Submitted by Irene Notias, Founder & Director 

This year, the CONNECT CV-HR PLATFORM recorded significant growth, reaching a total of 71 new registrations. Among them, 4 young professionals successfully secured positions in reputable companies within the maritime industry, such as Pleiades Shipping, Marine Plus, Mylaki Shipping Agency, and Bernhard Schulte. This achievement underscores the role of our platform as a vital link between young talent and the maritime sector.

The “Adopt a Ship” maritime educational program in Greek schools enjoyed another expanding year!  One hundred ninety-seven Greek teachers are currently and consistently teaching over 4200 pupils about geography, Greek history of Shipping and its significance to the Greek and global economy, English Language, commerce and trade, life at sea, and empathy, thru this program by NPO, PROJECT CONNECT. 

Specifically, two hundred and twenty-two classes of one hundred-thirty participating schools have been exchanging over 300 e-mail communications with 150 vessels of 45 Greek and non-Greek shipowning companies in the Adopt a Ship program.

Twenty-three of the schools are Nautical Vocational High Schools whose pupils state they are more assured than ever now that they are on right path to become captains and engineers because of their participation and the Captains and engineers engagement with them in the program.

The NPO first introduced it to Greece in 2018 with seven schools and seven vessels of Ms Notias bunker client owners. Then in 2020 with the suggestion of the then Minister of Education, Mrs Kerameos, she and her team took it nationwide.  Managing it with tremendous success, it is now in Florida’s Hellenic Charter Schools, in U.S.A., Plato Academy.

SCHOOLS participating this school year 2024-25 in areas of:

CHALKIDA – ELEFSINA – THESSALONIKI (ORAIOKASTRO, PILEA, STAVROUPOLIS) – FLORINA – PEIRAIA – KOZANI – NIKAIA – VIOTIA – KOS – PEFKI – PATISIA -SERRES – VOLOS – KIFISIA – KASTORIA – KORYDALLOS – ANDROS – FTHIOTIDA – EVOIA – KRITI (CHANIA, IRAKLEIO, LASITHI, AG. NIKOLAOS) – PRESPES –

OINOUSSES – PATMOS – TYROS, ARKADIAS – SPETSES – ELAFONISOS – PATRA – KEFALONIA – NAFPAKTOS – PALLINI – KANTZA – PERAMA – VOULIAGMENIS - ELLINIKO – KALAMATA – ANOIXI – CHALANDRI – KOROPI – AIFIDNES – PERISTERI – MAROUSI – SAMOS – RODOS – CHIOS – ALEXANDROUPOLIS – KEA – LARISA ATHINA – KALLITHEA – ILION – VRONTADOU – KARDAMYLA – LAKONIA – LAMIA – KERATSINI – AMALIADA – GALAXIDI – KALYMNOS – MYKONOS – LOUTRAKI – FLORIDA, USA.

