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 Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit on 11 June in Athens, Greece, where governments and industry convened to address global risks to shipping and trade.
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.
Furthermore, 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.
The high-profile event included Ministerial attendees from key maritime states, including:
- Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic (via video message)
- 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
- Chris Bonett, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Republic of Malta
- Marina Hadjimanolis, Deputy Minister for Shipping, Republic of Cyprus
- Nehad Shahin Ali Shahin, Deputy Minister of Transport, Arab Republic of Egypt
- Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (via video address)
Furthermore, 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. In addition, China and Malta joined the Clean Energy Marine (CEM) HUBS initiative, which now includes nine countries, aiming to accelerate zero-emission fuel deployment and align energy-maritime value chains globally.
Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of the Hellenic Republic, Vassilis Kikilias emphasized that teamwork between governments and the shipping industry is essential for the sector’s future, calling for global rules and a level playing field, with shipping recognized as the backbone of global stability and prosperity.
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.
…Vassilis Kikilias pointed out.
ICS Chairman Emanuele Grimaldi also highlighted the current geopolitical instability, growing regulatory fragmentation, and emphasized that despite these pressures, shipping must continue to deliver solutions and ensure supply chain resilience.
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.
…Emanuele Grimaldi highlighted in a keynote address.
President of the Greek Shipowners’ Union (UGS) Melina Travlos reaffirmed Greece’s role in shaping global shipping policy, stressing that collaboration, industry expertise, and shared responsibility are vital to addressing challenges like safety, sustainability, and trade.
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.
…said Melina Travlos.
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.
