Maritime Executives Express Alarm Over Rising Political Turbulence and Cybersecurity Risks

A recent publication by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) unveiled its Maritime Barometer Report for 2024-2025 in Athens,highlighting a growing anxiety among maritime executives regarding their capacity to manage an increasingly intricate risk habitat. The report, which synthesizes four years of extensive survey data, pinpoints political instability as the foremost concern for the industry, maintaining this alarming trend for three consecutive years. This revelation comes at a time when global trade uncertainties are at an all-time high, setting a crucial stage for the Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit taking place in Athens.

“Geopolitical instability is no longer just background noise; it’s actively altering our operational landscape and reshaping trade routes,” remarked ICS Chairman Emanuele Grimaldi. The summit has attracted prominent figures from various sectors within maritime affairs, including Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs vassilis Kikilias and Fu Xuyin, China’s Vice-Minister of Transport.

In addition to geopolitical issues, cybersecurity has emerged as a significant risk factor.Industry leaders are increasingly worried about potential vulnerabilities linked to digital advancements and new technologies amid current geopolitical tensions.

The regulatory framework surrounding decarbonization and emissions also poses substantial challenges. With evolving regulations on the horizon—especially with an significant Marine Environment Protection Commitee meeting set for October 2025—the report reveals that shipping executives are losing confidence in their ability to tackle both geopolitical and regulatory hurdles effectively.This fifth edition of the Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit builds on past achievements like establishing Clean Energy Marine Hubs and forming the Maritime Just Transition Task Force. The goal is to enhance collaboration between industry players and government entities—a necessity according to Grimaldi—to address pressing issues such as green transitions and cyber threats.

Representing over 80% of global merchant shipping capacity,ICS positions its Barometer Report not only as a diagnostic tool but also as a rallying cry for unified action across international maritime networks. These insights will guide discussions during both the Summit and subsequent ICS Annual General Meeting.

As this sector grapples with complex challenges ahead, there’s optimism that solutions can be found through collective effort among stakeholders—essentially underscoring that unity will be key in steering towards a sustainable future in shipping.