V. Kikilias at the North Bund Forum in Shanghai: “The major challenges facing global shipping can only be addressed through international cooperation”

The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, addressed the challenges facing global shipping, the need for international partnerships and the conditions for a realistic energy transition during his speech at the North Bund Forum in Shanghai, where he participated as one of the keynote speakers.

“We need a feasible and sustainable energy transition for shipping, supported by technological innovation and adequate infrastructure and investment,” Mr Kikilias stressed. Referring to the international role of Greek shipping, he pointed out: “For a country such as Greece, which controls almost 20% of the global merchant fleet, maritime transport is not merely an economic activity but a strategic pillar of global prosperity, connectivity and economic security. In an environment of growing uncertainty, our shipping industry maintains its leading role and once again demonstrates its resilience.”

“The major challenges facing global shipping today can only be addressed through international cooperation, solidarity and respect for international rules. We firmly support the IMO’s role in establishing a global regulatory framework,” Mr Kikilias stressed. He underlined, however, that “the future of shipping will be determined not only by technologies and rules, but also by the choices we make together. The pace of our decisions must be in line with what society can bear.”

Mr Kikilias concluded: “So let us work together towards more resilient, sustainable and safe global shipping. Greece and our government are ready to honour our commitments in full.”

Other keynote speakers at the forum included France’s Minister for Transport, Philippe Tabarot; Cyprus’s Shipping Deputy Minister, Marina Hadjimanolis; IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez; and the head of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Lenn Eugene Nagbe. Also present were Chen Jining, Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Zhu Zhongming, Mayor of Shanghai.