The Naming Ceremony for ETME’s USSPS (Unmanned Semi-fixed Sea Platform for Maritime Surveillance) unmanned floating maritime surveillance platform took place at the premises of Salamis Shipyards. The platform was named “Panoptis”, inspired by Argus Panoptes from Greek mythology, as a symbolic reference to continuous surveillance, vigilance and uninterrupted operational monitoring in the maritime domain. The naming of the platform was performed by Dr. Georgios D. Pateras, Vice President of Contships Management Inc. and former President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping.

The ceremony marked another important milestone on the path towards the completion of the project, which is being implemented by ETME, as programme coordinator, in collaboration with Salamis Shipyards and the partners of the multinational consortium. The construction of the platform at Salamis Shipyards highlights the importance of the domestic industrial base, while the overall project confirms the active role of Greek expertise in the development of advanced maritime surveillance capabilities.

The Panoptis platform incorporates ETME’s patent in the field of regional network-centric maritime surveillance and is the first of its kind worldwide, introducing a new category of unmanned naval platforms: USSPSs, or Unmanned Semi-fixed Sea Platforms. It combines technological elements from offshore hydrocarbon extraction, offshore wind farms, unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, with the aim of integrating and incorporating field data through advanced algorithms.

The Panoptis platform is being implemented under the USSPS programme, within the framework of the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP), under the supervision of the General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence and in cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus. The project includes the participation of France’s Naval Group, whose role as technical coordinator has been catalytic, Spain’s Navantia, as well as Applied Intelligence Analytics Limited, Cyprus Research and Innovation Center Ltd, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Stichting Maritiem Research Instituut Nederland, Prolexia SARL, Multimedia Workshop PLC, Sener Aeroespacial S.A., SignalGeneriX Limited, SMST Designer & Constructors B.V., Techlam SAS, Tecnobit SLU and Unmanned Teknologies Applications S.L.

On the Greek side, in addition to ETME, the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) also participates in the project. This composition highlights the scope and significance of European industrial and research cooperation in the defence sector, as well as ETME’s role in coordinating complex programmes with an international footprint.

During the event, remarks and addresses were delivered by Mr. George Panagopoulos, Mayor of Salamis; Mr. Gkikas, Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy; Dr. Dimitrios Terzis, Secretary General for Research and Innovation; Dr. Athanasios Dokos, Secretary General for National Security; Major General Ioannis Bouras, General Director of GDDIA; Mr. Pantelis Tzortzakis, Chairman of the Board and CEO of HCDI; Mr. Patrick Mauffrey, USSPS Project Director for Naval Group; and Dr. Georgios Koros, President and CEO of Salamis Shipyards.

Mr. Antonis Peppas, CEO of ETME, stated: “The long journey of technological development is being completed today. In the years to come, Panoptis will provide real field data for the training of advanced algorithms, offer maritime surveillance imagery, and at the same time serve as a testing ground for technologies in a real maritime environment. Its applications also extend to non-defence purposes, providing weather, sea state, environmental and critical infrastructure monitoring data with high reliability. The technology is such that it allows a network of platforms such as Panoptis to become part of the Shield of Achilles and other applications of interest relating to critical infrastructure and navigation safety.”

The presence of representatives of the State, the defence and research community, industry and the entities involved highlighted the importance of the USSPS programme as a flagship initiative in the fields of defence, innovation and maritime surveillance, with a strong Greek and European footprint. Today’s ceremony confirms the steady progress of the project and the systematic cooperation of all parties involved towards its successful completion.

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Project Connect successfully concluded its high-impact professional readiness seminar, “My Success Story in Shipping: How Project Connect Helps me Navigate It,” held on Wednesday, 29 th April at the “Melina Merkouri” auditorium of Metropolitan College, a happy member or Project Connect-, at Marousi. Driven by the visionary philosophy of the Youth Elevated - one of the pillars of the Project Connect- the event served as a strategic platform to demonstrate that Project Connect is the definitive bridge connecting candidates directly with shipowners and maritime corporations. The goal was to empower young people with a “conscious internal compass” and the practical “know-how” required to meet the high standards of the shipowning community, ensuring that the best emerging talent finds its place in the Greek maritime industry.

