On Wednesday, 11 March 2026, the educational community of PROJECT CONNECT’s Adopt a Ship program came together in an online meeting with representatives of shipping companies, as well as Rear Admiral (HN Ret.) Athanasios Makris, Director of the Office of the Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs, Mr. Stefanos Gkikas. Mr. Makris highlighted the holistic nature of the program, noting: “The sea represents communication, extroversion, trade, culture, freedom and spirit. All these elements are reflected in Adopt a Ship. What better starting point than education and young citizens, who often experience the sea only seasonally? This is a reality that must also reach inland communities, beyond the islands — to help young people understand the maritime world, feel inspired and recognize that it offers a meaningful and evolving professional pathway worth considering. For this reason, Adopt a Ship stands as a strong example of how such an initiative can function holistically. We encourage companies to offer these opportunities, as they create added value that benefits all.”

Within this context, the meeting highlighted the growing impact of Adopt a Ship, which over the past eight years has evolved into a vibrant community connecting educators, ship captains and students. At the heart of the program lies a simple yet powerful mission to build meaningful bridges between schools and the maritime

world and better prepare the next generation for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead by developing skill sets from an early age following their new “role models” captains and engineers. 

Adopt a Ship operates as a holistic educational tool implemented across all levels of education, from kindergarten and primary school to lower secondary education and maritime-oriented vocational high schools (EPAL). Within this framework, the ship becomes a starting point for interdisciplinary learning in the classroom, helping students develop skills while gaining their first meaningful insight into the maritime industry.  Through regular correspondence with the captain of the vessel adopted by their class, students experience in a direct and engaging way how the maritime sector operates. In this way, students discover the professions connected to the sea and explore the opportunities the maritime industry offers.

As noted during the meeting by Ms. Irene Notias, Founder and Director of PROJECT CONNECT her vision goes beyond introduction to maritime culture; it is to create real prospects for young people who wish for a better livelihood that only the maritime sector can offer. One that will allow them to create families by building professional paths in shipping and at same time become the next generation that will support and strengthen the industry. 

The results already confirm the program’s impact. Over the past three years, 211 students were admitted to the Merchant Marine Academies (AEN) as an outcome of their participation in the Adopt a Ship program. Since 2019, more than 1,070 school classes and 513 ship captains have participated in the program in Greece and the United States, creating an extensive network that now reaches more than 27,000 students, over 800 educators and over 1500 seafarers.

The teachers reaffirmed that Adopt a Ship has become an influential tool linking core educational subjects with the maritime industry, opening pathways for the next generation of maritime professionals and a teachers tool they chose over and over again.

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V.Group ("V."), the global ship management provider, has been chosen by Laskaridis Maritime (Laskaridis) to provide crew manning services for two of its dry bulk vessels, and full technical management to the newest addition to its fleet, the LR2 tanker Lucknam.

By choosing V. as their ship management provider for the tankers, Laskaridis aims to leverage V.’s global scale to enhance operational efficiencies across their modern fleet.

Shubpreet Singh, Senior Managing Director, Strategy Delivery, V., said: “We are excited to begin this partnership with Laskaridis, a company known for its global ambition and high standards. We believe that our holistic approach to ship management offers Laskaridis the scale and depth of service required to excel in today’s complex maritime environment, ensuring this partnership is built for long-term growth and operational excellence.”

Maria Paidi, Manager Crew Department, Laskaridis Maritime, added: “Maintaining a modern and efficient fleet requires reliable access to qualified and well-supported seafarers. This agreement with V. supports our crewing requirements as our fleet continues to develop. We value V.’s emphasis on crew welfare and their ability to provide manning services that can adapt to changes in fleet size over time, and we look forward to a constructive working relationship.”

Laskaridis Maritime remains at the forefront of modern fleet operations, with an average vessel age of under four years. Their focus on sustainability and modernised operations aligns perfectly with V.’s own operational priorities, particularly as the industry works toward rigorous decarbonisation targets.

Shubpreet Singh added, “We are pleased that Laskaridis’ focus on crew wellbeing and management aligns so closely with the importance we place on our people. By combining our expertise, we ensure that the crew on board the Lucknam and Laskaridis’s wider fleet will benefit from the highest standards of safety, support, and professional training.”

The partnership was formally inaugurated on 7th January 2026, when Shubpreet Singh attended the official naming ceremony for the Lucknam hosted by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding.

