From Recognition to Real-World Action: Shipping Leaders Share Strategies for a Changing World
Athens, Greece – 5 November 2026
The ESG Shipping Awards International – THE CONFERENCE 2026 brought together over 350 participants representing 180 companies and organisations at Asteria Glyfada, Athens, on 3 November, for a full day of strategic dialogue and practical knowledge exchange.
Under the theme “Reshaping Sustainable Shipping – From Global Challenges to Industry Action,” the conference advanced its “Sharing Through Winning” concept, bringing award-winning shipping companies together with policymakers, financial institutions, technology providers and maritime professionals to share practical initiatives, challenges and lessons learned.
Every Major Shipping Decision Has an ESG Dimension
Opening the conference, Mrs. Helena Athoussaki, Principal of the ESG Shipping Awards International and Conference Chair, emphasised the importance of moving from recognition to knowledge sharing.
“Every major shipping decision has an ESG dimension. The question is whether companies recognise and manage these impacts, risks and opportunities as part of their business strategy.” Mrs. Helena Athoussaki
She highlighted that progress requires collaboration across the maritime value chain and a willingness to share practical experience.
The official opening also featured Mr. George Sp. Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, who called for coherent international rules, regulatory certainty and workable decarbonisation pathways that protect the competitiveness of shipping, particularly small and medium-sized companies.
“Ultimately, ESG must be about substance rather than paperwork and measurable progress rather than declarations.” — Mr. George Sp. Alexandratos
“Let us be ambitious in our objectives, realistic in our methods, and all of us determined to protect both our environment and our industry competitiveness.” — Mr. George Sp. Alexandratos
Global Perspectives – Navigating Uncertainty and Strengthening Resilience
The conference opened with a broader examination of the geopolitical, economic and regulatory developments reshaping international shipping, with Bloomberg L.P., Strategic Content Partner, contributing the global outlook and executive perspectives.
Aveesh Acharya, EMEA Sustainable Finance Market Specialist of Bloomberg L.P. explored the international business environment and interviewed Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal | Member of the Executive Committee, CLIA Europe, on operational resilience, leadership and crisis management. Drawing on the company’s
experience during geopolitical disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, Mr. Theophilides emphasised the importance of preparedness, trusted partnerships and prioritising passenger and crew safety.
“Resilience is not built up during a crisis,” he stated.
The discussion also highlighted Celestyal’s operational efficiency initiatives, including a reported 14% increase in operating days alongside a 10% reduction in overall CO₂ emissions in 2025.
Industry Policy and Competitiveness: Mrs. Katerina Elikonida Maroudi of BIMCO and Mrs. Evina Fotiadou of European Shipowners | ECSA, moderated by Mr. Aveesh Acharya of Bloomberg L.P., examined the need for coherent international regulation, realistic decarbonisation pathways, fuel availability and the reinvestment of EU ETS revenues in shipping’s transition.
The discussion also addressed the consequences of geopolitical instability and
regulatory fragmentation for seafarers, reinforced by BIMCO’s Fair Seas initiative.
“The world relies on them and they should be able to rely on us,” Mrs. Katerina
Elikonida Maroudi.
Sharing Through Winning – Award Winners Turn ESG into Action
At the heart of THE CONFERENCE 2026 were seven Award Winners’ Discussions, bringing together recognised shipping companies to share how they are addressing the industry’s most pressing environmental, social and governance challenges through practical action.
Future-Proofing Shipping: Capital Ship Management Corp., Century Bulk Carriers Management Co., Lemissoler Shipmanagement Ltd & Odfjell SE moderated by Dr. Kieran Dobson, Head of EMEA Client Engagement and Capital Markets of S&P Global Sustainable1 discussed how ESG is becoming integral to business resilience, investment decisions and long-term competitiveness. The discussion highlighted sustainability-linked financing, dual-fuel fleet investments, voluntary ESG reporting and the importance of balancing ambition with operational and commercial realities.