The call to action by Project Connect received an overwhelming response, bringing together Registered Members of its pioneering CV Platform, Metropolitan College students and alumni, Maritime Academies -- young aspirants eager to chart a successful course in the demanding maritime sector. Their presence underscored the critical need for substantive guidance and tangible support during the initial steps of their professional placement.

The seminar functioned as a bridge between theory and practice, with participants demonstrating a profound interest in market “know-how” and the bidirectional exchange of information regarding the evolving needs of both the youth and shipping corporations.

A Vision for Conscious Evolution Dr. Yiannis Kalogerakis, Culture Architect and President of the IUPT, set the tone for the evening as a keynote speaker and honored founder member of the Project Connect, stating: “In a rapidly changing world, our objective is to assist young people in developing a conscious internal compass. Success in shipping is not merely a matter of technical knowledge, but primarily one of resilience, integrity, and unshakeable values. Through Project Connect and CV Platform the aim is to focus to the needs of the youth while simultaneously preparing them for the actual requirements of shipping firms. This platform is not just a database; it is the foundation upon which the Project Connect, alongside the shipowning community, will shape the future leaders of shipping.”

Expert Insights and Front-Line Experience Attendees had the opportunity to attend high-level presentations covering the full spectrum of modern shipping:

- Geopolitical Analysis: Dr. Louise Tumchewicz-Research Fellow, Centre for War Studies, analyzed the challenges of 2026, specifically examining how ongoing global conflicts and wars have impacted the shipping industry and illustrating the resilience of global trade amidst international conflicts.

- Mental Resilience: Dr. Elia Gourgouris, President, The Happiness Centre- Best-selling Author, presented the HEART-SET approach, offering strategic tools for maintaining happiness and peak performance in high-pressure environments.

- From the Industry Arena to Social Impact: Ms. Irene Notias, Founder and Director of Project Connect, a prominent figure with deep-seated expertise and over 30 years of experience as a marine fuel broker for global giants and Marine Fuel Broker Business Owner, shifted the focus to the practical realities of the maritime workplace, she shared invaluable insights into essential office practices and the high-level expectations shipping firms hold for their employees. With the authenticity of a professional who understands the market’s pulse, she described how courage and reinvention led to the creation of Project Connect. Her address is more than a retrospective; it is a commitment that her vision remains the active support of the youth, ensuring that members of the CV Platform receive not just knowledge, but genuine employment opportunities, bridging the gap between new talent and leading shipowning offices. A key highlight was her candid discussion on the industry’s 24/7 nature; when asked about their readiness for such a commitment, approximately one-third of the students responded affirmatively. This interaction served as a constructive “reality check” underscoring Project Connect’s vital mission: to bridge the gap between academic theory and the mental resilience required to thrive in the demanding shipping environment.

Dialogue and Action: The Next Generation Center Stage The event reached its peak with an exceptionally interactive Q&A session, where the inexhaustible interest of the youth transformed the auditorium into a vibrant space for dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

Participants took an active role, posing pivotal questions that reflected their thirst for substantive information and mentorship from the seasoned speakers.

The evening concluded on a high note, with evaluation forms confirming the superior quality of the organization and the high satisfaction of the attendees. One of the most impactful moments was the lottery of two valuable internship positions, sponsored by Project Connect members. The winning students received a definitive “ticket” for immediate entry into the professional arena, marking the first decisive step toward a successful career in the maritime industry.

The CV Platform: A Strategic Pillar of Connectivity As one of the three foundational pillars of Project Connect, the CV Platform serves as the ultimate strategic hub, seamlessly uniting shipping companies with a curated pool of registered candidates. By bridging the gap between education and the industry, the platform ensures that emerging talent is effectively integrated into the Greek maritime cluster, finding its rightful place within the world’s leading shipping community.

Project Connect is a non-profit organization serving as a strategic accelerator for the next generation of maritime leaders. Through the CONNECT Youth Employability Pipeline—a comprehensive “one-stop shop” and a “Rainbow of Services”—the organization guides young talent from early awareness to real employment. This journey begins with the acclaimed “Adopt a Ship” program, which fosters maritime identity in schools, and culminates in the CV Platform, the organization’s foundational pillar that seamlessly unites shipping companies with curated candidates.

Today, Project Connect represents a collective force of 65 shipowners (including prominent members of the Union of Greek Shipowners), over 40 maritime service companies, and leading academic institutions— all dedicated to preserving and sustaining the Greek Shipping Success Story.

