PRESS RELEASE
Piraeus, 17 October 2025
European Shortsea Network Summit 2025: A Strategic Vision for Intermodality, Green Transition, and Geopolitical Resilience
Dowload documents
The European Shortsea Network Summit 2025, held on 14 October at the Grand Hyatt Athens, successfully brought together over 350 participants and 40 high-level speakers from across Europe under the theme “Walking into a New Era.” The event showcased the future of maritime transport, emphasizing the critical role of intermodality, green innovation, and geopolitical adaptability in shaping a resilient and competitive European shipping sector.
The Summit was inaugurated by Mr. Charalampos Simantonis, President of the European Shortsea Network and the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (EENMA). Opening remarks were delivered by prominent figures including Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport & Tourism, and Mr. Stefanos Gikas, Deputy Minister of Shipping & Island Policy, alongside leaders from INTERCARGO, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, and the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies.
Keynote speeches by Ms. Gesine Meissner, European Coordinator for the European Maritime Space, and Mr. Guido Grimaldi, Corporate Short Sea Shipping Commercial Director at Grimaldi Group, set the tone for a day of insightful discussions.
Key Themes and Outcomes
- Intermodality and Infrastructure Development
The Summit emphasized the strategic importance of linking maritime and land transport to support sustainable development, particularly in island regions. Experts called for the creation of intermodal hubs with upgraded infrastructure and better coordination between transport modes, highlighting regions such as Alexandroupolis and the Southern Peloponnese as key investment targets. - Green Transition and Technological Innovation
Discussions focused on fleet modernization, low-emission technologies, and alternative marine fuels. While biofuels show promise, concerns were raised about the sustainability of hydrogen and LNG, and the potential of nuclear energy was cautiously explored. Panelists stressed the need for realistic regulatory frameworks and public–private cooperation to drive innovation. - Legislative Alignment and Fair Competition
The importance of harmonizing EU and international maritime legislation was underscored to avoid double taxation and ensure fair competition across global shipping markets. - Geopolitical Resilience
A dedicated panel explored the impact of geopolitical developments on maritime trade. Speakers highlighted Greece’s geostrategic role and the adaptability of Greek shipping in maintaining global trade flows. The maritime dimension of organizations like UNESCO was also discussed, reflecting the broad influence of shipping on global sustainability.
Sponsors and Support
The Summit was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, and EENMA, with generous support from:
- Platinum Sponsor: Consulate of Dominica
- Gold Sponsors: ABS, Credia Bank, HEMEXPO, The Marshall Islands Registry, OCEANKING, SEKAVIN
- Silver Sponsors: Damen, Eurobank, Liberian Registry, PPA
- Lanyards Sponsor: DNV
- Bags Sponsor: BV
- Program Sponsor: RINA
- Media Sponsors: Naftemporiki, Newsfont/Naftiliaki, mononews, Nautika Chronika, Maritime, ELNAVI, Safety4Sea, Piraeus365, NAFS, maritimes.gr