The Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Giannis Plakiotakis, from Davos, Switzerland, pointed out the strategic interventions that are necessary in the shipping industry, in order for the industry to be able to meet the great and important challenges.
“Let’s all join forces”
“Due to the pandemic, but also to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we need to readjust our priorities once again. “Everyone should realize that shipping is a global industry and for this reason global rules are required”, said Mr. Plakiotakis.
As he said, “decarbonization is the biggest challenge that shipping will face in the future, culminating in the availability of safe, alternative and zero-carbon fuels. To achieve this, we need to work together. “Let us all join forces and present realistic policies and workable measures in this area.”
“The survival of Greek coastal shipping is paramount”
The Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, from the podium of the Greek House Davos, where he was together with the Minister of Investment of Panama, José Alejandro Rojas, stressed that “Greece is in a process of transition to green coastal shipping, with funds from the European Union. We have electric ships in mind and are preparing the market for the cost of this conversion. But what matters now is the survival of Greek coastal shipping. Due to the very high rise in the price of oil, costs have risen sharply. This is the most important impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. That is why we must be very careful with sanctions. They must not harm our economies and our citizens more than the Russians.”
“It is time for everyone, especially in the European Union, to understand that Greek shipping and Greek shipowners can meet Europe’s needs for alternative energy sources. “It’s the best time to re-establish shipping in society as most people do not fully understand its importance,” he said.
In addition, Mr. Plakiotakis praised the importance of maintaining shipping at the top of the world despite the two years of the pandemic, emphasizing that “we have proven that our priority is to ensure the competitiveness of the sector and the high quality of services worldwide. Greek-owned shipping controls 21% of the world tonnage and 59% of European tonnage.”
New plan to strengthen maritime education
In closing, Mr. Plakiotakis also referred to the major issue of lack of crews in shipping in the coming years. “According to a study by the International Maritime Chamber, there will be a large shortage of staff for shipping. The gaps are estimated to reach 96,000 by 2026.” And after expressing interest in helping the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy in this area, he announced that he is preparing a new plan by the end of the year to strengthen maritime education.
Latest News
Europeche: Greek Apricot Production Recovers
Europeche forecasts the production will bounce back despite a slight decrease in varieties attributed to high winter temperatures
Bank of Greece (BoG): Business-Household Deposits Up 1,675bln in March 2024
In March 2024, the monthly net flow of credit to the general government was negative by 469 million euros
FT: Greece’s Economic Rebound a Balance of Growth and Poverty
Eurostat data revealed a significant 10.8% drop in Greek public debt relative to GDP in 2023, alongside a 2% economic expansion, outpacing Germany's performance.
Lavrio Port Authority Next Up for Privatization
A deadline for the submission of expressions of interest is May 14, 2024
Eurostat: Greece Records Largest Drop in Natural Gas Prices in 2nd Half of 2023
The price of electricity and natural gas in Europe was down following a substantial surge that began before the Russian invasion of Ukraine and peaked in 2022
GEK TERNA Still Considers Leveraging Concessions Portfolio as Financial Tool
President and CEO of Gek Terna George Peristeris explained the company's plans on Tuesday on the sidelines of the inauguration of sections of Greece's E65 highway
NielsenIQ: 3% Supermarket Revenue Increase in Q1
Private label products are gaining traction, comprising 25.4% of shopping basket shares, up from 24.7%
Store Hours Change Today in Observation of Orthodox Easter
The President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce hopes the Easter period will provide a much-needed boost to retail traffic in the capital
Athens-area Mass Transit Systems Set to Finally Install Contact-less Fare Payment
Paying fares via bank cards, smartphones and smartwatches in all mass transit systems in the Greek capital, namely, buses, trolleys, the metro and tram lines, is scheduled by the end of the year
Council of State Rejects Motion Against Thessaloniki Motorway Project
The motion was filed earlier this month by three local citizens’ and environmental groups and generated a high court decision for a temporary stay in construction