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From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia 2026 conference programme highlights an industry actively reshaping itself in response to geopolitical disruption and structural change.

This year’s programme, set to begin weeks ahead of the exhibition itself, reflects a shipping industry navigating one of its most complex operating environments in decades, where war, sanctions, tariffs, insurance premiums, shifting trade routes and regulatory pressure are redefining both risk and opportunity.

The first events begin in early May, underlining how Posidonia has evolved into a multi-week platform for dialogue rather than a single exhibition moment.

“Posidonia has always been more than an exhibition. It is a platform where the industry comes together to address real-world challenges and shape its future direction,” said Theodore Vokos, Managing Director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. “This year’s conference programme reflects the urgency of the issues facing shipping today, particularly the impact of geopolitics, energy transition and technological change. The discussions taking place, even before the exhibition officially opens, highlight how critical collaboration and dialogue have become for the industry.”

Kicking off the calendar, Marine Insurance Greece (6-7 May) will address how the insurance market is responding to escalating geopolitical tensions and operational risks. With sessions covering sanctions, the rise of the “dark fleet”, US policy shifts and war risk dynamics, the conference will explore how the sector is adapting to an increasingly volatile global landscape. “With recent geopolitical events, shipping is most definitely back in the spotlight, highlighting once again just how dependent the global supply chain is on the shipping sector,” said the event’s organiser Daniel Casey, Managing Director, Cannon Events.

Closely following, on May 7, the RightShip Conference titled Redefining Maritime Safety Through Data, Trust, and Collaboration will turn attention to data, transparency and collaboration as key enablers of safer and more sustainable shipping. “Behind every data point is a human outcome; a safer voyage, a more sustainable decision, a seafarer returning home safely,” said Steen Lund, CEO, RightShip. “As an industry, we have a responsibility to harness data not just for insight, but for impact. By working together, we can build a more transparent, connected and trusted maritime ecosystem that raises standards for everyone.”

On 20 May, the Naftemporiki Shipping Conference, “Shipping Between Global Powers: Where Geopolitics, Energy & Climate Shape the Future”, will further elevate the geopolitical theme, examining how global power dynamics, energy security and climate policy are reshaping shipping. The theme of this year’s event reflects this variability, focusing on the geopolitics of the sea, Greece’s role as an energy hub, the challenges of decarbonisation and developments in ports, shipbuilding and key market sectors. “We live in a time when shipping is not just affected by developments, it is at their center,” said Georgios Melissanidis, Publisher, Naftemporiki. “Shifting geopolitical balances and the accelerating energy transition are shaping a new, more demanding environment.”

Once Posidonia week begins, the conference programme intensifies, bringing together some of the industry’s most influential voices.

The Capital Link Maritime Leaders Summit (1 June), held in partnership with DNV, will mark 20 years of convening top-tier shipowners, financiers, and policymakers. The agenda reflects real-time global market priorities while highlighting the enduring leadership of the Greek shipping community, a cornerstone of international maritime trade and home to the world’s largest privately owned fleet.

Discussions will span global trade flows, geopolitics, energy transition and technology, with participation from leading Greek and international shipping groups. “Posidonia and our Summit are held at a critical time for the world and shipping,” said Nicolas Bornozis, CEO of Capital Link. “Our Summit brings together industry leaders at the highest level. It features the founders and leaders of Greece’s most influential shipping companies, together with key players from the global maritime industry. These are the leaders shaping where shipping is heading next.”

On 2 June, the TradeWinds Shipowners Forum Greece will tackle “Resilience in the face of disruption”, addressing how shipowners are managing risk in a world of geopolitical fragmentation, economic uncertainty and regulatory pressure.

With senior executives from major global shipping companies and financial institutions, the forum will explore how operators can navigate volatility, safeguard asset values and adapt to shifting trade patterns. It will table critical questions such as: how can shipping operate and invest successfully amid geopolitical chaos and how are tensions between US-China and Trump-era policies impacting global trade flows. “As the global shipping landscape grows more complex, our readers need more than news — they need perspective and connection, which comes together in Athens during Posidonia week,” said Julian Bray, Editor in Chief, TradeWinds.

