Page 58 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024
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LEADERSHIP
❺ With your extensive experi-
ence in managerial positions
within the shipping industry,
what advice would you give to
the manager of a modern ship-
ping company today? What has
changed compared to the past?
There is a shortage of new shipowners
who grew up either as seafarers or are
familiar with the day-to-day operation of
Education is a long-term ships. Ships, being active assets operating
process, and in the case at a significant distance from the manage-
of maritime education, it ment offices, need close monitoring and
requires a holistic approach, well-established follow-up procedures.
including the analysis of past They cannot be seen as just other assets.
performance, the description Greek shipping has been substantially
of present status, and setting enhanced over the decades thanks to
goals with specific timelines close hands-on management. This will be
for implementation and a major challenge in the future.
progress evaluation.
❻ In recent years, we have wit-
nessed conglomerates without
a specific strategy opportun-
istically entering shipping due
to the strong performance of
freight markets. Does this rapid
penetration of conglomerates
into shipping pose a challenge
for Greek entrepreneurs?
Greek shipping has shown remarkable
adaptability to market changes, so this
is not a concern for me. If external inves-
shipping companies are not shipyards, engine tors enthusiastically enter the shipowners’
manufacturers, or bunker producers. Shipping market due to robust freight markets, they
companies simply buy what is available on the may soon realise its volatility.
shelf and what makes commercial sense. Why
are car owners treated in a different way than ❼ What is your view on the efforts
shipowners? Owning a car or a ship should not to revive the Greek ship repair
make a difference as far as environmental reg- industry? What is the potential
ulations are concerned. role of domestic shipyards in
aligning the shipping industry
❹ 2024 has been declared the year of with environmental regulations?
maritime education by the Ministry I recall the ship repair industry in Piraeus
of Maritime Affairs and Insular Pol- in the 1980s and 1990s and how much it
icy. On which areas should the social was supported and favoured by the Greek
partners of the Greek shipping com- shipping companies. Regrettably, other
munity focus in order to enhance the people had different objectives and, by
country's maritime education system? their actions, favoured the ship repair facil-
Facts make the difference in life. I would be ities of neighbouring countries. The ship
delighted to celebrate when plans and visions repair industry's human resources have
are materialised. Education is a long-term pro- been reduced significantly over the years,
cess, and in the case of maritime education, so a very determined effort is needed to
it requires a holistic approach, including the re-establish it. Ship repair facilities and
analysis of past performance, the description shipyards certainly have a role to play and
of the present status, and setting goals with are very welcome.
specific timelines for implementation and pro-
gress evaluation.
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