Posidonia Opening Ceremony

The 22nd edition of Posidonia 2010, the world’s largest international sea transportation business event, opened its doors in Athens today (Monday June 7) setting a historic participation record of 1,855 exhibitors from a total of 87 countries. Over 17,000 Greek and international trade visitors representing the global maritime community will attend the five-day affair which spreads across 31,000 square metres at the Greek capital’s waterfront Hellenikon Exhibition Centre (HEC).
This year’s event is the largest in its 40 year-old course helped by an 11.5 per cent floor space increase spearheaded by the exponential expansion in the participation of Asia’s maritime titans which is 45 per cent larger compared to the biennial event’s previous edition in 2008. Posidonia 2010 features a total of 21 national pavilions representing some of the world’s most established seafaring nations.
A total of 85 industry sectors are present at this year’s event with the vast majority coming from the ship building and ship repair field which is represented by 416 companies.
The continuous interest of the global maritime community in Greece is due to a constant flow of new building orders and the country’s leading international position in shipping affairs as it maintains the world’s largest merchant fleet which accounts for 15 per cent of total world tonnage.
Posidonia 2010 was inaugurated by Louka Katseli, Minister of Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping who praised the role of the industry and its contribution to the Greek economy. “For many decades Posidonia constitutes the main forum of the global maritime community which is dominated by Greece’s leading position that is characterized by its commitment to quality, credibility and responsibility. The challenge for Greece is to maintain these viable and timeless competitive advantages which are a source for wealth and social prosperity. This position is demonstrated through the generation of Euro 13 billion in foreign exchange inflow and 200,000 jobs in 2009.
The Minister also delivered the message of Greek Prime Minister George A. Papandreou.
In his message, the Greek Premier stated: “For our country, shipping has always been and continues to be a sector of proven comparative advantage. The strategic location of our country in the Mediterranean, as well as the existence of an Aegean Sea with its multitude of islands, gave Greece one of the most powerful and successful naval traditions of the world.
“Historically, the shipping sector has also been a leader in our country’s growth and development. Today, in this critical period that demands the engagement of all creative forces towards a common goal, shipping can also contribute dynamically to overcome the crisis and to create a better and fairer Greece.
“My government is determined to move forward with all necessary changes, to ensure a powerful and competitive shipping industry in Greece.”
The chairman of the recently formed Posidonia Coordinating Committee, Mr Ioannis Lyras said: “There is no other maritime event in the world that compares with the spirit of Posidonia. At the heart of this success is Greek shipping, the tradition and entrepreneurial spirit of the Greeks.”
The President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Mr Theodore Veniamis said: “I express the hope that Posidonia 2012 will be inaugurated under conditions of national and worldwide economic advancement and social welfare.”
“This year’s record participation at Posidonia confirms the importance of the Greek maritime industry for our country and underlines Greece’s leadership position in the field of global sea transportation,” said Posidonia official Theodore Vokos. “Posidonia brings thousands of visitors from around the world to Greece, stimulating inward investments and generating business for our tourism and hospitality industries.”
Posidonia 2010 is sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping, the Municipality of Piraeus, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Union of Greek Shipowners, the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association, the Association of Greek Passenger Shipping Companies and the Union of Marine Enterprises.