Conferences set the course to navigate tumultuous times

The upcoming Posidonia 2022 Conferences and Seminars Programme will once again focus on the crucial issues for the global maritime community as the world economy has to deal with the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the severe side effects of the Covid-19 induced pandemic.

Posidonia will be held from June 6th to 10th at the Athens Metropolitan Expo and will offer delegates and hosts a platform to discuss and network, following a four-year hiatus since the last time it was held in its traditional physical format.

“Our programme’s lineup of distinguished speakers and rich content of inspirational keynote speeches, thought-provoking panel discussions, powerful presentations, seminars and workshops is designed to trigger the entrepreneurial spirit of the international maritime community in its quest for success during these economically and geopolitically challenging circumstances,” said Theodore Vokos, managing director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A.

The TradeWinds Shipowners Forum will kick-off the conference programme with a discussion on how to manage the era-defining challenge of decarbonisation. Themed as ‘Seize the Moment in the Energy Transition’, this signature TradeWinds forum will feature three strong panel discussions and present opportunities to network with peers and leading industry players. Some leading names from the global shipping arena have already been confirmed as speakers at the Forum.

The importance of decarbonisation in the agenda of shipowners will be reflected in a panel discussion hosted by BIMCO. Leading maritime specialists will share expertise, ambition and strategies for decarbonising shipping, and consider whether the industry is taking adequate steps to meet the IMO’s goals and the wider global decarbonisation challenge. “We are delighted to once again be able to meet the industry, members and friends at Posidonia, exchanging knowledge and strategies as we work together towards decarbonising our industry,” said David Loosley, BIMCO Secretary General & CEO.

Energy transition also headlines the third Trading in U.S. Waters Seminar. Titled “Towards a Decarbonized Maritime Sector by 2050”, it is expected to draw a strong audience consisting of ship-owners and shipping industry experts. Seminar participants will gain a deeper understanding of the current state of the shipping and marine services industry, get updated on latest trends and developments for each topic and hear views about the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“Digitalisation Demystified” and “All hands on Deck: Shaping the future of Seafaring” are the two sessions of Seatrade Maritime’s inaugural summit in association with the Global Maritime Club. Scheduled for June 9th, the event will be keynoted by Giannis Plakiotakis, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Hellenic Republic.

Greek shipping industry leaders and Greek Government officials will share their insight and views on critical topics in a series of panels during the Capital Link Forum to take place on June 6th. The Forum will address a wide range of issues impacting the industry, such as supply and demand challenges, LNG/LPG, green shipping, digitalisation and as always financing and the difficulties of getting access to it.

HELMEPA’s Conference will feature a lively panel discussion of three generations of distinguished Greek shipowners and cross-industry leaders from the international community, who will share their insights into the key questions facing the industry going forward, and reflect on how shipping has evolved over the last few decades. The event will be held on June 8th, designated by the UN as World Oceans Day. “Our conference will bring together shipping industry leaders, policy makers, social partners, academia, regulators, and civil society to discuss, exchange and share knowledge and knowhow on sustainable shipping while inspiring collective action to get on board to save the seas,” said Olga Stavropoulou, HELMEPA director general.

During the SHARK TANK event, young entrepreneurs will be offered the chance to pitch their ideas for innovative technologies advancing the shipping industry to an audience of shipowners and potential investors who will determine whether to invest using fictitious funds, in these new and innovative technologies. The format provides an exceptional opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and receive instant feedback from the industry. At the same time, it provides the industry a first look and insights into the latest tech, offering significant value add for all participants.

WISTA HELLAS Women at Sea event titled “How close we are to gender diversity on board?” attempts to identify the reasons behind the low numbers of women seafarers on board and explore whether more effective policies for the advancement of seafaring careers for women is needed. Elpi Petraki, president, WISTA Hellas, said: “According to the latest BIMCO/ICS 2021 Seafarer Workforce Report, women represent just 1,28% of the global seafarer workforce. Although there is a 45,8% increase in numbers of women seafarers since 2015, the statistics underline that women are massively underrepresented as seafaring professionals. This is a major issue that needs to be addressed.”

This year’s version of the YES to Shipping Forum will offer students, graduates and young maritime executives the opportunity to meet and interact with exhibiting companies at Posidonia 2022 and also attend a panel discussion about career opportunities in the shipping industry. Danae Bezantakou, Concept Founder, said: “We are honoured to have been organising the YES to Shipping Forum at Posidonia since 2016. We are glad to invite the shipping community to the youth day of this important exhibition for shipping nationally and internationally. It is not an exaggeration to say that the YES to Shipping Forum at Posidonia was the catalyst that brought the younger generation closer to the industry.”

Posidonia is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, the Union of Greek Shipowners and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Cooperation Committee.