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HELMEPA strengthens bonds with US Coast Guard and Maritime Leaders in Washington DC

The largest ever HELMEPA Members Delegation traveled to the US and engaged in a series of productive meetings with the leadership of the United States Coast Guard, NAMEPA, and other stakeholders in Washington DC to advance pollution prevention, safety at sea, and sustainable development in the era of maritime decarbonization.

Led by HELMEPA Chairperson Semiramis Paliou, and joined by Board Members Maria Hajioannou, Panos Zachariadis, and Theodosis Stamatelos, the HELMEPA Delegation comprising 24 representatives from 20 member companies convened with US Coast Guard leadership including Rear Admiral Wayne Arguin, USCG Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, Mr. Jeffrey Lantz, Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards (CG-5PS), and Captain Amy Beach, Director of Inspections and Compliance, at the USCG headquarters in Washington DC on March 5th, 2024.

In an open dialogue, USCG officials addressed pressing topics affecting foreign-flagged vessels trading in the US, including ballast water management, biofouling, Port State Control (PSC) inspections, the upcoming Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA), new technologies, cybersecurity, crew wellness, and alternative fuels.

On the evening of the same day, HELMEPA’s Delegation participated in the 1st Foresight Maritime Dialogue at Georgetown University's historic Riggs Library, facilitated by Ms. Yanna Pavlopoulou, Founder and President of CommonLawgic. This event brought together HELMEPA members, US policy advisors, and academia to explore global seaborne trade and address contemporary challenges.

The following day, March 6th, HELMEPA’s Delegation along with members of sister organization North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) were hosted by Blank Rome, in an interactive dialogue on legal issues of foreign-flag vessel operations in US waters, USCG PSC focus areas, sanctions and enforcement actions and other areas of concern.

This unique US experience for HELMEPA members also included team bonding and cultural events such as visits to US Congress and museum, as well as a dinner hosted by NAMEPA, highlighting the special relationship between the two Associations, both members of INTERMEPA.

Participating companies included (in alphabetical order):
Alassia Newship Management, Ariston Navigation Corp, Atlantic Bulk Carriers Management Ltd, Blue Line Shipmanagement SA, Calliber Maritime SA, Costamare Shipping Company SA, Danaos Shipping Co Ltd, Diana Shipping Inc, Enesel SA, Enesel Dry SA, Eurobulk Ltd, Euronav Ship Management (Hellas) Ltd, Latsco Marine Management Inc, Lloyd’s Register, Navios Maritime Partners LP, Navios Group, Seanergy Shipmanagement Corp, Springfield Shipping Co. Panama SA, Tsakos Conbulk Services (TCB) Ltd, Tsakos Shipping & Trading SA.