Page 60 - Demo

However, it can be argued that the way these vetting procedures are being implemented is at times inconsistent. Individual ports have also introduced their own rules and regulations, further increasing the operational burden. At the same time, EU emissions regulations have introduced the need for carbon trading, adding an extra layer of complexity. On the whole, all additional regulatory requirements tend to drive up costs, which are always harder for smaller companies to absorb.Following the unprecedented floods in Thessaly, the UGS managed to raise over %u20ac50 million for the restoration of the affected areas through its %u201cAgios Nikolaos%u201d aid programme. As a participant in this initiative, how important do you believe collective efforts are in responding effectively to such crises and to the broader needs of Greek society?I believe that the Greek shipping community is in a privileged position, being able to respond relatively quickly to unexpected emergencies. This is true of the community as a whole, which can play a significant role in helping to fill financing gaps in the national budget, often under strain in Greece. One has to consider that both the political system %u2014 across parties %u2014 as well as the wider public, are strongly supportive of shipping; so it can only be appropriate and justified to reciprocate.Industry experts have underlined that global shipping will face a substantial shortage of qualified officers and crew in the coming years. What actions should be taken by companies, industry bodies, and policymakers to counter this challenge?Indeed, the ever-growing global fleet is exacerbating the shortage of qualified crew. In my view, the root of the problem lies in the perception among the younger generations that a life at sea is demanding and uncomfortable. Examining and addressing factors that are discouraging people from seamanship, by implementing measures such as shorter shifts, improved communications with shore, higher pay, or better benefits, may help alleviate the situation. Another approach to tackling this problem would be to increase the level of automation on ships. Technological advancements are already reducing the number of crew members required on vessels compared to the past, but there is still a long way to go. It may not be entirely unrealistic to imagine that, at some point in the future, vessels could become fully automated and autonomous, eliminating the need for crew altogether.How do you assess Athens as a shipping hub, considering your experience living in major international maritime centres abroad?In my experience, Athens is a leading global shipping hub for a variety of reasons. The shipping industry in Greece, including both primary operators and supporting companies within the broader ecosystem, represents one of the country%u2019s most influential and important sectors. In contrast, other countries with thriving shipping communities often have numerous major industries, which lessens the relative importance of shipping within their economies. In Greece, however, the prominence of shipping attracts a substantial workforce to the industry and related fields, further reinforcing the sector's strength. Whereas in other countries young talent may aspire to careers in technology or finance, in Greece, the corresponding industry to go into is shipping. All of this makes Athens one of the most important shipping hubs in the world, and probably the most dynamic and sophisticated one in relation to the size of its population.Why do you believe there is a certain degree of reluctance toward placing trust in the Greek registry?I think there are a few reasons behind the reluctance towards the use of the Greek registry. First and foremost is the issue of cost, which is naturally a major consideration for shipping companies. The Greek flag requires an increased number of Greek nationals to be employed as officers and crew, and they usually command higher salaries compared to other nationalities. As previously mentioned, there is also the practical difficulty of sourcing suitable Greek crew due to their limited availability. In addition, there is a perception that opting for the Greek flag may leave companies vulnerable to increased tax burden for their Greek-registered ships compared to those registered under open registries. Moreover, in today%u2019s volatile world of shifting geopolitics, flying the flag of an EU State could potentially restrict and complicate trade to certain regions. In general, open registers are considered to offer greater flexibility and efficiency.The ever-growing global fleet is exacerbating the shortage of qualified crew. In my view, the root of the problem lies in the perception among the younger generations that life at sea is demanding and uncomfortable.Shipping entrepreneurship60 NX