First Greek shipping company changes course for its ships to protect endangered whales in Hellenic Trench

(Hamburg/Athens – 8 August 2024) – The first Greek-owned shipping company, ARCADIA SHIPMANAGEMENT, has informed us that they have changed internal procedures to redirect its ships to contribute to the survival of the east Mediterranean sperm whale population.

As part of a coalition with OceanCare, Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute and WWF Greece, IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) had approached ARCADIA SHIPMANAGEMENT to raise awareness for the plight of the sperm whales off the west coast of Greece. This relatively small, endangered whale population is under threat from collisions with ships, known as ‘ship strikes’, which are a major cause of death and threaten the population with extinction.

Capt. Dimitrios Mattheou, CEO of ARCADIA SHIPMANAGEMENT commented: “We are deeply committed to sustainable and responsible shipping practices. Our decision to reroute our vessels to avoid the Hellenic Trench area, reflects our dedication to preserving marine life and protecting the endangered sperm whale population. We believe that even one whale lost to a ship strike is one too many. By taking this proactive step, we hope to set an example for the shipping industry and contribute to the global efforts in marine conservation”.

“By avoiding the habitat of the sperm whales, ARCADIA SHIPMANAGEMENT is making a significant difference for these endangered whales. Whales often die as a result of collisions and this sub-population is at risk. Ship strikes are both a conservation and a welfare problem. Even one whale being hit is one too many. That is why the decision by ARCADIA SHIPMANAGEMENT is so important and we call on all companies navigating the Hellenic Trench to follow suit and avoid the area,” comments Sharon Livermore, Director of Marine Conservation at IFAW and representing the NGO coalition.

There are fewer than 200 endangered sperm whales of the eastern Mediterranean sub-population, living predominantly in the Hellenic Trench. Scientific studies show that the deaths of over 50% of stranded whales in the area can be attributed directly to collisions with large ships. Research in other areas also indicates that for every whale recorded that has been fatally injured by a strike, there may be 20 whales with the same fate that go undetected.

ARCADIA SHIPMANAGEMENT joins several other international companies that have committed to voluntary action. Greece is one of the largest ship-owning nations in the world and the actions by ARCADIA demonstrate tangible support by a member of the Greek shipping industry to protect these local sperm whales.

ARCADIA is seriously interested and devoted to any environmental and social issues related to its business, as well as placing special concerns over the footprint which the fleet vessels are "leaving" on mother nature. To achieve all the above, ARCADIA is dedicated to developing and extend strong relationships with all parties involved in international shipping, based upon mutual trust and reliability.

The NGO coalition working on this issue consists of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW www.ifaw.org), OceanCare (www.oceancare.org), the Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute (www.pelagosinstitute.gr) and WWF Greece with the support of the WWF network (www.wwf.gr).

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Images are available on request - For more information or to arrange interviews please contact:

IFAW - Andreas Dinkelmeyer Communications Officer on mobile +49 1514 209 0016 or email adinkelmeyer@ifaw.org.

OceanCare – Nicolas Entrup Director International Relations m. + 43 660 211 9963 e: nentrup@oceancare.org

Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute - Alexandros Frantzis Scientific Director t: +30-210-8960108 e: afrantzis@otenet.gr

WWF Greece - Christy Sotiriou Media & Public Relations Manager, m: +30 6947880699, e: c.sotiriou@wwf.gr