The safety of seafarers must be paramount as the international community seeks to address the volatile situation in the Red Sea says INTERCARGO speaking on behalf of the world’s dry bulk ship owners.

INTERCARGO condemns the ongoing targeting of merchant ships and fully supports the comments made by Arsenio Dominguez, newly-appointed International Maritime Organization Secretary-General who highlighted that seafarers are innocent victims and that the principle of freedom of navigation must be upheld, thereby allowing the safe trade of essential goods across the globe.

As during Covid times, dry bulk shipping continues to ensure the transport of key supplies and the smooth running of the global economy. Once again, everyone should be reminded of the value of our seafarers and the imperative for their legal designation as key workers by all nations with special/favourable handling by ports and countries of destination.

With Non Governmental Organisation status at the IMO, INTERCARGO is actively involved in discussions and information sharing at the highest level. The association endorses the IMO’s stance that there must be caution and restraint to avoid further escalation of the situation in the Red Sea and broader area, in alignment with UN Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024) on the Red Sea.

About INTERCARGO: International shipping is vital for the global economy and prosperity as it transports approximately 90% of world trade. The dry bulk sector is the largest shipping sector in terms of number of ships and deadweight. Dry bulk carriers account for 43% of the world fleet (in tonnage) and carry an estimated 55% of the global transport work. Please view our latest Dry Bulk Shipping video: Sustainably serving the world’s essential needs3.

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) unites and promotes quality dry bulk shipping, bringing together 250 forward thinking companies from 30 countries. INTERCARGO convened for the first time in 1980 in London and has been participating with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1993. INTERCARGO provides the forum where dry bulk shipowners, managers and operators are informed about, discuss, and share concerns on key topics and regulatory challenges, especially in relation to safety, the environment, and operational excellence. The Association takes forward its members’ positions to IMO, as well as to other shipping and international industry fora, having free and fair competition as a principle.

Leading provider of secure maritime data communications software, GTMaritime, has responded to growing demand for its products and services by opening an office in Greece and appointing two new executives to its sales team.

Last year, the company reported a 35% increase in monthly user traffic across its portfolio of software solutions between 1 November 2022 and 31 October 2023. It also announced its 15,000th ship installation – just 16 months after passing the 10,000-vessel milestone.

In response, GTMaritime has opened a new office in the heart of Piraeus to focus on clients and partners in southern Europe and the Middle East, managed by Antonis Kalaitzis and Alex Zervos. The company has also added two key individuals to serve regional customers and support international growth.

Ryan Heinz has been appointed Regional Head of Sales EMEA AMER, bringing 20 years of experience in IT-focused sales and consultancy to the role with a strong emphasis on maritime digitalisation. A passionate advocate for new technology, Ryan has worked with several major maritime software providers.

Also joining GTMaritime is data specialist Sreeraj Srikanth, who has been appointed Regional Sales Manager Middle East. Sreeraj has been tasked with enhancing the visibility of GTMaritime solutions and services in the region, and with contributing to the success of local ship owners and managers. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Data Science at Middlesex University Dubai.

Richard White, Global Commercial Director, GTMaritime, said: “For GTMaritime, 2023 was a year characterised by rapid growth and soaring data consumption – and demand for our services shows no sign of abating in 2024. It is vital that we continue to expand our global footprint and add expertise to our workforce.

“With the opening of the Greek office and the appointment of two highly qualified and passionate sales professionals, we have made a very promising start to the year, and I look forward to working with both Ryan and Sreeraj.” 

GTMaritime
Wherever you are, we are.
• Over 25 years maritime communications experience
• 15,000+ vessels & 1,300 businesses worldwide trust GTMaritime with their communication software
• Proven 100% service record with no unscheduled downtime
• 100% malware blocking with over 90,000 zero day malware attacks stopped in the last 12 months
• Over 30M spam messages and 1.7m known viruses blocked in the last 12 months
• 24-7-365 technical support from ITIL trained engineers
• Offices in the UK, Greece and Singapore along with a global partner network
• Continuous software development ensures rapid deployment of new functionality, as well as providing software updates for vulnerabilities
Since 1998 GTMaritime has been providing a range of technology solutions and services to the maritime industry that serve to enable effective communications over satellite.

We specialise in providing solutions and services that help ensure vessel compliance and business operability 365 days a year, as well as keeping crew in touch with friends and family whilst at sea. All of this is backed up by a market leading infrastructure and unrivalled 24-hour customer support, every day of the year.

Our development team deliver continuous development and enhancement features to ensure our products stay ahead of the ever-growing cyber threats, with silent system enhancements deployed on a weekly basis.

We provide these services from our head office in the UK, Greece and Singapore – and increasingly through an established and growing network of resellers and partners around the world.

Wallem Westminster, Manila, is proud to partner with the IMO endorsed ‘Adopt a Ship’ programme (AaS). Working together with San Antonio Elementary School (SAES), Wallem Westminster’s senior officers embarked on a 10-week immersive curriculum to raise maritime awareness. Wallem provided educational materials and interactive content that explained maritime concepts, supported interactive activities that engaged students' creative learning and skill development and encouraged collaborative efforts to effectively integrate maritime education within the framework of the Department of Education curriculum.