Shipping Companies participating in the program this year: ΑEGEAN BULK CO. INC., ALASSIA NEWSHIPS MANAGEMENT INC., ALPHA BULKERS SHIPMANAGEMENT INC., ANDRIAKI SHIPPING CO. LTD., ARCADIA SHIPMANAGEMENT CO. LTD., ARISTON NAVIGATION CORP., ASTRA SHIPMANAGEMENT INC., ATLANTIC BULK CARRIERS MANAGEMENT LTD., BERNHARD SCHULTE SHIPMANAGEMENT (HELLAS) SPLLC., CAPITAL EXECUTIVE SHIP MANAGEMENT CORP., CAPITAL GAS SHIP MANAGEMENT CORP., CAPITAL SHIP MANAGEMENT CORP., CARRAS (HELLAS) S.A., CHANDRIS (HELLAS) INC., CHRONOS SHIPPING CO. LTD., COMMON PROGRESS CO. NA. S.A., COSTAMARE SHIPPING CO. S.A., DANAOS SHIPPING CO. LTD., DIANA SHIPPING SERVICES S.A. (NAMU SHIPPING), EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN MARITIME LTD., EMPIRE CHEMICAL TANKERS HOLDINGS INC. (NICOMEDIA NAVIGATION LTD.), EUROBULK LTD., FAFALIOS SHIPPING S.A., GASLOG LNG SERVICES LTD. (NEW), HALKIDON SHIPPING CORPORATION, INTERUNITY MANAGEMENT CORPORATION S.A., KASSIAN MARITIME LTD., KONKAR SHIPPING AGENCIES S.A., LATSCO MARINE MANAGEMENT INC., LOAD LINE MARINE S.A., MARAN DRY MANAGEMENT INC.                       (ANGELICOUSSIS GROUP), MARAN GAS MARITIME INC. (ANGELICOUSSIS GROUP), MARAN TANKERS MANAGEMENT INC. (ANGELICOUSSIS GROUP), MEDITERRANEAN CAR-CARRIERS LINES S.A. (MCCL), NAVITAS COMPANIA MARITIMA S.A., NEPTUNE LINES SHIPPING & MANAGING ENTERPRISES S.A., PEGASUS OCEAN SERVICES (Halkidon Shipping Corporation), PLEIADES SHIPPING AGENTS S.A., POLFORCE SHIPPING CO. S.A., QUEENSWAY NAVIGATION CO. LTD., ROSWELL NAVIGATION CORP., SEA TRADERS S.A. -  PALOMINO TRADING S.A., SEA TRADERS S.A. - PROMINENCE MARITIME S.A., SEANERGY MANAGEMENT CORP., SEAVEN DRY MANAGEMENT INC., SHELTON NAVIGATION S.A., SPRINGFIELD SHIPPING CO., PANAMA S.A.  OLYMPIC SHIPPING & MANAGEMENT S.A., STARBULK S.A., TECHNOMAR SHIPPING INC.

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By Mr Anastasios Maraslis*, Founder/President of Marasco Marine Ltd.

In an increasingly complex and often unethical business environment, shipping companies face immense challenges. Economic turbulence, regulatory pressures, and shifting market dynamics demand not just survival, but principled and sustainable growth. The philosophy of Objectivism, developed by Ayn Rand, offers a powerful framework to achieve this. By embracing rational self-interest, integrity, and a commitment to productive achievement, shipping companies can navigate these challenges, gain social approval, and drive financial growth.

For over 33 years, Marasco Marine Ltd has exemplified these principles, ensuring steady success for both the company and its clients, through strategic risk management and ethical business practices.

1. Rational Self-Interest: The Compass for Strategic Decisions

At the core of Objectivism is the concept of rational self-interest — making decisions that advance long-term goals without sacrificing values or exploiting others. In the shipping industry, this translates to strategies that prioritize sustainable success over short-term gains.

• Practical Application:

Marasco Marine Ltd employs a rational approach to risk management by conducting thorough assessments of market conditions, geopolitical factors, and operational risks. This ensures that business decisions are grounded in objective analysis and serve the long-term interests of clients and stakeholders.

• Client Benefit:

By applying rational self-interest, Marasco Marine Ltd helps clients make informed decisions that balance opportunity and risk, protecting their investments and fostering growth even during turbulent times.

2. Integrity: The Anchor of Reputation and Trust

Integrity is the unwavering adherence to one’s principles, even in the face of adversity. For a shipping company, integrity means maintaining ethical standards in business dealings, transparent communication, and delivering on promises.

• Practical Application:

Over the past 33 years, Marasco Marine Ltd has built a reputation for integrity by honoring commitments, fostering transparent relationships, and avoiding unethical practices. This approach extends to all business contacts, contracts, and client relationships.

• Client Benefit:

Clients know they can rely on Marasco Marine Ltd’s ethical standards and principled approach to risk management. This trust is crucial in an industry where uncertainty is common, ensuring lasting partnerships and confidence in the company’s guidance.

