Shipping Min.: Qualitative, competitive and green European shipping are top priorities

“We are here to meet the challenges, whatever their form. And we will not let them derail our core priorities for quality, competitive and environmentally friendly European shipping,” was the message sent by the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Giannis Plakiotakis, speaking at the High Level Conference on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), in Lisbon.

As the Minister noted, in its 20 years of operation, EMSA has changed the way national administrations operate and interact at sea, and to better do this it should cooperate constructively and support the work of the IMO, which is the competent Organization for the promotion of global rules of application.

The role of human resources is also a key priority

Mr. Plakiotakis also referred to the role of the human capital of shipping, pointing out that “it should be considered as a key priority for the coming years,” adding that efforts should be made to strengthen their professional qualifications, so that they can meet the challenges associated with the use of new fuels and the automation that is being implemented in shipping.

The Minister stressed that he intends to propose a comprehensive review of the Greek maritime education system.

On the sidelines of the Conference, Mr. Plakiotakis held a meeting with the Secretary General of the IMO Mr. Kitack Lim, with whom he had the opportunity to exchange views on current issues of the shipping industry.