06/07/2026
IAME 2026 Singapore: Shaping the Future of Maritime Economics
📍 Singapore | 30 June – 3 July 2026
🌍 International Association of Maritime Economists – IAME 2026
The Department of Port Management & Shipping, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), proudly concluded its participation in IAME 2026, hosted in the global maritime hub of Singapore. This year’s conference brought together leading scholars, policymakers, and industry experts to explore the evolving landscape of maritime economics, sustainability transitions, and technological innovation.
Our Department continued its strong international academic presence, contributing seven peer‑reviewed papers that address critical challenges in markets, resilience, , , and .
👥 NKUA Delegation
Professor Theodoros Ted Syriopoulos (Head of Department)
Associate Professor Katerina Karditsa
Assistant Professor Efthymios Roumpis
Assistant Professor Michael Tsatsaronis
Postdoctoral Researcher Elena Kostopoulou
PhD Candidate Cleopatra Besikioti
🔹 Research Contributions Presented at IAME 2026
1. Forecasting Dry Bulk Freight Rates During Market Turbulence: The Superiority of AI and Machine Learning
Authors: Michael Tsatsaronis, Anastasios Giannopoulos, Panagiotis Trakadas, Theodore Syriopoulos
Presenter: Michael Tsatsaronis
This study compares deterministic and machine learning models using 9,800+ daily observations from the Baltic Panamax Index (1998–2025). Results show that while deterministic models capture long-term trends, AI/ML models—especially neural networks and random forests—achieve significantly higher accuracy during periods of extreme volatility, improving risk management and chartering decisions.
2. Cash Surplus Allocation Policies in Maritime Shipping Companies
Authors: Christos Sigalas, Michael Tsatsaronis
Presenter: Christos Sigalas
Using quarterly data from 100 listed shipping firms (2009–2023), this paper examines how companies allocate surplus cash across vessel acquisitions, debt reduction, dividends, buybacks, and working capital. Dividends and repurchases dominate cash use, while firm size, leverage, ownership structure, and risk significantly shape allocation strategies.
3. Physical & Economic Implications of Climate Change on Greek Ports
Authors: Fragkiskos Markozanes, Efthymios Roumpis, Georgios Vaggelas, Stamatina Lesioti, Katerina Karditsa
Presenter: Katerina Karditsa
Assessing six major Greek ports under the SSP5‑8.5 scenario, the study identifies severe vulnerability to sea level rise, with docks below 2.0m facing high inoperability risk by 2050. The findings highlight substantial economic impacts and the urgent need for adaptation strategies to safeguard national maritime connectivity.
4. The Growth Effects of Chinese Investments in Ports
Authors: Efthymios Roumpis, Theodore Syriopoulos, George Vaggelas, Michael Tsatsaronis
Presenter: Efthymios Roumpis
Applying synthetic control methods, this paper shows that Chinese investments significantly boosted growth in ports such as Piraeus, Antwerp, Bilbao, and Valencia. Beyond China–Europe flows, spillover effects increased shipments across global regions. The study underscores the economic trade-offs of restricting foreign investment in critical port infrastructure.
5. A Spatially Explicit Economic Assessment of Blue Carbon and Shipping-Induced Pressures in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Elena Kostopoulou, Michael Tsatsaronis
Presenter: Elena Kostopoulou
This research integrates carbon sequestration, CO₂ emissions, and non-indigenous species impacts within a 1 km² Mediterranean grid. Results reveal strong spatial heterogeneity, with negative balances concentrated along major shipping routes. The framework provides a novel tool for assessing nature-related risks in maritime transport.
6. Regulatory Uncertainty: Maritime Decarbonization Under Shifting Climate Policies
Authors: Michael Tsatsaronis, Hercules Haralambides, Theodore Syriopoulos, Efthymios Roumpis
Presenter: Michael Tsatsaronis
Using Clarksons and UNCTAD data (2018–2025), this paper identifies a structural break post‑2023 in alternative-fuel vessel orders due to fragmented climate governance. A “three-speed transition” emerges across segments, while policy ambiguity reshapes global shipbuilding leadership. The study calls for predictable cross-regional regulation to ensure a synchronized transition to net-zero.
7. The “S” Pillar of ESG in Shipping: A Literature Review and Analytical Framework
Authors: Cleopatra Besikioti, Michael Tsatsaronis
Presenter: Cleopatra Besikioti
Through a structured review of 59 publications, this study reveals that the social pillar of ESG remains fragmented and insufficiently integrated into governance and risk management. It proposes analytically derived criteria for establishing a coherent Social Risk Framework centered on seafarers and social risk governance.
🙏 Acknowledgements
We extend our sincere appreciation to the IAME 2026 Organizing Committee for their exceptional coordination and hospitality. Singapore once again demonstrated why it stands at the forefront of maritime innovation, policy, and global connectivity.
🌍 Looking Ahead: IAME 2027 in Rio de Janeiro & Niterói
We look forward to continuing this dynamic academic dialogue in Brazil next year—exploring new frontiers in maritime economics across two iconic coastal cities.
Until then:
⚓ Stay connected
📊 Keep advancing maritime research
🌱 Shape the future of sustainable shipping
Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
ΠΜΣ Διοίκηση σε Ναυτιλία και Λιμένες ΕΚΠΑ
Σχολή Οικονομικών & Πολιτικών Επιστημών, Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
