**WISTA President Elpi Petraki Strengthens Nordic and Baltic Maritime Ties**
Elpi Petraki, the president of WISTA International, has recently concluded a significant series of visits across Denmark, Sweden, and Estonia aimed at enhancing maritime connections within the Nordic and Baltic regions. This initiative underscores WISTA's commitment to fostering relationships among maritime professionals, students, and industry representatives, as well as advancing discussions on critical topics such as maritime education, technology, and leadership.
Petraki's journey commenced in Copenhagen, where she engaged with representatives from WISTA Denmark. This meeting was part of WISTA's ongoing efforts to maintain strong ties with its national associations, allowing for the exchange of insights on regional priorities and collaborative opportunities. Founded in 1974, WISTA International boasts a network of over 6,000 professionals across the maritime sector, with national associations active in approximately 60 countries. These associations play a crucial role in providing networking, business, and skills-development opportunities at both national and regional levels.
Following her time in Denmark, Petraki traveled across the Oresund Strait to Malmö, Sweden. There, she visited the World Maritime University (WMU) and engaged with members of the WMU Women’s Association, which connects current, former, and prospective female students in the maritime field. Petraki holds a position on the university's Executive Board, collaborating with other senior figures from shipping, maritime education, government, and international organizations.
The next leg of Petraki's trip took her to Estonia, where she participated in WISTA Estonia’s annual event at TalTech Kuressaare College on Saaremaa Island on September 23. The event, themed “Building the Maritime Talent Pipeline: Education, Science, Technology and Leadership,” gathered representatives from various sectors, including education, research, public authorities, and industry stakeholders. As the special guest, Petraki delivered the keynote address and contributed to discussions about enhancing the maritime talent pipeline across borders. Notably, WISTA Belgium president Celine Mortier also attended the event, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the gathering.
The program highlighted the evolving skill requirements of the maritime sector and the essential roles of education, science, technology, and leadership in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals. Participants had the opportunity to visit the Marine Technology Competence Centre laboratories, further enriching the discussions around maritime education and innovation.
In addition to her engagements at the event, Petraki visited Tallinn Shipyard, part of BLRT Repair Yards, to gain insights into Estonia's ship repair sector and the technical expertise that supports its growth. This visit added an industrial perspective to her itinerary, which had already focused on education, professional networks, and leadership within the maritime industry.
Petraki's travels also reflect a broader connection to Cyprus, which has a longstanding relationship with WISTA International. Cyprus hosted the organization’s 50th anniversary AGM and Conference in Limassol in October 2024, attracting over 350 delegates from various sectors, including maritime, trading, and logistics. The event featured keynote addresses from prominent figures, including President Nikos Christodoulides and Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis.
During the Limassol gathering, Petraki was re-elected as WISTA International president, continuing a leadership lineage that has strong ties to Cyprus. Her predecessor, Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, also from WISTA Cyprus, served as president prior to Petraki's election.
WISTA Cyprus remains an active participant in the international network, and following elections in November 2024, Anna Pittalis, Commercial Director and Head of Shipping and Trading at Intergaz, was elected as president for the 2024-2026 term. The board of WISTA Cyprus includes executives from various companies, such as OSM Thome, P&O Maritime Logistics, Uniteam Marine, and Tototheo Global, showcasing the association's extensive connections within the island's shipping and maritime services sector.
Petraki's recent visits have highlighted the importance of connecting diverse elements of the maritime community, from educational institutions to industry professionals and shipyards. As WISTA International continues to expand its reach and influence, initiatives like these play a crucial role in shaping the future of the maritime industry in the Nordic and Baltic regions and beyond.