Five international shipping companies have committed to deploying Orca AI’s cutting-edge automated situational-awareness platform on selected vessels. This milestone follows a strategic partnership forged earlier this year with NorthStandard, one of the world’s largest P&I clubs.

The collaboration between Orca AI and NorthStandard aims to enhance safety and operational efficiency, highlighting the shared dedication of both Orca AI and NorthStandard to innovative solutions that reduce navigational risks and safeguard vessels, crew, and cargo.

US-based Liberty Maritime and Curtin Maritime, Greece-based SeaTraders along with Singapore’s Eastern Pacific Shipping and MMSL, are the first NorthStandard members to adopt the technology. Their decision facilitates broader uptake across the maritime sector and reinforces Orca AI’s and NorthStandard’s mission to protect members’ assets and ensure the well-being of seafarers.

By implementing Orca AI’s advanced platform — which includes the SeaPod computer-vision lookout unit and the FleetView application for shore offices — these companies are poised to improve navigational safety and enhance their claims records.

“We're thrilled to welcome these established shipping companies as the latest adopters of our technology,” said Yarden Gross, CEO and Co-founder of Orca AI. “Their commitment to safety, efficiency, and reliability not only strengthens their individual operations through proactive risk management but also sets a benchmark for the broader maritime community. As the shipping industry undergoes transformational change, advanced technology is unlocking new opportunities for collaboration that benefit all stakeholders and wider society.”

About Orca AI

Orca AI is the creator of a first-of-its-kind digital watchkeeper to maximize voyage safety and operational efficiency for ships and fleets.

Powered by maritime purpose-built machine learning and computer vision technologies, the Orca AI platform empowers crew to make data-driven decisions in congested waters and in low visibility conditions. Additionally, it allows fleet managers and operators to have a better understanding of their fleets’ performance and identify unsafe or risky and inefficient behaviours easily.

In 2022, Orca AI empowered the world's first commercial autonomous voyage in partnership with Designing the Future of Full Autonomous Ships (DFFAS) and The Nippon Foundation.

Orca AI’s solution is already utilized by leading shipping companies worldwide, including Maran Tankers, MSC, SeaSpan and NYK.

Image 1: Yarden Gross, Co-founder and CEO, Orca AI (Photo: Orca AI)

Image 2: Orca AI's SeaPod Digital Watchkeeper unit 

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Some of the most prestigious and successful names in Greek shipping walked off with major awards at the 21st Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards on the evening of Friday, December 6 – coincidentally St Nicholas’ Day, commemorating the patron saint of seafaring.

Dry bulk carrier owner and operator DryDel Shipping (formerly Meadway Shipping & Trading) was named Dry Cargo Company of the Year while Evangelos Marinakis’ Capital Group scooped the Tanker Company of the Year Award, primarily for its extraordinary investments in an ‘energy-transition’ fleet of gas carriers but also an ambitious construction programme for dual-fuel tankers.

Angelicoussis Group won The Sustainability Award in recognition not only of its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint through building vessels of the latest technology, but also for its gender diversity, education and personnel welfare policies. Star Bulk Carriers won the inaugural Deal of the Year Award for its merger with Eagle Bulk Shipping. The addition of the new ‘Deal of the Year’ has brought the number of competitive award categories to 19.

Personalities winning individual awards were led by Womens’ International Shipping & Trading Association President Elpi Petraki. She was named ‘Greek Shipping Personality of the Year’ for 2024, shortly after accepting the International Personality of the Year Award on behalf of its winner, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez. Mr Dominguez was unable to attend in person due to a busy week for the IMO in London that centred on the organisation’s Maritime Safety Committee meeting.

Themistocles Vokos, the Chairman of Posidonia Exhibitions and founder of the Seatrade Organisation, was recognised for a remarkable career with the Lloyd’s List / Propeller Club Lifetime Achievement Award.

Goldenport Group Chief Executive John Dragnis was unveiled as ‘Newsmaker of the Year’ after a period of making headlines across the tanker, dry bulk, offshore support vessel, FSRU and superyacht construction sectors. Sifis Vardinoyannis, director of bunkering company Sekavin, won the Next Generation Shipping Award.

With live music from the aptly-named Prestige Band, a popular Athens-based band that expanded for the evening into a six-piece with the addition of bass and saxophone, the event entertained an international audience of about 1,100 guests. But – as it has done throughout its two decades of history – the world’s biggest shipping awards event proved to be a platform that reflected and engaged with serious and urgent issues, too.

