HELMEPA Conference at Posidonia 2024: Strengthening Shipping Resilience to Climate Change with the Core Message “Strength in Unity”
- Jul 9, 2024
- 5 min read
HELMEPA marked a strong and highly visible presence at Posidonia 2024, both on land and at sea, with the highlight being its flagship conference held on World Environment Day, under the theme “Shipping Resilience to Climate Change” and the central message “Strength in Unity.”
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/igkGvA0cqOw
More than 500 leading figures from the shipping industry attended discussions focusing on the achievement of IMO targets, the implementation of operational and technological measures, enhanced data sharing, and the promotion of timely decision-making. A key milestone of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between HELMEPA and the Union of Greek Shipowners, in the presence of representatives of the New Generation. HELMEPA’s presence at Posidonia also stood out for its circular economy practices, its highly visited exhibition stand, the public’s active participation in an innovative commitment-taking experience, and the official screening of its climate change awareness video.
In his opening address, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Christos Stylianides, outlined the key priorities of shipping’s decarbonisation agenda, highlighting the strength and leadership of Greek shipping and acknowledging HELMEPA’s substantial contribution to maritime education and environmental awareness. The Minister of Environment and Energy, Theodoros Skylakakis, referred to the historic significance of recent international climate decisions, noting that while the crisis is anthropogenic, it ultimately threatens humanity itself. Rear Admiral Wayne R. Arguin Jr., Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy of the United States Coast Guard (USCG), emphasised the global transformation of shipping operations, the need to balance growing demand with greenhouse gas reductions, and the management of emerging technological risks—such as cybersecurity—while underlining the importance of retraining and supporting seafarers.
The President of HELMEPA and INTERMEPA, Semiramis Paliou, highlighted the importance of broad industry participation in HELMEPA’s conference on World Environment Day, stating:
“This demonstrates our genuine interest and commitment to listen, understand and address the challenge of climate change, to act without further delay, and at the same time ensure the resilience of the shipping industry amid unprecedented environmental change.”
She underscored the shipping industry’s critical role in tackling pollution, biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, stressing the urgent need to transition rapidly to clean marine fuels, zero-emission vessels and alternative propulsion systems. Her address was a call for collective action to confront the climate crisis, transform industry practices and promote sustainability across global shipping, concluding with the guiding principle “Strength in Unity.”
Particular interest was drawn by the Shipowners’ Panel, featuring prominent voices from the shipping industry: Hing Chao, Executive Chairman of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport; Polys Hajioannou, CEO and Chairman of Safe Bulkers Inc.; Alexia Igglesi, Director of Alberta Shipmanagement Ltd.; Gerasimos (Jerry) Kalogiratos, CEO of Capital Product Partners; Katerina Mylonas, President of East 33 Maritime; and Petros Pappas, CEO of Star Bulk Carriers Corp. The discussion was moderated by Nicholas Bornozis, Founder and President of Capital Link Inc., and centred on the industry’s unwavering commitment to achieving IMO goals and transitioning to net-zero emissions by 2050.
The panel highlighted the need for a comprehensive “passage plan” for shipping decarbonisation involving all stakeholders. Operational innovations such as slow steaming, digital route optimisation, and hull cleaning were emphasised for their ability to significantly reduce emissions and operational costs. Strong emphasis was also placed on improving communication and accountability across the entire supply chain, as well as on the urgent need for effective ship–port data-sharing systems to enhance global operational efficiency. Participants stressed the critical importance of decisive action and timely implementation of initiatives to address climate-related challenges.
In the session “Climate Change Explained,” Maria Damanaki, Climate Change and Oceans Advisor and former EU Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, together with Konstantinos Kartalis, Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Member of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, presented the latest scientific findings on climate change.
The conference concluded with the New Generation taking centre stage. HELMEPA Youth Ambassador Leaders, aged 10–18, coordinated by Katerina Chatzikokkinou (17), posed questions to the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Melina Travlou, and HELMEPA President, Semiramis Paliou, on career paths in shipping, women’s representation in the industry, seafarers’ professional development and environmental protection in maritime activities. Both Presidents shared advice and personal experiences, emphasising the pivotal role of young people in shaping the future of global shipping. At the same time, approximately 1,000 kindergarten and primary school students from across Greece followed the discussion online, sending their message:“Don’t be fooled! We can save the seas!”
In addition, a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Union of Greek Shipowners and HELMEPA was signed during the conference, aiming to raise awareness and strengthen young people’s connection with the sea and the marine environment, with a focus on empathy and sustainable development—further reinforcing the long-standing collaboration between the two organisations.
The conference was moderated by Olga Stavropoulou, General Director of HELMEPA, who highlighted HELMEPA’s impactful presence at Posidonia 2024 through a series of high-value initiatives. She also warmly thanked the Posidonia organisers for their hospitality and for selecting HELMEPA’s “I LOVE SEA” concept for the official Posidonia 2024 bag.
This year, HELMEPA’s exhibition stand offered visitors a unique experience, inviting them—through the power of artivism—to actively participate by making personal commitments to protect our blue planet. Upholding circular economy principles and leading by example, HELMEPA featured furniture made from recycled marine plastic waste collected by BlueCycle, bracelets created by Elli Sfika (Amalthea – Branding Heritage) using recycled materials and pineapple leaves, and a central art installation by Joy Stathopoulou (Reywal), incorporating light and materials from recycled organic cotton and threads made from plastic bottles recovered from the sea.
As with the conference, the stand’s central message was “Strength in Unity,” visually represented by the word UNITED, composed of the logos of HELMEPA’s 351 member companies, symbolising the power of collective action.
The conference also premiered HELMEPA’s climate change awareness video, starring Evelina Papoulia, one of Greece’s most prominent actresses and activists, with music by renowned composer Stefanos Korkolis and script by Smaro Politi. The video calls for radical changes in current models of production, mobility and consumption. It is a HELMEPA production within the framework of the METAVASEA programme, implemented with the strategic and financial support of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF).
Finally, with the support of the Hellenic Offshore Sailing Club (POIATH), HELMEPA participated in the Posidonia Cup, represented by a team of volunteers who won second place in their category, guided by the organisation’s strong spirit of teamwork.
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/igkGvA0cqOw