By Paris Tsirigotis

Promoting the importance of safety regarding shipping decarbonization requires the cultivation and development of soft skills as well as the continuous training and retraining of workers in new technologies.

This is one of the main conclusions of a workshop organized by the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), in collaboration with the Piraeus Port Authority (PPA), and the participation of employees and executives of the PPA and other Greek ports, as well as representatives of wider maritime community.

Among the challenges for the ports’ green transition are the electrification of ships from land (cold ironing), the properties, characteristics and safe use of alternative fuels, as well as the need for continuous education and retraining of employees.

Special emphasis was placed on the soft skills that employees will need to cultivate or enhance, such as the importance of understanding one’s scope of control, the importance of accountability, the continuous expansion of knowledge and skills, as well as the importance of adaptability.

130 cruise ships in our seas

The wider Mediterranean region is a safe cruise destination, with Greece included as one of the most important destinations throughout the year, due to its climate.

Despite the fact that cruising in the Greek area as well as in southern European ports is moving at an intensive pace, several cruise ships after the end of the summer season choose areas of the Arabian Gulf, which are enjoying new popularity despite the instability in the nearby area.

However, the Greek market continues to show particular momentum, since industry executives pointed out to “Naftemporiki” that the number of cruise passengers this year will show a 10% increase compared to 2023.

Piraeus remains an attractive destination for China as well, since approximately 10,000 Chinese visitors are expected to travel this year with the two ships of Celestyal alone, out of a total of approximately 130,000 passengers from Greece and abroad.

The market is dynamic

In 2024, more than 130 cruise ships are expected to be active in our country, of which 70% will carry out home porting from Greek ports, Maria Deligianni, CLIA’s Eastern Mediterranean director, reports to “Naftemporiki.”

Only in the port of Piraeus for 2024 more than 1,000 cruise ships are scheduled to sail, of which 79% will carry out home porting.

It is noted that ONEX is the first shipbuilding group in the world to enter the Green Award.