3. Productive Achievement: The Engine of Growth

In Objectivism, productive achievement is a core virtue. Success is earned through innovation, competence, and relentless effort. Shipping companies that focus on creating value, improving efficiency, and adopting technological advancements set themselves apart in a competitive market.

• Practical Application:

Marasco Marine Ltd continually enhances its services through innovative risk management strategies and efficient operational practices. By staying ahead of industry trends and adopting cutting-edge technologies, the company ensures clients receive the highest standard of Marine Insurance & Marine Claims services.

• Impact on Growth:

This commitment to productive achievement has enabled Marasco Marine Ltd to maintain a successful course, providing resilient and forward-thinking solutions to clients, even during challenging market conditions.

4. Respect for Individual Rights: The Foundation of Ethical Operations

Objectivism emphasizes respect for individual rights, including the rights of employees, clients, and stakeholders. Ethical treatment of individuals and fair business practices are not acts of sacrifice but essential elements of a rational and just business model.

• Practical Application:

Marasco Marine Ltd upholds fair labor practices, prioritizes client’s interests, and promotes a culture where employees, associates and clients are treated with dignity and respect. This principle extends to transparent contracts and equitable business relationships.

• Client Benefit:

Clients benefit from working with a company that respects their autonomy and prioritizes ethical dealings. This approach fosters long-term collaboration and mutual success.

5. Strategic Risk Management: Thriving in Good and Bad Weather

Risk management is a critical component of success in the shipping industry. By applying Objectivist principles, Marasco Marine Ltd approaches risk not as a threat to be avoided but as a factor to be understood, analyzed, and strategically managed.

• Practical Application:

Through meticulous planning, scenario analysis, and proactive strategies, Marasco Marine Ltd helps clients mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations, regulatory changes, and operational challenges. This rational, principle-based approach ensures that clients are well-prepared to weather uncertainties.

• Impact on Success:

Over its 33-year history, Marasco Marine Ltd’s ability to navigate risks with integrity and rational self-interest has contributed significantly to its resilience and growth. By aligning business practices with these principles, the company continues to deliver value and success for its clients, regardless of market conditions.

Ethical Success Through Objectivism

In a turbulent and sometimes unethical world, Objectivism offers shipping companies a clear path to ethical success and financial growth. By embracing rational self-interest, integrity, productive achievement, and respect for individual rights, businesses can chart ethical waters, gaining social approval and increasing their capacity for growth and influence.

Marasco Marine Ltd stands as a testament to these principles, having guided its clients and business through good and bad weather for over three decades. By applying strategic risk management and unwavering integrity, the company not only thrives but also elevates the standards of the industry it serves.

*Mr. Anastasios Maraslis

Founder & President | Marasco Marine Ltd (1991–Present)

Founder & CEO | Shipowners Trust International Corporation (S.T.I.C) (1998–Present)

Mr. Maraslis is an accomplished shipping and Marine Insurance industry leader with over three decades of experience. As the Founder and President of Marasco Marine Ltd, established in 1991, and the Founder and CEO of Shipowners Trust International Corporation (S.T.I.C) since 1998, he has played a pivotal role in supporting small- and medium-sized shipowners through innovative custom made Marine Insurance Policies, Marine Claims consultancy services and Risk Management strategies, with his team and Marasco’s unique Advisors’ Board.

Author: A prolific author, Mr. Maraslis has written several books in Greek, including a best seller:

• "Wolf or Sheep?"
• "The Silence of Men"
• "The Circle of Passion"

His insightful works explore themes of human nature, personal integrity, and societal dynamics, often reflecting his deep engagement with Aristotelian logic, Platonic philosophy, and Ayn Rand's Objectivism. These philosophical frameworks underpin his approach to leadership, decision-making, and ethical business conduct.

• Aristotelian Logic provides the foundation for his strategic thinking, emphasizing clarity, reason, and the pursuit of objective truths in a complex industry.
• Platonic Philosophy inspires his commitment to ideals such as justice, integrity, and the pursuit of higher knowledge.
• As an ambassador of Ayn Rand's Objectivism, Mr. Maraslis upholds the principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and productive achievement, ensuring that his businesses are built on a framework of honesty, independence, and value creation.

