Governments and industry reaffirm commitment to trade and global stability at high-profile Athens Summit

PRESS RELEASE

Governments and industry reaffirm commitment to trade and global stability at high-profile Athens Summit

Over 350 senior delegates from governments and industry convened to address global risks to shipping and trade at the Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit.
Summit highlighted need for regulatory cohesion, seafarer training and secure trade routes amid geopolitical uncertainty.
At the Summit it was announced that China and Malta are joining the Clean Energy Marine (CEM) HUBS initiative.

13 June 2025, Athens – the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of the Hellenic Republic, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) co-hosted the high-level Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit on the 11 June in Athens, Greece.
The Summit brought together over 350 senior delegates from more than 30 countries, including ministerial representatives and chief executives from the global maritime and energy sectors. Discussions addressed the complex and evolving geopolitical landscape, regulatory developments, and the critical need for enhanced seafarer training and recruitment to safeguard the future of global trade.

The high-profile event included Ministerial attendees from key maritime states, including:

The Hon. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic (via video message)
The Hon. Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the Hellenic Republic
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism
Fu Xuyin, Vice-Minister, Ministry of Transport, People’s Republic of China
The Hon. Chris Bonett, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Republic of Malta
The Hon. Marina Hadjimanolis, Deputy Minister for Shipping, Republic of Cyprus
The Hon. Nehad Shahin Ali Shahin, Deputy Minister of Transport, Arab Republic of Egypt
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (via video address)

The summit fostered a high-level exchange of views between policymakers and industry leaders. With maritime transport underpinning over 90 per cent of global trade, the discussions centred on the mounting challenges posed by a shifting geopolitical order, including rising strategic competition, the proliferation of unilateral trade measures, and increasing regulatory complexity.
Participants examined the immediate and long-term risks facing the global shipping sector, including the economic impact of regional instability, the implications of climate policy divergence, and the need for unified regulatory approaches that support both decarbonisation and trade efficiency. A strong consensus emerged around the urgent need to maintain open markets and ensure the interoperability of global shipping regulations to protect supply chain resilience and economic security.

The Hon. Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of the Hellenic Republic, said:

“Only through teamwork will we ensure the future of shipping. Governments and shipping communities need to work side by side in order to achieve this. With Greek shipping constituting a strategic pillar of the national, the European and the world economy, we are in constant dialogue with our shipping community. And I invite all stakeholders involved in the future of shipping to continue the dialogue in a spirit of openness. Because shipping is not just a sector of economy. It is the backbone of global stability and prosperity. Shipping needs global rules and the level playing field it deserves.”

In a keynote address, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Chairman Emanuele Grimaldi stated:

“We find ourselves in a period of phenomenal upheaval. The world around us is shifting in profound and sometimes disconcerting ways. Global trade patterns are becoming increasingly fragmented. Geopolitical upheaval, be it through armed conflict, strategic competition, or growing regulatory divergence, is no longer a distant backdrop. It is a force that is reshaping our operating environment in real time. And amidst this uncertainty, the expectations on shipping are undiminished. We are still relied upon to deliver goods, growth, and, most critically now, solutions.

Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, said:

“With over a century of institutional experience, the Union of Greek Shipowners remains committed to informing global policy, championing free trade, safety of life at sea, and environmental sustainability. The shaping of the future of shipping can only take place with respect for the industry’s deep know-how. Decision and policymakers must not regulate for shipping without shipping. Collaboration is the key to adopting and implementing pragmatic solutions to every challenge we face. Let’s focus on what unites us, not what divides us. Let us continue to lead —united—in vision, responsibility and unwavering commitment to the sustainable future of global shipping… of the world.”

The Summit also provided a platform for reflection on the essential role of seafarers, emphasising the urgent requirement to invest in recruitment and training. Discussions further explored the regulatory framework surrounding greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) GHG strategy, developments from the recent MEPC83 meeting, and pathways towards equitable carbon pricing.
Particular attention was given to the Clean Energy Marine (CEM) HUBS initiative and its potential to accelerate zero-emission fuel deployment in developing regions. During the Summit it was announced that the governments of China and Malta have joined the Clean Energy Marine (CEM) HUBS, an initiative of the Clean Energy Ministerial. China (the first country in Asia to join the initiative) and Malta (the second European country to join the initiative following Greece in 2024) will bring unique expertise to the initiative to align the energy-maritime value chain and share best practices globally. Nine countries are now part of the initiative.
The Summit concluded with a shared commitment to continued dialogue and practical cooperation, with participants recognising the necessity of industry and governments working together to ensure that maritime transport can continue to deliver sustainable growth in an increasingly fragmented world.

