Industry leaders gather at British Embassy in Greece to share insights on key challenges facing the maritime in the decade ahead

The ‘roaring 20s’ and the complexities that the shipping industry faces as it navigates the decade of decarbonisation were top of the agenda at Lloyd’s Register’s Hellenic Advisory Committee’s annual meeting that took place in Athens this week, with synergy building and industry collaboration being highlighted as fundamental for conquering this new frontier.

“Over our 260-year history we have helped the industry through three propulsion revolutions, from wind to coal to oil and we now look forward to working with you on the so called fourth Propulsion Revolution,” Nick Brown, LR Marine & Offshore Director, told shipping leaders attending the event at the British Embassy Residence.

Her Excellency Kate Smith CMG, the British Ambassador to Greece, welcomed the annual meeting, which was under the chair of Theodore Veniamis, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, and specific emphasis was given to LR’s innovation portfolio and the organisation’s vision for a safe and efficient digital transformation. Focus points included digital class, blockchain, remote surveys and maritime cyber security strategies.

The early impact of the IMO 2020 fuel shift was also discussed. LR shared fuel quality statistics and members of the Greek maritime community present offered their insights on fuel variability challenges and the state of exhaust gas cleaning system (ECGS) installations, with the conversation underling the importance of proactive fuel management.

There was lively debate around the key challenges that the shipping sector is facing, and awareness was raised about new industry entrants and technologies. LR Hellenic Advisory Committee Chairman Theodore Veniamis declared that he was “pleased to see a number of new members joining our Committee and look forward to their fruitful contribution”.