Hellas; Polys V. Hajioannou, chairman/CEO, Safe Bulkers Inc; Thanasis Martinos, managing director, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd; George Prokopiou, Founder, Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd., Dynagas Ltd. and Sea Traders S.A; Stephen Thompson, global head of LNG, Poten & Partners; Eri Tsironi, chief financial officer of Navios Maritime Partners LP; Simon Ward, FICS, director of Ursa Shipbrokers.