“We cannot wait for others. We need to do what is possible today, what is tangible today.” — Mr. Øistein Jensen, Chief Sustainability Officer of Odfjell SE
Pacific Basin Limited contributed through three Video Spotlights, sharing practical initiatives on ESG strategy, governance and people development.
Net-Zero Shipping: Castor Ships S.A., Sea Pioneer Shipping Corporation and STARLING FLEET Holding AG, moderated by Mr. Ioannis Bitzis, EY Greece Partner and TMT Leader, EY Parthenon, explored practical decarbonisation pathways, including operational efficiency, alternative fuels and fleet investment, emphasising the
importance of commercially viable solutions.
Smart Shipping & Operational Excellence: Latsco Marine Management Inc., Navios Maritime Partners L.P., Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd. and Wallem Group moderated by Dr. Matthew Mahairas, President of AMMITEC, examined how digitalisation, AI, predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making can improve vessel performance, efficiency and operational resilience.
Protecting Oceans, Nature & Resources: Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), Compagnie Maritime Marfret, IMPAsave and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, moderated by Mrs. Vera Alexandropoulou, Scientific Advisor to the Training Committee of HELMEPA, demonstrated how responsible procurement, waste prevention, marine biodiversity protection and resource efficiency can generate measurable environmental and economic benefits.
Strengthening Governance: Chandris (Hellas) Inc. and Diana Shipping Servises S.A., moderated by Alexandros Maniatopoulos, CEO & Founder of Yodiwo discussed the importance of ethical leadership, accountability, transparent reporting and a corporate culture that encourages employees and seafarers to raise concerns without fear.
We should never make it harder to raise a concern than to stay silent.”Dr. George Baltas, Human Relations Director of Chandris (Hellas) Inc.
Creating Shared Value: Columbia Group, Contships Management Inc., SEKAVIN S.A. and Performance Shipping Inc. moderated by Mrs. Helena Athoussaki, highlighted how shipping companies contribute to healthcare, education, community development and employee volunteering, demonstrating that meaningful social impact is possible regardless of company size.
“A single contribution can help solve a problem, but a relationship can keep solving it as the problem changes.” Mrs. Ioanna Papachristou, ESG Team Leader of Contships Management Inc.
Empowering People for the Future: Fleet Management Limited, Island Energies, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: SHIP) and V.Group, moderated by Mrs. Danae Bezantakou, President of the International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, shared initiatives addressing seafarer wellbeing, family support, workforce skills, AI-enabled operations and greater inclusion across maritime careers.
“Support needs to be accessible, trusted, and continuous.” Mr. Yiannis Maroulis, General Manager, Business Development, Fleet Management Limited (Hellenic)
Strategic Insights – Financing, Regulation and Emerging Technologies
Beyond the Award Winners’ Discussions, the conference explored the financial, regulatory and technological conditions required to accelerate shipping’s transition.
Financing Shipping’s Transition: Mrs. Lilian Georgopoulou of Euronext Athens, Mrs. Niovi Iasemidi of Capital Group and Mr. Simos Spyrou of Star Bulk Carriers Corp., moderated by Akaash Chawla, Senior Emerging Markets Account Executive of Bloomberg L.P., examined the role of capital markets, investment decisions and financing mechanisms in supporting fleet transformation amid regulatory and technological uncertainty.
FuelEU Maritime and Alternative Fuels: Mr. Orestis Nikolopoulos, Director, Head of Eastern Mediterranean of OceanScore GmbH addressed the implications of FuelEU Maritime for compliance strategies and commercial decision-making, while Mr. Orestis Papageorgiou, Marine Sales Team Leader of Coral Marine explored the
contribution of biofuels to practical maritime decarbonisation.
Nuclear at Sea: Mr. Ioannis Kourasis of Core Power, Mrs. Anastasia Makri of Zepos & Yannopoulos and Dr. George D. Pateras of Contships Management Inc., moderated by Dr. Dionysios Chionis, Co-Founder of Athlos Energy, explored the potential of nuclear-powered shipping, highlighting the need for IMO–IAEA cooperation, clear regulatory frameworks, safety, liability and insurance arrangements, and international readiness for its adoption.
