Athens proved to be the perfect backdrop for the Spring board meeting of the ISSA Executive Board. Strong business networking with local shipowners and members of the Hellenic Ship Suppliers & Exporters Association, headed up by its Chairman Mr Nick Mavrikos, at an evening reception in the bustling shipowning capital of Piraeus, rounded off what was a very important and fruitful few days.
Welcoming ISSA President Rafael Fernendez and his fellow ISSA Executive Board Members to the reception, Mr Mavrikos said it was an honour hosting the leadership of ISSA “and to have among us, so many shipowners and managers.” Greece is a maritime powerhouse, he said, not only in shipowning and management but also in maritime expertise.
Rafael Fernandez, President of ISSA, said: “Tonight’s industry reception is the culmination of a busy few days here in Athens, for the ISSA Executive Board. And to have the opportunity to network with you all tonight is the right and fitting culmination to this important trip. My thanks go to Dionisis Politis from Liberty Press for organising tonight’s event so well and myself and my ISSA Executive Board colleagues look forward to meeting and engaging with you all tonight.”
He reminded guests: “As an International Association, we deal with issues at an International level, such as decarbonisation, as well as issues at a local level. These can include such issues as restrictions on ship suppliers at some container terminals; and the amount of time that trucks have to queue at ports and terminals, sometimes with limited information about the vessel. Ship supply is not just about delivering a pallet to a ship, it is also about dealing with the overall logistics, as well as the myriad of customs and veterinary checks.”
Aside from attending the ISSA Executive Board meeting and the reception, board members were treated to an interesting tour of the Piraeus Container Terminal.
