Mikki Koskinen from Finland has been elected the next European Shipowners | ECSA President, starting on 1 January 2026 for a two-year term, with Nikolas Veniamis from Greece, joining as the new Vice-President. Mikki succeeds Karin Orsel, who has held the position since January 2024.

Commenting on his election, Mikki Koskinen, incoming ES|ECSA President, said:
“Over the past six decades, European Shipowners | ECSA has evolved into an indispensable strategic partner to the European institutions, consistently championing policies that strengthen the competitiveness of European shipping while driving sustainability, innovation, and the industry’s energy transition. Today’s global challenges have made the strategic role of European shipping more important than ever. European shipping is a cornerstone of Europe’s food, energy and supply chain security”.

“Shipping is a success story for our continent making Europe a global leader in the international supply chains. As we look ahead, the maritime sector faces its most profound transformation yet. The energy transition of shipping, geopolitical uncertainties, and rising protectionism demand bold leadership and collective action. I am confident that through our upcoming work, ES|ECSA will be defined by the same vision and determination. We must always aim for a unified and strong voice. We need all hands on deck. Because we shouldn’t forget that we cannot have a secure Europe without a competitive shipping”, Mikki Koskinen added.

Nikolas Veniamis, newly elected Vice-President of ES|ECSA, highlighted:
“European Shipowners | ECSA represents a sector which is critical to Europe’s prosperity. With 76% of the EU’s external trade being carried by sea, European shipping is a strategic asset for Europe’s security and prosperity. Shipping is a global industry. It is now more important than ever to ensure European shipping remains globally competitive. To achieve this, it is essential to continue the constructive dialogue and cooperation with EU policymakers and stakeholders. In my new position as Vice-President, I look forward to working with Mikki Koskinen, ES|ECSA members and the team as we strive to leverage the potential of European shipping for Europe”.

Mikki Koskinen (Master of Economics) has been Managing Director of ESL Shipping Oy, part of Aspo Group since 2013, and is a member of Aspo’s Executive Board. Prior to that, he was Managing Director of Meriaura Oy. Mikki has served as a member of the Board of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), a member on the board of Arctia Oy and was the Chairman of the Finnish Shipowners’ Association 2021-2023. He has been Vice-President of ES|ECSA for two years since 2024.

Nikolas Veniamis is CEO of Golden Union Shipping Company S.A. and of Starboard Shipping & Trading. He is Secretary of the Board of Directors (BOD) of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) and also serves on the BODs of both the Hellenic War Risks & West of England P&I Clubs. He holds a BSc in Management from Manchester Business School and an MSc in Shipping from MIT as well as an LLM in Maritime Law from City University. He has been serving as a member of the ES|ECSA Board since 2011.