The Department of Shipping Trade and Transport of the University of the Aegean organized, for the second time, a conference of international importance, aiming to enhance what has been established as a dynamic dialogue between on the one hand the academic community and on the other representatives of important Greek and global institutions and personalities of the shipping industry. The 2nd Chios International Shipping Summit, which was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, once again brought Chios and Oinousses to the centre of the global shipping scene.
Chios and the small island of Oinousses, in addition to being the birthplaces of a number of important personalities of Greek shipping, are internationally acknowledged as places with long-standing maritime tradition, a timeless hive of know-how and innovation where maritime business and maritime art meet.
With more than 350 participants and 46 distinguished speakers from Greece, Europe and Asia, the conference confirmed the crucial role that modern universities can play in promoting scientific research, analyzing key issues and providing solutions to the current challenges of the industry.
The conference was attended, to name but a few, by the Rector of the University of the Aegean, Professor Dimitris Papageorgiou, the Vice Rector, Professor Stylianos Xanthopoulos, the Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Mr. Stefanos Gkikas, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic Mr. Matthew Lodge, the Mayor of Oinousses Mr. Georgios Daniil, the Member of Parliament Mr. Stavros Michailidis, the Honorary Doctors of the Department of Shipping Trade and Transport Mr. Dimitrios Fafalios and Mr. Georgios Pateras, the President of INTERCARGO Mr. John Xylas, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy Mr. Emmanuel Koutoulakis, the representatives of the Maritime Academies of Chios and Oinousses, the President of the Union of Short Sea Shipping Operators (SSSO) & European Shortsea Network Mr. Charalampos Simantonis, the President of ELINT Mr. Nikolaos Liapis, the President of the Chios Marine Club Mr. Antonios Pitsilos, as well as representatives of institutions, bodies and businesses, professors of the University of the Aegean and of prominent international universities and of course the students and friends of the University of the Aegean.
The opening address was given by Professor Dimitrios Papageorgiou, Rector of the University of the Aegean, followed by interventions by the Deputy Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy, Mr. Stefanos Gikas, and the Member of Parliament Mr. Stavros Michailidis.
Snapshot of the opening address by the Deputy Minister of State for Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Mr. Stefanos Gkikas
Snapshot from the opening address by the Member of Parliament Mr. Stavros Michailidis
Greetings were also delivered by the President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, Mr. George Alexandratos, and, via video message, by Dr. Leonidas Demetriades-Eugenides, Goodwill Ambassador of the IMO to Greece and President of the Eugenides Foundation.
The activities and initiatives of the Department of Shipping Trade and Transport, as well as the vision and mission of the Summit, were presented by Professor Seraphim Kapros, Head of the Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport.
The challenges faced by the shipping industry were at the heart of the Summit’s discussions
The presentations of the speakers and the ensuing discussions focused on topics of shared interest for the shipping industry and the academic community. In this context, the organizers sought to present a holistic and in-depth picture of the real factors shaping the present and future of the shipping industry. Modern technologies for reducing the carbon footprint, recent developments in carbon emissions trading in shipping, the challenges arising from current geopolitical developments, the latest data on seafarer training and well-being, the prospects for European short sea shipping, new trends and requirements for sustainability in coastal shipping and island life were among the topics addressed and analyzed during the Summit.
A thorough overview of contemporary issues and opportunities in the industry
In his opening speech at the Summit, Mr. John A. Xylas, President of INTERCARGO and Treasurer of the Union of Greek Shipowners, with strong family ties to the island of Chios, highlighted the main developments affecting the dry bulk shipping industry, a fundamental pillar of global trade. He made special reference to the importance of shipping for Europe’s competitiveness and energy security, while stressing the need for coordinated initiatives by the EU, based on the guidelines recently set out in the much-discussed Draghi report.
The President of INTERCARGO realistically analyzed the challenges of the energy transition in shipping, highlighting the shortcomings in technologies and infrastructure for alternative fuels, as well as the potential risks to the environment and safety if rushed decisions are made by international legislators. In addition, the INTERCARGO President called for coordinated action by all the stakeholders and the adoption by the qualified authorities of universally accepted methods when it comes to evaluating the alternatives proposed for decarbonizing the sector. He also stressed that without substantial technological breakthroughs and the analogous training for seafarers, the net-zero emissions targets risk remains a pipe dream. In closing, Mr. Xylas stressed the importance of investing in human capital and working closely with the academic community so that shipping can continue to lead safely and remain sustainable and competitive.
