The inaugural cruise ship of the year, COSTA Deliziosa, graced the Port of Piraeus, marking a significant surge in arrivals and passengers. Piraeus Port Authorities’ (PPA) Management extended a warm welcome through a special ceremony at the Cruise terminal, featuring plaque exchanges and festive treats for all passengers.

Hailing from Izmir, COSTA Deliziosa brought 2,500 passengers and is set to continue its journey to Dubrovnik and Italy as per its itinerary. The presence of COSTA liners’ cruise ships is constant in the port of Piraeus, with 16 calls in 2023and an anticipated 22 calls in 2024 based on pre-bookings.

Preliminary figures indicate historic achievements in cruise passenger numbers, total in around 1.5 million compared to 880,000 in 2022. Homeport passengers also witnessed a remarkable increase, reaching approximately 800,000 compared to380,000 in 2022. The port served 760 cruise ships, with 525 being home port vessels.

Looking ahead, the momentum in the cruise industry at the Port of Piraeus remains strong, with pre-bookings indicating 1042 arrivals and an expected record in home port arrivals, estimating around 800 calls. All local market participants express their satisfaction with the positive trajectory of the cruise business at the port, emphasizing its vital role in the Greek Cruise Industry and its overall benefits for the local community, neighboring municipalities, the Attica region, and the country at large.

HOUTHI ATTACKS IN THE RED SEA

Monitoring Houthi activities in the Red Sea has become increasingly crucial. Over recent weeks, the threats to shipping in the Red Sea region have escalated significantly. Iranian-backed Houthi militants have intensified their attacks on commercial shipping, utilizing drones and missiles, as well as conducting bold assaults with boats and helicopters. Despite the Houthis’ claims of targeting vessels with links to Israel, numerous targeted ships, especially in recent days, lack clear connections to Israel. The Gulf of Aden, further east, has also witnessed targeted shipping, but only a few of these attempts have succeeded. For instance, on January 17, Genco Picardy, a US-owned bulk carrier, sustained damage from a Houthi drone but managed to continue its journey. An Indian navy warship was swiftly on the scene, underscoring the multinational efforts to repel Houthi attacks.

Addressing the escalating threat, Chris Farrell, who has led on-board security teams in the region, highlights that lightly-armed private guards accompanying commercial ships are ill-equipped to defend against aerial attacks. He describes the situation as one of the most significant challenges faced by commercial shipping in a long time. In response, the international community has escalated efforts, with the US and UK conducting airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen to degrade their military capabilities. However, the challenging terrain in Houthi-controlled areas makes it easier for them to conceal radar platforms, munitions, and launch vehicles.

To safeguard commercial shipping, a US-led military partnership was announced in December, with warships patrolling the Red Sea. The UK has committed naval vessels to the operation, while other countries, including France, have deployed military vessels independently. Bradley Martin, a former US Navy captain now at the Rand Corporation, acknowledges the coordination challenges in aligning efforts across multiple international partnerships. He notes the high costs associated with keeping vessels fueled and resupplied with sophisticated weaponry.

A growing number of companies are rerouting their ships away from the Red Sea, opting for a longer and costlier journey around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. For those choosing to navigate the Red Sea route despite the risks, additional measures are being adopted to minimize the possibility of attacks. Some disable their on-board AIS tracking systems, making it harder for Houthi forces to locate them. Ships are declaring “no link to Israel” on their location equipment, while others emphasize the presence of “armed guard son board” or an “all Chinese crew” as deterrents. Despite recent airstrikes by the US and UK, Dr. Martin warns that the Houthis still possess significant capabilities to target shipping. However, with the depletion oft heir missile stockpiles, an increase in attacks by drones and boats may be observed in the future.

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) is embarking on a new era of collaboration and economic growth as it seeks to strengthen ties and stimulate investments with Greece, as stated by Chairman Osama Rabie on July 6th. Rabie’s announcement was made during a significant meeting with the new Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, which took place amidst the backdrop of the inaugural Greek-Arab Maritime Conference held in Greece. The conference served as a platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation between Greece and Arab nations, with a particular focus on maritime affairs. During their meeting, Rabie and Varvitsiotis explored various avenues to enhance cooperation in the maritime domain. With both countries possessing a strong maritime heritage and an essential role in global trade, the potential for mutual benefits through collaboration is immense.

