Shipping executives at Posidonia emphasize resilience, efficiency, and collaboration to navigate geopolitical and structural challenges.
Shipping executives told the Posidonia conference that resilience, diversification, efficiency, and strong balance sheets are key to surviving geopolitical and structural challenges, reports the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.
Moderator Julian Bray of Tradewinds suggested that shipping may need a rebrand, shifting from 'we'll move your cargo as efficiently as possible' to 'we'll fix your problems for a premium.'
Charis Plakantonaki, chief strategy officer at Star Bulk Carriers, cited the US-China trade war, Covid, the Ukraine conflict, Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, and the war in the Persian Gulf as examples of geopolitics reshaping markets. She noted that higher oil prices have slowed steaming to below 11 knots and raised coal volumes, while sanctions and security risks have increased costs.
James Lewis, vice president of global operations at Cargill Ocean Transportation, remarked that the speed of change was unprecedented in his 20 years in the industry. He stressed the importance of flexibility in fleets, charters, and technology to enable faster decision-making. Collaboration with partners helped Cargill respond effectively to the crisis in February.
Paul Pathy, Bimco president and Fednav CEO, stated that both China and the US remain business-focused, adding that 'money talks' and efficiency will ultimately prevail. He noted uncertainty in fleet preferences between Japanese and Chinese ships during 2025.
Costas Delaportas, DryDel Shipping CEO, advised against financing in high-risk countries after the US-China trade war forced ownership changes. He emphasized that efficiency and proximity to cargo are strategic priorities, highlighting DryDel's expansion in Japanese shipyards with a fleet average age of 2.5 years.
Rolf Westfal-Larsen Jr, CEO of Westfal-Larsen Management and Intertanko chairman, stated that shipping has adapted to crises but at the cost of higher risk premiums and inefficiencies. He warned that tighter regulations risk expanding the dark fleet and called for stronger enforcement and port state control.