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A high-level HELMEPA delegation representing fifteen Greek shipping companies and maritime organizations travelled to Washington, D.C. for its annual engagement with the United States Coast Guard, reaffirming a longstanding partnership built on shared commitment to marine environmental protection, vessel safety, and compliance in U.S. waters.

The working session, held on 4 March at USCG Headquarters, addressed the full spectrum of issues affecting foreign-flagged vessels trading in U.S. waters. Key topics included Port State Control inspection trends, container vessel safety, firefighting systems, hazardous cargo including lithium-ion batteries and EVs, cybersecurity compliance, Ballast Water Management System operation under challenging water quality conditions, VIDA implementation, Ship-to-Ship operations, and the QUALSHIP 21 program. IMO engagement and the new U.S. Maritime Action Plan were also discussed, alongside crew welfare and international affairs.

The meeting was chaired by Rear Admiral Wayne Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, and co-chaired by Captain Robert Compher, Director of Inspections and Compliance, along with other Coast Guard officials.

The delegation was led by HELMEPA Chairperson Semiramis Paliou, along with HELMEPA Board members: 2nd Vice Chairperson Maria Hajioannou, Alternate Treasurer Harris Antoniou, Member Eirini Pitta and Alternate Member Alexandros Glykas, as well as HELMEPA Director General Olga Stavropoulou and Head of Maritime Affairs and Stakeholder Development Costas Triantafillou.

It brought together owners, CEOs and executives from 15 HELMEPA member companies, collectively representing 381 shipping companies and maritime organisations operating a combined fleet of over 2,500 vessels (in alphabetical order): Alassia Newships Management, Bureau Veritas, Costamare Shipping Company S.A., Danaos Shipping Co. Ltd., Diana Shipping Services S.A., DYNAMARINe, ERMA Tech Group, Eurobulk Ltd., Ionic, Kyla Shipping & Trading Corp., Neptune Maritime Leasing Ltd., Seanergy Shipmanagement Corp., Tsakos ConBulk Services (TCB) Ltd., Tsakos Shipping & Trading S.A., and the University of the Aegean.

The outcomes of the meeting will be compiled and circulated to all HELMEPA members.

The relationship between HELMEPA and the USCG stretches back to 1986, when Coast Guard officers first addressed HELMEPA members in Piraeus. Annual Washington D.C. meetings have been a fixture since 2013.

On 5 March, senior maritime law professionals at Blank Rome (hosts for the session organised by sister association NAMEPA) provided a regulatory update on foreign-flag vessel operations in U.S. waters, including Port State Control focus areas, sanctions, and enforcement actions. The Counselor for Economic Affairs at the Greek Embassy in Washington, D.C., Dionysios Protopapas also participated in the discussions.

About HELMEPA

The Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA) is a voluntary, non-governmental organization founded in 1982 with the mission “To Save the Seas.” HELMEPA mobilizes the shipping and maritime industries and the wider public towards the protection of the marine environment through education, training, and awareness- raising programs. Today, HELMEPA brings together: 381 companies and organizations in Greece and abroad, along with thousands of their personnel at sea and ashore, 2,500+ vessels of all types and 15,000+ seafarers and maritime professionals. HELMEPA is a founding member of INTERMEPA, the International Marine Environment Protection Association.

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Laskaridis Shipping has signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) agreement with bound4blue and Bureau Veritas to assess the integration of eSAILs® across its fleet

The agreement was signed on Wednesday, 18 March at the premises of Laskaridis Shipping in Athens, in the presence of representatives from the participating organisations.

bound4blue’s suction sails - which work by drawing air across an aerodynamically optimised surface to generate exceptional lift – are suitable for both retrofit and newbuild projects. The technology is suited to a wide range of segments. bound4blue’s DNV type approved technology is now the preferred choice of a range of leading global shipowners.

The collaboration framework for the Joint Development Project was introduced and facilitated by OCEANKING, bringing together an innovative technology developer, a forward-thinking shipowner, and a prominent classification society.

The objective of the Joint Development Project is to create a credible, transparent, and technically robust process for evaluating the integration of the technology on Laskaridis’ vessels. 

Mrs Catherine Prifti DPA, HSQE Director of Laskaridis Shipping Co. Ltd., highlighted “we are proud to pioneer the installation of suction sails onboard MV POLYDEFKIS through a Joint Development Project (JDP) in collaboration with bound4blue and Bureau Veritas.

