Mitropoulos Calls on Shipping to Boost Image

Efthimios Mitropoulos, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization believes that the shipping industry needs to take steps to improve its public image.

Speaking at on industry event today, Mitropoulos said “The industry needs two lists – one of steps needed to improve our image and one of steps needed to put our industry in order.” “We need to open people’s eyes to all that is good in shipping and not just accidents. It’s the minority that grab the headlines and affect the public image.”

“We also need to think about how to communicate good news and shout about shipping’s green credentials.”

His comments were made as he chaired a debate examining the image of shipping and what could be done to improve it. In a lively and entertaining debate, the panel members described the problems that the industry faced in presenting itself as a vital component of the global economy and the negative effects that shipping’s poor image was having on the recruitment and retention of seafarers and increasing unilateral legislation by states and regions. The panel called on maritime companies to work harder at promoting their positive activities to the public.

“Go out and spread the word,” said the IMO Secretary-General. “We have a good story to tell so why not tell it?”