Accomplished young sailor Amalia Provelengiou won a special Woman of the Sea Award. As stated in the citation for the award, courage and determination are traditionally characteristics of a good sailor but Ms Provelengiou also exemplified these qualities in successfully bringing Greece’s first “MeToo” case against the sailing coach who had abused her. The Award was an expression of solidarity from Greece’s shipping industry at a time when many Greek shipping companies are attracting more women officers and more women are eyeing a maritime career. Ms Provelengiou’s story provides the basis of a brand new documentary film, ‘Tack’, directed by Vania Turner and produced by Onassis Culture. The ‘Person of the Sea Award’ is a rarely-given special award that is then personalised as either ‘Man of the Sea’ or ‘Woman of the Sea’ depending on the recipient.

The Safety Award went to EUNAVFOR Operation Aspides, the EU’s maritime security operation shielding shipping from attacks by the rebel Houthi faction in Yemen. The operation, which is of geopolitical as well as humanitarian importance, is under the leadership of Greece and headquartered in Larissa.

As ‘Ship of the Year’, the judging panel chose the FSRU “Alexandroupolis”, the converted LNG carrier that is at the heart of Gastrade’s LNG terminal in the northern Greek port of Alexandroupolis.

The Passenger Line of the Year Award was won by Variety Cruises, a Greece-based family-run boutique cruise operation that has celebrated its 75th year in 2024. In contrast to the megaships dominating today’s cruise industry, it offers life-enriching, human scale cruises that focus on respect and discovery of the cultures visited by their ships, providing travelers with authentic experiences that reflect cultural and ecological sustainability and inclusiveness, leaving a minimal footprint behind.

A highlight of the awards ceremony was the presentation of the Award for Achievement in Education or Training to the Tsakos Merchant Marine Academy, recently opened in Chios under the auspices of the Maria Tsakos Public Benefit Foundation – International Centre for Maritime Research and Tradition. The award was accepted personally by Captain Panagiotis Tsakos whose vision and determination was fulfilled by establishing what is the first non-state and non-profit academy in Greece.

Several other important awards recognised excellence and value in Greece’s maritime cluster. Neptune Maritime Leasing was voted ‘Shipping Financier of the Year’, while dry bulk chartering specialist Diamond Shipbroking was named ‘Shipbroker of the Year’.

YES Forum, a platform for connecting high-school and university students with the shipping and sea tourism industries, won the Piraeus International Centre Award. The Marine Technical Managers Association, better known as Martecma, was presented with the Technical Achievement Award. The Lloyd’s List Intelligence Big Data Award was won by Harbor Lab.

Captain Michalis Lignos and Captain Stamatis Kalfamanolis, master and reserve master of Blue Star Ferries’ ro-ro passenger ferry Blue Star Paros, were honoured as Seafarer of the Year for outstanding conduct on the night of September 18 this year in rescuing six passengers from a speedboat taking on water off the island of Paros. The rescue was completed just seconds before the small craft sank.

In a welcome address, the Minister of Shipping & Island Policy Christos Stylianides offered his congratulations to the nominees as well as the winners of the 2024 Awards. “The Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards are a leading institution that recognises and rewards the excellence, innovation and contribution of all those who have made Greek shipping a world-leader,” he said.

Neptune Maritime Leasing was the overall lead sponsor of the Greek Shipping Awards once again.

Guests enjoyed a pre-dinner drinks reception hosted by Allegiant (Shipping) while CMB Financial Leasing offered the traditional champagne toast to the health of Greek shipping.

A donation from proceeds of the event went to ‘Argo’, the charity supporting children with disabilities in the families of Greek seafarers. The donation was kindly presented to Argo by Ilias Bolis, director at Allied Shipbroking, which also sponsored the Gallery of Winners, an entrance chamber chronicling past honorees of the event launched in 2004.

The annual awards recognise achievement and meritorious activity in the Greek shipping industry and promote Greece as a maritime centre. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges representing a broad cross-section of the Greek shipping industry.

The Greek Shipping Awards thanked all the Greek and international sponsors of the prestigious event, many of which have loyally supported the Awards for many years. This year saw the IRI / The Marshall Islands Registry complete 10 years of support for the event, a milestone recognised in the form of an honorary statuette presented to the sponsor.

Winners at a Glance

Dry Cargo Company of the Year: DryDel Shipping

Tanker Company of the Year: Capital Group

Passenger Line of the Year: Variety Cruises

Shipbroker of the Year: Diamond Shipbroking

Shipping Financier of the Year: Neptune Maritime Leasing

Technical Achievement Award: Martecma

Lloyd’s List Intelligence Big Data Award: Harbor Lab

Piraeus International Centre Award: YES Forum

The Safety Award: EUNAVFOR Operation Aspides

International Personality of the Year: Arsenio Dominguez

Achievement in Education or Training: Tsakos Merchant Marine Academy

Seafarer of the Year: Capt. Stamatis Kalfamanolis & Capt. Michael Lignos

Ship of the Year: FSRU “Alexandroupolis”

