NEWS

22/9/2009, Flying the Flag at Seatrade Europe Andrea Zito, COO of V.Ships Leisure, was a speaker at the Seatrade Europe conference & exhibition which took place recently in Hamburg. He participated in the panel “Regulation: Challenges for Shipping” which focused on the maintenance of environmental compliance while monitoring operating costs. The main subject discussed during this important session at Europe’s premier cruise industry gathering was the need for consistency of environmental regulations, namely the global standardisation of rules and regulations. The de-criminalisation of seafarers was also a significant topic demonstrating the ongoing need to improve the image of seafarers (often misjudged) in particular and the perception of the shipping industry in general. Training was also discussed as the basis for effective implementation of standards, to improve seafarers’ competence and also for the management of increasingly sophisticated vessels. The panel concluded that, while increasingly challenging, environmental compliance and having a pro-active attitude towards rules and regulations, does not always equate to an increase in operating costs. On the contrary, as demonstrated by the energy conservation programs offered by V.Delta (see www.vdelta.net), proven reductions in costs as well as emissions can often generate attractive returns on investment. Per Bjornsen, Business Development Director of V.Ships Leisure, who also attended the event along with some 3000 delegates, confirmed that despite the current industry situation, it was clear that investment in environmental practices are still high on the agenda of passenger vessel owners and operators. As part of V.Ships Leisure’s commitment to the green agenda, Andrea also participated in a press conference to announce the launch of GMEC 2010 (the Global Maritime Environmental Congress 2010). Organised by leading industry supplier Jochen Deerberg, the press conference focused on environmental best practices, with fellow participants including the following high profile names in the industry - Pier Luigi Foschi (Chairman & CEO of Costa Crociere), David Dingle (CEO Carnival UK), Corrado Antonino (Chairman Fincantieri) and Bernd Aufderheide (President & CEO Hamburg Messe und Congress). Further info on the GMEC 2010 Congress, which will take place in Hamburg in September next year, is available via www.gmec-hamburg.com. Andrea is a member of the Steering Committee for this prestigious event.