Ocean Stewardship: Mr. Erik Giercksky, Head of Sustainable Ocean Business, UN GLOBAL COMPACT, introduced the importance of collective action on ocean stewardship, linking environmental responsibility to practical cooperation across the maritime value chain.
What the Industry Thinks: Live Polling Results
Interactive ranking polls throughout the conference captured participating maritime professionals’ perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing shipping.
Commercial value and competitiveness ranked as the leading driver of ESG transformation, ahead of regulatory pressure, while operational efficiency was the top investment priority for reducing emissions. Financial returns and asset values led the priorities for financing shipping’s transition, and disruption of strategic shipping routes ranked as the foremost geopolitical risk.
People, skills and resistance to change emerged as the leading barrier to digital transformation. Beyond carbon emissions, marine pollution, plastics and waste ranked as the environmental issue most deserving of attention. Participants identified safety, liability and insurance as the greatest obstacle to nuclear-powered commercial
shipping, and leadership and ethical culture as the strongest indicator of good corporate governance.
Community contribution regardless of company size ranked first among responses on corporate responsibility, while wellbeing and mental health led workforce priorities, followed by future skills and training.
Supporting Inclusive Employment
This year’s charitable contribution supported the MARGARITA Vocational Training Centre, which provides education, vocational training and supported employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and autism.
ESG Shipping Awards 2027 – Applications Opening
Closing the conference, Mr. Jan Fransen, Chair of the ESG Shipping Awards International Judging Committee, announced that applications for the ESG Shipping Awards 2027 will open on 1 December 2026 and close on 5 March 2027, with the Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner taking place on 4 June 2027. Both first-time applicants and previous participants were encouraged to submit meaningful initiatives demonstrating measurable progress and responsible business practices.
Sponsors, Partners & Supporting Organisations
Institutional Supporter: UN Global Compact Network Greece
Strategic Content Partner: Bloomberg L.P.
Gold Sponsors: Coral Marine | OceanScore GmbH
Silver Sponsors: EY-Parthenon | Zepos & Yannopoulos
Bronze Sponsors: Euronext | Yodiwo
Ambassadors: ABS | CSE | Emicert | Eurobank | Eurochem International | GTP Works | Jotun Performance Coatings | KPMG | Moore | Piraeus Container Terminal | Piraeus Port Authority S.A. | RINA | Skuld | The Liberian Registry | TÜV NORD GROUP | VDI Law Firm
Supporting Organizations: AMMITEC | Association of Banking and Financial Executives of Hellenic Shipping | Clean Shipping Alliance (CSA) | Corporate Responsibility Institute (CRI) | CSR Hellas | Euronext | Green Award | Hellenic Institute of Marine Technology | Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association | HellenicSpanish Chamber of Commerce | HELMEPA | IBIA | IMPA SAVE | INTERMEPA | Luxembourg Stock Exchange | Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre (MERC) | Propeller Club | SDSN Greece | WISTA
Education & Youth Supporters: Alba Graduate Business School | The American College of Greece | Athens University of Economics and Business | Executive Education – National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) | Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) – Hellenic Management Centre | Isalos.net | Project Connect | University of Piraeus | YES Forum
Media Partner: H ΝΑΥΤΕΜΠΟΡΙΚΗ
Communication Supporters: All About Shipping | Business Events Calendar | Crisis Monitor | Cyprus Shipping News | Efoplistes News | ELNAVI | Hellas Tour | Maritime Economies | Maritime Intelligence | Maritimes.gr | Mononews | Naftika Chronika | Newsfront Naftiliaki | ONDECK MEDIA | Piraeus365.gr | The Business Paradox
Event Planning: Mrs. Stelina Markoulaki, Digital Shadows Agency
Production: Mr. Christos Ntountoumis
For further information, interviews and media assets:
ESG Shipping Awards International
awards@esgshippingawards.com
