The prospects of the Maritime Industry for 2023

Iwish the new year 2023 to be a Peaceful, Creative and full of new developments. The forecasts are moderately optimistic. We are going through a critical period of geopolitical, economic, energy, and humanitarian tensions especially in our region, but also all over the world.

The War in Ukraine will, I believe, might end in the new year by diplomatic means, and its termination will bring an increase in the freight rates needed for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

The Greek merchant fleet will have a pivotal role in this phase of reconstruction of Ukraine and the supremacy of Greek-owned fleet will be important because it is the most reliable transport force of global trade .

The price of oil due to international events (China’s Covid cases – sanctions on Russia) will remain at high levels all through 2023 with the price above US$100/barrel especially in the summer months with increased fuel demand.

The global relaxation of Covid 19 protection measures is worrying , especially with the public transport (trains, ships, planes) but also in gatherings. Masks and diagnostic tests have disappeared. It has been proven that the recommendations of the authorities are not enough. Stricter measures, masks everywhere and diagnostic tests are needed until the effects of the pandemic and its mutations on the human body are medically controlled.

The Global Shipping industry will continue to be concerned in 2023 by the lack of Officers from the cargo ships.

The campaign to attract young people to the maritime profession with coordinated initiatives, the establishment of a special course in schools on shipping and the maritime profession, as well as the search for new countries with large populations for the development of maritime schools with adequate and continuous training of human resources, will alleviate the problem of the lack of Officers and Crews which has appeared in recent years causing operational problems in shipping companies.

In particular, international organizations should recognize the strategic and decisive role of shipping in international trade and their proposed measures ( Environmental regulations , biofuels , Cll impacts on shipping markets ) to be realistic and in line with the viability of the sector.

President, of Chios Marine Club

Capt. Antonis Pitsilos, President of Chios Marine Club

“We are blessed to live in the Capital of the World of Shipping and we should all work for its further development and recognition. The majority of young people is now informed about the opportunities offered by our sector and the Companies are more open to embrace them and to give them work opportunities”.