The Greek-American Chamber of Commerce announced today, Tuesday, that it is organizing the 5th Trading in U.S. Waters Seminar, which will take place as part of Posidonia 2026, bringing together leading representatives from the shipping industry, government, technology, international organizations, and the business community.
According to the relevant press release, the seminar is one of the most important dialogue initiatives on developments concerning the operation of ships in U.S. territorial waters, covering critical issues such as:
- regulatory requirements and compliance,
- environmental standards and ESG obligations,
- technological advancements and digital transformation,
- maritime safety and operational readiness.
With the participation of leading representatives of the international shipping community, the seminar stands out as a platform of strategic importance for the exchange of expertise and the substantial strengthening of transatlantic cooperation. The seminar will be attended by prominent figures from both countries, including: Vasilis Kikilias, Minister of Shipping and Island Policy of Greece; Kimberly Guilfoyle, U.S. Ambassador to Greece; Joshua Volz, Special Envoy for Energy Integration, U.S. Department of Energy; Sydney Plante, Acting Associate Administrator for Strategic Engagement at the Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S. Department of Transportation; Aristidis Kourkoumelis, Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and the Honorable Sang H. Yi, President and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). Their presence reinforces the seminar’s role as a key forum for transatlantic dialogue and the exchange of expertise on critical issues concerning shipping and global trade.
Ioannis D. Sarakakis, President of the Greek-American Chamber of Commerce, stated:“Shipping is currently at the center of major geopolitical, regulatory, technological, and energy shifts. In this environment, strengthening dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of know-how among the industry’s leading players is not an option, but a prerequisite for a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable international shipping industry.
The 5th Trading in U.S. Waters Seminar, held as part of Posidonia 2026, reaffirms the strategic importance of close cooperation between the Greek and American shipping communities. Through the participation of representatives from the shipping industry, government, technology, international organizations, and the business community, it creates a meaningful platform for dialogue on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of global trade.
The Greek-American Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with NAMEPA, the International Propeller Club, and all key stakeholders supporting the initiative, actively contributes to strengthening transatlantic cooperation and identifying practical solutions for a shipping industry that is safer, more innovative, and better prepared for the demands of tomorrow.”
Ms. Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Founder & CEO of NAMEPA, stated: “NAMEPA is honored to participate in Posidonia alongside such outstanding partners and to highlight these important and timely issues facing the global shipping community.
It is important that we unite our leadership voices to collaborate on solutions that impact our industry—the driving force of global trade and vital to our world.”