… says the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS)
The world’s most prestigious shipping trade event started its 22nd edition following two years of preparations on June 7 with[ds_preview] the official opening ceremony of Posidonia 2010. During the five days of this year’s biennial event, the Hellenikon Exhibition Centre expected to welcome more than 17,000 trade visitors, VIPs and government officials and host 1,850 exhibitors from 87 countries, setting new Posidonia records in attendance and participation of companies and countries.
And as one of the world’s most powerful shipping nation is gearing up to welcome the global maritime community, the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) says that Posidonia 2010 is a first class opportunity for crisisbattered Greece to demonstrate the achievements and the wide range of services of its shipping industry.
»Shipping is the only sector of the national economy that has not contributed to unemployment despite the most adverse circumstances and offers new career paths for youngsters through the systematic campaign for talent attraction to the seafaring profession,« said UGS President Theodore Veniamis in a statement to the Greek press. »Posidonia 2010 finds Greek shipping in the midst of a dire crisis affecting the whole planet and demanding the fullest mobilization of maritime know-how and experience in order to safeguard its position now and in the future,« said Veniamis. »Despite the adverse economic conditions, the foreign exchange earnings from ocean going shipping services were substantial amounting to € 13.5 billion in 2009,« he added.
According to the UGS, Greek flag and Greekowned shipping will maintain the size and high quality of its fleet with an average age 11.6 years and its important participation in world tonnage that today stands at nearly 15 per cent of the total. »The Greek flag will maintain its premier position in the European Union flag fleet and the ongoing cautious orders for new vessels justify the prospect of an even more modern and competitive fleet in the near future,« said Veniamis.
Posidonia 2010 is sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping, the Municipality of Piraeus, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Union of Greek Shipowners, the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association, the Association of Greek Passenger Shipping Companies and the Union of Marine Enterprises.
