It seems that we are experiencing interesting times.

The merchant shipping industry is well accustomed to tackle difficult situations most recent of which are the COVID pandemic, the Houthi attacks, the disruptions at the Panama Canal and other. The continuing hostilities in Ukraine, IMO 2020, EU ETS, sanctions, cyber-attacks, the import tax duel and the deviation in the U.S. foreign policies require great attention, ability to adapt promptly and adopt sustainable business tactics. Let us say that these issues have created an erratic climate hoping that normality will prevail again soon.
The social responsibility of shipping is to serve the international seaborne trade by providing safe and efficient transport at reasonable costs.Shipping and the logistic chains are instrumental in providing goods all over the world and especially to the most in need.Despite of the impressive growth of seaborne trade and the number of ships crossing the oceans , it is noteworthy that marine casualties are steadily declining which proves that the application of safety regulations , improved energy efficiency ,intensive and continuous training of sea personnel and ashore , new technologies and practises , environmental consciousness and awareness are contributing in improving the effectiveness of commercial shipping.
The road to green shipping may be affected by changes in energy policies and irrational peripheral measures. ESG accreditation is a serious tool in improving the performance of a shipping company. In spite of the initial hesitations , ESG is gradually gaining recognition. HCS’s site ( nee.gr ) contains an ESG manual which is a useful reference. Our site contains as well the « Marine Cyber Security Framework», a guide to evaluate the preparedness of the company in combating cyber-attacks.
The lack of sea personnel , is universal. The young generation is not tempted to follow careers at sea in spite of the generous remuneration or is ill informed about the career prospects and life on board. HCS is running a promotional campaign to this effect with leaflets to be distributed at schools and videos posted at the social media platforms including TikTok Publicity on new fuels and green shipping is intense. Methods are being developed,
dual and treble fuel engines are experimentally installed , manufacturers are campaigning on the benefits of their products , but still there is no solid and viable universal solution.
Electricity is gaining ground on short sea ships and LNG as transitional fuel. Ammonia , Methanol and Hydrogen are competing in setting their position as eco-friendly fuels while there are serious safety reservations on the use of some of these fuels. Reservations also exist as regards the availability and cost of these fuels and the cost of re-engining.
The Carbon Capture and Storage ( CCS ) alternative is gaining ground since it can be applied on existing engines operating conventional fuels. The storage of the carbon has to be resolved. The molten salt reactors ( MSR ) system appears to be quite promising , although this technology is reserved and the cost of a new building will be astronomical, since it will come with fuel for several decades ahead.
Sustainability is « the ability to be maintained at a certain rate of level and consists of fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth , environmental care and social well-being ». This is the general definition , but it applies fully for any person, community, entity and a shipping company which pursues to thrive in a highly competitive environment.
* President, Hellenic Chamber Of Shipping