Athens at the Center of the European Shipping Strategy

A high-level meeting (high-level meeting) on the implementation of the European Strategy for the Shipping Industry and the European Strategy for Ports. 

The event was organized by the Waterborne Technology Platform in collaboration with the Eugenides Foundation, under the auspices of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, bringing together leading representatives of the European maritime ecosystem. 

The fact that the meeting is being hosted by the Eugenides Foundation takes on special significance, as it is part of the 70th anniversary of its commitment to education, training, and skills development. At a critical juncture in the transformation of the shipping industry, the Foundation is emerging as a hub of knowledge and dialogue on the skills and technologies that will shape the industry’s future. 

The European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, set the tone for this new era, emphasizing that decarbonization is now a matter of strategic autonomy and competitiveness for Europe. Referring to the new European Industrial Shipping Strategy and the Ports Strategy, he emphasized that “our goal is clear: ports that are not only efficient, competitive, and sustainable, but also safe, resilient, and fully aligned with Europe’s strategic interests. The success of these strategies will depend on their implementation. Partnerships for zero-emission maritime transport align policy goals with industry realities, accelerating progress. "In today's geopolitical environment, Europe cannot afford to fall behind—it must take the lead." 

At the same time, he emphasized the importance of international coordination:

“We must first find common ground within the European Union and then with our international partners. "If we want a competitive future, a global agreement within the IMO is essential to ensure a level playing field." 

The Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, highlighted the strategic importance of the event for the country, noting Greece’s role as a key shaper of European developments. "In collaboration with our European partners, we have sought to promote upskilling, reskilling, and improving technical tools in order to strengthen the shipping industry—the country’s heavy industry.” This effort is paying off. However, consistency and realism are required. "The original plan was mathematically unfeasible and unsustainable, as the sector cannot bear such heavy burdens in order to achieve net-zero emissions targets." 

The President of the Eugenides Foundation, Leonidas Dimitriadis-Eugenides, emphasized the need to align the European shipping strategy with global realities and the experience of countries with strong shipping sectors, such as Greece.

"Shipping is now at the center of strategic decision-making. "The goal is for the European transition—through initiatives such as Waterborne—to remain globally coordinated and not lead to fragmentation." 

He emphasized the role of the International Maritime Organization as a unifying framework, while also highlighting the importance of the Greek shipping industry as a source of realism in the discussion. "Decarbonization must be globally coordinated, realistic, and, above all, safe." At the same time, he emphasized the importance of education and skills for the successful implementation of the transition.

In his opening remarks, Jaap Gebraad, Secretary General of the Waterborne TP Technology Platform, emphasized the importance of the nine Technology  Technology Roadmaps, which cover critical sectors such as short-sea shipping, port ecosystems, and the blue economy. It was noted that Europe accounts for 35% of the global fleet and 50% of shipping equipment, a fact that makes it a global power that must be strengthened through coordinated investments. He emphasized that the achievements of the Waterborne Partnership with the European Commission on Zero-Emission Shipping are tangible and that its renewal will be key to a competitive, resilient, and sustainable shipping sector, by pooling public and private investments.

Eliza Vozemberg, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism, emphasized that “Shipping has long been a key pillar of European development, and today it is more critical than ever.” Since most of the EU’s foreign trade is conducted by sea, the sector serves as an economic and strategic lever in a volatile international environment. Geopolitical tensions, growing competition, pressures on supply chains, and the climate crisis call for innovative, sustainable solutions. For this reason, strengthening the European shipping industry is a top priority, with new strategies for the shipping industry and ports shaping the sector’s future at a critical juncture.”

Key issues were highlighted during the thematic panels: 

Short-distance maritime transport, coastal shipping, and insularity

The discussion between Manolis Koutoulakis, Secretary General for the Aegean and Island Policy, George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, Efstratios Apergis,  Vice President of the Passenger Shipping Business Association (SEEN) and Elpi Petraki, Secretary General of the Hellenic Short Sea Shipping Association and representative of the European Short Sea Shipping Network, coordinated by Jaap Gebraad, highlighted the critical role of coastal shipping in connecting the islands and ensuring the territorial cohesion of the EU. Emphasis was placed on the challenges of insularity and the need for sustainable, resilient maritime transport. Short-sea shipping has been recognized as a key pillar of European transport policy, contributing to the reduction of congestion and the green transition. A central theme was the connection between innovation, infrastructure, and human capital as a prerequisite for the sector’s transformation. Special mention was made of the Zero-Emissions Shipping Partnership, which serves as a catalyst for investment, with significant leverage of private capital. 

At the same time, it was noted that the cost of building new ships has more than doubled in recent years, a fact that makes the transition particularly challenging for the industry. It was emphasized that a portion of the revenues from the EU ETS should be specifically allocated back to the shipping sector in order to support the financing of the green transition.Finally, it was noted that the meeting is laying the groundwork for the upcoming public consultation (May–June 2026) on the Technology Roadmaps, which will chart the sector’s future course. 

Strengthening Europe’s shipbuilding capacity and technological leadership 

In a discussion between journalist Michalis Psilos, Director of Naftemporiki.gr, and the President and Managing  of ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group, Panos Xenokostas, Mr. Xenokostas stated that “the European Union appears to be acting along two parallel lines: on the one hand, the maritime defense industry, which is already attracting significant capital, and on the other, commercial shipping, where progress remains largely at the planning stage. Greece is the southern pillar of European shipping and a key maritime hub. "The challenge is to transform ourselves from consumers into producers and exporters of maritime technology," adding that “a comprehensive ecosystem is needed to ensure that investments remain within Europe, with an emphasis on access to financing, the promotion of exports, and the integration of social and energy criteria.” "We need a true 'maritime alliance' at the European level." 