He has authored a thoroughly researched study on Objectivism, and a paper exploring how Rand's philosophy applies to modern business ethics and personal integrity.

In addition to his books, he has contributed numerous articles to respected Greek shipping newspapers and magazines, solidifying his voice as an authority in both maritime and philosophical discourse.

Mr. Maraslis has been invited to speak on his works and philosophies by prominent Greek TV channels, including NET National TV, Ant1, Mega, Star, Alpha, and Extra, where he has shared his thoughts on self improvement, self awareness, ethics, and human nature.

Professional Affiliations

• Distinguished Member, Panhellenic Writers Association
• Member, The International Propeller Club
• Member, Piraeus Marine Club
• Member, Piraeus Chamber of Commerce
• Member, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI)

Mr. Maraslis is dedicated to advancing the maritime sector and passionately supports small- to medium-sized shipping companies, which form the backbone of the Greek shipping community, contributing significantly to their growth and development.

More about Marasco Marine Ltd can be found at: www.marasco-marine.com

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Piraeus Port Authority S.A. has received two new prestigious awards, being named both True Leader and ESG Leading Company of the Year. The “True Leaders” award, presented by ICAP CRIP, a leading group specializing in credit risk solutions and creditworthiness assessments, recognizes companies that stand out in the Greek market based on objective criteria derived from publicly available data. PPA S.A. has earned the “True Leaders” title once again this year, ranking among the top 500 companies in Greece with the highest profitability (EBITDA) in 2023, as well as a large employee base, placing it as a leader in the port industry.

The ESG Leading Company of the Year award, presented by Naftemporiki, highlights the importance of responsible business practices and sustainability. The award recognizes companies that integrate ESG, Environmental, Social, and Governance, criteria into their strategies and operations.

Mr. Su Xudong, CEO of PPA S.A., expressed the company’s satisfaction with these two significant awards, noting that they reflect the results of ongoing and systematic efforts at the port. The company’s strategy focuses on the development and modernization of Piraeus across all areas of port operations, while maintaining a consistent focus on sustainability and ESG principles. This approach has enabled PPA S.A. to maintain its position for another year as a top-performing company.

About PPA S.A.:  Piraeus Port Authority SA is an Athens Stock Exchange listed company engaged in the management and operation of Piraeus port, Greece’s largest port and one of the largest integrated harbours in Europe, providing a complete range of services. Some of the company’s activities involve cruise, coastal (ferry/passenger), container and car terminal services, as well as general cargo, ship repair, logistic and free zone services. The main shareholder of Piraeus Port Authority S.A., with a stake of 67 percent, is COSCO SHIPPING, one of the largest maritime companies in the world.

Over the last decade the company has experienced a remarkable growth in all port activities, which is still underway, largely contributing to the country’s economy, while driven by green development and increased digitalization, alongside a people-first approach and a spirit of giving back to the society.

PPA is a member of “ECO PORTS”, holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 50001:2018 Certifications, is included in the Athens Stock Exchange ESG index and is one of the “Most Sustainable Companies in Greece 2024”.

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Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) recently hosted the 37th Hellenic Marine Technical Committee meeting at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Athens, bringing together maritime leaders and technical experts to discuss critical issues shaping the industry. The meeting began with a welcome address from George Sarris, Chairman of the Committee and President of Enterprises Shipping & Trading S.A., who emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the sector's challenges.

George Andreadis, Marine Chief Executive for Greece at BV, echoed this sentiment, reaffirming Bureau Veritas’ commitment to supporting the Greek maritime community. The event featured a series of key presentations.

Dr. John Kokarakis, Technical Director for the SEEBA Zone at BV, provided an overview of the latest regulatory updates, while Maria Lambardaki, Project Developer for the SEEBA Zone at BV, shared insights on the FUEL EU framework and a biofuels assessment study, highlighting developments that will shape future compliance strategies.

