Η ΝΑΥΤΕΜΠΟΡΙΚΗ
ESG Shipping Awards International Conference: Reshaping sustainable shipping
The ESG Shipping Awards International – THE CONFERENCE 2026 attracted more than 350 participants representing 180 companies and organisations
More than 350 participants representing 180 companies and organisations gathered in Athens to discuss practical action, industry challenges and the future of sustainable shipping.
The ESG Shipping Awards International – THE CONFERENCE 2026 attracted more than 350 participants representing 180 companies and organisations for a full day of strategic dialogue and the exchange of practical knowledge.
Opening the conference, Elena Athousaki, Principal of ESG Shipping Awards International, stressed the importance of moving from recognition to knowledge-sharing.
“Every important decision in shipping has an ESG dimension. The question is whether companies recognise and manage these impacts, risks and opportunities as part of their business strategy.”
She also highlighted that progress requires cooperation across the entire maritime value chain and a willingness to share practical experience.
The official opening also featured George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, who called for consistent international rules, regulatory certainty and workable decarbonisation decisions that safeguard shipping’s competitiveness, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
“Ultimately, ESG must be about substance rather than bureaucracy, and measurable progress rather than declarations.”
“Let us set ambitious targets, be realistic in our methods and remain determined to protect both the environment and the competitiveness of our industry.”
Global perspectives
The conference opened with a broader examination of the geopolitical, economic and regulatory developments reshaping international shipping, with Bloomberg L.P., the event’s strategic content partner, contributing global analysis and market perspectives.
Aveesh Acharya, EMEA Sustainable Finance Market Specialist at Bloomberg L.P., examined the international business environment and spoke with Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal and member of the CLIA Europe Executive Committee, about operational resilience, leadership and crisis management.
Drawing on the company’s experience during the geopolitical turmoil in the Strait of Hormuz, Theophilides highlighted the importance of preparedness, trusted relationships with partners and prioritising passenger and crew safety.
“Resilience is not built during a crisis,” he said.
The discussion also highlighted Celestyal’s initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including a reported 14% increase in vessel operating days, alongside a 10% reduction in total CO₂ emissions in 2025.
ESG in practice
Seven sessions featuring award-winning companies were at the heart of the conference. Participants presented how they are addressing the industry’s most pressing environmental, social and corporate governance challenges through concrete action.
The discussion highlighted sustainability-linked financing, investments in dual-fuel fleets, voluntary ESG reporting and the importance of balancing ambition with operational and commercial realities.
Looking ahead
Beyond the discussions involving award-winning companies, the financial, regulatory and technological conditions needed to accelerate shipping’s transition were also examined.
The discussion highlighted the need for cooperation between the IMO and the IAEA, a clear regulatory framework, and the importance of addressing safety, liability and insurance issues, alongside the need for international preparedness for the adoption of this technology.
