The prospects of the Maritime Industry for 2023

The decarbonisation debate, new technological challenges, the end of the boom market and the risk of oversupply in some market segments, the uncertainty of what the future holds in a post-pandemic world, as well as the continuing geopolitical instability in Eastern Europe, are the top challenges for the Maritime Industry in 2023.

The energy transition remains one of the hottest topics for the industry, which became evident during Posidonia 2022, as it dominated all public and private discussions. Nevertheless, achieving the set decarbonization goals should not result in undermining the competitiveness of shipping as a whole, as certain decisions may be detrimental to the industry and could also risk losing European shipping’s competitive edge against competition from Asia and other regions.

The industry’s digitalisation is of equal importance, as digital solutions can act as a catalyst for change and as an enabler for more informed decision-making by fleet owners and operators, leading to both business and environmental benefits. Groundbreaking innovations backed up by cutting-edge technologies are set to transform shipping as the race towards the digitisation of the marine sector is well underway in a market which experts estimate to be worth $345bn by 2030.

The maritime industry has repeatedly proven that it can weather turbulent times and the Greek shipping community is always on the frontline, an all-time leader of this global industry. Greece remains the world’s largest shipowning nation, controlling some 21% of global deadweight tonnage (dwt), and with the new generation becoming actively involved and taking over, while bringing new skillsets to the industry, I am confident that Greek shipping will manage to remain the global market leader.

Theodore Vokos Managing Director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A.

“WIMA aims to be present and pioneer in the rapid developments in the field of green energy and the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly the carbon footprint. Greece and Greek coastal shipping are in a phase of research to find new ways of moving, environmentally friendly with zero emissions”.