Athens to Host 1st Public Health Congress on Maritime Transport

More than 300 expert scientists, government officials, maritime industry representatives and port administrators are expected to gather in Athens, Greece, to attend the inaugural international “Public Health Congress 2022 on Maritime Transport and Ports: sailing to the post-COVID-19 era”.

Scheduled to take place in-person and in hybrid mode during October 21-22 at the Eugenides Foundation, the event will be held by the European Scientific Association for Health and Hygiene in Maritime Transport (EU SHIPSAN ASSOCIATION) in collaboration with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports (MedCruise).

During the two – day event, more than 70 expert speakers and chairs from national, European and international organizations (WHO, European Commission DG MOVE, EMSA, US CDC, CLIA, MedCruise, ECSA) are scheduled to discuss the latest, evidence-based, scientific data in the field of public health in maritime transport.

Covid-19 among key subjects

Among its programme’s key subjects will be health diseases such as COVID-19, Monkeypox, influenza, Norovirus gastroenteritis, as well as environmental health and hygiene, crew health and cross-border health threats related to the maritime transport sector.

Photo source: @Cruise Lines International Association

Scientific evidence will be presented about effective measures to safely restart cruise ship operations, as well as research results demonstrating that cruise ships implementing certain protocols have been a safe holiday setting during the pandemic when comparing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the community and land-based holiday premises.

After the pandemic-related drop, the cruise industry is steadily recovering, and the forecast is to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2023.

“As we move into the post-COVID-19 era, it is important to use the knowledge gained to improve preparedness and move to potential future public health risks in ports and ships,” the organizers said in an announcement.

Globally, the cruise industry generates more $150 billion in economic activity every year, supporting 1.17 million jobs.

The congress will take place under the auspices of the University of Thessaly and the Greek ministries of health, tourism, and maritime affairs.