REPORTAGE
Greek shipowners wary of trade barriers The President of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), Theodore Veniamis, expressed his concern about the trade tariffs recently imposed by US President Donald Trump. Speaking at a conference at the Eugenides Foundation in Athens on The Global Impact of Shipping, Veniamis said shipowners are clearly opposed to protectionist policies that undermine free trade and have a negative impact on the maritime industry worldwide. Veniamis revealed that he will head a delegation of Greek shipowners which will travel to Washington for talks on this and other crucial issues in coming days. The chief of the UGS also touched upon the importance of shipping for the Greek economy and the efforts of Greek owners to sustain their prominence in shipping globally.
He went on to stress the contribution of the industry to the Greek economy – especially during the crisis – is widely acknowledged by political parties in the country. However, he emphasized the need for this message to reach society too. In recent years, Greek-owned shipping has extended its voluntary financial contribution to support the country’s ailing economy and aid efforts to successfully complete its latest bailout program. Veniamis appeared to be critical of the European Union’s stance towards Greek shipping interests, while urging the Union to design policies that take international competition into consideration if it wants European firms to be competitive in the global market. Striving to maintain its comparative advantages in the shipping industry, will allow the EU to boost its economic output and support jobs, Veniamis said. Greek shipping policy can be a useful benchmark in this respect, the shipowner added. Greece and the European Union have been at loggerheads over the institutional and constitutional legal framework of Greek shipping, with the country’s creditors pushing for an overhaul of the tax regime for the shipping industry.
Marine Paint School
Students learn marine paint issues More than 80 students from the Naval Academy of Hydra (AEN / P / HYDRA) successfully completed a training course, in Greek language, on March 8, 2018 by Dimitris Sakkaloglou, of Jotun Hellas. Very constructive and positive feedback from the participants who were informed about paint technologies, surface preparation, application, storage, safety rules, green steps and the challenges we face on onboard maintenance repairs. Dimitris Zarogiannis (Marine GKA Mng) stated that Jotun Hellas is focus to the continuous improvement of our partners and friends at all levels. It is our pleasure and honor to be part of the "education" of the future Greek officers who will in turn create important positions in the shipping industry. Commemorative plaque to Jotun Hellas for its offer was handed over by Commander Evangelos Danopoulos (Lt.) to the representative of the company.