Bill Stamatopoulos, Global Business Development Director at BV Verifuel, introduced new charter party clauses for fuels and biofuels, aligned with ISO 8217-2024, sparking an engaging Q&A session. In the afternoon session, safety considerations for alternative fuels were discussed by Vassilios Dimoulas, Technology & Innovation Director for the SEEBA Zone at BV. The agenda also featured the launch of MOVE, an innovative collaborative platform by Bureau Veritas, introduced by George Stefanis, Commercial Manager for the SEEBA Zone.

The event concluded with an in-depth discussion of IACS Rec 34 (Rev.2), led by Quentin Derbanne, Scientific Director at BV. George Andreadis, Marine Chief Executive for Greece at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “This year’s discussions reflected the evolving challenges and opportunities in the maritime industry, particularly around decarbonization, regulatory compliance, and technological innovation.

At Bureau Veritas, we remain committed to being a trusted partner for the Greek maritime community, providing tailored solutions to help the stakeholders navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing landscape. The Technical Committee meeting continues to be a vital platform for collaboration, allowing us to stay aligned with industry needs and drive forward the shared goal of a sustainable and innovative maritime sector.”

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Τhe Amver Awards have been established as one of the most important events of Greek shipping at the protection of human life at sea at the United States of America waters. This year's event, organized by the Propeller Club of Piraeus in collaboration with the USCG taking place in a festive atmosphere where 216 shipping companies and 1830 ships were awarded. As the president of the Propeller Club, Costis Frangoulis, said in his speech, the US Coast Guard's Amver rescue system is performing a titanic task by honoring the crews and executives of Greek shipping. In a challenging shipping environment due to war conflicts and catastrophic climate events, the Amver system is of great importance for safeguarding the human life in distress at sea.

This year, 9 companies were also honored with the special award, which carried out 297 rescues of people at sea. The following companies received the award: Navarone S.A., Alma Shipmanagement, StarBulk, Sea Pioneer Shipping, Capital Shipmanagement, Athemar Maritime, Enterprises Shipping & Trading, Bright Navigation, Seagate Navigation.

Present at the event were the Minister of Shipping, Mr. Stylianides, the Deputy Minister of Shipping of Cyprus, Ms. Hatzimanoli, the US Ambassador, Mr. Tsounis, the President of the NEE, Mr. G. Father, President of the Propeller Club of Limassol, Mr. Polys Hadjiioannou, and shipowner Capt. Panagiotis Tsakos, a long-time supporter of the Amver Awards.

It should be noted that Ambassador George Tsounis, who will complete his term shortly after the new year, was honored with the special Alfonse R. Sasseville President’s Award for his fruitful and very positive contribution to Greece-US relations achieving their further strengthening and upgrading.

Mr. Tsounis said that he would always care about his homeland and exclaimed, “Long live Greece, long live Cyprus, long live America.”

The Fidelity Award was presented to the companies that have the greatest contribution in the Amver program, which were Angelicoussis group, TMS Group, Thenamaris Shipmanagement, Capital Shipmanagement, Technomar, Vships, Laskaridis Shipping, Tsakos group, Danaos Shipping, Star Bulk.

The International Propeller Club Maritime Person of the Year Award was presented to the Deputy Minister of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs. Marina Hatzimanoli.

An honorary plaque was presented to the USCG representative, Rear Admiral Mark J. Fedor.

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TMS continues its newbuilding program with the addition of hull numbers 0316318 and 0316319 to our growing fleet.

The company’s two newest Suezmax tankers, M/T “IPANEMA” and M/T “TOSKA”, were successfully delivered by New Times Shipbuilding in China at the end of November, marking another milestone in TMS’s extensive newbuilding program.

Built to the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability, these state-of-the-art, eco-friendly vessels are equipped with scrubbers and shaft generators, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation. Their enhanced cargo tank capacity positions them to meet evolving trading demands with agility and reliability.