SEAS students, aged between 11- 13 years old, presented a collection of beautiful creative work related to vessels, seafarers, and sea life including posters, galleon design and lantern (Parol) making.

Capt. Leal, President Wallem Westminster, said, ‘The Philippines has a long and proud history of seafaring and at Wallem Westminster we have a deep-rooted tradition where generations of seafarers from one family have sailed with us over the years. To continue this great heritage, we are pleased to partner with the Adopt a Ship programme to raise awareness of seafaring, shipping, and the wider maritime industry and community. I was also particularly pleased to see the attention the students gave to the environment and sustainability which is at the heart of Wallem Group.’

Mr. Jeffrey Aldas, Adopt a Ship, Philippines Representative said ‘Partnering with Wallem Westminster for Adopt a Ship programme is vital given its substantial expertise in maritime operations and services. Wallem’s pivotal role lies in providing access to maritime knowledge, fostering educational partnerships, and offering real-world insights into the maritime industry. This collaboration enhances maritime awareness by connecting students with professional ship officers, promoting a deeper understanding of maritime operations, and inspiring young minds about future interest and career exploration in the maritime sector.’

Adopt A Ship is a programme that provides educational benefits and maritime career opportunities for all children as it increases maritime awareness. This project helps increase the children's awareness of the maritime industry and the important role they can play in the quality of life for everyone on the planet. It also helps increase the number of countries where seafarers and other maritime professionals are recognised.

Wallem Group is a leading provider of technology driven maritime solutions, offering services supporting the complete lifecycle of a vessel from newbuilding supervision to end-of-life recycling guidance. Wallem’s extensive portfolio includes asset management, crewing, training, ship management, safety and compliance management and agency services.

As one of the largest and most experienced solutions providers globally, Wallem offers world-class support to shipowners by bringing its customer-centric and transparent approach to all aspects of fleet operation. Wallem combines technology and forward-thinking to deliver on safety, technical, and commercial performance without compromise. Wallem believes in collaboration to foster innovation in meeting future needs.

Wallem operates globally with a shore-based team of 700 people and 7,000 highly qualified seafarers, serving nearly all vessel segments.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading authority of the global cruise industry, announced that Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty has been appointed Chairman by its Board of Directors. Jason Liberty succeeds Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises S.A. who served in the role since January 2021.

“On behalf of the CLIA community including ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines, suppliers, business partners, travel advisers, and agencies, I would like to congratulate Mr. Liberty on his appointment as CLIA chair. Mr. Liberty assumes the chairmanship at a time when the industry is building on the momentum of strong demand and our members are advancing ambitious sustainability initiatives in pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050” said Kelly Craighead, Executive President and CEO of CLIA. “Mr. Liberty is a highly versatile and strategic leader who will help us build on this resurgence of travel and realize our global operating ambitions."

“I would also like to thank Mr. Vago for his leadership as chair over the past three years, navigating challenging times and creating a solid foundation for the industry’s future growth,” Craighead added.

Liberty became Royal Caribbean Group’s president and CEO in early 2022, following a career spanning nearly two decades in the cruise industry and having served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer for many years. Last year, he drove powerful gains in the Group’s business, becoming one of the top performing stocks of the year. He stewards three industry-leading brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, known for game-changing innovations in their respective industry segments; as well as joint ventures in Germany-based TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, of which the company is a 50% owner.

“I am excited and honored to lead this organization as we enter a new era of cruising. With consumer demand continuing to accelerate, we are doubling down on our commitment to decarbonization and sustainable growth, ensuring that we are not only investing in our oceans and communities, but preserving them for generations of travelers to come,” Liberty said. “I look forward to working with CLIA leadership and our partners around the world to further position cruise vacations as an accessible and responsible option for today’s travelers that create positive ripple effects across the globe.”

Cruise is one of the fastest growing sectors of travel and tourism and is forecasted to reach 106% of 2019 levels in 2023—with 31.5 million passengers sailing—and approximately 35 million passengers in 2024.

The global chair for CLIA provides leadership to the CLIA Global Executive Committee and the Board of Directors, responsible for establishing the overall strategic direction of the association on behalf of its cruise line members representing 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise lines. As part of CLIA’s long-term strategy, CLIA member lines have set inspiring sustainability goals, and each year the CLIA member fleet becomes more efficient as member lines embrace new technologies, innovations and, as available, the uptake of sustainable alternative fuels.
CLIA provides an important and unified voice for the global cruise line industry representing cruise lines, suppliers, business partners, and a robust travel advisor community.

About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
CLIA is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice for the industry as the leading authority of the global cruise community, with a membership comprising 55 cruise lines, including 294 ocean going cruise ships, representing 95% of the cruise sector. On behalf of its members, affiliates and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for millions of travelers who cruise annually. This year, CLIA forecasts that annual the number of passengers will reach 35 million passengers. The CLIA community includes the world's most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services.For further information, please visit cruising.org or europe.cruising.org

Speech by the Minister of Shipping & Island Policy Christos Stylianides at the 7th Conference Slide2Open Shipping Finance 2024
“Turning Motion into Action – Reestablishing Shipping’s Momentum”

Dear IMO Ambassador in Greece and President of the Eugenides Foundation, Mr. Leonidas Eugenides,

Dear Chairman of Intercargo, Mr. Fafalios,

Distinguished Members of the Greek and the international maritime community,

Ladies and gentlemen, 

I want to start by thanking the organizers, especially Mrs. Despina Travlou, for your kind invitation.

