Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Emanuele Grimaldi. Photo credit: ICS

ICS Summit in Athens, Chairman Grimaldi Warns of “Phenomenal Upheaval,” Calls for Unified Action

ATHENS, June 13, 2025 – Speaking at the Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit in Athens, Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), described the maritime sector as entering a “period of phenomenal upheaval”, citing growing geopolitical tensions, protectionist measures, trade fragmentation and complex regulatory environments.

Grimaldi cautioned that unilateral trade barriers and rising protectionism are increasing costs and undermining the efficiency of global supply chains. He stressed that maintaining global commerce and competitiveness now depends on policy coherence and international alignment.

He emphasised that while recent agreements at the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) represent progress, the industry must now shift from policy intent to concrete implementation. He urged acceleration in the deployment of green fuel infrastructure through the Clean Energy Marine Hubs (CEM‑Hubs) initiative, which recently welcomed China and Malta into its network, now comprising nine participating nations.

Grimaldi also highlighted the importance of the human element in decarbonisation efforts, calling for substantial investment in crew training, safety, and readiness to adapt to new technologies and alternative fuels—a message reinforced by outcomes from the ICS Seafarer Summit in Manila.

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The summit convened over 350 delegates from more than 30 countries, including ministers, IMO leadership, energy-sector executives, and shipping industry representatives. Among the high‑level participants were Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (via video message), Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs Vassilis Kikilias, and officials from China, Egypt, Malta, and Cyprus, including IOC Secretary‑General Arsenio Dominguez.

Kikilias stressed that ensuring the future of shipping requires global rules and a level playing field in cooperation with governments, consistent with Grimaldi’s call for unified leadership. Greek Union of Greek Shipowners President Melina Travlos added that sustainable industry solutions depend on collaboration between policymakers and practitioners.A follow‑up event is scheduled in Hong Kong in November 2025, where stakeholders will assess progress on global alignment, fuel infrastructure, regulatory coherence, and crew preparedness.

Why This Matters?

  • Geopolitical instability and protectionist policies are reshaping supply chains and shipping routes in real time.

  • The transition to low‑carbon shipping hinges on investment in infrastructure like CEM‑Hubs and coherent international regulation.

  • Prioritising the human dimension ensures safe and effective adoption of new fuels and technologies.

  • The inclusion of major economies like China and Malta in CEM‑Hubs enhances its global impact.

  • The upcoming summit in Hong Kong will be critical for converting ambition into action.

In Athens, ICS Chairman Grimaldi delivered a clear message: the shipping industry is navigating a systemic shift driven by strategic uncertainty and regulatory divergence. Success now requires a comprehensive response: aligned global policies, robust green fuel infrastructure, and prepared, well‑trained crews. With the commitment to follow up in Hong Kong, the summit marks a key milestone in steering the maritime industry toward resilience and sustainability.