**Maritime Resilience Demands Collective Action, Says WISTA President**
In a significant gathering of maritime leaders at the International Chamber of Shipping’s (ICS) summit in Rome, calls for enhanced cooperation across the maritime sector were prominent. Elpi Petraki, the president of WISTA International, emphasized that the challenges facing the shipping industry cannot be tackled in isolation. Her comments came after attending the "Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit 2026 – Forging Partnerships for Resilience," which convened senior figures from shipping, government, and international organizations.
During the summit, discussions highlighted the pressing issues currently confronting the maritime industry, including geopolitical tensions, regulatory pressures, cybersecurity threats, and the ongoing energy transition. Petraki, in a post on her personal platform, reiterated her belief that collaboration is essential for addressing these challenges. “The challenges facing our industry cannot be addressed by any one organisation acting alone,” she stated.
The summit's closing remarks by the newly elected ICS Chairman, John Denholm CBE, echoed Petraki’s sentiments. Denholm emphasized the necessity of partnerships and the deliberate investment required to enhance resilience in an increasingly uncertain global landscape. His election as chairman was announced during the ICS annual general meeting, where he succeeded Emanuele Grimaldi, who had held the position since June 2022.
Denholm's appointment comes at a critical time for the ICS, which is focusing on fostering cooperation among governments, shipowners, regulators, and the broader supply chain. The maritime sector is currently navigating a more fragmented and unpredictable operating environment, a concern underscored by the recently launched ICS Maritime Barometer report. This report identified geopolitical instability as the primary risk influencing global shipping, with industry leaders expressing growing apprehension about security risks, shifting trade patterns, cybersecurity issues, regulatory fragmentation, and the pace of decarbonization.
Petraki also highlighted the human aspect of resilience, noting the importance of diversity and inclusion in the maritime industry. “As president of WISTA International, it was an honour to attend and to discuss the role of diversity and inclusion in securing the future of our industry,” she remarked. She emphasized that these issues should be integrated into the broader resilience agenda, rather than treated as separate concerns. As the industry seeks to attract new talent and adapt to technological advancements while preparing for a lower-carbon future, the representation of diverse voices in decision-making is becoming increasingly crucial.
WISTA International has consistently advocated for the inclusion of all workforce segments in discussions about the industry's transformation, asserting that meaningful change cannot occur if certain groups are excluded from the conversation.
The summit also featured a notable connection to Cyprus, with Petraki expressing gratitude to Thomas Kazakos, the ICS secretary general and former director general of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, for the invitation to participate. Kazakos acknowledged Petraki's presence, stating, “Your presence reflects the very active involvement, interest and commitment of WISTA International on all major matters that affect Shipping today.” He further commended her contributions to global discussions on collective approaches to the industry's challenges.
Additionally, Cyprus was represented by Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis, who participated in the broader program and attended various events on the summit's sidelines. Her involvement underscores Cyprus's commitment to strengthening its role in international maritime discussions.
Petraki concluded her remarks by thanking the ICS for organizing what she described as a “timely and valuable event.” As the maritime industry faces an evolving landscape, it is increasingly evaluated not only on its responses to disruptions but also on its ability to forge partnerships, invest wisely, and cultivate the human capital necessary to navigate future challenges effectively.
The discussions at the Rome summit reflect a growing recognition within the maritime sector of the need for collaboration and resilience in the face of an unpredictable global environment, signaling a pivotal moment for the industry as it seeks to adapt and thrive in the coming years.