Maritime Technology 

Moderated by Pieter Huyskens, Group Director of RD&I at Damen Shipyards Holding, the panel highlighted that maritime technology is at a critical juncture, with innovation, the green transition, and Europe’s strategic autonomy at the forefront. A common point of agreement was the need for closer cooperation between the public and private sectors and for strengthening industrial collaboration. Eleni Polychronopoulou, President of Hemexpo, emphasized the importance of testing and evaluating technologies, as well as the need for automation and upgrading the skills of crews. Maja Novakovic, Chair of the Waterborne Technology Platform, emphasized the importance of understanding market needs and collaborating with the European Commission as a foundation for innovation. Vasilis Korkidis, President of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted structural problems, such as the shortage of new fuels and restrictions on SMEs, emphasizing the need to strengthen clusters and European self-sufficiency. At the same time, it was noted that the development of innovative solutions requires a significant amount of time to mature, which makes it necessary to bridge the gap between research and the market, the consolidation of smaller projects into larger initiatives, and the avoidance of a fragmented regulatory framework at the international level. Overall, it was noted that a more targeted strategy and investments are needed to ensure competitiveness.

Port Ecosystems 

The panel, which was moderated by the Executive Director of Marlogmind PC, Prof. Sotirios Theofanis,  highlighted the transformation of ports from simple transportation infrastructure into complex, multifunctional ecosystems that play a pivotal role in connectivity, the energy transition, and regional development. Mr.Apostolos Papapostolou, President of the Ports Regulatory Authority, highlighted the role of ports in stability and maritime navigation, noting the need for the digitization of operations and a clear regulatory framework, particularly regarding environmental issues and data management obligations. He referred to the various concession models—with the “landlord model” being the predominant one, though hybrid approaches also exist—and proposed the creation of a national registry of port facilities to enhance transparency. Elena Athousaki, Chief Sustainability Officer, Motor Oil Group, emphasized that LNG serves as a key transition fuel, although its maturation has been a time-consuming process, and stressed the need for a stable European framework to guide investments, as well as for strengthening safety at small port facilities. Nikos Mertzandis, Manager, European Government Affairs, CLIA, argued that ports are evolving into energy hubs and that LNG must be fully recognized as a transition fuel, expressing optimism about European funding. Minas Papadakis, CEO of the Heraklion Port Authority, emphasized that small and medium-sized ports are crucial for cohesion, noting that the main shortcoming lies not in strategy but in implementation. Finally, it was pointed out that the transformation of ports is hampered by a structural lack of coordination between the shipping sector, infrastructure, and the regulatory framework—a fact that makes it necessary to accelerate investments, simplifying financing mechanisms, and establishing clear rules for the effective implementation of projects.

Skills, Education, and Quality Jobs

The panel highlighted the critical role of human resources in the sustainable and technological transition of the shipping industry. TheDirector of the Eugenides Foundation, Prof. Ioannis Golias emphasized that, beyond technical training, decision-making skills in complex environments are of crucial importance, involving adapted judgment that combines situational awareness in complex systems, critical thinking under pressure, and confidence in taking action in environments of uncertainty. Skills acquired through experiential learning and real-world experiences that foster resilience when taking action under unexpected circumstances. Konstantinos Savolidis, Director of Maritime Education at the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, emphasized the need to modernize maritime education and strengthen its connection with the labor market. Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International, highlighted the global imbalance between supply and demand for seafarers and the importance of developing multifaceted skills, with an emphasis on soft skills and lifelong learning. Under the coordination of Professor Maria Boile, Coordinator of Waterborne TP, the consensus was that investment in skills, education, and experience is a prerequisite for quality jobs and for strengthening the sector’s competitiveness.

About Waterborne Technology Platform 

The Waterborne Technology Platform (TP) brings together stakeholders from across the entire maritime transport value chain, including shipowners, shipyards, equipment manufacturers, ports, energy suppliers, infrastructure and service providers, classification societies, universities, and research institutions. Its goal is to ensure that priorities in research, development, and innovation (RD&I), as well as the implementation of innovations, meet both the needs of industry and the objectives of broader European policy planning. Furthermore, since 2021,  Waterborne TP has been coordinating the private sector side of the Partnership for Zero-Emission Shipping in collaboration with the European Commission. Today η Waterborne TP  has 130 members from 19 EU member states and 4 European countries associated with the HorizonEurope program.  



70 Years of the Eugenides Foundation

The Eugenides Foundation has been a member of  Waterborne since 2024, and is an institutional partner of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy for theblue economy, with an emphasis on the skills required for maritime-related professions.  The year 2026 marks a milestone for the Eugenides Foundation, as it celebrates 70 years of uninterrupted and multifaceted contributions to education, knowledge, and the development of skills among the youth of our country. This 70-year journey is the result of a collective effort—a journey we have taken together with thousands of people: students, teachers, families, scientists, technicians, and professionals.

The Eugenides Foundation has extensive experience in maritime and vocational education, in the publication of educational textbooks—with more than 48 million books—as well as in the implementation of digital transformation initiatives and a rich program of grants and scholarships. In addition to its facilities, which include one of the largest science and technology exhibitions in Europe and one of the most modern digital planetariums, state-of-the-art educational laboratories, a library, a conference center, and the new Institute for Training and Skills Development, it possesses the organizational and technical foundation for transferring knowledge to the general public in the field of technical education.