Wednesday 11 June 2025
Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit

Athens Conservatoire, Vasileos Georgiou B 17-19, Athens

09:00-11:30            Pre-conference Showcase

11:30-12:00            Networking Break

12:00                        Formal Summit Opening

12:00-12:30            Welcome and Opening Keynote Addresses

Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman, International Chamber of Shipping

Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Hellenic Republic of Greece

Melina Travlos, President, Union of Greek Shipowners

12:30-13:15            Ministerial/Industry Panel – Navigating Global Mega-Trends

International shipping is essential to the global economy, transporting approximately 80% of the total volume of international goods. In the current climate of near constant crises, escalating geopolitical tensions and fragmentation of the global rules-based order, how is shipping navigating the challenges to deliver efficient trade and economic growth in an increasingly complex global landscape?

This opening panel of ministers and industry CEO’s will discuss the strategies and partnerships required to address today’s global megatrends.

Key points for discussion:

Which global megatrend is having the greatest impact on shipping and global trade? (Climate change, geopolitical conflict, security of supply chains, political upheaval, mass migration, fragility of rules-based order, impact of advanced technology, changing nature of work, migration, food and energy security.)
What does shipping need to deliver efficient trade and be the engine of global prosperity?
Risks to food and energy security.
Fostering public-private cooperation – establishing frameworks, mitigating risk.
13:15-14:30            Lunch and Networking, Arts Lounge

14:30-14:45            Keynote Address – Refresh and Restart

ICS Film Premiere – Global Currents: 10 Years of Change

14:45-15:30            Panel 1 – Securing Energy Transition

The shipping sector is in the midst of a technological revolution as the world transitions to new low- and zero-emission fuels. Amongst the complexities and uncertainties surrounding a new fuels infrastructure for shipping, significant opportunities exist for the sector to unlock the production, transportation and use of low-carbon fuels for the world at scale, whilst spearheading the evolving regulatory framework at the IMO to meet the sector’s collective net-zero target.

Key points for discussion:

Energy transition landscape – Now, near term, future.
Availability and transportation of new fuels.
CEM hubs – Ports and new energy infrastructure – opportunities of private and public sector.
MEPC 83 outcomes and next steps, GHG pricing mechanism.
15:30-16:00            Networking Break

16:00-16:45            Panel 2 – Securing Supply Chains

Shipping is at the heart of global supply chains. How is the sector responding to fragility and disruption in key routes and what are the opportunities that digital transformation can bring?

Key points for discussion:

Is volatility in supply chains here to stay?
How to mitigate risk in the supply chain landscape.
Raw materials and food security, freedom of navigation, changing shipping routes due to climate, geopolitics, energy shifts, digital revolution.
16:45-17:30            Panel 3 – Securing People

The world’s nearly 2 million seafarers are key to powering the sector through a successful transition to net zero and to operate in the increasing digital global economy. Seafarers will need new skills, education, and training, to operate new technology systems on board and to manage new fuels. With the sector already experiencing challenges in recruitment and retention, what is required to attract a new generation of seafarers and ensure a safe and just transition to a zero-carbon shipping industry?

Key points for discussion:

Transitioning to a global digital economy; impact on workflows.
Recruitment and retention of the next-generation of seafarers. Competition for talent.
Creating a skilled, maritime workforce to meet the challenges of the global shipping industry.
Maritime Just Transition Task Force update.
What more needs to be done to protect our people?
17:30-17:45            Keynote Address

17:45-18:15            Panel 4 – The Way Ahead

Forging partnerships for the future.
How do we view the global outlook for shipping?
What is required to manage risk and build in resilience?
Establishing dialogue – framing next steps.
What is the legacy of this Summit?
18:15-18:30            Closing Keynote Address

18:30-19:30            Networking Reception

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