The Cyprus Shipping Chamber organised, on the opening day of the “Maritime Cyprus 2025” Conference held on 6 October 2025, a high-level panel discussion titled “Navigating Disruption: Steering the Shipping Industry Through Global Turbulences.”

The discussion was moderated by Mr. Thomas A. Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and featured distinguished speakers from leading international shipowners’ organisations, including Mr. Themis Papadopoulos, Member of the Board and former Vice-Chairman of the ICS, Ms. Karin Orsel, President of the European Shipowners (ECSA), Ms. Ioanna Procopiou, President Designate of the Baltic & International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and Mr. Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council (WSC).

The panel focused on the major challenges currently facing the global shipping industry, including the transition to decarbonisation, geopolitical uncertainties and increasing regulatory complexity. Speakers exchanged views on how shipowners and leading shipping organisations are adapting to an evolving landscape while maintaining operational efficiency and competitiveness.

Mr. Papadopoulos highlighted the importance of a realistic global regulatory framework to achieve decarbonisation goals without undermining the industry’s competitiveness, as well as the need for IMO funds to be reinvested in the industry’s decarbonisation efforts, noting that it was particularly gratifying to hear EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mr. Tzitzikostas to support a global solution.

Ms. Procopiou addressed the growing issue of regulation overload and operational complexity, stressing the need for balanced and pragmatic policymaking and highlighting that the industry can remain resilient only up to a certain point. Continuing the discussion, Ms. Orsel positively noted the increasing dialogue between policymakers and the shipping industry, emphasising the importance of free trade in “shaping a future-proof industry.”

Mr. Kramek analysed the geopolitical challenges and U.S. trade dynamics, underscoring both the vital role of shipping in maintaining global supply chain stability and the importance of protecting seafarers from unfair criminalisation.

The discussion concluded with a shared understanding that shipping is a strategic asset to the global economy, ensuring the continuous delivery of food, energy, and essential goods worldwide. The panel also underscored the industry’s commitment to decarbonisation and the IMO’s efforts to guide shipping sustainably and competitively towards 2050.