This year's Shipping Summit will explore and discuss this important theme through five dimensions of shipping; Finance, New Builds, Sales & Purchase, Chartering and the Environment.

Once again, it promises to be a compelling programme in Athens - we look forward to seeing you there.

Official Webiste - Greek Shipping Summit 2010

Session 1

Back fromthe brink, or doubledip disaster?

The past year has significantly altered the financial landscape.While the Greek economy has taken a beating and several other European countries are tottering on the edge, the world as a whole is looking at a gradual economic recovery. Our expert speaker will put the issues in perspective, see how they relate to a global industry like shipping and look at how the coming months are likely to play out.

Drivers of Boomand Bust – riding the roller coaster

The fluid world markets change from one moment to the next. This session will analyze all the trends.Will the economic environment boost or blast the markets? Where is dry cargo going and what is the wet sector’s potential? Are containers the smart buy or will the boxship sector continue to languish?

Session 2

Opportunities, expectations and obligations – Charterer’s speak out

The historic interdependence of charterers and shipowners is a fact, but times are changing. What do charterers expect from owners today? Are the charterers living up to their obligations? Do promises to charter and pay for quality tonnage still hold water in a bad market or do they depend on the timing? A panel of charterers will put their views and take your questions

Upswing or downswing? Surviving your orderbook and beating the cycle

Greek shipowners returned to the shipyards faster than any other nationality, but others are reselling newbuilding contracts at a discount. Although Chinese buyers have taken the lead in second hand purchases, Greek owners are hot on their heels. Our speakers will try and articulate a response to the question on everyone’s lips: ‘Is the timing right?’

The capital conundrum

Banks have a long term relationship with Greek owners and generously funded Greek shipping in the past. Is credit flowing again? Is it time for financial institutions to start pouring money back into the industry? Anumber of Greek owners turned again to the IPO market. Is the window open? Is the timing right to coax investors to open their wallets and can the owner present a convincing proposal to woo the funds needed?

Session 3

Time to pay up? What will the new raft of environmental legislation cost shipping and when?

The deadlines for a number of measures that will affect some of the basic cost parameters for shipping are closing in.What do owners face over the coming months and are they proactive as regards their environmental

responsibilities? Our panel of speakers will look at the issues from the technical, commercial and philosophical points of view, charting the time scales of when the varying regulations will come in to force.

Question time

A panel drawn from all sectors of the industry will offer their opinions on a number of subjects. They will offer expert opinions and face questions from delegates who will also be given the opportunity to air their views and irritations. This is the time for industry interaction across a level playing field.