Present to the above deliveries were the CEO Mr. Liu Haijin, Executive Deputy General Manager Mr. Zhang Yuyong, Deputy General Manager & Executive Director Mr. Yuan Heng, Principal of TMS Tankers Ms. Alexandra Economou, TMS Tankers NB Manager Mr. Vaggelis Pelekanos, Assistant Chief of Surveyor of ABS Mr. Christos Nomikos and other VIP guests attended this ceremony.

Godmother Ms. Alexandra Economou named the vessel 0316318 for "IPANEMA".

Godmother Ms. Sofia Manola named the vessel 0316319 for "TOSKA".

TMS stated in the following message: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional teams at New Times Shipbuilding, Class ABS, our site office members, and everyone involved in the construction process.

Most importantly, we thank our seafarers for their unwavering dedication and hard work and wish them fair winds and safe voyages as they embark on this new chapter at sea!”

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On Saturday 7/12/2024 was held the naming ceremony of the tug “SVS I”. The tugboat is the first newbuilding of the Maritime Company SVS, established with the participation of three leading companies of the towing and salvage sector (VERNIKOS-SPANOPOULOS-LYMPOUSAKIS). The tug was built at the Med Marine Shipyards in Eregli, Turkey. It belongs to the design series of the world-renowned Canadian designer Robert Allan and covers a wide range of operational capabilities such as port and open sea tows and on-site alert. It has a bollard pull of 75 tons, a powerful external fire extinguishing system class Fi-Fi 1, as well as equipment for pollution control.

During the greeting on behalf of the Board of Directors of the company, it was mentioned, among other things, that the company SVS is proceeding with the implementation of a business plan that provides significant investments, in order to meet the challenges of the industry. Its aim is to form the necessary conditions for the expansion and qualitative upgrading of the offered tugboat services, giving priority to the market needs.

Additionally, the new tug “SVS I” that enters into the fleet of SVS and the forthcoming sister tug that is expected to be launched in April, emphasizes the dedication of the company to play a crucial role in supporting its activities and serve the ever-increasing needs.

Finally, special reference was made to the contribution of Attika Bank and its efforts to promote shipping activities and especially to the towing industry, with significant financial resources for the purchase of modern tugs. Thus, SVS is looking forward to future cooperation with the bank, reflected to the christening of the newbuilding by the Director of the bank's shipping department, Mr. Konstantinos Economou.

The event was successfully concluded wishing officers and crew safe voyages with the benediction of Saint Nikolas.

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Data-driven insight and technology will play an increasing role in compliant sailings but investment in these tools and equipment must be distributed across stakeholders.

Shipping must be open to sharing the risks associated with emissions reduction to enable the uptake of energy savings devices and technologies (ESDs/ESTs) and digital applications. The responsibility of investing in and driving the uptake of new solutions must be borne by all relevant stakeholders and not sit solely with the shipowner.

This extends not only to financial exposure, but also new vessel design and data sharing, delegates from the Greek shipping community learned at a Lloyd’s Register (LR) event on 5 December. When major change is introduced on a ship, there are numerous aspects to consider by all stakeholders involved which all add risk. Energy producers, the energy consumers, the associated supply chains, and the investors, insurers, regulators, class societies and governments – all have critical, but different and highly inter-related roles to play within the transition.

The Athens event, Powering Progress: Innovation and Energy in Maritime, was an opportunity for shipping companies to consider how the industry must evolve, and how relationships between stakeholders should be re-evaluated, to develop a compliant and commercially attractive fleet that is ready for 2030 and beyond.

Anthi Miliou, LR’s Global Maritime Commercial Director, was joined on stage by Konstantinos Petropoulos, General Manager, Head of Shipping & Structured Finance at Piraeus Bank, Fotis Belexis, Technical Director of Starbulk Carriers, and Zafiris Rokidis, Rear Admiral, Director General Directorate for Ships’ Control, Hellenic Coast Guard who discussed risk sharing across stakeholders for complex capital investments. 

