- Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping and Managing Director of Grimaldi Group, awarded the ‘2024 Capital Link Maritime Sustainability Award’ at the 14th Annual Capital Link Operational Excellence in Shipping Forum.
- Mr Grimaldi highlighted that best practices are not only vital for safe shipping but also pushes the industry to operate more sustainably.
- During the keynote address Mr Grimaldi highlighted the plight of seafarers during times of geopolitical uncertainty.
Wednesday 25 September 2024, Athens: Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping and Managing Director of Grimaldi Group, was awarded the ‘2024 Capital Link Maritime Sustainability Award’ on Tuesday 24 September at the 14th Annual Capital Link Operational Excellence in Shipping Forum in Athens, Greece.
H.E. Christos Stylianides, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Hellenic Republic, provided a keynote address at the event and said:
“…let me congratulate Emanuele Grimaldi for receiving the “2024 Capital Link Maritime Sustainability Award”. This is no doubt a recognition of his commitment and contribution to sustainability and best industry practices. A true example of excellence. Dear friends, “excellence” is crucial concept in all aspects of life. Including the economic sector, and of course, in shipping. So, the question becomes: is it possible to continue achieving excellence, true excellence, in shipping in such a challenging and volatile global environment? My answer is: Yes we can!”
Mr Grimaldi was honoured in recognition of his efforts and commitment to pursuing and promoting best industry practices and sustainability. The award was presented to Mr Grimaldi by the Capital Link team, led by Nicolas Bornozis, President of Capital Link.
Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) and Chair of the Board, Neptune Group of Companies, provided the introductory remarks and commented:
“It is my privilege, as your colleague and friend, to present you with this award for your inspiring commitment to best sustainable practices…Manuel, you have proven your commitment to adding sustainable value to every initiative of your business. You consistently pursue shipping policies at European and global level, encompassing environmental, social and economic sustainability. With your hands-on approach and your influential presence, you always promote realistic solutions, which support the common good of our industry. Sustainability is embedded in all your choices and action”
On receiving the award Mr Grimaldi said:
“Thank you very much to Capital Link for honouring me with the Maritime Sustainability Award and Melina for your kind introductory remarks. It is truly an honour to be recognised with this award; as a shipowner I strongly believe in sustainable operations, it makes good business sense. Best practices are not only vital for safe shipping but also pushes us to operate more sustainably. Reducing carbon emissions and decarbonisation, energy efficient ship designs, optimising shipping routes are just a few of the sustainable practices that many follow.”
The event took place under the theme ‘Best industry practices – Building long term value through sustainability’ and Mr Grimaldi highlighted recent sustainable activities of Grimaldi Group:
“This year at Grimaldi Group we have taken delivery of five of our G5 class ro-ro multipurpose vessels that have been built with numerous cutting edge technological solutions aimed at increasing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.”
Mr Grimaldi went on to say:
“I will continue to focus Grimaldi Group’s and the International Chamber of Shipping’s energy to help build a brighter future for our industry and the world. My friend and predecessor at the International Chamber of Shipping, Esben Poulsson, was at the forefront of driving this forward at ICS and I hope to continue his legacy, supporting the members of the organisation and the industry, navigate uncharted waters.”
During Mr Grimaldi’s keynote address he highlighted the current plight of seafarers during geopolitical conflict:
“Geopolitical tensions have put the very heart of our industry – our seafarers – at risk, and any acts of aggression against them is deplorable. Our seafarers’ lives are under threat on a daily basis for simply doing their jobs. Sadly, the situation in the Red Sea continues to be unstable and turbulent, with attacks against merchant ships happening regularly – this is unacceptable.”
“There has been tragic loss of life following the attacks against the True Confidence and the MV Tutor, as well as members of the crew of the Galaxy Leader still being held captive. This is now over 10 months since they were first taken, more than 300 days and counting. Let us take a moment to properly recognise what a significant amount of time that is. One day is one too many and we must ensure that they are not forgotten.”
