In the whirlpool of the pandemic that humanity is currently experiencing, and with the undivided attention of all to the unequal war being waged on land with the sacred goal of preserving human life and public health, the wish of the people of the shipping industry to pay tribute to the indispensable role of shipping, and most importantly to the ships’ human capital who constitute the driving force of it, is more than timely.
The President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Mr. Theodore Veniamis, stated: "I feel it is my duty and heartfelt desire, representing our shipping family, who control more than 20% of global fleet, to pay tribute to all our seafarers, Greeks but also of other nationalities, officers and crews, who, tirelessly and passionately, offer their high-level services, manning our ships in times of peace, but also of crises, such as the current international situation".
"We must not forget that without our seafarers, ships would not be able to sail and without ships our society would be deprived of essential goods necessary for its survival. I, therefore, salute all our seafarers, the "heroes" of the sea, and I hope they remain healthy and safe. I also call upon everyone internationally who are at the helm to facilitate, as soon as circumstances allow, the unimpaired movement of seafarers around the world, always having as a principle the seafarers’ safety and health", Mr. Veniamis concluded.