Geopolitical risk and infrastructure security will also take centre stage at a seminar organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Athens under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the framework of Poland’s presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea. The seminar seeks to examine the evolving relationship between maritime security and energy security, to identify shared vulnerabilities across Europe’s maritime spaces, and to advance practical cooperation between the Baltic and Mediterranean regions. The focus will also be on the geopolitical dimension of hybrid threats in the maritime space and how the Baltic and Mediterranean maritime spaces, despite their different geopolitical contexts, face comparable structural vulnerabilities.

“Geography separates the Baltic from the Mediterranean, but hybrid threats, sabotage risks, geopolitical competition and energy flows connect them in practice and require coordinated actions,” noted chargé d’affaires at the Embassy, Wojciech Ponikiewski, highlighting the need for coordinated international responses.

The HELMEPA International Conference (3 June) introduces Ocean Intelligence in MetaShipping: four interconnected forms of intelligence: ecological, human, technological, and financial, covering issues from biodiversity and crew skilling to AI, automation, and investment in the energy transition. Each essential, all connected. The audience brings together shipowners, maritime leaders, policymakers, regulators, financiers, academics, innovators, and the new generation, a full house where the right conversations happen with the right people.

To conclude, Vokos added: “Across all events, a clear narrative emerges: shipping is no longer operating at the margins of global developments — it is at their core.”

Posidonia 2026 is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Union of Greek Shipowners, with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.

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ABB, a global leader in automation technology, is once again participating in Posidonia 2026, taking place from 1 to 5 June at the Metropolitan Expo in Athens. Posidonia is one of the most important maritime exhibitions in the world and serves as a key meeting point for ABB with customers, partners and industry professionals.

At booth 1.113, Hall 1, ABB will showcase integrated automation and digital management solutions for vessels and ports, supporting shipping companies in their efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and accelerate their digital transformation.

Among the solutions to be presented:

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for S.W. Cooling Pumps & E.R. Ventilation Fans The easiest and most efficient way to reduce electrical energy consumption is to install a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to control the rotational speed of an electric motor.

ABB Dynafin™ ABB's revolutionary propulsion system achieves up to 25% higher efficiency compared to conventional systems, contributing significantly to reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

ABB Ability™ OneBox – Marine Signals Monitoring A simple and cost-effective digital solution that enables shipowners to collect and analyze vessel performance data in real time, supporting compliance with IMO's EEXI and CII indicators.

Variable Speed Shaft Generator (PTO/PTI) A system that harnesses the energy of the main engine for electrical power generation, with the potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to 17% and a smaller installation footprint of up to 20%.

ABB Ability™ Marine Cyber Security A comprehensive cyber security portfolio specifically designed for the maritime industry, in full compliance with IMO guidelines and IACS UR26/UR27 requirements.

Lifecycle Management Customized services for the analysis, optimization and extension of the lifecycle of vessels and fleets, ensuring safe and reliable operations at every stage.

Additionally, ABB will present a wide range of additional solutions and services for the maritime industry at its stand, covering the full spectrum of needs of modern vessels and ports.

"Posidonia is one of the most important opportunities for us to meet with industry professionals. We are here to demonstrate how ABB's technology helps shipping become more efficient, safe and sustainable, today and in the future," said Ioannis Kokotos, General Manager ABB, Greece & Cyprus.

With decades of experience in the maritime sector, ABB provides solutions that cover the entire lifecycle of a vessel, from design and construction to operation and maintenance.

Visit the stand 1.113, Hall 1 and discover how ABB can support your goals for a more efficient and sustainable shipping industry.

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The Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre (MERC) has welcomed Cargill as its newest member, broadening the industry collaboration working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the existing global shipping fleet. 

Cargill’s membership strengthens MERC by adding the perspective of a major charterer to the Centre’s work. This addition reflects the growing role that commercial operators can play in helping identify, assess and scale practical emissions-reduction measures for ships already in service.   

Together with Drydocks World, who joined MERC earlier this year, the expanded membership strengthens the MERC’s role as a collaborative industry platform to pursue practical emissions reduction measures. 

MERC is an Athens-based non-profit initiative co-established by the Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and leading shipowners Capital Group, Navios Maritime Partners, Neda Maritime Agency, Star Bulk and Thenamaris (Ships Management) Inc., with enabling support from Lloyd’s Register. The Centre was established to help accelerate near-term emissions reductions across the global fleet through technical collaboration and evidence-based analysis. 

