by Antonis Tsimplakis

 

 

International shipping exhibition "Posidonia 2024" opened its gates at the Metropolitan Expo.

 

Announcing the opening of the exhibition, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a message to Brussels about the significant role of Greek shipping for Europe's strategic autonomy. "While Europe is seeking to define the concept of strategic autonomy, we must realize that European and especially Greek shipping will play a decisive role in it," the Prime Minister said.

 

On her part, the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Melina Travlos, sent a message of unity amid the huge challenges facing the shipping industry today.

 

"The sector is facing changes that will determine the future of maritime transport. I will be by your side in every effort of the Greek shipping. From the green transition to safe ports and from the regeneration of the shipyards to the strengthening of the human potential with skills," the Greek premier underlined.

 

Investments for the cluster

 

At the same time, the prime minister sent a message of support to the large Greek shipping cluster. "We will continue to support it, claiming for the first time European and private investments," he emphasized. Referring to the critical links of the Greek shipping ecosystem, he said it is the state's responsibility to modernize the infrastructure to support the energy transition.

 

"We want our ports to be safe commercial hubs that will connect the world to Greece," he noted, adding that by 2030, 12 ports will have cold ironing infrastructure for power supply from land.

 

He also pointed out that it is imperative to proceed with the renewal of the coastal shipping fleet with ships with lower emissions.

 

The Greek premier referred to the Greek shipyards. "In Elefsis, Skaramangas, Syros, Perama, Chalkida, the shipyards now undertake maintenance and repair projects for commercial and warships while they are expected to assume the building of new ones," he said, speaking of a "separate pillar that offers significant income, jobs, but also defensive autonomy."

 

PPA: Dynamic presence in Posidonia 2024

 

 

The Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) stands out for another year at the top international shipping exhibition Posidonia 2024.

 

The company's stand attracts a large number of visitors from Greece and abroad, as well as influential personalities from the field of shipping, entrepreneurship and politics.

 

The CEO of PPA S.A., Su Xudong, and its executives welcomed the visitors and briefed them on the excellent course of the port of Piraeus, an important development driver for international trade, for the local and national economy.

 

Among the guests were the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Christos Stylianidis, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras, the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Domna Michailidou, the Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Ioannis Pappas, as well as the Chinese ambassador to Greece, Xiao Juncheng.

 

Throughout the exhibition, visitors have the opportunity to participate in interesting discussions with the company's executives, to browse the stand and get to know in depth the high-level services of PPA SA. Particularly impressive is the innovative virtual reality system, which offers a unique look at the operations of the port.

 

PPA CEO Su Xudong stated: "In a complex environment and in light of ongoing environmental challenges, this year's event coincides with a period of remarkable growth and outstanding performance for our company.

 

Guided by our values and our vision for an advanced and green port, we will continue to implement our investment plan even more dynamically and focused.

 

Our main goal remains the strengthening of our competitiveness and the positive imprint of the port of Piraeus in the country and the world."