Author: Athanasios Koutoupas

Getting ready for the biggest celebration of the Greek Shipping Sector

Posidonia is a firm fixture for the global shipping industry and one of the sector’s largest gathering every two years in Greece, providing direct access to Greek shipping and the Greek owned fleet, which continues to grow impressively, remaining at the top of global ranking. According to data from the previous Posidonia event (2014), of some 700 shipping companies based in the Athens area, about 70 companies run fleets of 1m dwt (deadweight tonnage) or above.

This year’s Posidonia, which will run from June 6 to 10 at the Metropolitan Expo centre next to Athens International Airport, is set to host 19 national stands with the biggest participant being China, followed by Japan and South Korea. Following 2014’s record numbers, this year’s event is expected to be the biggest ever and to contribute some 60 million euros to the Greek economy in revenues mainly from hosting thousands of people, construction of stands, customs and forwarding, corporate events and other activities.

Despite the many challenges faced by the Hellenic and the International Maritime Community, especially during 2015 and at the beginning of 2016, Greece has continued to strengthen its position as the largest ship owning country, landing the top spot in 2016, with a fleet size of 196m gt and with Greek owners having a global market share of 16% by gt (followed by Japan 13%- China-11% and Germany 7%).

At the end of 2014, orders stood at $29bn, and around 550 ships totaled 50m dwt. Deliveries from 94 entities averaged two ships per week, accounting for 11.5% of the world’s orderbook. That included some 39 LNG carriers.

Greek owners rank first in terms of both new tonnage and new-built fleet value, bringing vessel ages well below the international average. The Greek presence in the S&P markets also continued apace, accounting for nearly 40% of the global investment in secondhand ships, again placing Greek owners in the top position, while together with the new, investment in the Greek fleet amounts to 12 billion dollars. In the first months of 2016, the Greek owned maritime companies have invested 747,6 million dollars for the purchase of 56 vessels, and according to Allied Shipbroking data, Greeks have spent 1/5 of the total sum spent globally, leaving Saudi Arabian investors in the second place with investments of 411,5 million dollars. Behind that growth is a multi-billion dollar order book for shipbuilders, ships equipment suppliers, technology, services and management companies, shipbrokers, insurance and finance.

With this data in mind, it is fair to say that the excitement in the Hellenic Maritime Community is well justified for this year’s exhibition. However, Posidonia is more than an exhibition. Posidonia week also includes an extended conference, seminars and technical workshops programme. Chaired by industry leaders, there will be lively discussions and debates on issues, challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Posidonia 2016 will again host the Tradewinds Shipowners Forum. Also, a highly popular part of the Posidonia business social mix, the games appeal to the competitive nature of shipping professionals but in a spirit of friendly rivalry. The Posidonia Games programme includes the exciting Posidonia Cup yacht race, the hugely popular five-a-side Posidonia Shipsoccer Tournament, the Posidonia Golf Tournament and the new addition to the Posidonia programme, the Posidonia Running Event. The agenda will further include presentations of new products and technologies, discussions on current shipping issues, new environmental regulations and other significant matters.

(greeknewsagenda.gr)

May 31, 2016
Greece earns third place worldwide in Blue Flag certification

Greece has earned fourth place in Europe with regard to the quality of its bathing waters for this year, according to data published by the European Environment Agency on Tuesday. The report noted that 97.2 percent of areas inspected were deemed to be outstanding.

The organization also announced that the country was positioned third worldwide in terms of Blue Flag certification, with 430 beaches and 9 marinas for 2016.

The agency’s annual report evaluates the quality of the water from last year and highlights areas where this is expected to be maintained in the current year.

Over 1,500 bathing areas, including beaches, lakes and rivers, were inspected last year, out of which 1,499 were defined as top quality spots for swimming, the report said.

(www.ekathimerini.com)

May 31, 2016
Cobalt to fly from June

Larnaca-based low-cost carrier Cobalt is all set to stretch its wings on June 1 starting with flights to Greece and the UK.
Chairman Gregory Diacou said after Cobalt was issued its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) on Wednesday: “Today marks the renaissance of the Cypriot aviation industry”.
He added: “We are proud to play our part in Cyprus’ long aviation heritage.
“The thousands of messages of support that we have received during the recent weeks from Cypriots here and abroad proves that there is tremendous enthusiasm backing Cobalt as the country’s new national carrier.”
The Civil Aviation Authority issued Cobalt’s AOC after successfully completing a test flight from Larnaca to Heraklion carried out with its first Cyprus-registered Airbus A320.
Cobalt is scheduling the launch of operations to Athens on June 1, with flights to the UK and other European destinations starting later on that month.
At the same time, he highlighted the fact that, by the end of June, Cobalt will add another three aircraft to its fleet, raising the total number to four.
The chairman stressed that the company also plans to launch operations to non-European destinations, such as Israel, Lebanon, Russia, Iran and Egypt in the very near future.
“Since the demise of Cyprus Airways, our national air traffic rights to these countries have been lying dormant,” Diacou said.
“These are significant economic assets that we must now utilise in order to support the development of the Cypriot tourist industry and the broader economy.”
Diacou also said that, prior to their first official flight, they have generated more than 100 new jobs locally and that hundreds more will follow.
“Furthermore, we very much appreciate the professionalism of the Cypriot civil aviation authorities in handling the AOC process so effectively and thank them for their support.”

(in-cyprus.com)

May 31, 2016
Great philosopher Aristotle’s tomb found

Greek archaeologists announced they have discovered the tomb of ancient Greek philosopher, and one the greatest in the world, Aristotle. After years of meticulous excavations at the ancient site of Stagira, located in central Macedonia, near the eastern coast of the Chalkidiki peninsula, archaeologists said that the domed building and altar unearthed in 1996 belong to the great philosopher.

The discovery of the tomb of Aristotle was announced by archaeologist Kostas Sismanidis, according to whom the findings from the excavation of 1996 in the region point to the conclusion that the tomb belongs to Aristotle.

‘I have no hard proof, but strong indications lead me to almost certainty’, said archaeologist Kostas Sismanidis. He claimed all the indications, from the location of the tomb, the period it was erected, its public character are conclusive that the edifice is indeed Aristotle’s tomb.

(en.protothema.gr)

May 30, 2016