Its work is focused on developing solutions and technical studies that can support investment and retrofit decisions that are matched or tailored to different vessel types and trading profiles. Current areas of study include energy-efficiency technologies, hydrodynamic performance, wind-assisted propulsion, alternative auxiliary power solutions and data-driven operational optimisation, as well as integration pathways for more complex onboard systems. 

Nikos Kakalis, Managing Director of MERC, said: “Cargill’s involvement reflects the growing role of charterers in shaping the industry’s decarbonisation pathways.  

“With extensive experience across vessel operations, energy efficiency and technology integration, Cargill brings the important charterer-led perspective on what solutions can realistically be implemented across different ship types and trading profiles” 

Chris Hughes, Decarbonization Lead for Cargill Ocean Transportation, said: “Joining MERC reflects Cargill’s focus on pragmatic decarbonization. We’re working with shipowners and industry partners to test and deploy solutions that cut emissions now, while building the capability to scale as the enabling framework develops.” 

He continued: “Progress depends on deep collaboration with vessel owners to shape solutions, and that’s exactly what MERC enables. As we continue advancing long-term pathways such as alternative fuels, we must also stay laser-focused on practical efficiency measures that deliver impact today. Together, we need to identify what already works, understand the gaps that remain, and scale viable approaches across hardware, operations, data, and digital, so we can drive meaningful, real-world improvements across the fleet.” 

Image: Nikos Kakalis, Managing Director of MERC

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As the maritime industry moves toward connected, interoperable systems, Benefit Software and Procureship announced a strategic partnership that brings full integration between ERP and e-procurement to global shipping operations.

Benefit Software and Procureship have worked together to integrate two pipelines into one.

Through bHive, Benefit Software’s connectivity platform, the Benefit ERP pipeline and the Procureship procurement pipeline now operate as a single, centralised flow that starts from the customer, reaches the vendor, and back. Built on an open-frame architecture with security, data integrity, and AI at its core, bHive delivers the following capabilities to the maritime industry:

• • Speed of document exchange and automated end-to-end purchasing workflows, from requisition to invoice
• • Maritime companies can now access bHive’s vendor list with easy integration, zero onboarding, and zero overhead
• • Full monitoring of flow, with no more silos between systems
• • Scalability and security by design
• • Data integrity and accuracy across the full pipeline
• • AI-powered features to accelerate decision-making and reduce manual work

Integration has always been a core characteristic of Benefit Software’s ERP. For years, Benefit has invested in connecting systems and, more importantly, in connecting the processes that run through them. bHive is the natural next step of this philosophy — extending Benefit’s integration approach beyond its own ERP and into the wider maritime technology ecosystem. Procureship represents one of the most significant partnerships delivered through bHive to date. “Maritime software today is not defined by individual tools, but by how those tools work together as one process,” said Thomas Zavitsanos, Managing Director at Benefit Software.

“Integration has always been at the core of what we build at Benefit. With bHive and this partnership, we are bringing together the connection of ERP and partner workflows into a single, seamless flow — and that is what truly transforms our customers’ everyday operations.”

“This partnership creates immediate value for the entire maritime community we serve,” said Grigoris Lamprou, Co-founder and CEO at Procureship. “Through this integration, and with no additional effort, we now have seamless connectivity to more than 250 of Benefit’s maritime customers — giving them direct access to our procurement platform within the systems they already use every day.”

This close collaboration between Benefit Software and Procureship goes one step further with a special commercial offer for a selected group of customers and vendors, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks.

The integration is available to our customers and will be demonstrated at Posidonia 2026. Additional bHive integrations will continue to be announced as Benefit Software expands its ecosystem of connected maritime partners.

About Benefit Software: Benefit Software is a maritime technology company headquartered in Piraeus, Greece, and founded in 1994. The company develops software solutions purpose-built for the shipping industry, combining deep maritime expertise with a collaborative approach to clients and partners.

The company delivers a comprehensive Operational Ecosystem that connects maritime operations through three core pillars: an integrated ERP system for daily operations, Polus AI for data-driven insights and automation, and B-Hive, a connectivity platform enabling seamless integration with third-party systems.

