Achieving a greener maritime sector requires coordinated efforts from policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders, navigating challenges from geopolitical stability to regulatory shifts and technological advancements.
During the final panel of the 14th GREEN4SEA Athens Forum, maritime professionals shared their perspectives for tackling this critical issue.
A call for global stability
John N. Cotzias, Co-Founder, Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc, emphasized that, before tackling technical aspects of decarbonization, the world must first address the pressing need for peace. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and unrest in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Palestine, have profound implications for global trade and maritime operations.
Resolving these conflicts would not only ease disruptions in key shipping lanes, such as the Red Sea, but also contribute to a more stable global economy. Ultimately, Cotzias highlighted the human cost of these conflicts, stressing that an end to unnecessary suffering should be a top priority.
A shift in consumption mindset
Moving on, Takis Koutris, Managing Director, Roxana Shipping S.A., took a broader perspective on sustainability, questioning the root causes of excessive carbon emissions. He argued that reducing environmental impact is not just about alternative fuels but about changing consumer habits. The modern culture of disposability—where broken household items are replaced rather than repaired—exemplifies a systemic issue of overproduction and waste.
Koutris called for a fundamental shift toward reuse and sustainability, but acknowledged that economic interests often hinder this change. ‘’Without a concerted effort to promote responsible consumption, even the best environmental policies may fall short.’’, he concluded.
Reducing ship speeds: A practical solution
Panos A. Kourkountis Technical Director, Sea Traders S.A, provided a pragmatic approach to maritime decarbonization: reducing vessel speeds. ’’With shipping consuming approximately 220 million tons of fossil fuel annually, transitioning to alternative fuels presents a daunting challenge. However, lowering vessel speeds could significantly cut emissions—by as much as 45%—while maintaining transport capacity by deploying more ships at lower speeds.’’, he said.
Kourkountis also advocated for stricter Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) regulations, which would naturally encourage slower, more fuel-efficient ships. Future vessels should be designed with larger capacities but lower power demands, ensuring a gradual yet effective transition to a greener industry.
Lessons from the aviation industry
Costas Th. Kontes, Chief Commercial Officer, Navilands Management Holdings S.A, suggested looking to the aviation sector for inspiration. ‘’Just as airplanes require clearance before takeoff to avoid congestion, a similar system could be implemented in shipping. By optimizing voyage speeds and scheduling arrivals with precision, fuel consumption and emissions could be significantly reduced. ‘’, he said.
Kontes also stressed the need for collaboration among shipowners, charterers, and policymakers to develop sustainable solutions. Furthermore, he underscored the role of digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and automation in driving efficiency and reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.
Optimizing port logistics
Concluding the discussion during the last panel of the forum, George Souravlas, Founder & CEO, Load Line Marine S.A, agreed that reducing ship speeds is a viable decarbonization strategy but warned against unintended consequences, such as delays in global trade. The real bottleneck, he argued, lies in port congestion. Many ships rush to their destinations only to wait weeks before unloading their cargo, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption.
Souravlas advocated for better coordination in port logistics, enabling ship operators to adjust speeds in real-time based on port availability. Leveraging technology for smarter scheduling and real-time voyage optimization could eliminate wasteful practices and support a more sustainable industry.
