A 'Period of Phenomenal Upheaval' says ICS Chief Grimaldi

At the “Shaping the Future of Shipping” summit held this week in Athens, Greece, Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), delivered a sobering yet forward-looking address that underscored the profound challenges facing the global shipping industry—while urging greater collaboration and global thinking to ensure resilience and sustainability.

Speaking to an audience of maritime leaders, ministers, and port authorities, Grimaldi framed the current moment as one of “phenomenal upheaval,” shaped by mounting geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, and increasing regulatory complexity. While reaffirming the industry’s vital role in maintaining global commerce and economic growth, he warned that rising protectionism and unilateral trade barriers are undermining efficiency and threatening competitiveness.

“Unilateralism and protectionism introduce unnecessary complexity into our industry. They drive up consumer costs, create inefficiencies, and erode the very foundations of global commerce,” Grimaldi stated.

Against this backdrop, the ICS chairman emphasized the critical importance of a unified global approach, especially as the sector races toward decarbonization. He acknowledged recent progress at the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), while urging industry stakeholders to now translate those commitments into “practical action.”

Grimaldi spotlighted the Clean Energy Marine Hubs (CEM-Hubs) initiative as a key mechanism for advancing energy transition