Maritime: Posidonia Reception at South Africa’s Official Residence
15 June 2026
The South African Embassy in Greece has identified the maritime sector as one of the key sectors in strengthening economic relations and cooperation. With its strategic geographical location along the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, South Africa provides opportunities for potential investors and partners. It has advanced infrastructure in its ports and endeavours to offer quality maritime services, bunkering, repairs, logistics and trade facilitation for vessels and cargo moving between Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.
Among other economic initiatives, the South African Embassy in Athens has forged a partnership with the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) and hosted a Posidonia Reception at South Africa’s Official Residence on 31 May 2026.
During the event, the Ambassador of South Africa to the Hellenic Republic, Dr Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela thanked the Chair of IBIA, Mr Adrian Tolson and the Executive Director, Mr Alexandra Prokopakis for the partnership since 2024.
Ambassador Msengana-Ndlela extended a warm welcome to the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr Arsenio Domingues. She thanked him for his exemplary stewardship of the IMO.
As a maritime nation, South Africa actively contributes to the strategic directions and programmes of the IMO. For instance, in advancing safe, secure, environmentally sustainable and efficient shipping, South Africa is actively involved in discussions on shipping decarbonisation and the implementation of the IMO’s 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy. It supports a balanced and inclusive transition that advances global climate ambitions while considering the developmental realities and capacity constraints of developing countries, particularly those in the African continent.
On maritime education and training South Africa is participating in the IMO’s Comprehensive Review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and Code (STCW Convention and Code). South Africa advocates for enhanced capacity building and technical cooperation to ensure that it can implement future maritime requirements efficiently and meet the evolving needs of the industry.
The keynote address during the event was delivered by the Premier of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, Mr Oscar Mabuyane, who led a multisectoral, oceans economy focused delegation to attend Posidonia 2026. The working visit of the Premier to Greece was in line with the call of South Africa’s President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa to strengthen international partnerships which can propel inclusive economic growth, trade and investments, job creation, skills development, innovation and poverty alleviation.
The SA Embassy wishes to thank all participants who made this Posidonia Reception a remarkable networking opportunity. It was a worthwhile engagement with an international audience ahead of one of shipping’s leading exhibitions that are held in Athens bi-annually.
South African Embassy Athens
