“Maritime diplomacy” brings Greece and Turkey closer
From the print version
By Antonis Tsimplakis
[email protected]
“Maritime diplomacy” brings Greece and Turkey closer. Can the rhetoric of the Turkish political leadership towards our country has worsened in recent months, however, at the shipping level, the relations between the two countries are at an excellent level. In fact, at the shipping conference ISTSHIP 22, held in Istanbul last week by the Turkish shipping associations, Greece was honored.
The conference was organized by Kosder, Turkish Coasters and Operators Association, and TSA, Turkish Shipowners Association, and was held under the auspices of the Maritime Chamber of Turkey.
In addition to the organizers, the opening ceremony was attended by Dimitris Fafalios, president of Intercargo and representative of the EU of Greek Shipowners, Charalambos Simantonis, president of Short Sea Shipping Shipowners (EENMA), representing the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, and Durmus Unu Director General of Coastal Safety, Tamer Kuran, president of the Turkish Chamber of Shipping, Emanuele Grimaldi, president of the International Chamber of Shipping, Funmi Folorunso, secretary general of the African Shipowners Association, Figen Ayan, president of the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports, Gaby Bornheim, Association of German Shipowners, Lorenzo Matacena, vice-president of the European Union of Italian Shipowners.
Greek shipping executives reported to “N”, Turkish shipowners wish to cooperate with Greek shipowners, since the way Greek fleets are managed is unique throughout the world.
According to the Turkish media that covered the event, Mr. Fafalios during his installation, among other things, mentioned that the shipping industry must complete its preparations under the goal of zero emissions. There is no short cut in shipping. Efficiency is key. We must rely on efficiency and be open to alternative fuels.
The president of EENMA
For his part, in his keynote speech the president of EENMA Charalambos Simantonis pointed out: “Short sea transport has experienced a significant increase between 2014 and 2021 in the European Union, which has also recorded a growth of 25% until 2030 as part of a strategy for sustainable mobility. Short sea shipping accounts for 58% of European maritime traffic, highlighting growth in specific regions such as the Eastern Mediterranean.
Based on the “Fit for 55” package, member states will revise their legislation, adopting EU regulations. and ensuring the green transition. Hopefully, the adoption of new laws and policies will shape a new operating environment for GPA, providing incentives while targeting modern vessels equipped with new technologies.
It is necessary to ensure a smooth transition to the maritime green era, without disrupting the normality of the transport of people and goods, and at the same time to maintain the social and economic development of local communities served by maritime routes.” And he concluded by noting characteristically: “Our countries have traditionally cooperated in international trade, now together in the Mediterranean Sea, bound by strong ties throughout history. We need to bridge these boundaries that exist here and expand our cooperation in the maritime sector and trade.”
Antonis Tsimplakis [email protected]