This initiative aligns with our ESG strategy and reflects our commitment to delivering measurable improvements in vessel efficiency. The integration of WASP and specifically with the suction sails technology, is expected to significantly enhance the vessel’s operational performance.

MV POLYDEFKIS is equipped with state-of-the-art telemetry systems and holds Bureau Veritas’ “SMART” class notation, ensuring the collection of accurate and reliable performance data.

Bureau Veritas, a globally recognized and highly respected classification society, will conduct independent and rigorous validation of the vessel’s operational performance improvements.”

The framework will examine key aspects, including installation requirements, onboard integration, operation requirements, and independent validation of operational performance. Through this JDP approach, the participating parties aim to jointly assess both the technical feasibility and economic viability of the solution, on the Greek owner’s fleet, establishing a clear pathway for informed decision-making and potential deployment of bound4blue eSAILs® on designated vessels. 

Henning Steffen, Sales Director Europe at bound4blue, said: “We’re looking forward to working with Laskaridis Shipping and Bureau Veritas to define how suction sails can be integrated across their fleet.Wind propulsion is a practical way to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and we’re glad to support Laskaridis as they explore how it can play a role across their fleet.”

"We are pleased and proud that our initiative has led to this significant collaboration, the first of its kind in Greece” said Mr. Costas Hassiotis, OCEANKING CEO  “through this JDP, we aim to enhance the credibility of operational performance and strengthen confidence in WASP, while highlighting how synergies  among technology providers, shipowners, and classification societies reflect the maritime industry’s commitment to sustainable solutions, such as the eSAILs®, that advance efficiency and support decarbonization objectives.”

Finally, Paillette Palaiologou, Senior Vice President of East Europe, Mediterranean Sea, Middle East, India and Africa (EMA), Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “We are delighted to support this JDP, which reflects Bureau Veritas’ commitment to enabling safe, reliable and scalable decarbonization solutions. By providing independent expertise, we aim to help ensure that wind propulsion technologies such as eSAILs can be assessed with clarity and confidence, supporting informed decisions for shipowners.

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Executing the largest public listing of a Western-backed shipping company in the past two decades, Capital Tankers Corp., the newly formed crude oil shipping company backed by Greek shipowner Evangelos Marinakis, began trading on the Euronext Growth Oslo exchange on Tuesday 17^th March 2026.

The company, which trades under the ticker “CAPT,” launched alongside a NOK 4.8 billion (approximately $500 million) private placement that was heavily oversubscribed, highlighting strong international investor appetite. More than 900 investors took part in the offering, including a notable level of participation from retail investors.

Shares opened at NOK 134 at the start of trading in Oslo, giving the company a market valuation of around NOK 17.56 billion (roughly $1.6–1.7 billion). In total, just over 131 million shares were admitted to trading, with the option to increase that number through an over-allotment mechanism. Following the transaction, about 26% of the company is held by investors—primarily long-term institutional funds—while the remaining stake is retained by its parent, Capital Maritime & Trading.

The listing is Euronext’s 11th of the year and its sixth international admission in 2026 so far. It stands out not only for its size but also as one of the most significant shipping IPOs globally in recent years, underscoring renewed investor interest in the tanker sector.

Capital Tankers plans to use the proceeds primarily to fund its ongoing shipbuilding program, as well as for working capital and general corporate needs. The company is also considering a future move to Oslo’s main market and is exploring the possibility of a dual listing in the United States, depending on market conditions.

The company currently manages a fleet of 30 modern crude oil tankers, with nine already in operation and 21 under construction, scheduled for delivery through 2028. It also holds options to acquire an additional 13 vessels, positioning it for further expansion. Many of its ships are equipped with LNG dual-fuel technology, reflecting a broader industry shift toward more environmentally compliant operations.

Formed through a spin-off from Capital Maritime & Trading, Capital Tankers is focused on the crude tanker segment, operating mainly in spot and short-term charter markets. Marinakis remains a central shareholder, and under his leadership, the broader Capital Group has grown into a major global shipping platform with a fleet of 177 vessels and a combined capacity of approximately 18.4 million deadweight tons.

Capital Tankers’ impressive debut further solidifies Capital Group’s standing in international capital markets, coming at a pivotal moment as the shipping sector navigates substantial changes resulting from Middle East tensions, the global shift toward cleaner energy, and the adoption of more rigorous environmental standards.

