press release- opening ceremony

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PRESS RELEASE

Piraeus, 07/06/10

FULL SPEED AHEAD FOR GREEK SHIPPING AS POSIDONIA

2010 POSTS ALL TIME RECORDS

The 22nd edition of Posidonia 2010, the world’s largest international sea transportation

business event, opened its doors in Athens today (Monday June 7) setting a historic

participation record of 1,855 exhibitors from a total of 87 countries. Over 17,000

Greek and international trade visitors representing the global maritime community will

attend the five-day affair which spreads across 31,000 square metres at the Greek

capital’s waterfront Hellenikon Exhibition Centre (HEC).

This year’s event is the largest in its 40 year-old course helped by an 11.5 per cent

floor space increase spearheaded by the exponential expansion in the participation of

Asia’s maritime titans which is 45 per cent larger compared to the biennial event’s

previous edition in 2008. Posidonia 2010 features a total of 21 national pavilions

representing some of the world’s most established seafaring nations.

A total of 85 industry sectors are present at this year’s event with the vast majority

coming from the ship building and ship repair field which is represented by 416

companies.

The continuous interest of the global maritime community in Greece is due to a

constant flow of new building orders and the country’s leading international position in

shipping affairs as it maintains the world’s largest merchant fleet which accounts for

15 per cent of total world tonnage.

Posidonia 2010 was inaugurated by Louka Katseli, Minister of Economy,

Competitiveness and Shipping who praised the role of the industry and its contribution

to the Greek economy. “For many decades Posidonia constitutes the main forum of

the global maritime community which is dominated by Greece’s leading position that

is characterized by its commitment to quality, credibility and responsibility. The

challenge for Greece is to maintain these viable and timeless competitive advantages

which are a source for wealth and social prosperity. This position is demonstrated

Εκθέσεις Ποσειδώνια ΑΕ Ευπλοίας 4-6, Πειραιάς 185 37

Posidonia Exhibitions SA 4-6 Efplias Street, 185 37 Piraeus, Greece

Tel. +30 210 4283608, Fax +30 210 4283610, E-mail: [email protected], Web-site:

www.posidonia-events.com



through the generation of Euro 13 billion in foreign exchange inflow and 200,000 jobs

in 2009.

The Minister also delivered the message of Greek Prime Minister George A.

Papandreou.

In his message, the Greek Premier stated: “For our country, shipping has always been

and continues to be a sector of proven comparative advantage. The strategic location

of our country in the Mediterranean, as well as the existence of an Aegean Sea with its

multitude of islands, gave Greece one of the most powerful and successful naval

traditions of the world.

“Historically, the shipping sector has also been a leader in our country’s growth anddevelopment. Today, in this critical period that demands the engagement of all

creative forces towards a common goal, shipping can also contribute dynamically to

overcome the crisis and to create a better and fairer Greece.

“My government is determined to move forward with all necessary changes, to ensure

a powerful and competitive shipping industry in Greece.”

The chairman of the recently formed Posidonia Coordinating Committee, Mr IoannisLyras said: “There is no other maritime event in the world that compares with the

spirit of Posidonia. At the heart of this success is Greek shipping, the tradition and

entrepreneurial spirit of the Greeks.”

The President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Mr Theodore Veniamis said: “I

express the hope that Posidonia 2012 will be inaugurated under conditions of national

and worldwide economic advancement and social welfare.”

“This year’s record participation at Posidonia confirms the importance of the Greekmaritime industry for our country and underlines Greece’s leadership position in the

field of global sea transportation,” said Posidonia official Theodore Vokos. “Posidonia

brings thousands of visitors from around the world to Greece, stimulating inward

investments and generating business for our tourism and hospitality industries.”

Posidonia 2010 is sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Competitiveness and

Shipping, the Municipality of Piraeus, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Union of

Greek Shipowners, the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, the Hellenic Shortsea2







Shipowners Association, the Association of Greek Passenger Shipping Companies and

the Union of Marine Enterprises.

For additional information, press enquiries should be directed to:

Stavi Spanou, Press Officer, tel.: +30 210 9632334, e-mail: [email protected] Theodore Vokos, Project Manager, tel.: +30 210 4283608, e-mail: tnv@posidonia-

events.com

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