The reform of the Public Maritime Law Code was announced by the Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, at the 11th International Maritime Law Conference organized by the Piraeus Bar Association at the Eugenides Foundation, while expressing the belief that the findings of the Conference’s work will constitute a useful guide for the academic and maritime community.
In this context, he thanked the Chair of the Conference Coordinating Committee, Professor Lia Athanasiou, and congratulated her for her great contribution to the emblematic work of reforming the Code of Private Maritime Law, underlining that “we aspire to continue this legislative work with corresponding key areas, such as the Code of Public Maritime Law. We look forward to your assistance and participation.”
Subsequently, the Minister underlined the importance of the Conference, characterizing it as an established institution that highlights Piraeus as a center of scientific dialogue, maritime knowledge and international cooperation. “This year’s theme on the dangers of maritime expeditions is not theoretical, but practical, immediate and important both for our country and for the planet,” he emphasized.
He then highlighted the challenges facing the sector, from the green transition and ESG criteria to geopolitical unrest and security on the sea lanes. “These are key issues for the future of shipping, which are reflected in the real economy, in Greek and global ocean-going shipping,” he recalled, adding that “20% of global shipping is represented by Greek ocean-going shipping.”
Finally, Mr. Kikilias pointed out that Greece, due to its naval tradition and the primacy it holds in the world fleet, “has a historical responsibility to ensure an institutional framework that responds to the real needs of shipping businesses and strengthens the competitiveness of the Greek-owned fleet and the role of our country.”