A follow-up Summit will take place in Hong Kong in November 2025, providing a further opportunity to review progress and maintain momentum on the key priorities established in Athens.

Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit
Ms. Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners

"Your Excellencies Ministers,
Distinguished guests,
Dear colleagues,

Welcome to the world's leading maritime nation.
With over a century of institutional experience, the Union of Greek Shipowners remains committed to informing global policy, championing free trade, safety of life at sea, and environmental sustainability.
We are grateful to the International Chamber of Shipping and its President, Emanuele Grimaldi, for making this Summit happen in Athens. And to our Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, for placing it under its auspices.

This Summit provides an invaluable opportunity for an open and meaningful dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders, an opportunity that should not only be seized, but replicated.
The shaping of the future of shipping can only take place with respect for the industry’s deep know-how.
Shipping is a silent facilitator that ensures, in the most economical way, the security of global supply chains, as well as the food and energy autonomy of countries around the world.
Our industry has proved to be the lifeline of humanity on many critical occasions, when the latter’s viability has been put to the test. Covid-19, wars, geopolitical tensions, humanitarian crises, climate change.

Shipping has always delivered.
Our actions have always spoken louder than our words.

However, despite its so tangible contribution to our everyday life, shipping largely remains out of sight, out of mind—, for both policymakers and the wide public.
Our industry’s irreplaceable role is often overlooked – not due to lack of appreciation, but primarily due to lack of understanding.
This needs to change.
Not because we seek praise, but for achieving effective policymaking.
Policies and legislation must not undermine the work and sustainability of shipping: a strategic sector that is complex, distinct, and deeply interconnected with many other industries, not to say all.
And today, this sector faces multiple challenges that we need to address both collectively and individually:
An energy transition, with unrealistic set goals.

Increased regionalism, which threatens the very foundation of an efficient international regulatory regime.

Fierce international competition, which challenges sustainability.

Maritime security issues, which put life at sea under direct threat.
On this last critical issue, I had the rare opportunity just a few days ago to brief the United Nations Security Council during a high-level open debate.
The debate was held under the Presidency of Greece, and I would like to thank from this podium, too, our Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, for offering a platform to our industry, at the heart of the United Nations. His welcome statement today is also a vivid illustration of his recognition of shipping’s strategic importance.

Dear All,
The expert input of the industry must be fully reflected in maritime policy making at national, regional and global level.
This stands also for our industry’s global regulator, the IMO. The decisions taken at the IMO should be more than a mere balancing act among the interests of its Member States. They should be rooted in a real understanding of how the industry truly operates. What is feasible and what is not.
And to do that, they must incorporate the industry’s institutional voice… which, unfortunately, was not the case during the recent IMO deliberations on the Green House Gas emissions reduction measures.
Let us not forget: the IMO regulates only ships. It cannot directly regulate the other stakeholders, whose contribution to decarbonization is, however, a sine qua non.
Without safe, scalable, and globally available alternative fuels, decarbonization will remain a theoretical goal.
Funds raised must be directed back to the industry to support its decarbonization.

Our sector consistently strives for more efficiency and invests in new, safe and available alternative technologies.
But policymakers around the world must remember: no transition and no growth are possible on the back of stranded investments.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Shipping needs a global regulatory framework that reflects its nature. A framework that is built on realism, that enables fair competition and fosters innovation.
In this endeavor, the role of ICS, the institutional international voice of our industry, is invaluable.

Decision and policymakers must not regulate for shipping without shipping.
Collaboration is the key to adopting and implementing pragmatic solutions to every challenge we face.
I’m confident that no challenge is beyond our reach, if we face it together.
Let’s focus on what unites us, not what divides us.
Let us continue to lead —united—in vision, responsibility and unwavering commitment to the sustainable future of global shipping… of the world.
Thank you"

Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit
Mr. Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping

