Rerouting All Our Ships, to Protect Our Threatened Whales

To avoid ship strikes with east Mediterranean sperm whales whose population risks extinction, a Greek shipping company has rerouted all its vessels, thus setting an example in the industry as key players in marine conservation.

“We are deeply committed to sustainable and responsible shipping practices,” states Captain Dimitrios Mattheou, CEO of Arcadia Shipmanagement. “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.”

The primary cause of death of the eastern Mediterranean subpopulation of the endangered sperm whale— fewer than 200 living mainly in the Hellenic Trench — is collisions with large ships. The International Fund for Animal Welfare — part of a coalition that includes OceanCare, Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute, and WWH Greece — approached Arcadia Shipmanagement to raise awareness about the cetacean’s distress. By committing to voluntary action, such as developing and extending solid relationships with all parties involved in international shipping, Arcadia demonstrates tangible support to protect the threatened mammal.