Ahmad Abou Merhi, Executive Director and Head of Portfolio Management at Pelagic Partners, had the pleasure of joining the 5th Athens Triennial Meeting this October, which was held alongside the 40th anniversary celebration of the Costas Grammenos Centre for Shipping, Trade and Finance.
A long-standing alumnus of the Centre, Ahmad holds a deep connection to the institution, considering himself a “grammenus” – an alumnus of Professor Costas Grammenos’ renowned Shipping, Trade, and Finance program. “When Professor Grammenos calls me and asks me to speak, I can never say no,” Ahmad remarked, underscoring the connection with the Centre and his personal relationship with the Professor.
Ahmad joined other industry leaders and academics on two of the meeting’s panels, exploring key themes that are shaping the future of the maritime sector. His first panel, “Climate Change and Shipping: Decarbonisation and Adaptation,” examined the industry’s evolving responsibilities as climate regulations intensify.
Ahmad shared his insights on how ESG considerations are taking an increasingly central role in investment strategies, particularly given the mounting pressures ports and shipping companies face due to climate change. Reflecting on Pelagic Partners’ approach, Ahmad noted that aligning with investors on sustainability is critical, especially in light of the global shift towards achieving net zero carbon emissions, that has placed a greater emphasis on more sustainable investments within the market.
During his second panel, “Shipping Finance: Banks,” Ahmad delivered a presentation that focused on the shifting landscape of maritime finance. He highlighted that while traditional banks are adopting new priorities, alternative lenders have solidified their position within the sector, creating a diverse funding environment. Ahmad also pointed out a growing mismatch between asset pricing and available financing, which presents a unique challenge, particularly with retrofitting requirements on the rise.
Despite the industry’s current focus on sustainability, Ahmad emphasised that financial performance remains paramount. In response to this growing diversity, Pelagic Partners recently launched Pelagic Capital and Marevia Credit Fund, a dedicated credit fund that focuses on creating innovative financial solutions for the maritime sector, offering a unique platform through Pelagic Partners that addresses the increasing capital needs of the industry.
In closing, Ahmad expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Professor Grammenos and the Centre for its remarkable 40-year legacy within maritime education. On behalf of Pelagic Partners, Ahmad extended his gratitude to Professor Grammenos for his exceptional contributions to the industry, stating, “It was an honor to celebrate this milestone with the Centre and reconnect with industry colleagues and friends.”
