Navigator 2017 Forum Examines Shipping Sector Challenges

Dimitris Bezantakos, President, Navigator Shipping Consultants.

Establishing a special cooperative body that will mediate when claims are made in order to avoid unnecessary delays and costs for the vessels, discomfort to crews and depreciation or destruction of cargoes being transported, was at the center of Navigator President Dimitris Bezantakos’ address during the Navigator Shipping Consultants forum, held on November 3 at the Hellas Liberty floating museum in Piraeus.

According to Bezantakos, the said organization would include the IMO, INTERTANKO, BIMCO, INTERCARGO and European Owners Association and would mediate between P & I Clubs – shipowners and government / individuals who raise claims in the event of any damage to third parties.

Dimitris Bezantakos, President, Navigator Shipping Consultants; Danae Bezantakou, CEO, Navigator Shipping Consultants; Ioannis Moralis, Mayor of the Municipality of Piraeus.

“It is our duty, and especially as Greeks, to convey the importance of shipping to students, society and at international fora and to defend it with vigor, without expediencies,” said Bezantakos during his opening speech.

The Navigator Shipping Consultants forum, which was attended by over 500 high-ranking sector officials and executives from 20 countries, was held for the 17th consecutive year.

Also attending the event, Shipping Minister Panagiotis Kouroublis said it was vital for new mariners to be well trained adding that the ministry was making efforts to implement mediation and arbitration practices.

US Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt referred to the shipyards of Syros as well as to the strategic position of Alexandroupolis’ port and Greece’s key role as a pillar of stability in the Balkans.

Topics covered during the forum included the development of the supply chain and steps required to take full advantage of the country’s geo-strategic position, sustainable innovation in response to environmental challenges, the importance of digital innovation to operational efficiency, environmental performance, safety and logistics, and finally the need for shipping companies to be more open to innovation, better equipped with resources and infrastructure and ready to change the way they do business.

The 18th Navigator 2018 – The Shipping Decision Makers Forum will take place on Chios next year.