Following the pre Posidonia 2024 interview with the President and COO of ABS John McDonald as well as that with Vassilios Kroustallis, Senior Vice president of ABS, two months ago, we are fortunate now to have Elias Kariambas, ABS’ Vice President, Regional Business Development, Greece, in a sort interview encompassing fundamental issues at a geopolitical and environmental turning point, needless to say technical that the shipping industry goes through. A more than interesting response and we guess the best time to read same before the Festive Season begins; here below verbatim are Elias Kariambas’ replies:
AllAboutshipping/John Faraclas: What do you believe is the most significant impact of the current geopolitical situation on the Greek shipping market?
Elias Kariambas: From the point of view of safety, I would say that the continued risk in the Red Sea and attacks against commercial shipping represent the most serious challenge to shipowners. While we do not know when the conflict in the Middle East will end, we can see that continued attacks on ships pose a serious threat that could have consequences in the region and in the wider context of the shipping market.
Beyond the risk to seafarers and the threat of pollution, the changes in trade patterns caused by diversions away from the Red Sea present a change to the risk profile over the fleet lifecycle. The long-term impact of this change could be significant and requires the industry to take a proactive approach to safety, maintenance and training.
AAS/JF: In what ways does ABS stand out from its main competitors, allowing it to secure a leading position in market share?
EK: Since its foundation, ABS has provided class solutions focussed on safety, the preservation of life and protection of the marine environment. This commitment will never change and the excellence of the engineering, technology and class services we provide are testament to this legacy.
ABS’s work with the shipping industry is helping enable the development of innovative solutions to the industry’s biggest challenges. The demands of the energy transition and the use of new fuels, energy efficiency and carbon reduction technologies are driving new and safer approaches to shipping.
ABS is also participating in numerous joint industry projects to develop the ships and systems that will be needed in future, carrying new cargoes and powered by alternative fuels, from methanol and ammonia to nuclear power and wind-assisted propulsion. These projects will help bring future ships and systems into the mainstream.
AAS/JF: Do you envision a future where Class Societies serve primarily as consultants for owners and shipyards, rather than functioning as traditional regulatory bodies?
EK: The core role of class has always been impartial survey/inspection, certification and approval and this should continue to be the case. ABS is a deep repository of advice and knowledge, and this is provided to the industry to encourage innovation and support safety.
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AAS/JF: Which emerging technology is the Greek market most eager to adopt, and conversely, which technology is it least interested in?
EK: Vessel owners are generally interested in any technology that can support safer and more efficient operations. The recent demands placed on the industry to respond to climate change are creating multiple challenges which must be addressed.
Greek shipowners are investing heavily in tonnage to carry the new cargoes of the energy transition such as ammonia, hydrogen and liquefied CO2, and are adopting dual fuel propulsion options. So far, the limited availability of low carbon fuels, especially in renewable form, means that owners are taking a long-term view on their adoption.
In the meantime, energy efficiency technologies are increasingly popular as they can make a genuine contribution to fuel saving and carbon reduction. The next stage of this evolution will be the use of carbon capture systems onboard, which promises to make a major contribution to a cleaner shipping industry.
AAS/JF: Thank you very much Mr. Kariambas.
