Elpi Petraki

Elpi Petraki has been working for ENEA Management Inc. for the last 26 years, a Greek shipping company that manages a fleet of small-sized, clean and specialised tankers. She is currently the President of WISTA International (Women in Shipping and Trade Association), a global network that promotes diversity and inclusiveness in the maritime sector. Prior to her appointment, Elpi was the President of WISTA Hellas, a position she held for over three years. Serving as the Secretary General of the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA), Elpi is involved in the development of short sea shipping within National and European borders. Additionally, she is a member of the board of directors for the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and an active member of Intertanko. Elpi holds an Honorary Fellowship of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. Elpi is also a member of the board of the Hellenic Maritime Museum. In July 2024 Elpi joined the Executive Board of the World Maritime University. Ranked in the Lloyds List Top 100 maritime influencers, she is a well-known personality in shipping. In 2024, Elpi was named Greek Shipping Personality of the Year at the Lloyds List Greek Shipping Awards.

Session Overview

Tuesday, 4 November

16:50

Maritime & Logistics Conference Room A 16:50 - 17:30

Investing in talent to deliver the maritime ecosystem of the future

In the face of rapidly advancing technologies, market disruptions and evolving business models, the ability to develop critical skills and maintain a capable workforce continues to be a key driver of success in the maritime sector. In addition to attracting and retaining next-generation talent, industry leaders must invest in training, upskilling and decarbonisation-related initiatives if they are to succeed in building the sustainable maritime ecosystem of the future. As automation, digitalisation and alternative fuels such as hydrogen gain traction, demand is rising for new capabilities in areas like cybersecurity, data analytics and environmental engineering. So too is competition across the global energy ecosystem. Coordinated investments in talent development, flexible working and purpose-driven employment will play an essential role in positioning maritime as a career path of choice. The sector must also take action to avoid a potential vacuum in knowledge transfer and leadership succession. Stronger industry-academic partnerships can spark early interest in maritime careers through internships, apprenticeships and hands-on learning. At the same time, collaboration between governments, maritime organisations and private entities will be critical in establishing standardised training programmes that address talent shortages. Ultimately, a coordinated, inclusive and forward-looking approach can help build the skilled and diverse workforce needed to power a resilient, high-growth maritime future.

Attendee insights:

Learn how investments in training can help the maritime and logistics industry attract and retain talent, while enabling employees to adapt to automation, digitalisation and low carbon technologies.