Today, Benefit Software supports approximately 250 shipping companies and 1,700 vessels worldwide, with over 8,000 office users and 20,000 seafarers relying on its solutions, and more than 35 third-party integrations across maritime operations.

With over 30 years of industry experience and a 98% customer retention rate, Benefit Software supports shipping companies in their long-term digital transformation.

About Procureship: Established in 2016, Procureship is an innovative e-procurement platform based in Athens, Greece, with regional offices in Denmark and Singapore. The company manages a network of trusted suppliers across all major ports and regions, connecting them to over 110 buyers representing over 2,600 globally trading merchant vessels. Procureship makes purchasing critical components, supplies, and services for vessels easier, faster and more streamlined.

Its automated platform optimises the procurement process by eliminating unnecessary manual work and recommending suppliers through its unique machine learning algorithm and service providers marketplace. The platform also offers unique features including IHM maintenance, e-invoicing, tenders/contracts management, freight forwarding optimisation and upcoming vendor management. 

Procureship offers an unparalleled level of customer support with its team of dedicated account managers that offer daily support to all buyers and suppliers. 

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The Britannia Loss Prevention team, in collaboration with the Greek Office Claims team, recently hosted an interactive workshop at the Yacht Club of Greece. 

Focused on the complexities of crew claims, the seminar brought together industry professionals to dissect real-world incidents and establish best practices for risk mitigation.

The sessions were led by a joint team of Loss Prevention and Claims specialists, Capt. Muhammad Khan (Loss Prevention Manager, Britannia P&I London), Anthony Gardner (Loss Prevention Manager, Britannia P&I London), Panos Trichonas (Fleet Manager, Claims, Britannia P&I Piraeus), Ruth Dresser (Fleet Manager, Claims, Britannia P&I Piraeus) & Sofia Syreloglou (Fleet Manager, Claims, Britannia P&I Piraeus).

Case Study 1: Routine Maintenance, Extraordinary Risk

The first session examined a tragic incident involving an injury and a fatality during routine lifeboat testing. Participants engaged in an in-depth analysis of immediate 

post-incident actions, the systemic failures involved, and the resulting legal liabilities under Filipino and Greek Law.

The speakers marked that work planning—even for "simple" or routine tasks—must always include contingency planning. 

Taking over a vessel inherently elevates risk; thorough familiarization with safety equipment is a non-negotiable priority. 

As the conductor noted, quoting Voltaire: "The danger which is least expected soonest comes to us. "A robust safety culture is the most effective defense against the unexpected.

Case Study 2: Managing Mental Health at Sea

The second roundtable addressed a mental health emergency at sea. By reviewing a case where early warning signs were present but unaddressed, attendees explored the high cost of inaction and the logistical hurdles of providing support in remote environments.

After thoroughly discussing, the speakers concluded that escalations are rarely the result of a single act; they are driven by fatigue, neglect, delayed responses, and poor record-keeping.

Mental health cases evolve into major claims when early warnings are ignored.

Supportive leadership and "honest" reporting systems protect both the crew and the Shipowner. Ultimately, a mentally resilient crew is essential for the safe and profitable operation of any vessel.

The workshop concluded with a sobering reminder: liabilities increase exponentially when visible warning signs are ignored. Proactive management, early intervention, and a culture of transparency are not just moral imperatives—they are fundamental to sound loss prevention.

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Nicholas Frangos and Kantio Sigalas are the new inductees 

The Greek Shipping Hall of Fame 2026 induction ceremony recently took place at the Athens Concert Hall, honoring two legendary figures: Captain Nicholas Frangos and Kandio Sigala. This year’s event carried profound historical weight, marking 80 years since the 1946 agreement that allowed Greek shipowners to acquire 100 Liberty ships, a pivotal moment that catalyzed Greece's global maritime dominance.

Captain Nicholas Frangos (1922–2016), hailing from Kardamyla, Chios, was honoured for his technical brilliance and methodical leadership. He co-founded Good Faith Shipping with Nicholas Moundreas, building one of the most successful and enduring partnerships in maritime history. His daughter, Angeliki Frangos, highlighted his philanthropic legacy and his role in managing over 200 vessels throughout his career.

