At the International Chamber of Shipping’s Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit in Rome, industry leaders emphasized the need for stronger cooperation across the maritime sector to address growing challenges. WISTA International president Elpi Petraki highlighted that these issues cannot be tackled by any single organization acting alone. The summit brought together senior figures from shipping, government, and international bodies amid concerns over geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity risks, regulatory fragmentation, and the energy transition.

John Denholm CBE was elected as the new ICS chairman, underscoring the importance of partnerships and deliberate investment in building resilience in an increasingly uncertain global environment. Industry leaders identified geopolitical instability as the leading risk facing global shipping, alongside worries about shifting trade patterns and decarbonization efforts.

Petraki also stressed the human dimension of resilience, linking diversity and inclusion with maritime sector sustainability as the industry transitions technologically and environmentally. Cyprus was present at the summit, with Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis participating, reflecting the island’s continued engagement in global maritime discussions.