06 Jul 7th Balkan Forum “Shipping and Northern Greece: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects”

Our President, Danae Bezantakou, participated as a speaker at the 7th Balkan Forum, “Shipping and Northern Greece: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects,” held on Monday July 6th 2026, in Thessaloniki.

The Forum, initiated by Deputy Minister of Interior (Sector of Macedonia and Thrace), Konstantinos Gioulekas and held with the presence of Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vassilis Kikiliasand Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Χρίστος Δήμας – Christos Dimas, brought together distinguished representatives from government, academia, and the maritime industry to discuss the future of shipping in Northern Greece.

During her remarks, Danae Bezantakou highlighted the importance of international cooperation and investing in young talent to strengthen the future of Greek shipping. Through its Student Port, Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus actively invests in the next generation of maritime professionals by encouraging young talent, fostering industry engagement, and supporting educational and professional development initiatives that inspire future leaders in shipping.

A key proposal presented during the discussion was the development of a comprehensive mapping of Northern Greece’s educational and workforce needs in relation to the maritime sector. Such an initiative would enable targeted awareness campaigns, educational programs, and talent development strategies, ensuring that young people acquire the skills required by the rapidly evolving shipping industry while supporting the region’s long-term competitiveness.

She also noted that strategic investments—including the revival of the shipyards in Syros and Elefsis by ONEX and energy projects , the development of Northern Greece’s ports, such as Thessaloniki, Alexandroupolis, Kavala and Volos, as well as the modernization of Greece’s broader maritime infrastructure—create significant opportunities for Northern Greece to play an even stronger role within the country’s maritime ecosystem.