The world’s biggest shipping show opens for business in upbeat mood                 3/6/2008

Greece and Cyprus strike two deals at Posidonia 2008

Following yesterday’s ceremonial opening presided over by Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and conducted by Minister of Mercantile Marine, The Aegean and Island Policy, George Voulgarakis, Posidonia 2008 moved swiftly into its ‘business as always’ mode today (June 3) with on and off the floor commercial and bilateral governmental deals.

An agreement believed to outline the framework for the resumption of a ferry link between Limassol and Piraeus was in the offing this morning with discussions between the Greek authorities and the President of Cyprus’ Port Authority, Chrisis Prentzas. A ferry link between the two Mediterranean ports was cancelled four years ago due to rising costs and low passenger demand but the two parties are thought to back a solution that will see the eventual operator receiving subsidies to help it maintain the route. Sources close to the deal have revealed that a Greek ferry operator has already expressed interest to deploy its fleet in the 900 nautical miles route.

The two countries may also be signing a memorandum of co-operation for port development, in a further sign of increased cooperation on the shipping front between the two major maritime nations.

Thousands of trade visitors received their badges this morning at the Hellenikon Exhibition Centre’s (HEC) registration desks this morning as Posidonia is once again welcoming the world’s maritime community to Greece for the event’s 21st edition. A total 16,000 visitors are expected to pass through the venue’s gates during the show’s four days and the mood between the 1,710 exhibitors is upbeat.

Posidonia has received endorsement from foreign government officials with Cyprus’ Minister of Transport & Works, Nikos Nicolaides said: “We hope that our participation at Posidonia will help us open new international investment prospects from foreign marine companies and shipowners. Posidonia is an important event for Cyprus’s economy as shipping accounts for 2 percent of our GDP.”

International and Greek exhibitors have been full of praise for Posidonia and most agree that the show has once again met their expectations.

Amer Ali, CEO, Dubai Maritime City, which has used its Posidonia debut for the international launch of its ambitious Maritime Centre in the United Arab Emirates, said: “We are thrilled to be participating in the biggest international shipping exhibition, particularly this year as the event has grown exponentially to become the world’s foremost shipping trade forum. The Greek Prime Minister’s visit to our stand yesterday was a great honour for us and also underlined the massive international interest for Dubai Maritime City.”

Another Middle East-based exhibitor, Gmmostech, believes that Posidonia is the place to be: “We are in the ship repair business and Posidonia is undoubtedly the right forum to showcase our expertise and projects portfolio. The quality of visitors is of the highest of calibers and the venue’s lay out is very well thought of,” said Neil Corbasson, New Business Development Director, Gmmos Group.

From the sizeable Greek contingent, Gabriel Dovles, President, Total Quality Consultants (TQC) said: “The size and breadth of the shipping industry is reflected in Posidonia. The exhibition is very well organised and the facilities have been able to meet the discerning demands of exhibitors and visitors alike.”

Efthymios Chaldeakis, Commercial Manager, Setel Hellas S.A. said: “Visitor numbers during the first day was very satisfactory. The organisation was once again superb and the service level is in par with the quality associated with Posidonia. We would like to see the exhibition returning to Piraeus soon.”

Posidonia 2008 is sponsored by the Ministry of Mercantile Marine, The Aegean and Island Policy, the Municipality of Piraeus, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Union of Greek Shipowners, the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, the Mediterranean Cargo Vessels Shipowners Union, the Association of Greek Coastal Shipping Companies and the Association of Greek Passenger Shipping Companies.

For additional information, press enquiries should be directed to:

Stavi Spanou, Press Officer, tel.: +30 210 9609738, e-mail: press@posidonia-events.com
Theodore Vokos, Project Manager, tel.: +30 210 4283608, e-mail: tnv@posidonia-events.com

The 2008 Posidonia Press Office is sponsored by Dubai Maritime City

Posidonia Events