Every year we produce more than 350 million tons of plastic (approx. equal to the total weight of people on earth!). Most of the litter items that end up in the seas are single-use plastics and, if we continue to pollute at the same rate, it is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans.

Incident and near miss reporting in the development of safety is recognized in many high-risk industries, including shipping.

Seatrade Awards 2021 in association with Lloyd’s List is the flagship award scheme for the international maritime community recognizing innovative initiatives for a safe, efficient and environmentally-friendly shipping, in accordance with the aims of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

New impetus for the international marine environment coalition

The Steering Committee of the International umbrella organization of Marine Environment Protection Associations (INTERMEPA) convened on June 29 2021, to share and transfer knowledge and best environmental practices in the Mediterranean Sea, North America and Black Sea. The goal of INTERMEPA is to maximize sustainable impact by leveraging joint resources in order to respond to the severe global environmental challenges.

Always at the forefront, keeping alive the global supply chain 

The Chairperson Semiramis Paliou, the Members of the Board of Directors and all of us in HELMEPA, express our deepest sorrow for the losses of Pavlos Ioannidis and Maria Tsakos.

HELMEPA is pleased to announce the arrival of Mrs. Olga Stavropoulou, who is taking over the duties of the Director General of the Association.

For centuries, seafarers have enjoyed observing whales travelling across vast distances on the high seas or dolphins accompanying them on their voyages in front of the vessel’s bow.

The expansion of HELMEPA’s membership continues at a rapid pace with the total fleet of registered vessels having exceeded 1,300. Managing companies are already receiving their welcome pack, which includes the new certificate of membership, HELMEPA’s flag, placards on the requirements of Annexes IV and V of the MARPOL International Convention and samples of other motivational material that can be ordered for their entire fleet.