In his interview, Mr. Ioannis Platsidakis notes that Greek shipping reached the top of the world also due to their daily contact with the ship and its people.
To what extent can the need to respond to new environmental and technological requirements affect the approach of shipping companies regarding human resource management? What role has the human factor historically played in the development of Greek shipping?
Thirty-six years ago, when I moved from the banking sector to the shipping field, for some reason, perhaps instinctively, I perceived the role of human resources in a shipping company. I placed great emphasis on that particular department of the company then, without however underestimating the others. We paid great attention and I believe I personally contributed to this, to the human factor. We essentially wanted to create a bond between the shipping company and the seafarer. In other words, for the seafarer to feel that the ship belongs to him as well. I believe that over time, Greek shipping has achieved greatness because of this bond. Looking back, I would say that the goal we set then was in the right direction and the attempt was successful.
I often use the simple example that success for a company is when a seafarer on deck, while the ship is, for example, in the middle of the Pacific, finds a tool and puts it in its place without it being his responsibility. Success is feeling that the ship is his home.
My opinion is that, with the Greek flag our ships flew and consequently the Greek seafarers we recruited, this bond was created. It was our absolute priority to build a feeling of trust with our seafarers and between the office and the ship. Despite the rapid changes in shipping in recent years, I continue to believe that this bond must be maintained.
Obviously, Greek shipping thrived and reached the top due to the shipowners’ ability to adapt to each new set of circumstances, but also due to their daily contact with the ship and its people. The so-called hands-on management is fading and we must pay special attention to maintaining this approach, which was a competitive advantage of Greek shipping on its path to the top. It is our lead over foreign shipowners and we must not lose it.
How do you judge the current geopolitical situation and how can Greek shipping companies cope with its challenges?
Shipping has always lived within a global environment of intense challenges. At the end of World War II, for example, the shipowners of the time had to start their business activity without any ships existing, before the Liberty ships were purchased. However, I must admit that in recent years the challenges have intensified. Every day we do not know what tomorrow will bring, and I think the reason is that this institutional, ethical framework built over the last eighty years seems to be collapsing. International law is being violated and personal interest prevails.
Interview of the Honorary President of INTERCARGO in the March issue, which you can obtain by clicking here.
