At the roundtable of International Shipping Associations during the 16th Annual Capital Link Greek Shipping Forum on 5 February 2026, INTERCARGO Chairman John Xylas, joined industry leaders to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the maritime sector.
John Xylas, Chairman of INTERCARGO, commented:
“Discussions at the Forum once again underlined the central role of seafarers in enabling global trade and sustaining the dry bulk sector.
Safety at sea must remain the industry’s foremost priority, with the shared objective of zero loss of life. While investigations into recent bulk carrier incidents are still ongoing and the root causes have yet to be determined, each loss is deeply troubling. These tragedies serve as a stark reminder of how much our industry relies on a strong safety culture that must be lived every day on board and ashore.
Also, decarbonisation pathways move faster than proven technology and safety frameworks, seafarers risk becoming the first exposed to untested fuels, systems, and operational practices, making safety-by-design an essential condition of any realistic energy transition. While theindustry is firmly committed to decarbonisation, it requires global, rather than regional, solutions that are realistic, proportionate and fit for purpose.
As ships become more complex, the shortage of qualified seafarers and shore staff makes retention, training, and continuous upskilling a strategic priority for shipping companies.
Seafarers are also operating in an increasingly complex security environment. Regional conflicts and geopolitical instability continue to expose crews to heightened risks. Addressing these risks cannot fall on individual crews or companies alone and underlines the importance of coordinated international efforts to protect seafarers and ensure the continuity of maritime trade.
At the same time, there is growing awareness of cases involving the unfair treatment and criminalisation of seafarers, including instances of unjustified detention in certain jurisdictions. Such situations place a heavy burden on seafarers and their families and highlight the need for the consistent application of international principles, due process and fair treatment, without which confidence in the system is inevitably eroded. By working collaboratively across governments, international organisations and industry stakeholders, we can strengthen the framework that supports seafarers’ safety, security and dignity, while reinforcing the sustainability and resilience of global shipping.”
