Metropolitan College had the honor to support as a sponsor the 11th Hydra Shipping Conference, organized by the Fraternity of the Athenian Hydriots. The Conference, which is being held on an annual basis, took place in the island of Hydra, under the auspices of the Ministry of Shipping, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Hellenic Marine Environment Association (HELMEPA) and many more official shipping and maritime associations.
Metropolitan College participated as a sponsor and was represented by Professor Dinos Arcoumanis, President of Metropolitan College’s Academic Council who gave a speech concerning one of the Conference’s main topics.
The conference’s theme was “Greek Shipping, a Factor of International Influence &National Defense of Greece” and was consisted of two main areas of discussion “Geopolitics & Shipping [Post-Pandemic and Mid-Pandemic]” and “Decarbonization”.
In the context above, Professor Arcoumanis raised the issue of the IMO’s directive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050. More specifically he said: “While the sector currently represents 2-3% of global CO2 emissions, 10-15 billion were spent by shipowners to put scrubbers on their vessels which will be obsolete in 10 years. Studies have shown that shipping is a long way away from meeting our 2050 target. Most companies do not have a strategy for decarbonization, because there is uncertainty and opinions differ”.
During his speech, Mr Arcoumanis spoke of the possibility of developing ammonia as a fuel (zero CO2) and said that shipowners need to ensure that their engines will be able to burn zero CO2 emission fuel. Professor Arcoumanis also mentioned the importance of having one Ministry in the future associated with Shipping,Energy and the Environment. “Greeks will rise to the challenge as we have the unique quality of ‘filotimo’ and clever intelligence”, he said.
Prominent figures of the 11th Hydra Shipping Conference (left to right):Mayor of Hydra, Mr Yiorgos Koukoudakis, Professor Dinos Arcoumanis, President of Metropolitan College’s Academic Council, Dr George Prevelakis, Emeritus Professor of Geopolitics at Sorbonne University and Mr George Tsavliris, Principal of Tsavliris Salvage Group, Chairman and Moderator of the11th Annual Hydra Shipping Conference.
Despite the pandemic situation and challenging weather conditions, the 11th Hydra Shipping Conference attracted a lot of esteemed participants and guests. It is worth mentioning that the Conference Honoree was shipowner Mr Panos Laskaridis for his significant contribution and donation to the Hellenic Navy.