High-level turnout for Greek – British Shipping Forum in Athens
A host of top-level speakers addressed the Greek – British Shipping Forum 2025 held at the Piraeus Marine Club yesterday, coinciding with the Day of the Seafarer. The half-day event, followed by a networking lunch, was co-organised by Maritime London and the British Embassy Athens.
Introductory welcome addresses were delivered by Ambassador Matthew Lodge and Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vasilis Kikilias (pictured), followed by Haralambos Fafalios, Chair of the London-based Greek Shipping Cooperation Committee, and George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping.
With all eyes this week having been on the Middle East conflict, a Tanker Market Outlook presentation by Henry Curra, Head of Global Research, Braemar, proved especially topical.
The first conference session explored how Greece and the UK can collaborate to ensure the next generation of seafarers are equipped to manage an increasingly complex operational environment, moderated by Capt. Kostas Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club. Panellists included Vicky Apostolopoulou, Head of Career, Employability and Alumni, Metropolitan College; Ajit Jacob, Director Seafarer Services, Chief Examiner, UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency; and Venetia Kallipolitou, Commander HCG (Rtd), Cross-Departmental HR and Training Manager, Tsakos Group.
Following a brief refreshments break, Maritime London Chief Executive Jos Standerwick then moderated a session showcasing how technology and data can improve operational performance and commercial risk management. Brief presentations were given by Kathleen Elward, Sales Director, Silverstream Technologies; Dr Maria Progoulaki, Senior Consultant and Facilitator, Green-Jakobsen Representative Greece; Paddy Rynders, Marine Director, BMT; and Stefan Schrijnen, Chief Commercial Officer, Insurwave, followed by panel discussion.
Closing remarks were delivered by Evita Souri, Commercial Director, Greece, Department for Business & Trade, British Embassy Athens.