Melina Travlos,President of the Union of Greek Shipownersduring the opening sessions of the Summit:“Global energy transition depends on Shipping.”

The Union of Greek Shipowners  took a leading role in the “Shaping the Future of Shipping: Delivering a Net Zero World” Summit, organized in the context of COP 28 by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) at the Museum of the Future in Dubai on December 10th, 2023.

The industry flagship summit  featured the participation of over 300 leading representatives and government officials from the maritime and energy sector, from 30 countries.

In her keynote speech, Ms. Melina Travlos, President of the UGS, brought to the fore the issues and  challenges global shipping and global economy face towards a net zero world.

The President of the UGS  stressed shipping’s core message about the sector’s decarbonization: the imperative need for cooperation and coordination of all parties involved in the transport chain,  for the achievement of the goals of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the global legislator of shipping.

She underlined the importance of a unified approach among governments, regulators, and stakeholders, inviting all states to support the IMO in its ambitious work.

Her speech became an inspiring reference point throughout the Summit’s discussions.

In her influential speech, Ms. Melina Travlos, stated: “Time flies and yet large challenges remain, and new ones are emerging. However, if we can work together to achieve our shared goals, the prize will be greater than the greening of our industry, it will be the greening of all industries. We cannot even discuss, let alone succeed, with a global energy transition without shipping and its role as a catalyst in every aspect of socioeconomic change and progress. So, today, in the Museum of the future, I stand on this solid foundation we have built, and I invite us all to collaborate as never before, to achieve this future. The future of shipping. The future of our world. Shipping has always guided global change through motivation, determination, and vision, and now it has to inspire and lead, once more. Shipping has always built bridges for growth and prosperity. This is our purpose, our duty, and our commitment to the world.”

During the Summit, Mr. Dimitrios I. Fafalios, Secretary of the Board of Directors of UGS and President of Intercargo, participated in the discussion about the decisive role of seafarers in the transition to net zero shipping. It was emphasized that seafarers must be trained appropriately to acquire the necessary skills to use new technologies and alternative fuels on board ships safely—an essential factor in protecting human life and the environment.

Mr. Fafalios highlighted the leading role of shipping during the COVID-19 pandemic, which ensured the smooth transportation of essential goods around the world amid lockdowns. He stated that the shipping industry had to encourage governments to recognize seafarers as key workers, also emphasizing the importance of upgrading the seafaring profession to maintain the existing personnel and attract new professionals. Furthermore, Mr. Fafalios underlined the crucial role of registries and shipyards in building and maintaining vessels, ensuring the health of seafarers, and providing a better workspace for crews.

During his participation in the discussion of Ministers, Mr. Christos Stylianides, the Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, highlighted the importance of cross-sector cooperation in achieving the goal of decarbonizing shipping. He stressed the need for collaboration among all parties involved, including energy producers, equipment manufacturers, port authorities, and the shipbuilding community, to develop practical and realistic solutions.

The President of the UGS engaged in a series of productive discussions with European and global leaders and officials in the shipping sector.

Noteworthy encounters included discussions with:

• Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General Elect of the International Maritime Organization,
• Dr. Gaby Bornheim, President of the German Shipowners Association (VDR),
• Karin Orsel, the new President from 1/1/2024 of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA),
• and Mr. Niko Schües, President of BIMCO.