Kandio Sigala (1882–1981) was honored as a trailblazer for women in shipping. Born in Santorini into a seafaring family, she managed a fleet of steamships during the interwar period. Despite losing her fleet during WWII, she demonstrated remarkable resilience by acquiring Liberty ships post-war, earning the respect of titans like Aristotle Onassis for her maritime acumen and integrity.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a rare painting by renowned marine artist Charles Robert Patterson to the U.S. Embassy in Athens. Received by Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle, the gift symbolizes the enduring bond between Greece and the United States. George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, emphasized that Liberty ships were the "backbone" of Greece's post-war reconstruction.

With 45 inductees to date, the Hall of Fame continues to inspire new generations. The event also maintained its charitable mission, providing significant support to Hellenic Hope, represented by George Tsavliris, reinforcing the industry's commitment to social responsibility.

Voting for Inductees takes place annually and is open to members of the Greek Shipping Hall of Fame Academy, currently numbering about 300 prominent individuals in today’s Greek shipping community. The integrity of the on-line voting and the final results are overseen by
accounting and consulting firm Moore Greece. 

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A High-Level Conference on Seafarers was held in Limassol by the Shipping Deputy Ministry, within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, with the participation of representatives from the shipping industry. Among those attending were the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of Greece, Mr. Vassilis Kikilias, as well as Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism, Ms. Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi.

The Opening Session of the High-Level Ministerial & Stakeholders Conference, was marked by the presence of key European and international leaders shaping the future of maritime transport.

Some insights shared by our distinguished speakers:

- EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas: “Seafarers are among the unsung heroes of our times, spending weeks or months away from home to keep our supply chains intact and our economies growing.”

- Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of Greece, Mr. Vassilis Kikilias: “competitiveness through shipping is a key factor of our growth and our future "

- Chair of the Transport and Tourism Committee, European Parliament, Ms. Eliza Vozemberg: “Maritime safety, has been a top priority of our Committee”.

Also present were senior officials, key stakeholders, and prominent figures from regional and international maritime organisations, as well as representatives of the global shipping industry.

Under the theme “Investing in Seafarers: Securing the Future of Global Shipping,” the conference focused on seafarers’ education and training, ways to attract and retain talent in the shipping industry, and initiatives to raise awareness and promote maritime and seafaring professions.

During the event, the Shipping Deputy Minister, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus, presented an award of recognition to Captain Panagiotis Tsakos for his significant contribution to advancing the maritime sector internationally, as well as for his enduring work in nurturing knowledge, strengthening values, and creating opportunities for those who serve at sea.

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Vietnam is rapidly establishing itself as the preeminent economic force in the Far East, emerging as a formidable peer to China. Boasting a population of 110 million and a GDP of $1.8 trillion, the nation has secured a leading global market share in agri-food sectors—including rice, nuts, and coffee—while simultaneously pivoting toward high-tech manufacturing, consumer electronics, and semiconductors.

Four Decades of "Doi Moi" (Renewal)

During an insightful Press Briefing at the Embassy of Vietnam in Athens, Ambassador Pham Thi Thu Huong detailed the nation’s historic transformation. Since 1986, Vietnam has evolved from a crisis-stricken economy with triple-digit inflation into an upper-middle-income country with a remarkable 8.02% growth rate. It now stands as the world’s top exporter of pepper and cashews, and the second-largest exporter of smartphones and rice.

Administrative Reform and National Vision

The year 2026 marks a "New Era" of national rise. Under the leadership of General Secretary and President To Lam and Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Vietnam has implemented a radical consolidation of its political system, streamlining ministries and provincial units to accelerate decision-making. The strategic goal is clear: attaining high-income status by 2045 through digital transformation and an average GDP growth of 10% for the 2026-2031 period.

Strengthening Ties with Greece

Diplomatic and economic relations with Greece are reaching new heights, celebrating 50 years of ties in 2025. Key stakeholders, including Mr. Gabriel Petridis (Honorary Consul in Piraeus), highlighted cooperation in shipping and logistics. Meanwhile, Mr. Christos Giannakakis (ETHEAS) and Mr. Vangelis Kanellopoulos (Work In Greece) emphasized prospects in agricultural exports and labor development.

The Embassy’s 2026 agenda includes:

• • Negotiations on Maritime Cooperation and labor MOUs.
• • The ASEAN Plus Friends Bazaar (May 2026).
• • High-level delegation exchanges and cultural performances to showcase Vietnam's identity as a modern, stable, and attractive destination for global investors.

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