Opening the evening, the organizers, Mrs. Helena Athoussaki and Mrs. Katerina Stathopoulou, highlighted the transformational power of ESG in the maritime sector, highlighting the industry’s shift from compliance to leadership, and the importance of recognizing not only corporate strategy but also the people and actions driving real change.  

“What makes this initiative particularly special is that it was born here in Greece — a nation with a profound maritime heritage and an unwavering commitment to the future of global seaborne trade. The long-standing global leadership of Greek shipping is no coincidence. It reflects a deep-rooted dedication to quality, responsibility, and progress. Today, the sustainable development of maritime transport and the protection of the environment remain top priorities for the Greek government.” said Mr. Stefanos Gkikas, Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, during his opening speech. 

“Shipping has always been a sector of responsibility, resilience, and respect long before ESG became a global framework. But today, ESG is no longer optional; it is a necessity, a standard, and most importantly, an opportunity to modernize. Let’s ensure it remains practical, balanced and a true catalyst for change.” emphasized Mr. George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping. 

The evening’s keynote was delivered by Mr. Björn van Roye, Head of Global Economic Modelling at Bloomberg Economics, who spoke on the shifting global power landscape, redefining geo-economic relations, and the transformation of traditional trade routes— underlining the urgent need for adaptability, resilience and responsible leadership in maritime operations.