As maritime transportation challenges of vital energy commodities mount daily, in view of the ongoing hostilities in the Persian Gulf area, the Institute is convening a special Seminar in Athens in order to discuss and analyse the situation but also formulate appropriate policy recommendations. This is the fifth time that IENE is organising such an event as it seeks to broaden the debate in energy by focusing on areas of immediate concern to global economy and trade and of course to Greece.
Entitled “Energy Security, Energy Transition and the New Maritime Reality”, the Seminar will discuss a broad range of issues related to the current crisis in the Persian Gulf. The event is being held under the auspices of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping.
With Greece commanding one of the largest fleets of commercial vessels worldwide with substantial volumes of oil, gas and other energy products being transported daily, there are pressing issues related to maritime security, energy security, safety of operations, insurance, verification and financing, that need to be discussed.
The implications extend far beyond the maritime sector. When uncertainty affects key shipping corridors, the consequences are rapidly transmitted across the global economy, influencing energy prices, industrial output, supply chains, and financial markets. While global logistics systems have demonstrated resilience, their flexibility is not unlimited. Beyond a certain threshold, uncertainty leads to paralysis, particularly when it occurs at critical nodes of the global trading system.
For the shipping industry, and particularly for operators of energy carriers, three elements are indispensable: crew safety, availability of insurance, and clear operational decision-making frameworks. Seafarers must not be exposed to unacceptable risk, while war-risk insurance, often overlooked outside the sector, is essential for enabling vessels to operate. Without it, ships simply do not sail. At the same time, shipowners require stable and predictable conditions to make strategic routing decisions, especially in times of heightened geopolitical tension.
A select group of speakers spanning the whole spectrum of energy and shipping have accepted the Institute’s invitation and will participate in this intensive one-day seminar, by contributing their valuable insights and knowledge of the shipping industry and its energy connection.
At the following link (https://www.iene.eu/en/congress/95/5th-IENE-Energy-%20&-Shipping-Seminar?p=492), you will find details about the Seminar, including the programme, the speakers, a Background Note and registration information.
