Towards Sustainable Shipping: Opportunities and Challenges

The transition of shipping to clean energy sources and the decarbonization of the sector were at the core of the 4th session of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping’s conference, titled “National Strategy for Decarbonization.” The discussion focused on crucial issues such as new technologies and alternative fuels, investments and financing, as well as the regulatory framework necessary for the sustainable development of shipping. The panel included Mr. Alex Papalexopoulos, President & CEO of ECCO International; Mr. Spyros Paschalis, Managing Director of SEA AHEAD MARINE; Mr. Georgios Anagnostou, Executive Director of Shipping Operations at ATTICA GROUP; Mr. Michalis Markogiannis, Head of Greece Plan Approval Department at RINA; and Mr. Spyros Kiartzis, Director of New Technologies & Alternative Energy Sources at HELLENiQ ENERGY. The discussion was moderated by Professor Ioannis Prousalis of the National Technical University of Athens.
Mr. Alex Papalexopoulos, President & CEO of ECCO International, in a remote intervention, highlighted the critical role of ports as energy players in the transition to a zero-emission future. He emphasized the stabilization of energy costs as a key factor for adopting green technologies, stating: “Markets are fluid and prices highly volatile, which poses a significant barrier to the electrification of shipping. Long-term bilateral contracts are needed, with ships and ports as key players. Ports can create their own energy production facilities, offering smart services to the market. Decarbonization can be achieved without additional costs for shipowners, as long as energy costs remain competitive with conventional fuels.”
Mr. Spyros Paschalis, Managing Director of SEA AHEAD MARINE, proposed utilizing revenues from taxes and fees to finance investments in green port infrastructure. He emphasized: “The state should use revenues from shipping-related taxes to invest in the decarbonization of ports and broader maritime infrastructure.”
Mr. Georgios Anagnostou, Executive Director of Shipping Operations at ATTICA GROUP, spoke about the potential of integrating hybrid technologies and alternative fuels, such as methanol. He stated: “Hybrid ships and the use of methanol are viable and practical solutions for reducing emissions in shipping.”
Mr. Michalis Markogiannis, Head of Greece Plan Approval Department at RINA, presented proposals for supporting the transition of existing ships through retrofitting. He stressed the importance of regulatory adaptation, stating: “Greece, with its strong maritime tradition, can lead the decarbonization of shipping by leveraging existing capabilities and introducing innovative solutions.”
Mr. Spyros Kiartzis, Director of New Technologies & Alternative Energy Sources at HELLENiQ ENERGY, focused on the need for new port infrastructure to support the use of alternative fuels. He noted: “The use of ammonia and methanol requires specialized infrastructure. Additionally, the transition to green energy should be accompanied by measures to reduce costs for the maritime industry.”
Finally, the discussion moderator, Professor Ioannis Prousalis of the National Technical University of Athens, highlighted the knowledge gap in maritime electrical engineering, suggesting the creation of training programs for young professionals. He stated: “Strengthening maritime electrical engineering is essential for implementing the required energy upgrading projects.”
The conference “Modern Ferry Transport, Sustainable Development of Islands” was organized by the Hellenic Chamber of Passenger Shipping, under the auspices of the Ministry of Shipping & Island Policy, the Ministry of National Economy & Finance, and the Ministry of Environment & Energy.
Source: Hellenic Chamber of Passenger Shipping