From Recognition to Real-World Action:
Shipping Leaders Share Strategies for a Changing World Athens, Greece – 5 November 2026 The ESG Shipping Awards International
– THE CONFERENCE 2026 brought together over 350 participants representing 180 companies and organisations at Asteria Glyfada, Athens, on 3 November, for a full day of strategic dialogue and practical knowledge exchange. Under the theme “Reshaping Sustainable Shipping – From Global Challenges to Industry Action,” the conference advanced its “Sharing Through Winning” concept, bringing award-winning shipping companies together with policymakers, financial institutions, technology providers and maritime professionals to share practical initiatives, challenges and lessons learned. Every Major Shipping Decision Has an ESG Dimension Opening the conference, Mrs. Helena Athoussaki, Principal of the ESG Shipping Awards International and Conference Chair, emphasised the importance of moving from recognition to knowledge sharing. “Every major shipping decision has an ESG dimension. The question is whether companies recognise and manage these impacts, risks and opportunities as part of their business strategy.” Mrs. Helena Athoussaki She highlighted that progress requires collaboration across the maritime value chain and a willingness to share practical experience. The official opening also featured Mr. George Sp. Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, who called for coherent international rules, regulatory certainty and workable decarbonisation pathways that protect the competitiveness of shipping, particularly small and medium-sized companies. “Ultimately, ESG must be about substance rather than paperwork and measurable progress rather than declarations.” — Mr. George Sp. Alexandratos “Let us be ambitious in our objectives, realistic in our methods, and all of us determined to protect both our environment and our industry competitiveness.”
— Mr. George Sp. Alexandratos Global Perspectives – Navigating Uncertainty and Strengthening Resilience The conference opened with a broader examination of the geopolitical, economic and regulatory developments reshaping international shipping, with Bloomberg L.P., Strategic Content Partner, contributing the global outlook and executive perspectives. Aveesh Acharya, EMEA Sustainable Finance Market Specialist of Bloomberg L.P. explored the international business environment and interviewed Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal | Member of the Executive Committee, CLIA Europe, on operational resilience, leadership and crisis management. Drawing on the company’s experience during geopolitical disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, Mr. Theophilides emphasised the importance of preparedness, trusted partnerships and prioritising passenger and crew safety. “Resilience is not built up during a crisis,” he stated. The discussion also highlighted Celestyal’s operational efficiency initiatives, including a reported 14% increase in operating days alongside a 10% reduction in overall CO₂ emissions in 2025.
Industry Policy and Competitiveness: Mrs. Katerina Elikonida Maroudi of BIMCO and Mrs. Evina Fotiadou of European Shipowners | ECSA, moderated by Mr. Aveesh Acharya of Bloomberg L.P., examined the need for coherent international regulation, realistic decarbonisation pathways, fuel availability and the reinvestment of EU ETS revenues in shipping’s transition. The discussion also addressed the consequences of geopolitical instability and regulatory fragmentation for seafarers, reinforced by BIMCO’s Fair Seas initiative. “The world relies on them and they should be able to rely on us,” Mrs. Katerina Elikonida Maroudi.
Sharing Through Winning – Award Winners Turn ESG into Action At the heart of THE CONFERENCE 2026 were seven Award Winners’ Discussions, bringing together recognised shipping companies to share how they are addressing the industry’s most pressing environmental, social and governance challenges through practical action. Future-Proofing Shipping: Capital Ship Management Corp., Century Bulk Carriers Management Co., Lemissoler Shipmanagement Ltd & Odfjell SE moderated by Dr. Kieran Dobson, Head of EMEA Client Engagement and Capital Markets of S&P Global Sustainable1 discussed how ESG is becoming integral to business resilience, investment decisions and long-term competitiveness. The discussion highlighted sustainability-linked financing, dual-fuel fleet investments, voluntary ESG reporting and the importance of balancing ambition with operational and commercial realities. “We cannot wait for others. We need to do what is possible today, what is tangible today.” — Mr. Øistein Jensen, Chief Sustainability Officer of Odfjell SE Pacific Basin Limited contributed through three Video Spotlights, sharing practical initiatives on ESG strategy, governance and people development. Net-Zero Shipping: Castor Ships S.A., Sea Pioneer Shipping Corporation and STARLING FLEET Holding AG, moderated by Mr. Ioannis Bitzis, EY Greece Partner and TMT Leader, EY Parthenon, explored practical decarbonisation pathways, including operational efficiency, alternative fuels and fleet investment, emphasising the importance of commercially viable solutions.
Smart Shipping & Operational Excellence: Latsco Marine Management Inc., Navios Maritime Partners L.P., Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd. and Wallem Group moderated by Dr. Matthew Mahairas, President of AMMITEC, examined how digitalisation, AI, predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making can improve vessel performance, efficiency and operational resilience. Protecting Oceans, Nature & Resources: Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), Compagnie Maritime Marfret, IMPAsave and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, moderated by Mrs. Vera Alexandropoulou, Scientific Advisor to the Training Committee of HELMEPA, demonstrated how responsible procurement, waste prevention, marine biodiversity protection and resource efficiency can generate measurable environmental and economic benefits. Strengthening Governance: Chandris (Hellas) Inc. and Diana Shipping Servises S.A., moderated by Alexandros Maniatopoulos, CEO & Founder of Yodiwo discussed the importance of ethical leadership, accountability, transparent reporting and a corporate culture that encourages employees and seafarers to raise concerns without fear. We should never make it harder to raise a concern than to stay silent.
”Dr. George Baltas, Human Relations Director of Chandris (Hellas) Inc. Creating Shared Value: Columbia Group, Contships Management Inc., SEKAVIN S.A. and Performance Shipping Inc. moderated by Mrs. Helena Athoussaki, highlighted how shipping companies contribute to healthcare, education, community development and employee volunteering, demonstrating that meaningful social impact is possible regardless of company size.
Έλενα Αθουσάκη, Κλαίρη Παπά ιστολόγιο Piraeus365.gr
