More than 1,600 members of the global shipping community gathered in Athens last week for 9th Global Symposium of Maritime Executives, which Baltic Exchange was honoured to be co-hosting.

Inside the stunning Peace and Friendship Stadium, the two-day event marked the 50th Anniversary of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association (HSA) and was a key opportunity for shipping players to strengthen existing relationships, forge new connections, and explore the future of the maritime industry. This included a series of panel discussions focused on the challenges of decarbonisation and the dynamics of a volatile maritime industry.

Mark Jackson, CEO of Baltic Exchange, was part of the Opening Welcome, joining John N. Cotzias, President of the HSA; Vasilis Kikilias, Greece's Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy; and Christina Tsiligkiri, President of the Peace & Friendship Stadium for opening remarks and to welcome the hundreds of shipbrokers that were a part of the event.

As part of the forum, Baltic Exchange was pleased to host two panel discussions on key industry trends.

The first, moderated by Matthew Cox, Head of Benchmark Production at Baltic Exchange, focused on the geopolitical shifts and the new realities of shipping in the modern age. It included speakers from Optima Shipping Sevices, AXSMarine, Doric Shipbrokers and Intermodal Shipbrokers.

The second, moderated by Martin Crawford–Brunt, Emissions Lead at Baltic Exchange, discussed the implications of increased environmental regulation on shipping and the wider market, with speakers from Redshaw Advisors, OceanKing, DNV and Allied Shipbroking. 

Mark Jackson then helped to close the event before joining the global shipping industry for a wonderful networking drink and dinner under the starlight night of Athens. 

We want to thank everyone for joining us in Athens and for being a part of some critical discussions as we help to navigate the future of shipping.