Chief Executive Officer Gerasimos Kalogiratos said the strong response from investors confirms both the quality of the company’s fleet and the favorable outlook for tanker markets. He noted that the Oslo listing provides access to a deep and sophisticated investor base as the company moves forward with its growth strategy.

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Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. took delivery of the fourth in a series of eight Kamsarmax vessels on behalf of its Principals at Dalian Cosco KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (DACKS) shipyard in Dalian, China. The Cypriot-flagged vessel was delivered on 11 March 2026 and named Africa Graeca II. 

During the naming ceremony our CEO Capt. Stephanos E. Angelakos’ address highlighted the significant role of our people: “The true strength of our company lies in safeguarding the long-term well-being of our people - both at sea and ashore. From captain to captain, and from generation to generation, the knowledge of the sea is passed on as both responsibility and trust. Each generation is entrusted not only to preserve what it receives, but to strengthen it for those who will follow.”

Ms. Eirini Viltanioti, Associate Professor of Ancient Philosophy at the University of Crete, who served as Godmother of the vessel, spoke about the profound historical exchange between Greece and Africa. More specifically, she pointed out the establishment of early “global” maritime trade networks linking the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, the development of the first transcontinental lingua franca (the Hellenistic Koine), the great scientific and philosophical institutions of the Museum and Library of Alexandria, the major religious and cultural developments, as well as influential works of art and literature.
Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. was represented by its Honorary Chairman, Mr. Evangelos El. Angelakos, along with company’s executives and its dedicated site team of naval architects, engineers and seafarers led by Project Manager Mr. Panayiotis Makris, as well as the vessel’s Master, officers, and crew.
The shipyard’s leadership was represented by the President Mr. Luo Wenqing and senior executives. Partners of Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. and academics from Beijing were also attending. We thank everyone who joined us on this special occasion.

We warmly welcome Africa Graeca II under our management and wish her and her crew fair winds and clear skies.

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The Vafias Group has reached a significant milestone in its aggressive fleet expansion strategy with the delivery of its 36th and 37th gas carrier newbuildings, the ECO TEXIANA and ECO NEBULA. These sophisticated vessels represent a strategic investment of approximately $80 million en bloc and were constructed at the renowned Sasaki Shipyard in Japan. Both ships are designed as fully pressurized 11,000 cbm VCM (vinyl chloride monomer) carriers, a specialized segment that highlights the group's technical versatility. Operating under the Marshall Islands flag and maintained to the high standards of Bureau Veritas classification, the sister ships are held under the group's private arm. This delivery underscores the group's continued preference for high-quality Japanese craftsmanship, which remains a cornerstone of its maritime assets.  

The group’s growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing, as it currently oversees a substantial orderbook of 13 additional energy-carrying vessels slated for delivery between the first quarter of 2027 and 2029. This newbuilding program, valued at over $1 billion, is heavily concentrated at Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in South Korea. The current lineup includes a diverse tanker portfolio consisting of four MR tankers, four LR2 tankers, and four Suezmaxes, alongside one additional gas carrier under construction in Japan. This balanced expansion across the crude, product, and gas sectors reinforces the Vafias Group's position as a dominant force in global energy logistics.  

Structurally, the Vafias Group operates through a robust multi-pillared corporate framework that combines private flexibility with public market access. The group's private operations are managed through Stealth Maritime and Brave Maritime, which handle the bulk of the group's tanker and dry cargo interests respectively. Complementing these are three U.S.-listed entities, most notably StealthGas Inc., which specializes in the LPG and petrochemical gas sector. 

Spun off from StealthGas in late 2021, Imperial Petroleum is the second Nasdaq listed company of Vafias group which focuses primarily on the tanker and dry bulk sectors operating a diversified fleet of approximately 19 to 20 vessels, including MR product tankers, Suezmax tankers, and several Handysize/Kamsarmax bulk carriers.  

Lastly C3is Inc. is the youngest of the listed trio, C3is Inc. that was spun off from Imperial Petroleum in June 2023. It serves as the group's vehicle for the dry bulk and specialized tanker market. Its fleet size reached approximately 6 vessels, including Handysize dry cargo ships, an Aframax oil tanker, and recently acquired MR tankers.  

