Posidonia 2022 Shipping Event to Host 1,929 Companies from 88 Countries

Photo Source: Posidonia Exhibitions SA

A total of 1,929 companies from 88 countries will exhibit their products and services during this year’s Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition be held during June 6-10 at the  Athens Metropolitan Exhibition Centre.

Organized by Posidonia Exhibitions SA, the shipping industry’s most prestigious event will also host a total of 24 national pavilions from Europe, North America and Asia that will showcase their maritime credentials.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Giannis Plakiotakis, referred to this year’s Posidonia as a “special occasion” as it will attract the world shipping community.

“The strong presence of Greek shipping everywhere in the world has a positive impact on the overall image of our country,” Plakiotakis said.

Greek Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Giannis Plakiotakis.

During his speech, the minister highlighted that the Greek government fully supports the need for shipping activities to achieve zero emissions by 2050.

“To this end, we submit constructive proposals to the IMO and the EU, so that shipping continues to contribute to the global and the national economy, while at the same time walks the path towards decarbonisation in a realistic way, with the development of appropriate fuels and technologies, within the time schedule,” he added.

On her part, Melina Travlos, the president of the Union of Greek Shipowners, said that the return of Posidonia, after 4 years, will offer a dynamic communication platform for the most innovative and technologically advanced operating capabilities of the shipping industry to be presented.

Union of Greek Shipowners President Melina Travlos.

“The Union of Greek Shipowners welcomes the Posidonia exhibition, with the certainty that not only will it meet the high expectations of the international shipping community but it will actually exceed them,” she said.

Conferences and seminars

A programme of 68 conferences and seminars will run in parallel at Posidonia 2022 to offer delegates access to insightful information and knowledge imparted by an impressive array of shipping industry decision and policy makers, regulator as well as government officials from around the world.

Already, 10 vice presidents and ministers of maritime nations as well as the EU’s Commissioner for Transport Adina Valean have confirmed their plans to visit Posidonia 2022.

“Posidonia 2022 is truly a celebration for Greek shipping and shipping in general,” Hellenic Chamber of Shipping President George Pateras said.

Hellenic Chamber of Shipping President George Pateras.

“After the trials and tribulations of the COVID-19 restriction we are free at last to promote our industry and perceive innovative solutions to many of the issues and challenges that we will face in the coming years. We will see old friends and make new one’s while exchanging stories of our adventures over the last 4 years.”

Another key attraction for Posidonia 2022 is the more than 30 tech startups who will be showcasing their technological innovations designed to provide digital-first solutions to various challenges and problems facing the industry.

Posidonia 2022 to attract over 18,000 international visitors

According to organizer Posidonia Exhibitions S.A, this year’s Posidonia is expected to attract over 18,000 international visitors.

“We have succeeded to cover the entire exhibition space, and it is now imperative to build additional exhibition halls,” said Theodore Vokos, Managing Director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A, during a press conference on Thursday.

“We have grown by 7 percent since the 2018 edition, an increase that reflects the dynamism, vigor and progress of Greek shipping which invests heavily to upgrade the quality and technology of existing vessels, diversify its offering by adapting it to the needs of the markets, and to renew its fleet with the addition of newbuilds designed to meet new regulations,” Vokos added.

It should be noted that Posidonia this year became the first exhibition held in Greece to receive an ISO certificate attesting to its sustainability credentials thanks to a series of initiatives and improvements it has introduced, designed to reduce its environmental footprint.

According to Posidonia Exhibitions, the might and investment appetite of the Greek shipowners’ community, which controls 21 percent of global deadweight tonnage (dwt), are the main reasons for Posidonia’s global appeal.

“Greece remains the world’s largest shipowning nation with a fleet of 5.514 vessels and represents 59 percent of the EU-controlled fleet. Since 2019, the Greek-owned fleet grew by 7,4 percent and since 2014 by 45,8 percent.”

Posidonia 2022 is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, the Union of Greek Shipowners and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.