S. Palios and L. Arkas: A mediated one-on-one discussion between two iconic figures in the global shipping industry
One of the most memorable moments of the Summit was the one-on-one discussion session entitled “The Power of Shipping,” between two leading figures in global shipping, namely Mr. Symeon Palios, founder and Chairman of the Board of Diana Shipping Inc. and Mr. Lucien Arkas, Chairman of Arkas Holding, a session mediated by Dr Ilias Bissias. The discussion was conducted in Greek, as Mr. Lucien Arkas presented his thoughts in fluent Greek.
Mr. Palios referred to the contemporary challenges of shipping entrepreneurship, emphasizing the concept of “critical mass” as a determining factor for the survival and growth of a shipping company. He expressed his views on the prospects of nuclear energy, while stressing the need for a realistic approach to the upcoming technological and operational developments in industry.
Mr. Arkas spoke with great emotion about his family’s history in shipping, analyzing his personal journey in the shipping business and the strategy he pursued in his family business, which currently dominates the regular shipping market in the eastern Mediterranean.
In addition, Mr. Arkas focused on the volatility of the freight market, especially in recent years, emphasizing the need for careful strategic moves in order to achieve business sustainability. Mr. Arkas underscored the importance of ensuring cash flow for a business in a highly competitive and volatile international environment; he also mentioned the value of giving back to the local communities where businesses operate, the need to keep an eye on global developments, and the power of education and of employing and maintaining loyal staff. In closing, Mr. Arkas addressed young people, emphasizing that in shipping, few if any results are instantaneous: “What happens in a year is gone in a year. Don’t rush. Shipping requires patience and confidence.”
Upon completion of the Fireside Chat, the Department of Shipping Trade and Transport awarded Mr. Symeon Palios and Mr. Antonios Faraklas honorary plaques for their long-standing contribution and support to the Department’s initiatives. It also presented a commemorative pin from the University of the Aegean to Lucien Arkas, John Xylas, and Prof. Chengi Kuo for their contribution to the conference proceedings.
(L-R): Mr. Johannes Kock (Container Gr Inc.), H.E Ambassador Matthew Lodge (British Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic), Dr. Dimitrios Fafalios (Honorary President of INTERCARGO), Prof. Helen Thanopoulou (University of the Aegean)
The impact of geopolitical developments on shipping
The first thematic session of the Summit, entitled “Geo-economics and the Impact on Shipping,” highlighted the profound influence that geopolitical developments and global economic realignments have on shipping. Moderated by Professor Helen Thanopoulou, the discussion focused on the need for stability, foresight, and level-headedness in a turbulent international environment.
The panel included Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Matthew Lodge, Dr. Dimitrios Fafalios, Honorary President of INTERCARGO and Honorary Doctor of the Department of Shipping & Business Services, and Mr. Johannes Kock, Director of Container Gr Inc.
The speakers focused on developments in the Arab Gulf, emphasizing the need to find diplomatic solutions. They also referred to the volatile situation in the Middle East and the need to avoid certain key geographical areas and sea lanes due to the risk of conflict in the region.
Furthermore, the speakers emphasized that shipping, and ocean-going shipping in particular, is a model of sound and systematic change management, as it reacts in a more speedy and flexible manner than many other industries. At the same time, they added that efficiency remains a constant goal for all sectors of shipping, while safety conditions determine whether ships in the global merchant fleet will return to key trade routes and arteries and when they will do so. The panel also analyzed structural changes in freight markets and the cyclical nature of the industry, while speakers seemed to agree that, particularly in the liner market, customers in the post-pandemic period prioritize transport reliability over cost, signaling a new era for the market.
Leveraging collective experience for the best possible use of AI in shipping
The session in question was followed by a brief discussion focusing on the lecture by Chengi Kuo, Emeritus Professor of the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. His topic was “Leveraging Collected Experiences to Better Exploit the AI Potential and Advance Maritime Efficiency.” The discussion was moderated by Professor Seraphim Kapros, while Mr. Antonios Faraklas, CEO of Chartworld Shipping Corporation, presented the work of Prof. Chengi Kuo.
The lecture focused on the role of technological innovation in the shipping industry of the future, with emphasis placed on the use of artificial intelligence for ocean protection, but also on the need to seek alternative energy sources, such as wind propulsion. Of particular interest was Mr. Kuo’s analysis of the parallels between technological stages in different historical periods, as well as his observation that every era is accompanied by its proper challenges and the corresponding solutions. With pronounced optimism, the professor expressed his confidence that the younger generations will lead the technological and environmental transition, harnessing the potential of their era through innovative thinking, strategic organization, and collaboration across scientific fields.