Belexis pointed out that as existing vessels age, they cannot be replaced by newbuilds as there is insufficient global shipbuilding capacity to replenish the fleet with newer tonnage. Older vessels may therefore remain in the market for longer than expected and not depreciate in value as has been the case in the past. Banks and other lenders must realise this and adjust their depreciation and lending models to suit when ship owners want to finance retrofits of ESDs on their older ships, he said. 

Highlighting the significant challenge of the human element in relation to training and skills for new fuels and ESDs,  Belexis emphasized the important role of green corridors and clusters to foster synergies between stakeholders. Rokidis supported this statement, commenting that open communication with all involved stakeholders is critical if the industry is to achieve low or zero emissions.

From a finance perspective, companies’ sustainability plans will come under increasing scrutiny when seeking finance said Petropoulos, and the risks associated with green transition and how such risks are managed and shared among various stakeholders, will impact credit decisions.   

Delegates also considered the additional dynamic of carbon pricing and what it is going to cost them. These additional costs shift decision making and influence how Return on Investment (ROI), CAPEX (Capital) and OPEX (Operational) Expenditure are calculated. Performance and voyage management software, driven by high quality data, will become fundamental to understanding this, bringing clarity to how ships are operated, from their exposure to financial risk with EUAs under EU ETS to ship and fleet pooling arrangements in FuelEU, delegates learned. 

Data-driven scenario planning will also verify savings gained through ESDs, to inform charter party agreements and capital investment of expensive technologies. Sharing data within key stakeholder groups will be fundamental to determine and assess ROI and attract financing. 

David Lloyd, Director, Energy Transition at LR, said: “Smart vessel operation and well-informed, data-led investment decisions can significantly support vessel compliance. What’s more, investments don’t have to be extensive to achieve results. Whilst uncertainties around bigger challenges such as alternative fuels and future requirements are resolved, ESDs and digital solutions can support the commercial viability of vessels as we approach 2030 with often surprisingly low levels of investment. But these investments should be shared across all stakeholders and not be limited to owners and financiers.” 

Elina Papageorgiou, Global Strategic Growth Director and VP Greece and Cyprus at LR, said: “We are in a new era of shipping that comes with a different set of rules,  including shipping companies’ approach risk and risk sharing. Longer-term investment decisions should also be informed by the decisions of shipping’s clients’, clients – the cargo owners – and align with their emissions reduction ambitions.”  

The room agreed that energy saving devices (ESDs), such as WAPS, digital solutions and smart operations should all be considered as the in-service fleet using traditional fuels seeks to shave its fuel consumption to comply with IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator,  EU ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) and FuelEU regulations – the latter will which be in effect as of 1 January 2025.  

As emissions reduction targets increase, with steeper increments than currently planned potentially being announced at the Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting in May next year, data-led insight and scenario planning will become more important to understand where efficiencies can be gained.

Image: Elina Papageorgiou, LR’s Global Strategic Growth Director and VP Greece and Cyprus on stage at the event

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With Christmas and the New Year approaching, PPA S.A. successfully concluded its comprehensive annual social contribution program, delivering impactful initiatives to strengthen and support local communities, neighboring municipalities, children and the company’s employees.

One of the program highlights was a special event where the company distributed annual gift vouchers to children from the port municipalities. A total of 4,000 gift vouchers were delivered to the mayors of Piraeus, Perama, Keratsini-Drapetsona and Salamis by PPA’s management. An additional 1,000 gift vouchers were given to children of the Metal Workers Union of Attica and the Workers of Greece’s Ship Repair Industry. PPA S.A. also supported Union families by covering the cost of their Christmas celebration at the Stone Warehouse on its premises.

In collaboration with the Holy Metropolis of Piraeus, PPA S.A. enhanced the “love meals” program, further supporting the Metropolis’s charitable work. Additional gift vouchers were distributed to social organizations across the region.