"Your Excellencies Ministers,
Distinguished guests,
Dear colleagues,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit here in the historic city of Athens. We are grateful for the warm hospitality of our hosts, and for this beautiful setting. What better place than one of the world’s most prestigious conservatoires for us to orchestrate the dialogue and cooperation our industry so urgently needs.
I’d like to thank Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for his kind words and insightful remarks - we are sorry that he could not be here with us today.
We find ourselves in a period of phenomenal upheaval. The world around us is shifting in profound and sometimes disconcerting ways. Global trade patterns are becoming increasingly fragmented. Geopolitical upheaval, be it through armed conflict, strategic competition, or growing regulatory divergence, is no longer a distant backdrop. It is a force that is reshaping our operating environment in real time. And amidst this uncertainty, the expectations on shipping are undiminished. We are still relied upon to deliver goods, growth, and, most critically now, solutions.
But unilateralism and protectionism threatens this ability to deliver and threatens nations abilities to grow and prosper.
The rising tide of unilateral trade barriers being imposed by governments around the world is a cause for serious concern. These measures, however well intentioned, introduce unnecessary complexity into our industry. They drive up consumer costs, create inefficiencies, and undermine the spirit of cooperation that global trade depends upon.
Tariffs and other unilateral actions risk damaging the very foundations of global commerce. They erode competitiveness, create regulatory fragmentation, and can entirely change trade flows. This is why we must continue to think and act on a global scale. Shipping, by its very nature, is a global industry. It makes little sense to tackle our challenges in fragmented, regional ways. As an industry and as the maritime value chain we must speak up, explain and identify solutions.
And it is this heightened context of political risk that we also need to address the critical challenge of decarbonisation. We all recognise the urgency. Our industry, which connects the world’s economies, must also lead in connecting the world to a sustainable future.
We all have our part to play. The recent meeting of the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee in April was a pivotal moment that showed the steps our industry is taking. While it did not give us everything we hoped for, the decisions taken represent progress, and now we must turn that progress into practical action.
This pivotal agreement was reached after a great deal of hard work by many, both member states and industry. Here I would like to take a moment to recognise and honour the memory of Spyros Polemis, one of my predecessors as ICS Chairman, who sadly passed away last year. Spyros had the foresight to initiate much of industries thinking on this subject and his leadership will not be forgotten.
Above all, we must remember the human dimension of this transformation. Our people, those who work on our ships, in our ports, and across our vast supply chains, will be on the front lines of change. Any agreement, and any regulatory structure, must take account of their safety, their training, and their future. And critically, the MEPC agreement must factor in the funds needed for the upskilling of our seafarers, to prepare them for the future of shipping – something clearly identified at our Seafarer Summit in Manila.
As we press ahead with the decarbonisation agenda, it is important to remember that all industry will require access to alternative fuels, not just shipping. One initiative that aims to reconcile this is the Clean Energy Marine Hubs, or CEM-Hubs, a practical, platform that will help us implement change where it matters most: in ports, infrastructure, and fuel supply networks.
The CEM-Hubs initiative has convened energy ministers with key shipping stakeholders that I hope will help to create the future architecture of the transportation of fuels, not just for our use, but as a commodity for all. This initiative is also a partnership with the International Association of Ports and Harbors, and I would like to thank Jens Meier and Patrick Verhoeven for being here today and their leadership – it is crucial that the wider maritime cluster continues to work closely.
I look forward to the outcomes of the next CEM-Hubs energy ministerial meeting in Korea. We are pleased that the Greek government has joined the initiative, alongside Norway, Canada, the UAE, Panama, Uruguay and Brazil. The ranks have also recently been bolstered by the addition of Malta and China, which strengthens the impact of the initiative. Together, we are building a global coalition, a unique collaboration between governments and critically industry, many of whom are in this room today.
I would therefore like to offer my sincere thanks to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy for the Government of the Hellenic Republic, under the leadership of Minister Kikilias, and the Union of Greek Shipowners, under my good friend Melina Travlos and her board for co-hosting this important Summit with ICS. Your assistance and warm hospitality have made this event possible. Thank you as well to our sponsors, whose support has been vital in making this Summit a success, your leadership in supporting this dialogue is much appreciated.
Let me close by saying that I look forward to continuing these discussions at our next Summit in Hong Kong on the 16th and 17th of November. There, we will build on the progress we make here today and continue working together to shape the future of shipping, and I hope to see many of you there.
According to the founding mythology, it was here that Athena, goddess of wisdom, battled Poseidon, god of the sea, for the patronage of our host city. Today, perhaps we are called not to choose between the wisdom of Athena and the power of Poseidon but to unite them. To bring insight and strength together, and in doing so, to forge a stronger, more united maritime community, capable of navigating the complexities of our time
Thank you, and I wish you all good discussions today."