Opportunities and challenges for achieving green shipping
The next session was entitled “Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Challenges” and coordinated by Associate Professor Orestis Schinas. The discussion took place between Dr. Georgios Pateras, Vice President of Contships Management Inc., Honorary Doctor of the Department of Shipping Trade and Transports of the University of the Aegean, Associate Professor at TU Delft Jeroen Pruyn, Mr. Antonios Faraklas, CEO of Chartworld Shipping Corporation, Mr. Stavros Hatzigrigoris, Technical Director of Zodiac Maritime & Advanced Engineering Services, Mr. Spyridon Zolotas, Vice President of the Italian classification society RINA, and Mr. Vassilios Dimoulas, Director of Technology & Innovation for Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, India, and Africa for the French classification society Bureau Veritas.
The speakers analyzed the significant challenges and opportunities arising from the accelerating energy transition and the pressure to decarbonize shipping. In their presentations, they highlighted the multi-layered uncertainty characterizing the alternative fuel landscape as to the most viable solution on the road to 2030, the difficulties of creating distribution networks for new fuels around the world, and the undefined cost trajectory in a geopolitically unstable environment. The speakers agreed that further improving the energy efficiency of ships is perhaps the most feasible and immediate way to achieve the IMO’s goals, with a particular focus on optimizing performance through technological interventions. At the same time, the advantages and a certain skepticism regarding the use of nuclear energy in shipping were given voice. However, speakers seemed to agree that the industry would be quicker to exploit nuclear energy as a means of producing “green” fuels than for powering the global fleet. Finally, it was emphasized that the lack of understanding of the shipping community’s views in the development of the regulatory framework opens gaps in the process, creates risks and calls for immediate, informed, and collective action.
The present and future of European short sea shipping
The third thematic session of the Summit, entitled “European Shortsea Shipping,” was coordinated by Professor Seraphim Kapros, Chair of the Department of Shipping Trade and Transport at the University of the Aegean. The session’s panel included Mr. Charalampos Simantonis, President of the European Short Sea Shipowners’ Association (EENMA) and the European Shortsea Network, Mr. Stratos Tsalamanios, Vice President of EENMA and Co-CEO of Seaven Tanker & Dry Management Inc., Mr. Constantinos Economou, Secretary General of the Union of Greek Shipping Bankers and Financial Executives and Head of Shipping Finance at Pancreta – Attica Bank, Mr. Alexandros Lagouros, Shipping Advisor to EENMA and Professor Thierry Vanelslander from the University of Antwerp.
The speakers highlighted the need to recognize the strategic role of European short sea shipping in regional connectivity, economic cohesion, and the supply chain of coastal regions in Europe and neighboring countries. They also highlighted the inequalities in the treatment of short sea shipping, pointing out that while other intermodal transport components (such as ports and land transport) receive European funding and support not to mention regulatory facilitation, ships—as a means of transport—remain the “invisible link” and are exempted from such support. At the same time, speakers highlighted the excessive regulatory pressure exerted through policies such as the ETS, CII, and MRV, a pressure which threatens the viability of smaller companies in the sector in particular. Access to finance appears to be a key challenge, as banks often find it difficult to understand the specificities of short sea shipping, while the high investment risk connected to shipping leads to stricter lending terms and conditions. Despite the pressure, a cautious optimism about the sector’s adaptability and green transition was expressed, with an emphasis on the need for targeted support policies, European coordination, and informed dialogue with the relevant institutions.
The training and welfare of seafarers at the heart of the Summit
The fourth thematic session of the Summit, entitled “Education and Wellbeing of Seafarers” was coordinated by Capt. Georgios Georgoulis from the University of the Aegean and focused on two fundamental pillars of modern shipping: seafarer training and the wellbeing of human resources at sea. The discussion was attended by Ass. Professors Victoria Athanassopoulou and Eleni Iakovaki from the University of the Aegean, Mr. Michalis Demetriades-Evgenides, CEO of Aegean Sea Lines and Member of the Board of Directors of the Passenger Shipping Business Association, Mrs. Anna Giatra of WISTA Hellas and Mr. Dimitris Patrikios of V. Ships Greece Ltd.
The speakers emphasized the fact that the effectiveness of maritime training depends largely on the “culture” cultivated by the shipping company. They also pointed out that managing pressure and stress in ports requires leadership skills and a people-centered approach from the captain. The speakers also referred to the recent amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), which seeks to address issues such as abandonment of seafarers, violent behavior, and abuse. However, it was emphasized that the regulatory framework is not sufficient if it is not accompanied by a return to basic human values. Finally, special mention was made of strengthening the presence of women in shipping, with technology acting as a catalyst for achieving equality by opening new employment opportunities in the sector.