PPA S.A. extended its commitment beyond holiday initiatives, continuing its monthly support of local social supermarkets. These contributions enable the purchase of products and food that are essential for the social supermarkets’ operation.

PPA S.A. CEO, Mr. Su Xudong, shared his wishes for a prosperous New Year filled with good health. He underscored that continuous social contribution and support remain key pillars of the company’s strategy. Reflecting these values, the company consistently implements its annual corporate responsibility program with commitment and dedication.

About PPA S.A.: Piraeus Port Authority SA is an Athens Stock Exchange listed company engaged in the management and operation of Piraeus port, Greece’s largest port and one of the largest integrated harbours in Europe, providing a complete range of services. Some of the company’s activities involve cruise, coastal (ferry/passenger), container and car terminal services, as well as general cargo, ship repair, logistic and free zone services. The main shareholder of Piraeus Port Authority S.A., with a stake of 67 percent, is COSCO SHIPPING, one of the largest maritime companies in the world.

Over the last decade the company has experienced a remarkable growth in all port activities, which is still underway, largely contributing to the country’s economy, while driven by green development and increased digitalization, alongside a people-first approach and a spirit of giving back to the society.

Image: From left to right: Mr. Panagiotis Mavreas, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Perama, Mr. Konstantinos Tsefalas, Secretary General of the Municipality of Keratsini-Drapetsona, Ms. Kaliotsou Giouli, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Salamina, Mr. George Panagopoulos, Mayor of Salamina, Mr. Yiannis Moralis, Mayor of Piraeus, Mr. Angelos Karakostas, Deputy CEO of PPA S.A. and Mr. Giannis Lagoudakos, Mayor of Perama.

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Metis, a leader in digital solutions for fleet performance management, and Nereus Digital Bunkers, a maritime software company specialising in marine fuels have entered into a strategic cooperation which aims to revolutionise bunkering operations through data-driven insights and streamlined processes.

By combining the strengths of both companies, this collaboration leverages cloud-to-cloud integration for seamless data exchange, delivering two unique services to support the optimal management and execution of bunkering processes. The Metis platform will provide detailed bunkering information by port—including indicative pricing, pricing trends, fuel quality reports, bunker delivery delays, and vendor performance ratings. This enables ship operators to access vital market data alongside fleet performance metrics. Meanwhile, the Nereus platform will benefit from real customer demand-driven inquiries during the voyage planning stage.

“The synergy between Nereus’s expertise in marine fuel management and Metis’s comprehensive performance insights marks a new chapter for maritime operational efficiency,” said Nikolas Gkikas, Founder - CEO, Nereus Digital Bunkers. “This is a collaboration which will drive greater value for the shipping community.”
“This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering holistic solutions that integrate diverse data sources for smarter decision-making,” commented Panos Theodossopoulos, Chief Executive Officer, Metis. “It also underscores the vision we share with Nereus to empower the maritime sector with innovative tools that foster sustainability, efficiency, and transparency by providing actionable insights to optimise operations.”

About Metis

Metis is a leading, telemetry-first, fleet performance management company. Delivering transparent and forward-looking digital solutions, Metis enables people and organizations in the maritime industry to expand their capabilities, adapt to changing environments and embrace opportunities with a creative mindset. Established in 2016 with its headquarters in Athens, and with a subsidiary office in Singapore, Metis is part of a maritime-focused, sustainable solutions group owned by ERMA FIRST.

www.metis.tech 
About Nereus Digital Bunkers

Nereus Digital Bunkers is a Greek company with the goal of transforming the marine fuel industry through digital innovation. Its flagship SaaS platform, NEREUS, is designed to streamline and optimize the bunker purchasing process for maritime stakeholders, providing them with advanced tools and real-time data access across more than 200 ports. The platform serves as a comprehensive market research tool, enabling users to monitor fuel prices and market trends, optimizing procurement decisions with precision.

www.nereus.tech

image: Nikolas Gkikas, Founder - CEO, Nereus Digital Bunkers and Panos Theodossopoulos, Chief Executive Officer, Metis

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