The Sustainability Award: Angelicoussis Group

Woman of the Sea: Amalia Provelengiou

Deal of the Year: Star Bulk Carriers

Next Generation Shipping Award: Sifis Vardinoyannis

Lloyd’s List/Propeller Club Lifetime Achievement Award: Themistocles Vokos

Greek Shipping Newsmaker of the Year: John Dragnis

Greek Shipping Personality of the Year: Elpi Petraki

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For 20th consecutive year, the New York Stock Exchange in cooperation with Capital Link organized a special ceremony, titled “GREEK AMERICAN ISSUER DAY» at the New York Stock Exchange – NYSE”, honoring Greece and Celebrating the Close Ties between the US, the Greek American and the Greek Business Communities, during which Greek & Greek American companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange, together with Greek Government representatives participating in the 26th Annual Capital Link Invest In Greece Forum, rang the “Closing Bell” at the New York Stock Exchange.

The «GREEK AMERICAN ISSUER DAY» was organized within the context of the 26th Annual Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum Series titled “Greece - Speeding Ahead Post Investment Upgrade” that had took place the previous day. The Forum was held with great success, on Monday, December 9, 2024 in New York, in cooperation with the New York Stock Exchange, the Athens Exchange Group (ATHEX Group), and major Global Investment Banks & Organizations. It attracted over 1,000 delegates.

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) flew the Greek flag on Wall Street alongside the US flag, which was a moment of pride for the Greek Government Delegation and high-level executives representing shipping and other companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as representatives of companies that participated in the Invest in Greece Forum the previous day, on December 9.

The active support and participation of NYSE, the world’s largest stock exchange, enhances the prestige and the visibility of Greece to a wider international investment audience. It also shows the stable support of NYSE to Greece, the Greek companies, the Greek shipping industry and the Greek American Diaspora. The US Capital Markets are a major source of capital for a growing number of companies of Greek interest and the New York Stock Exchange is playing a leading role in this.

Ms. Tara Dziedzic, Head of US Listings at NYSE, welcomed the Greek Delegation and the NYSE listed companies. She highlighted the long-standing relationship between the New York Stock Exchange and the Greek and Greek American business communities, and also pointed out that NYSE’s commitment to the Greek American diaspora, the Greek shipping and business community and the listed companies, remains strong.

Following Ms. Dziedzic’s remarks, Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, Founder, President & CEO, TEN Ltd. (NYSE: TEN), and H.E. Christos Staikouras, Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, each delivered brief remarks in honor of the day. They referred to the increasing attractiveness of Greece as a business and investment destination, the internationalization of Greek businesses, the close relations between the United States and Greece across the board and also thanked the New York Stock Exchange for the long-standing cooperation and support and for hosting today’s event.

Minister Staikouras reminded that when he first participated in this event in 2019 ringing the Closing Bell, he had mentioned: “Greece is Coming Back”. Today, he can say “Greece is Back” and he reiterated the Greek Prime Minister’s message delivered at the Capital Link Forum the day before that “the Best is Still to Come”.

Dr. Tsakos highlighted the 22+-year journey of TEN as a NYSE listed company and emphasized the critical role of Greek shipping in global commerce and trade and the global supply chain.

Prior to the closing bell ceremony, an exchange of commemorative gifts took place between Ms. Tara Dziedzic, Head of US Listings - NYSE, Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, Founder, President & CEO, TEN Ltd. (NYSE: TEN) and H.E. Christos Staikouras, Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, former Minister of Finance.

H.E. Christos Staikouras, Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, having very recently officially inaugurated with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis the underground metro system in the Greek city of Thessaloniki, the “Thessaloniki Metro”, presented to Ms. Tata Dziedzic a commemorative plaque with the Thessaloniki Metro logo (limited edition).

CAPITAL LINK Commemorative plaque to NYSE with the occasion of the 20^th Greek-American Issuer day

Mr. Nicolas Bornozis, President of Capital Link presented to Ms. Tara Dziedzic a special commemorative plaque in appreciation and recognition of NYSE’s more than two decades of support to Greece, Greek Entrepreneurs, the Greek Maritime Community and the Greek- American Diaspora, fostering growth, collaboration and friendship.

This special ceremony, “GREEK AMERICAN ISSUER DAY” AT NYSE has been taking place for 20 years in a row. 

