As global shipping faces rising geopolitical volatility, accelerating technological disruption, and increasing pressure to modernize operations and comply with sustainability standards, AmCham Greece’s 5th Trading in US Waters brought together industry leaders and experts to examine key issues in shipping, from the impact of geopolitics and maritime security to AI, new technologies, and energy innovation
The American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), and in collaboration with the US Embassy in Athens and with the support of the International Propeller Club and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, held its 5th biennial Trading in US Waters seminar on June 4, 2026, at the Metropolitan Expo Centre in Athens. Held under the title US and Greek Approaches to Today’s Maritime Challenges, the event took place during Posidonia 2026, one of the world’s largest maritime gatherings, bringing together senior members of government and public officials, shipowners, maritime executives, legal experts, innovators, and technology leaders.
The longstanding maritime relationship between Greece and the United States brings together two dynamic shipping communities with a shared commitment to security, operational excellence, innovation, sustainability, and the free flow of global commerce.
– John D. Saracakis, President, AmCham Greece
As a platform for high-level discussion on the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities shaping the shipping sector and strategic collaboration between the United States and the international shipping community, this year, Trading in US Waters focused on key issues in compliance and competitiveness, the impact of geopolitics on global maritime commerce, the transformative potential of AI, and developments in energy innovation.
The 5th Trading in US Waters seminar kicked off with an opening remarks session featuring representatives of the event’s organizing bodies: John D. Saracakis, President, and Elias Spirtounias, Executive Director, from the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce; Yuri Arthur, Commercial Counselor, from the US Embassy in Athens; Costis Frangoulis, President of the International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus; and Joe Hughes, Chairman of NAMEPA and board member of the American P&I Club. Moderated by Carleen Lyden Walker, co-founder and CEO of NAMEPA and former IMO Maritime Ambassador, the discussion saw speakers share their respective perspectives on the evolving realities shaping the future of global maritime commerce and underline the crucial role of strong partnerships and international cooperation.
Shipping remains the backbone of international trade and global prosperity, despite the challenges it faces.
– Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
Following opening remarks, the day’s agenda brought together distinguished speakers in a series of focused discussions.
“Trading Smart in US Waters: Compliance, Cost and Competitive Edge” examined the evolving regulatory and commercial environment impacting companies trading in US waters. Featuring legal experts and officials from the US Department of Homeland Security and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) at the US Department of Transportation, the discussion focused on maintaining operational resilience and competitive advantage in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
“Safeguarding Global Trade Amid Geopolitical Risk” explored issues of maritime security. Featuring perspectives from experts in national security, maritime policy, insurance, market analysis, and shipping, the discussion examined the impact on the sector of shifting geopolitical alliances and looked at energy security considerations and the importance of building industrial resilience through strategic planning, international cooperation, and adaptability.
This event highlights the role of collaboration to gain insights from international and national experts on navigating today’s challenges and opportunities.
– Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Founder and CEO, NAMEPA
“Navigating the Future: AI in Global Shipping” brought together experts at the intersection of advanced technologies and shipping to discuss how AI, predictive technologies, and other cutting-edge digital systems are transforming the sector. Speakers explored the impact of these technologies across maritime operations and the global supply chain.
“Optimizing Energy in Shipping: Technologies, Efficiency, and the Path Ahead” centered on energy innovation in the sector. Featuring voices from government, industry, technology, risk management and insurance, and maritime certification, the discussion explored practical pathways toward a more sustainable shipping industry and how to advance the energy transition and maintain competitiveness through innovative maritime energy solutions and operational efficiency strategies.
The event’s keynote address was given by Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias, who highlighted the sector’s strategic significance in today’s increasingly interconnected yet also increasingly uncertain global landscape. Referring to the challenges facing the sector today, he spoke about the need to maintain its security, resilience, and free operation as a matter of strategic necessity for the global economy and international stability; referring to the green transition, he noted the importance of ensuring economic and operational sustainability as we aim for a green transition. Not least, Minister Kikilias noted Greece’s longstanding role as a global leader in shipping and highlighted the power, dependability, and strategic importance of the Greek shipping sector.
This was followed by a strategic collaboration discussion between Panos Xenokostas, President and CEO of Onex Shipyards and Technologies Group, and Georgios Plevrakis, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean at Hanwha Ocean. The discussion focused on industrial cooperation and shipyard modernization opportunities, exploring how collaboration between leading organizations can drive innovation and create longterm value.
The event closed with a new edition of ShippingInsight’s Shark Tank competition, an innovation showcase that featured select US maritime tech companies pitching advanced solutions designed to address key industry challenges in efficiency, sustainability, automation, safety, and operational performance. US Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic Kimberly Guilfoyle presented the award to the competition’s winner, Carbon Ridge—represented by Director of Business Development Anastasija Kuprijanova—for its modular onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) solution for maritime shipping.
Throughout a day of engaging discussions, the 5th Trading in US Waters seminar highlighted that shipping, a pillar of the global economy and longstanding force for stability and growth, is once again at the center of some of the most important global conversations—on trade, security, energy transition, technology, competitiveness, and international cooperation. And at a time when the maritime industry is navigating profound geopolitical, regulatory, technological, and sustainability challenges, dialogue between trusted partners is more important than ever.
5th Trading in US Waters Seminar
The American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the event’s sponsors and supporters.
PLATINUM SPONSORS
American Bureau of Shipping
The American College of Greece
GOLD SPONSORS
AirGlide AI
The American Club
BlankRome
Navios Maritime Partners
Onex Shipyards and Technologies Group
ShorelineHudson
Signal Fusion