Page 30 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2022

SHIPPING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

However, ship inspections were more è There has been much talk
difficult during the pandemic as it was recently about the impact of
harder for our shore personnel to be the Emission Trading Scheme
physically present on vessels to inspect on European shipping, par-
them, audit their systems, and meet ticularly on small and medi-
the personnel onboard. Furthermore, um-sized companies. What is
as crew changes became more com- your opinion about Brussels’
plicated and crew repatriation more legislative initiatives? What
difficult, morale and motivation on the will ultimately be the cost to
ships were low, adversely affecting European citizens?
the quality of vessel maintenance. We The world is changing due to climatic
sought various ways to boost morale on change, the world’s number one enemy.
board, including free communications, Everyone must do their part to save the
photo contests, family benefits, supply- environment, which also goes for ship-
ing musical equipment, etc. ping, even though it is the most effi-
One must also consider that during the cient mode of transport and produces
pandemic, our shore personnel could the least emissions compared to other
not attend special surveys and dry- means of transportation.
dockings. Therefore, repair efficiency Rightly, Brussels is setting up a shipping
The world is was not at the desired level. Also as taxation scheme to promote technolog-
changing due to the production of some spares parts ical progress that will eventually reduce
climatic change, was delayed there were occasions emissions. However, at the moment, such
the world’s when critical components were unavail- scheme would burden the European end
number one enemy. able. consumer. Its timing may not be ideal
Everyone must do Given the above, it goes without saying given the current high energy costs and
their part to save that it became harder to maintain a grains shortage.
the environment, high level of ship maintenance. How-
which also goes ever, our company overcame the pan- ë The shipping industry has
for shipping, even demic’s difficulties and reached the enthusiastically embraced
though it is the highest standards possible. digitalisation. What are the
most efficient mode opportunities and challenges
of transport and ç Greek banks have increased brought by digitalisation?
produces the least their exposure to shipping What is the role of the sea-
emissions compared finance. Do you think the farer in this new reality?
to other means of lending terms for shipping Digital transformation is taking place
transportation. companies have improved? everywhere, including shipping. Digital
What will be the impact of charts have replaced paper charts and
inflation and rising interest are much safer. These days, seafarers can
rates on shipping finance? keep in touch with their families using
Greek banks have started making their mobile phones, usually at no cost.
presence felt again in shipping, which Most of our vessels have or are in the
they have supported throughout the process of installing monitoring systems
years, especially during the shipping that give full access to all information
crisis years, and Greek shipowners and control systems onboard. High-defi-
should be thankful for this support. nition cameras on board send real-time
Greek banks are now there to further images to the office. Weather routing
support shipping by offering competi- systems enable crews to enhance their
tive lending rates and terms. A crucial vessels’ performance and avoid risks. The
factor, however, is the rising US Dollar possibilities are endless.
interest rates (SOFR) that make ship However, if the question is whether we
finance more expensive, especially now have reached the age of crewless ships,
that acquisition prices are higher. in my view, the answer is NO. Shipping
We do business with Alpha Bank and will first undergo a technological trans-
are grateful for the high-quality service formation related to emissions, and once
we receive and the support they have that is over, we can start looking at the
extended to us over the years. crewless ship.

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