By maintaining a fleet of over 100 modern vessels and achieving a nearly debt-free status across its various arms, the Vafias Group remains uniquely positioned to capitalize on evolving market demands while continuing its storied tradition of fleet renewal and technological innovation. 

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M/MARITIME – Platinum Sponsor of the Japan Pavilion, partnering with the Embassy of Japan in Greece to celebrate the deep maritime connection and shared values that unite Japan and Greece.

Athens, 16/03/26 – M/MARITIME will serve as Platinum Sponsor of the Japan Pavilion at the Thessaloniki International Fair 2026, supporting Japan’s official participation in one of Southeast Europe’s most prominent international exhibitions.

Japan will participate in the exhibition as the Honoured Country at the landmark 100th edition of the Thessaloniki International Fair, highlighting the strong economic and cultural ties between Japan and Greece.

Working in close collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Greece, M/MARITIME will contribute to showcasing Japan’s innovation, culture and industrial excellence while highlighting the longstanding relationship between Japan and Greece, particularly in the maritime sector where the two nations share deep historical ties and strong cooperation.

The Japan Pavilion will be presented under the theme “TAKUMI,” representing the Japanese philosophy of craftsmanship and the pursuit of excellence. The pavilion will highlight innovation, sustainability and technological advancement through three thematic pillars: Wisdom, Compassion and Drive.

Japan’s participation at the Thessaloniki International Fair 2026 is expected to attract strong interest from government representatives, industry leaders and the international business community, reinforcing economic and industrial cooperation between the two countries.

Through its sponsorship of the Japan Pavilion, M/MARITIME contributes to strengthening the enduring maritime connection between Japan and Greece.

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Bringing together 309 representatives from shipowning and ship management companies, maritime service providers, 15 Embassies and 18 maritime organizations representing the core of the Greek shipping community, the Navigator Assembly held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Athens.

This year’s event held particular significance as 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the NAVIGATOR – The Shipping Decision Makers Forum, celebrating nearly three decades of dialogue, innovation and thought leadership in the maritime industry.

Participants were welcomed by Danae Bezantakou, CEO of Navigator Shipping Consultants, who thanked the more than 10,000 participants who have supported the forum over the past 25 years, making it one of the oldest privately initiated maritime conferences in Greece, as well as the Greek shipping community for its continued trust and support.

For 35 years, Navigator Shipping Consultants has been providing reliable towing and port agency services through its worldwide network, contributing to the smooth operation of ports and global trade routes. This year’s Assembly focused on critical challenges and opportunities shaping the future of shipping, including sustainability, technological transformation, education and geopolitical resilience, while reaffirming the importance of collaboration, innovation and investing in the next generation of maritime professionals.

Opening remarks were also delivered by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Haris Theoharis, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping George Alexandratos, and President of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association John Cotzias.

The discussions focused on three key thematic pillars:

Decarbonization and ESG

The energy transition of shipping represents one of the sector’s greatest challenges, as geopolitical tensions and instability in energy markets continue to drive fuel prices higher and affect the availability and development of alternative fuels such as biofuels. At the same time, approximately 95% of the global fleet still operates on conventional fuels, while the transition to Net Zero is expected to require investments of up to $2 trillion.

Participants highlighted that ESG is rapidly evolving from a regulatory compliance tool into a key strategic pillar for shipping companies. For the first time, representatives from the banking sector also took part in the discussion, emphasizing the importance of the meaningful integration of ESG principles. They stressed that the green transition should not become a simple “box-ticking exercise”, but should instead be based on constructive dialogue among all stakeholders.

Investors and financial institutions are increasingly demanding greater transparency, incorporating ESG indicators into their financing decisions. Enhanced transparency is expected to create new opportunities for access to capital for the shipping industry in the coming years. At the same time, participants agreed on the necessity of the green transition, noting that it must proceed in a coordinated and well-planned manner, without undermining the competitiveness of businesses.

However, the greatest challenge remains the active participation of the shipping industry in shaping legislative and regulatory frameworks, in order to ensure that the energy transition is implemented smoothly, in line with market principles and with full recognition of the maritime industry’s critical role in global trade.

Smart Shipping & the Human Element

Despite the rapid advancement of technology, seamanship, experience and human judgment remain at the core of safe and efficient shipping. With regards to education and technology, a particularly constructive dialogue took place, highlighting the need for more targeted training and greater use of technology and artificial intelligence, always in combination with the human element.

