A new report has highlighted the significant risks confronting the shipping industry, coinciding with the Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit in Athens. This event, organized by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, and the Union of Greek Shipowners, will bring together prominent industry leaders and policymakers during a period of unprecedented global trade instability. Attendees at the summit will include notable figures such as Vassilis Kikilias, Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs, and Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism.
This fourth edition of the ICS Maritime Barometer compiles extensive survey data to pinpoint the critical risk areas that shape the priorities of maritime leaders worldwide. For the third consecutive year, geopolitical instability has emerged as the foremost concern within the industry, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative solutions. Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the ICS, emphasized that geopolitical issues have shifted from a peripheral concern to a primary factor that is reshaping trade routes and commercial decisions.
He noted the importance of the Barometer in illuminating these risks and fostering communication between industry stakeholders and governments. Grimaldi stressed that addressing challenges such as the green transition, cyber threats, and trade barriers requires a united approach. As this is the fifth iteration of the summit, previous outcomes have seen the establishment of initiatives like the Maritime Just Transition Task Force and Clean Energy Marine Hubs.
The latest Barometer results also underscore that leaders are increasingly anxious about cybersecurity threats, regulatory uncertainties, and their impact on decarbonization efforts. The ICS Maritime Barometer Report 2024–2025 not only diagnoses the current state of the industry but also urges for coordinated action across the maritime sector, aiding leaders in navigating the complexities of today’s global landscape.