Innovation in Maritime Diplomacy offers a unique solution to shipping

Shipping is one of the most critical sectors of the global economy, with constant challenges that require innovative solutions. In this context, MARDIPLO, the first international company specializing in Maritime Corporate Diplomacy, introduces a new strategic tool to effectively manage disputes and develop business opportunities in the maritime sector. It is an additional tool, which complements and expands the classic quiver (Mediation, Arbitration, Litigation) with a fourth “D”, that of Diplomacy.

The innovation of Maritime Corporate Diplomacy is the result of the collaboration between Dr. Mary Papashinopoulou and Neophytos Kourtesis. Dr Papashinopoulou has 25 years of experience in Hamburg and Brussels in maritime corporate diplomacy, negotiations and international strategic networking. Neophytos Kourtesis, for his part, brings knowledge of shipping through his long professional career in the industry as an operations manager.

MARDIPLO was established in 2021 with the aim of resolving complex and long-term cases mainly with third country public entities and securing mutually beneficial settlements. With a core focus on diplomatic intervention through a global network of formal diplomatic and political channels , negotiation, use of soft power, cross-cultural approach and transparency, MARDIPLO achieves convergence of interests and mutually beneficial settlements with immediacy, discretion, and preservation of reputation on both sides.

Today, the company offers the following services

1. Dispute resolution: Use of negotiation and diplomatic techniques to resolve disputes between shipping companies and public sector entities in a highly geopolitically volatile environment, with an emphasis on preserving the reputation of the parties and cultural sensitivity
2. Developing the maritime industry: Facilitate entry into new markets by building relationships with public and private sector partners.
3. Education: Training of both maritime industry professionals and government officials in diplomatic skills and strategies:

In particular, MARDIPLO has successfully managed for its international corporate clientele, primarily shipping companies, P&I Clubs, classification societies, charterers, brokers and commercial enterprises, complex negotiations with both the public and private sectors in jurisdictions in Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa. Typical examples include: the release of bank guarantees in particularly long-running disputes, management of ship collision incidents, late loading claim settlements, detention and repatriation of seafarers. “MARDIPLO with its extensive international network of contacts opens doors and, by establishing trust with local interests, creates negotiation opportunities, engaging with stakeholders as necessary to reach an amicable solution. This type of intervention can help create interest in a negotiated solution in jurisdictions where the concepts of early intervention and mediation are less developed. The pursuit of a long-term and uncertain legal solution and legal process is often undesirable. The alternative route of negotiation can lead to a quicker outcome and mutual satisfaction in cases where there is reluctance to participate by claimants for whom negotiation has not yet been deemed appropriate. MARDIPLO offers a sophisticated intervention that can kick-start this alternative route,” says The London P&I/London.

In addition, MARDIPLO’s work with diplomatic bodies and the wider public sector internationally has made it a provider of consultancy services aimed at opening up new markets and promoting public-private partnerships in the wider Blue Economy space. As an example, MARDIPLO’s recent mission to Pakistan and contacts at high government level in the areas of ship dismantling and investment opportunities in LNG terminals can be mentioned.

Finally, MARDIPLO provides diplomats and government officials internationally with specialized training in Maritime Diplomacy. Examples include the cooperation with the Bangladesh Diplomatic Academy and the recent and promising collaboration with the IMO Maritime Law Institute in Malta.

MARDIPLO, with its innovative services, has established itself, in the first four years since its establishment, as a reliable partner of the maritime industry and the international diplomatic community:

“MARDIPLO offers a unique solution to solve problems in the shipping/maritime industry. Using diplomacy versus conflict, MARDIPLO has successfully fostered cooperation between the parties involved and secured a final resolution. The knowledge of the maritime industry helped ensure a seamless cooperation between MARDIPLO and the P&I Club,” says SKULD Piraeus