The Suez Canal, as one of the world’s most critical waterways, remains a strategic axis of the global trade movement. Its significance lies in its ability to facilitate the efficient transit of goods and commodities between Europe and Asia, effectively bridging the gap between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.

By collaborating with Greece, a nation with a rich maritime tradition and extensive shipping industry, the SCA aims to harness collective expertise and resources to enhance the efficiency and safety of maritime operations. This ambitious collaboration between Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority and Greece’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs holds the potential to generate positive ripple effects throughout the global trade landscape. By leveraging each country’s unique strengths and expertise, the partnership can create new avenues for businesses, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations.

This collaboration holds promise for unlocking new opportunities, facilitating international trade, and contributing to the growth and stability of the region and beyond.

Importance of global cooperation between maritime countries

Cooperation between countries is crucial for enhancing development especialluy in mutual interest fields:

• Joint Port Development Projects: One effective way to enhance maritime collaboration is through joint port development projects. In the past, countries like Singapore and Malaysia collaborated on developing the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia) and the Port of Singapore. This joint venture allowed both countries to leverage their strengths, attract larger vessels, and handle increased cargo volumes more efficiently.
• Cross-Border Trade Facilitation: In the Øresund Region, the cooperation between Sweden and Denmark demonstrated the power of physical infrastructure in promoting cross-border trade. The Öresund Bridge, a remarkable engineering marvel, connected the two countries, creating a seamless link for both road and rail transport. This bridge facilitated smoother trade and transit between Scandinavia and mainland Europe, enabling businesses to expand their markets and access a broader customer base. The partnership between Sweden and Denmark was not just about building a bridge; it was about fostering a sense of economic unity and cooperation. The region saw increased business opportunities, as companies capitalized on the enhanced connectivity to explore new markets and attract investments. Moreover, the cultural exchange and people-to-people interactions that resulted from this collaboration contributed to a more interconnected and cohesive community within the Øresund Region.
• Environmental Initiatives: The Clean North Sea Shipping project brought together several North Sea countries with a shared vision of sustainable maritime practices. Pollution from shipping had been a growing concern, impacting marine ecosystems and coastal communities. By joining forces, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Norway committed to implementing stricter environmental regulations, promoting the adoption of cleaner technologies, and sharing best practices across the region resulting a reduced maritime pollution and improved the overall sustainability of shipping operations in the North Sea area.
• Training and Skill Development: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Cooperation between Australia and Indonesia highlighted the importance of capacity building and skill development in the maritime sector. Australia recognized Indonesia’s potential as a strategic maritime partner in the region and decided to invest in enhancing the capabilities of Indonesian maritime professionals.Through various training programs and skill development initiatives, Australia contributed to improving maritime safety and security in Indonesia. This collaboration not only fostered better-coordinated maritime operations but also led to increased regional stability and strengthened ties between the two neighboring countries.
• Promotional Events and Conferences: Karval Shipping’s active participation in the Norwegian Nor-Shipping exhibition, and the Posidonia international maritime exhibition in Greece represent prominent examples of international maritime exhibitions. A number of countries showcase their naval capabilities and promote their ports at these events, providing the opportunity to establish new business partnerships as well as showcase their maritime capabilities.

CONCLUSION: Drawing inspiration from these historical examples, the Suez Canal Authority and Greece have a valuable opportunity to forge a robust maritime partnership. By focusing on specific areas of cooperation, such as information sharing and coordination, cross-border trade facilitation, environmental initiatives, training and skill development, research and development collaboration, and participation in international promotional events, both countries can leverage their strengths and address challenges in their maritime sectors.

Through joint projects and knowledge sharing, they can collectively enhance efficiency, sustainability, and safety in their maritime operations. Moreover, promoting their collaboration through international events will attract global attention and establish their presence as important hubs in the maritime world. By taking proactive steps towards cooperation and mutual growth, the Suez Canal Authority and Greece can chart a course towards a prosperous and enduring maritime partnership.

Greece’s Piraeus port welcomes mega container vessel