(NEWS) Challenges and Trends Ahead in the Maritime Industry Seminar at Posidonia

June

2016

Challenges and Trends Ahead in the Maritime Industry Seminar at Posidonia

On Friday 10 June at Posidonia in Athens, WMU and the School of Maritime and Industrial Studies of the University of Piraeus hosted a seminar on “Challenges and Trends Ahead in the Maritime Industry” attracting more than 80 participants, including professionals, academics and students. The event was made possible through the collaboration by Professor Ilias Visvikis and Associate Professor George Theocharidis of WMU and by Professor Theodore Pelagidis of the University of Piraeus. The speakers were Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of WMU, Professor Neil Bellefontaine, Vice-President (Academic) of WMU, Prof. Ernestos Tzannatos, Dean of the School of Maritime and Industrial Studies for the University of Piraeus, Dr. George Gratsos, President of Standard Bulk Transport Corporation and Simon Ward, Director of Ursa Shipbrokers.

The seminar focused on understanding how the industry will evolve in response to economic, political, demographic, environmental and technological trends. Collaboration between industry and academia was proposed as a way ahead in addressing the challenges through analyzing the current issues and trends facing the industry to benefit the sector and the global economy.

Posidonia is one of the largest gatherings for the global shipping industry and takes place biannually in Greece. This year the event attracted 22,000 maritime industry professionals from around the world. In addition to the seminar, WMU had an exhibition stand that offered the opportunity for the WMU faculty participating to promote WMU’s academic programmes and connect with numerous alumni. Dr. Dimitrios Dalaklis, Assistant Professor, also participated in the event.

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