Industry Voices: Wishes for a Sustainable Shipping

As we are counting down the days for 2023, it is a great opportunity to take the time to reflect on the past and move forward with renewed intentions for the next days ahead.

In this context, Safety4Sea has asked industry stakeholders to share their perspectives on what we need to change for a happier shipping!

Q: “If you could make one wish for the maritime industry for 2023, what would you ask for?’’

Carleen Lyden Walker, CEO and Co-Founder, NAMEPA, IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador, said:

For millennia, the maritime industry has kept the lights burning, supplied the world with food, and helped enable society to advance. Because of its siloed roots, however, this essential service remains nearly invisible to the public. What I wish for the industry is to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of our value proposition through a collaborative communications program, such as the Global Maritime Information Coalition—a global resource to benefit the industry and communicate its worth to the public. Climate change is putting our industry in the crosshairs of global scrutiny. Through leveraging today’s communication tools along with a unification of the global maritime community, we can increase our visibility and improve the public’s perception of our activities.

Nick Brown, CEO, Lloyd’s Register, NAMEPA Member, said:

I would ask for the role of seafarers and shipping to receive much more recognition from the wider public for ensuring food and critical supplies of energy and goods reach global communities in an ever-volatile world.

Ioannis Chiotopoulos, Senior Vice President Regional Manager South East Europe, Middle East and Africa, DNV, NAMEPA Member, said:

Facing all these challenges ahead, may our partnerships and bonds become stronger in this new year. With lots of hope for a safer and greener maritime industry globally, I am sending warm holiday wishes to all of you and your families.

George Teriakidis, Area Manager, East Mediterranean & Black Sea, Maritime, DNV, NAMEPA Member, said:

Health and happiness is a classic wish that applies to all and not just shipping. And looking back to COVID period and the difficulties crew members have gone through, you can’t blame me for these, classic wishes. On top of that, taking in consideration what Ukraine crew members have and still go through I will stick to these two simple things. Technical matters will be resolved, alternative fuels will eventually find their way to the markets, autonomous or not, ships will continue to sail around the world. With so many uncertainties, my only wish for the maritime industry is for all of us to stay healthy and try to find happiness in whatever we do.

Päivi Brunou, Director Cybersecurity and Development Governance Wärtsilä Voyage, NAMEPA Member, said:

For year 2023 – I wish that maritime cybersecurity culture evolves from being aware towards inclusive cyber security culture. Building fit for context and inclusive cybersecurity culture focuses on training skills and offering low-barrier support for both work and personal security. Risks are relevant and regularly up-dated also in training materials. Giving employees the opportunity to participate in security decisions impacting them and fostering frequent dialogue security and privacy topics will allow the organization in maritime ecosystem to really make cyber security everybody’s business!