The Parklane Resort & Spa in Limassol played host to the Maritime Cyprus 2023 Conference, a gathering of over 900 industry professionals from 35 countries, uniting to explore the pressing issues shaping the maritime sector. The second day of the biennial conference, operating under the theme “Shipping in Action: An Agenda for Change,” delved into the core concerns of energy transition, decarbonization, and the evolving role of shipbuilding in the global maritime landscape.
Energy Transition Takes Center Stage
The first panel discussion, titled Challenge Accepted: Energy Transition – Where do we Stand?, set the tone for the day. Moderated by Ms. Manuela Tomassini, Head of Sustainability and Technical Assistance at EMSA, the panel comprised influential figures such as Ms. Semiramis Paliou (CEO, Diana Shipping Inc), Mr. Jan Dieleman (President, Cargill Ocean Transportation), Mr. Sebastien Landerretche (Head of Freight Platform, Louis Dreyfus Company), and Mr. Roel Hoenders (Head of Climate Action and Clean Air, IMO).
Ms. Tomassini emphasized the need for an open-minded approach, stressing energy efficiency, alternative fuels, and knowledge enhancement. Mr. Hoenders echoed challenges voiced on the conference’s first day, emphasizing fuel availability and pricing, while Ms. Paliou underscored the pivotal role of seafarers in the energy transition. Mr. Dieleman urged a shift from discussion to action, advocating for the adoption of zero-carbon fuels across the supply chain. Mr. Landerretche emphasized transforming shipowner relationships from transactional to strategic for collective progress.
Keynote Address: A Call to Transform
Following the panel, Ms. Anne Katrine Bjerregaard, Head of Strategy, Sustainability, and ESG at Mærsk Mckinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, delivered a compelling keynote, titled The time to act is now – radically transforming an industry by 2050. Ms. Bjerregaard stressed urgent action, highlighting the need for enhanced energy efficiency technologies and carbon capture systems on 30% of the global fleet. She emphasized the crucial role of robust ESG policies in attracting talent to the industry.
Shipbuilding in the Spotlight
The second panel, The Role of Shipbuilding in an Evolving Shipping Industry, steered by Mr. Nick Brown, IACS Chairman, featured industry leaders such as Mr. Konstantinos Stampedakis (Co-Founder & MD, ERMA FIRST), Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou (CEO & Chairman, Safe Bulkers, Inc), Mr. Chris-Alexander Korfiatis (VP, Marine Operations, Royal Caribbean), Mr. Mark O’Neil (President, InterManager), Mr. Kenneth Tveter (Head of Green Transition, Clarksons), and Mr. Stephanos E. Angelakos (CEO, Angelakos S.A.).
Mark O’Neil urged a realistic approach to decarbonization, emphasizing the influence of social and political factors. Mr. Korfiatis highlighted the cruise sector’s emphasis on efficiency and retrofitting for future technologies. Mr. Stampedakis championed carbon capture and retrofitting for the existing fleet, emphasizing the importance of industry-wide discussion. Mr. Hajioannou expressed optimism in Fuel EU Maritime, foreseeing it as a catalyst for transformative change in shipbuilding.
Future Leaders Take the Stage
The afternoon session, Young Executives Session, engaged shipping professionals under 40 in interactive discussions. Organized with Young Ship Cyprus and WISTA Cyprus, the session aimed to foster young talent’s inclusion in the maritime industry, providing a platform to voice their vision, challenges, and opportunities.
As the Maritime Cyprus 2023 Conference sails into its final day, the echoes of insightful discussions resonate, paving the way for transformative actions in the maritime realm.
