Natalia Margioli-Koumninou has been appointed as the first female President of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) in the 115-year history of this organization. This appointment took place during a council meeting of the organization in Cape Town, South Africa, and she replaces Punit Oza, who has held the position for the past two years.
Professional Background and New Goals
Margioli-Koumninou is also the first Greek to be elected as President of ICS. In 2005, she established the Greek branch of this organization and its training center, creating one of the most active national networks of this entity. Since 1999, she has served as the CEO of the Hellenic Management Center and was elected as Vice President of ICS last year. Her priorities include strengthening maritime education, attracting young professionals in the shipping sector, and improving cooperation among the international branches of this organization.
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New Challenges in the Maritime Industry
Margioli-Koumninou has pointed to challenges arising from artificial intelligence, sustainability, and more complex regulations, emphasizing that maritime professionals must embrace new technologies without losing the commercial judgment and experience that are the foundation of shipping. She also stressed the importance of preparing maritime professionals with new technologies, stating: "We need to train professionals who are familiar with modern technologies."
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) was established in 1911 and received its royal charter in 1920. This London-based organization has 27 branches and over 4,000 members and associates worldwide, providing professional qualifications, examinations, and training in shipping and related fields.
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