It is a great pleasure for me to address this year’s “Slide 2 Open Shipping Finance Conference” and its distinguished audience.

Today, is truly an excellent opportunity to discuss the future of shipping. “What lies ahead?”

And of course, focus on two key topics which will shape its future: Sustainability and Finance.

Two current challenges, which will impact greatly the future outlook of the shipping industry.

The shipping’s transition to the “carbon-free” era presents the sector’s greatest challenge today.

It is a radical change ahead. No doubt.

Nevertheless, we – at the Hellenic Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy – representing the world’s largest ship owning nation – and personally me - as the Minister – believe that this challenge is also an opportunity.

An opportunity to “move forward” fast. And ensure the sustainable growth of the shipping sector.

More importantly, it is an opportunity for Greek – and the overall European shipping - to maintain or even increase its global competitiveness. 

This is a particularly crucial point. Especially when we consider the current turbulent times. And that Europe, frankly speaking, is losing its overall competiveness.

As you are all well aware, the political commitment towards decarbonization in shipping is firm.

The IMO Strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships is in place.

It provides the framework. And it paves the way for the transition in shipping.

From my experience in the recent IMO General Assembly – where Greece got re-elected in Category A with the majority of votes – I can say that “there is a lot of green momentum now at the IMO”.

Decarbonisation is very high on the agenda.

What we need to do now, is to clear the path in terms of implementation.

And Greece will play a leading role in that front.

We will be at the forefront throughout the whole process – in the IMO or in Brussels – towards the development of mid and long-term measures which will lead us to “carbon neutral shipping”.

We want radicalism, but we also want realism.

And we advocate for applicable and pragmatic solutions at a uniform level. 

Dear friends, 

The main challenge ahead is to ensure the worldwide availability of safe and affordable low and zero carbon fuels.

Without the fulfillment of this condition, our goal of decarbonizing shipping is not only uncertain but – let us be clear – it will be impossible.

We need to intensify our efforts.

And to do so, the number one priority should be Collaboration.

And in particular, Cross-Sectoral collaboration.

The issue of fuels and new technologies in shipping is a multidimensional issue.

We need to link the energy sector with the maritime value chain. 

Energy producers & suppliers, port operators, logistics companies, charterers, engine manufacturers, and of course ship-owners need to collaborate. 

To discuss transparently.

And of course, we need science.

We need to collaborate with the scientific community, Research Institutes & Centers to develop realistic solutions.

It is a certainly not an easy task, but we as politicians need to provide incentives, facilitate, and promote such discussions at ALL levels.

This brings me to the second issue I want to highlight – finance.

No doubt, the investments needed to decarbonize shipping are costly.

Reducing vessel source pollution and enhancing the energy efficiency, both require substantial capital.

In this respect, I believe a mix – a blend – of public and private financing needs to be examined more thoroughly.

The idea of Public-Private Partnerships suits well in this framework.

PPPs can leverage the finance needed and at the same time can also facilitate knowledge exchange and technology transfer, accelerating the deployment of innovative solutions.

They can provide the framework where finance is generated, and collaboration is promoted.

This is the direction we need to follow.

And we as politicians need to promote such “win-win” solutions. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

The times are challenging.

And shipping faces a fiercely competitive international environment.

The upcoming challenges need to be seen as “opportunities”.

As Minister of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy of Greece, I assure you that Greece will support this process by putting forward realistic solutions and applicable measures based on cross-sectoral collaboration.

Thank you once again for the kind invitation, and I wish every success to the Conference, the results of which will provide us with useful insights for our maritime future.

The Greek fleet Builds on its Strengths

Posidonia brings the whole shipping world to its exhibitors. The international shipping community attends in strength with national pavilions and thousands of visitors. But Posidonia is also home to the owners of the world’s largest merchant fleet. Greece, a top ship- owning nation, operating 21% of global and 59% of European capacity, represents a multi-billion dollar opportunity for shipbuilders and for suppliers of marine equipment, information technology and the whole spectrum of marine services. The upgrading of the Greek fleet has kept its worth above $150bn. At the same time Greek owners have been ordering new vessels in the shipyards of Japan, China and South Korea. Oil tankers and LNG and LPG carriers are all under construction, along with dry bulk carriers and container ships.

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Greek Shipping Hall of Fame announces Induction Ceremony & Dinner 2024

The Greek Shipping Hall of Fame has announced that this year’s Induction Ceremony will take place on the evening of Monday 22 April 2024 at Megaron, The Athens Concert Hall.

Greek shipping’s most prestigious annual dinner event is again expected to attract a capacity audience of more than 500 guests. Leading personalities of the Greek shipping world and their international partners can look forward to an exceptional evening celebrating the industry’s leadership, history, and culture.

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