2023 is expected to be another year of intense challenges for the shipping industry. The uncertainty around future marine fuels will continue next year, while at the same time two new regulations are coming into force which will “test” the system’s endurance. 

Greece will continue to manage the largest fleet in the world and to be a pioneer at all levels. The power of the Greek-owned fleet gives our country not only economic benefits, but also diplomatic power

I am referring to the Energy Efficiency eXisting Ship Index (EEXI), but also to the new Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). While both regulations were created with greater sustainability in mind, they operate independently of each other and there is strong evidence to suggest that CII has inherent weaknesses that can negatively affect the efficiency of even a state-of-the-art ship.

If we add shifting geopolitical tensions, fast-moving armed conflicts and the retention by China of a zero COVID-19 policy, what emerges is a mosaic with missing pieces rather than a full picture on which to base predictions.

However, despite these challenges, there are also some very positive factors. For example, Greece will continue to manage the largest fleet in the world and to be a pioneer at all levels. The power of the Greek-owned fleet gives our country not only economic benefits, but also diplomatic power.

As far as Greece as a nation is concerned, in 2023 we expect the country’s two largest shipyards – Skaramanga and Elefsina – to reopen. If the two shipyards operate as planned – the first under the Greek shipowner Giorgos Prokopiou and the second under the ONEX Group of Panos Xenokostas – the whole supporting industry of the wider Piraeus-Elefsina area will come back to life and create new opportunities. This development – combined with the very close collaboration we have with MARTECMA to design and manufacture the most advanced maritime equipment to meet shipping’s evolving needs – is extremely encouraging for HEMEXPO.