The discussion emphasized that while artificial intelligence, telemetry and digital platforms can process data and enhance safety, the full automation of ships remains a distant prospect. Key topics included crew education and training, mental health, the management of multinational crews and intergenerational collaboration, allowing the knowledge of experienced seafarers to be combined with the technological skills of younger professionals.

Participants also agreed that experience and seamanship remain fundamental elements both for operations at sea and for shore-based management. Technology should therefore not replace these qualities, but rather support and strengthen them.

The main conclusion was that the future of shipping will rely on a balanced integration of the human element and digital technology, ensuring safety, efficiency and sustainability across the industry.

Geopolitical Developments and Shipping

Recent geopolitical developments — from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to tensions in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf — highlight the strategic importance of shipping for the global economy.

With 90% of global trade transported by sea, and available shipping capacity reduced by up to 22% in certain regions, the protection of seafarers, the safety of vessels and the effective management of geopolitical risks have become critical priorities. Shipping is therefore not only a key industry, but a strategic pillar for Europe and the global economy.

The Navigator Assembly 2026 highlighted the need for pragmatic and gradual solutions, the smart use of technology, continuous education and stronger cooperation within the maritime community — while underlining the importance of ongoing dialogue among leaders of the world’s leading shipping nation.

The conclusions and key insights of this year’s discussions will be presented on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) during the 25th Navigator 2026 – The Shipping Decision Makers Forum.

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The approval supports the development of technologies designed to improve vessel efficiency and support more sustainable hull management practices.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted type approval and technical assurance to GIT Coatings for its next-generation graphene-based foul-release hull coating, XGIT-FORCE™.

The approval confirms that LR has independently assessed the concept and design of the coating against relevant technical requirements and it is compliant with the International Maritime Organization’s International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships.

Hull condition remains one of the most significant operational factors affecting vessel performance, with even light biofouling capable of increasing fuel consumption and emissions. As regulatory pressure and decarbonisation targets intensify, shipowners are increasingly examining hull coatings and maintenance strategies that can help maintain optimal hydrodynamic performance.

Developed by Canada-based GIT Coatings, XGIT-FORCE™ is a hard foul-release coating designed to create a highly smooth, durable hull surface that allows for regular inspection and proactive cleaning. This approach reflects a growing shift towards continuous hull performance management rather than reliance on conventional biocide-based antifouling coatings.

The type approval of XGIT‑FORCE is an important early validation step within LR’s antifouling assurance framework. It provides a technical foundation for further assessment as in‑service data builds, following a similar pathway to GIT Coatings’ XGIT‑Fuel graphene‑based hull coating, which received the industry’s first Enhanced Antifouling Type Approval from LR in 2024.

Heather Hughes, Team Leader for Non-Metallics and Coating Materials at Lloyd’s Register, said: “Shipowners are increasingly focusing on hull performance as part of their strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions and improve vessel efficiency. Through initiatives such as this, Lloyd’s Register continues to work with technology developers like GIT Coatings and shipowners to assess emerging innovations and support their safe and effective introduction into the global fleet.”

Mo AlGermozi, CEO of GIT Coatings, said: “Type Approval from Lloyd’s Register is a powerful validation of our graphene-based coating technology and the disciplined development behind it. Following the same pathway that led to enhanced type approval for XGIT-FUEL, XGIT-FORCE™ brings shipowners a proven solution capable of unlocking up to 10% fuel savings - delivering exceptional commercial value and operational efficiency needed in today markets.”

XGIT-FORCE™ is already being introduced across several commercial vessels, including LPG carriers, bulk carriers and container ships operating on major trade routes.

About Lloyd’s Register             

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine and offshore engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set standards for the safety of ships.  

Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.  

We also provide advisory services and digital solutions, supporting fleet and voyage performance and optimisation.   

Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 30,000 vessels, following the acquisition of OneOcean in 2022 and Ocean Technologies Group in 2024.  

In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition.  

Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education.  

For more information, go to www.lr.org          

About GIT Coatings

GIT Coatings is a global marine coatings technology company specialising in graphene-based solutions that improve vessel efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. With over 600+ applications worldwide, GIT Coatings’ products and services support ship owners and operators in achieving measurable performance and peak operational efficiencies. 

Image: Maggie Kennedy, Director of Partnerships at GIT Coatings, receiving Type Approval certificate from Chris Pfisterer, VP Commercial - Americas at Lloyd's Register.

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