A discussion on the prospects and challenges of coastal shipping in the remote waters of Oinousses
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the proceedings of the 2nd Chios International Shipping Summit moved to Oinousses, honoring a place with a long maritime tradition. The participants of the conference were welcomed by the Mayor of Oinousses, Mr. Georgios Daniil, who emphasized that “a small, barren and rocky island, with faith, dedication and vision, has managed to gain an enviable position in the global shipping arena, becoming a timeless beacon of seamanship and entrepreneurship.” Greetings were also delivered by the Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Mr. Stefanos Gikas, and the Vice-Rector of the University of the Aegean, Prof. Stylianos Xanthopoulos.
The fifth thematic session of the 2nd Chios International Shipping Summit in Oinousses, entitled “Sustainability and Coastal Shipping: Challenges and Opportunities for Insularity,” was held in collaboration with the Association of Greek Transport Engineers (SES) and coordinated by Professor Maria Lekakou from the University of the Aegean. The discussion involved Mr. Emmanouil Koutoulakis, Secretary General of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, Mr. George Daniil, Mayor of Oinousses, Professor Athena Roumboutsos and Associate Professor Orestis Schinas from the University of the Aegean, Mr. Spyridon Paschalis, CEO of Sea Ahead Maritime and Mrs. Chrysanthi Stefanou, Managing Director of Bright Navigation Inc. & Golden Star Ferries and Member of the Board of Directors of SEEN and it featured a meaningful exchange of views on the present and future of sustainable coastal shipping in island Greece.
The speakers highlighted the lack of a strictly defined framework for the green transition of the coastal fleet, noting that the sector is in a state of limbo, with no clear starting point but with clear and significant financial challenges. It was stressed that fleet renewal requires many years of preparation and the first ships to serve the Greek islands being delivered after 2030, if decisions are made today, while the financial viability of companies may not secure the necessary capital. In addition, the disparity in shipbuilding costs between Europe and Asia (up to +40%) was highlighted, as well as the low level of subsidies for unprofitable routes, which nevertheless remain critical for the social cohesion of the islands.
In addition, the speakers emphasized passenger and crew safety, the quality of port infrastructure, and the need for cooperation between shipping companies, ports, and other stakeholders as key prerequisites for the transition to a more sustainable model. At the same time, the role of coastal shipping was highlighted not only as a means of transport but also as a strategic tool for public health, national cohesion, and defense, with islands playing an active role in this context. The panel also referred to the opportunity of creating energy communities and the need to develop port infrastructure for the collection and management of pollutants within the country’s port infrastructure in order to increase revenue for their funds. Finally, company representatives stressed that a stable, clear, and long-term policy and institutional support framework is needed for the sector if the latter is to invest in new, environmentally friendly passenger ships.
Looking ahead
The sixth and final thematic session of the 2nd Chios International Shipping Summit, entitled “Maritime Transport: The Way Ahead,” was held under the coordination of Mr. Nikitas Nikitakos, Emeritus Professor at the University of the Aegean, with the aim of charting the future of shipping in light of technological developments. The panel included Professor Evangelos Boulougouris, Head of the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Professor Elias Yfantis from the University of Nicosia, Dr. Ioannis Dagkinis and Ass. Professor Anna Kotrikla from the University of the Aegean, and Mrs. Alkystis Kyriakopoulou, Chief Business Officer of DeepSea Technologies, offering multifaceted approaches to the upcoming changes in the industry.
During the discussion, particular emphasis was placed on innovation, the application of ship performance prediction technologies, and the dynamic use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve performance and decision-making in the shipping industry. In addition, successful examples of projects for the construction and operation of electric and automated ships were highlighted, with the caveat that the complete autonomy of passenger ships is not imminent. At the same time, the critical importance of ensuring the independence of scientific research was highlighted, so that technological progress remains linked to the principles of academic ethics and social responsibility rather than to the pure commercial interests of various manufacturers and service providers in the shipping industry. In addition, the speakers emphasized the need for immediate measures and initiatives to protect the marine environment, as well as the importance of soft skills in managing the changes ahead.
At the end of the conference, participants had the opportunity to enjoy guided tours of the Oinousses Maritime Museum, the Monastery of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, and the island’s Maritime Academy. It should be noted that the transportation of speakers, organizers, and conference participants from Chios to Oinousses and back was kindly sponsored by the Friends of Oinousses Association.
The conference was made possible thanks to the support of Chartworld Shipping Corporation, the Hellenic Association of Transportation Engineers (ΣΕΣ), the Friends of Oinousses Association (SFO), and the Oinousses Prosperity Fund (TEO), whose support was essential to the success of the event.
Please note that the sessions held on Friday, June 20, 2025, were broadcasted live and are available for viewing at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=yAZmytF2fq8
More photos from the event can be found at the following link: https://www.stt.aegean.gr/summit/photo-gallery/