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 a significant summit in Athens on June 11, 2025. Titled ‘Shaping the Future of Shipping: Navigating global megatrends, mitigating risk and the role of shipping in delivering economic security and prosperity’, the event will convene policymakers and industry leaders to tackle critical issues impacting global trade and the maritime value chain amidst current volatility.
Discussions will center on global megatrends such as geopolitical conflict, supply chain security, technological advancements, and food and energy security, emphasizing shipping’s role in ensuring economic stability.
Driving Decarbonization and Regulatory Evolution
A key focus of the summit will be the practical implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s GHG reduction agreement and accelerating the adoption of new fuels. The event will also address the evolving regulatory framework, including discussions on the GHG pricing mechanism, outcomes from MEPC 83, and the progress of the Clean Energy Marine (CEM) Hubs initiative.
Furthermore, the summit will examine the geopolitical factors influencing shipping and the crucial aspects of seafarer recruitment and training necessary to support future global trade. This invitation-only gathering aims to foster open dialogue and generate actionable solutions for the challenges facing the maritime industry. The Summit’s lead sponsor is ABS.
Government Perspective
Mr. Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of the Hellenic Republic, welcomed the opportunity to host the summit in Greece, a country with deep maritime roots. “I am honoured to welcome Ministers and shipping industry leaders to Greece, a country with a multi-millennial shipping tradition and a globally thriving shipping sector. Hosting this important Summit in Greece bears an emblematic value for us.”
Industry Perspectives
Ms. Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the unprecedented challenges facing the maritime sector.
“Our sector, as the whole world, is going through some exceptional times. And extraordinary times call for extraordinary action. And above all cooperation. Which is why we are especially pleased that the ICS, the institutional voice of international shipping, has taken the initiative to convene this important gathering amidst critical international developments, which affect shipping deeply.”
First established in 1916, the UGS represents Greek-owned and managed from Greece vessels over 3,000 gt under Greek and other European and third country flags. Despite current challenges, Greek shipping represents more than 60% of the EU-controlled fleet and more than 20% of the world deadweight capacity.
Mr. Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), highlighted the critical role of shipping in global trade and the need for coordinated action.
“The shipping sector is playing a central role in the current discourse on global trade. We face more challenges and threats than we have in probably two decades. This is why we want to bring leaders together to discuss the best solutions at the critical intersection of policymaking and industry action. Industry and governments must work together to address these challenges, we cannot work in isolation.”
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for merchant shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world’s merchant fleet.
Venue & Schedule
Address: Athens Conservatoire, 17–19 Vasileos Georgiou B, Athens 106 75, Greece
Date: 11 June 2025
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