The 23rd Navigator 2024 – The Shipping Decision Makers Forum successfully concluded on March 13, 2024, at Grand Hyatt in Athens, Greece. Navigator Assembly, happening for the fourth consecutive year, stood out as the singular platform where over 20 leading shipping organizations converged, spearheading discussions on specialized solutions crucial for the industry’s evolution. Among them, prominent academic clusters and universities lent their expertise, adding depth to the dialogue.
Amidst the backdrop of prevailing geopolitical complexities and global uncertainties, the Navigator Assembly emerged as a beacon of candid exchanges and visionary initiatives. Over 200 distinguished shipping professionals and international delegates representing 165 ship owning and service companies convened under the theme #ForgeTheFuture. Their collective determination to navigate through turbulent waters and fortify the industry’s resilience resonated throughout the forum.
The Assembly witnessed the participation of members from the whole shipping community engaging in roundtable discussions covering five thematic topics: Decarbonization, Human Element, Smart Shipping, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and Maritime Supply Chain. These discussions were instrumental in identifying actionable steps to drive sustainable progress and shape the future trajectory of the Greek Maritime Cluster.
Danae Bezantakou, CEO of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS, welcomed the participants and stressed that, in the dynamic realm of shipping, amidst constant geopolitical challenges and global uncertainties, it becomes profoundly evident that addressing pressing issues and pioneering solutions are paramount. She also highlighted the belief in the power of synergy fuels collaborative efforts to overcome obstacles and contribute to the industry’s resilience involving stakeholders from politics and academia, and rest sectors of the shipping community.
The forum commenced with welcoming remarks by Captain Dimitris Bezantakos, President of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions. Captain Dimitris emphasized the pivotal role of synergies in the maritime domain, noting their significance in driving progress and innovation. He also acknowledged the esteemed presence of the President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, whose contributions enriched the gathering, and stressed the significance of empowering and educating the younger generation in shaping the industry’s future.
In his welcoming remarks, George Pateras, President of the HELLENIC CHAMBER OF SHIPPING, underscored the urgent need for decarbonization and lamented the persistent postponement of environmental issues. He emphasized the importance of collective dialogue, as industry stakeholders, to address these challenges, recognizing that we are the drivers of change in the market.
Overall, the sentiment of fostering dialogue and supporting initiatives such as YES Forum was echoed, aimed at integrating young talent into the shipping industry.
Looking ahead, the outcomes of the Assembly will be presented at the 23rd NAVIGATOR 2024 – THE SHIPPING DECISION MAKERS FORUM, scheduled to take place in Chios & Oinousses from September 20 to 22, 2024. The forum will bring together industry leaders and stakeholders to exchange viewpoints, share knowledge, and shape the future of maritime.
Following the conclusion of the roundtable discussions, Danae Bezantakou, in her closing remarks, underscored the paramount importance of education in addressing the challenges facing the shipping industry. She emphasized the need for universities to play a pivotal role in preparing students for these challenges and ensuring alignment with the concerns and obstacles articulated by ship owning companies.
To further delve into this topic, esteemed professors from various universities were invited to share their insights:
· Vicky Apostolopoulou, Business Development Executive, School of Maritime Studies Metropolitan College
· Seraphim Kapros, Professor - UNIVERSITY OF THE AEGEAN
· Dimitrios Koubogiannis, Associate Professor - DEPARTMENT OF NAVAL ARCHITECTURE/SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING/UNIVERSITY OF WEST ATTICA
· Manolis Kavussanos, Director MSc in International Shipping, Finance and Management – AUEB
· Dimitrios Lyridis, Assoc. Professor - NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS
· Angelos Pantouvakis, Dean and Professor & UNIVERSITY OF PIRAEUS
The success of the Navigator Assembly 2024 underscores the commitment of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS and its partners to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and promote sustainability in the maritime industry.
By: N. Peter Kramer