Ringing the Closing Bell

Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, Founder & CEO of TEN Ltd. (NYSE:TEN), and H.E. Christos Staikouras, Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, rang the “Closing Bell”, closing the trading session on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, of the NYSE-New York Stock Exchange, accompanied by: Ms. Tara Dziedzic, Head of US Listings - NYSE, representatives of the Greek Government, H.E. Ekaterini Nassika - Ambassador of Greece to the USA, H.E. Alexandra Sdoukou, Deputy Minister of Environment & Energy, and NYSE listed companies: Mr. Panayiotis Peter Contis, Vice President Ameresco Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), Mrs. Anamaria Xenohristos, Founder of CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE: CAVA), Mr. Ted Xenohristos, Co- Founder & Chief Concept Officer of CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE: CAVA), Mr. Peter Hadjipateras, Chief Information, Security And Sustainability Officer- Dorian LPG (NYSE: LPG), Mr. Ted Petrone, Vice Chairman of NAVIOS MARITIME PARTNERS L.P. (NYSE:NMM), Mr. Harrys Kosmatos, Co-Chief financial Officer TEN (NYSE: TEN), Mr. Panagiotis Tsakos, Jr. TEN Ltd. as well as the organizers of the Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum, Ms. Olga Bornozi, Managing Director – Capital Link, and Mr. Nicolas Bornozis, President - Capital Link.

The event was broadcasted live on major news stations in the United States and abroad to an estimated audience of 150 million viewers worldwide.

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Bringing 40 industry-leading executives to explore the latest advancements in maritime technologies and innovation, ABS recently hosted the 13th Hellenic Technical Committee Meeting in Athens, Greece,.

Chaired by Dr. Chris Leontopoulos, ABS Vice President, Corporate Technology, Europe, the meeting featured a lineup of insightful sessions covering a wide range of topics including onboard hydrogen production, the evolving landscape for nuclear installations and nuclear-powered ships.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the latest IACS developments, providing attendees with the opportunity to share their perspectives and insights. Reflecting on the meeting Dr. Chris Leontopoulos said “As we look into the future, it is imperative to continue investing in research and development to unlock the full potential of emerging technologies for the marine and offshore industries. Collaboration among key stakeholders is crucial in driving more efficient and sustainable marine operations”

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The event was opened by Philippe Louis-Dreyfus, Chairman of CCIFG’S Maritime Committee and Laurence Auer, H.E. Ambassador of France in Greece who they extended their appreciation and admiration to the Greek shipping industry.

Christos Stylianides, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy also addressed the event and pointed out that the Greek government follows a strategy of compliance to IMO carbon emissions rules.

Mr. Philippe Louis-Dreyfus, Chairman of Louis-Dreyfus Armateurs was the keynote speaker of the forum. He expressed his confidence that we can turn the decarbonization challenge into an opportunity.

The conference included two distinguished discussion panels regarding the Greek shipbuilding industry and the decarbonization path of shipping.

The first panel consisted of the following speakers: Panos Xenokostas, President & CEO, ONEX Shipyards & Technologies, President of B.o.D., Hellenic Shipyards Association, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, CEO Skaramangas Shipyards, John Dragnis, CEO Goldenport Group, Farid TRAD, Vice President Bunkering & Energy Transition, CMA CGM, George XIRADAKIS, President Association of Banking & Financial Executives and moderator Yannick Le Gourieres, Managing Director, Head of Shipping & Offshore Finance-Americas Credit Agricole CIB.

The second panel discussed the issue of new fuels.

The introductory comments were made by Vassilios DIMOULAS, Technology & Innovation Director, Bureau Veritas Group, who presented “BUREAU VERITAS WHITE PAPER”.

The panel included the following speakers: Eirini Arvanitaki, Managing Director Vessel Performance Solution, Constantinos Capetanakis Bunker Director Star Bulk, George Perantzakis, Technical Manager Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd., Kostas Polydakis, CEO - MM MARINE Inc., Mercuria Energy Group, Katerina Prifti, Head of HSQE and DPA Laskaridis Shipping CO LTD and Moderated by Paillette Palaiologou, Senior Vice President BV M&O Division, East Europe, Mediterranean Sea, Middle East, Africa and India (EMA), Bureau Veritas Group.

Pierre LEONIDAS, Head of Legal and Institutional Affairs, French Maritime Cluster and Ιoannis TRICARDOS, President CCI France Greece presented the conclusion of the forum.

Speakers marked that regulations must be proved an opportunity for shipping.

However, the shipping companies must also adopt a number of operational improvements such as high efficient hull coating, propeller ducts & fins, monitoring systems, voyage optimization, etc.

The decarbonization of the maritime sector represents tremendous challenge that will considerably transform maritime transport.

It nevertheless represents a unique opportunity through which the combination of policies, innovations and investments that can (and must) lead the maritime sector to become a key player in the fight against climate change, while opening economic opportunities for the industry.

This means strengthening cooperation between public and private players, who must explore all the solutions that already exist, while supporting the innovations of tomorrow, which together will enable us to achieve this major eco-energy transition.

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The 15th edition of Lloyd’s List’s annual ranking of the most influential people in shipping finds the industry in a state of flux.

This year’s list is still replete with the bold moves, power plays and from a list of the most important industry players.

12 Maria Angelicoussis, Angelicoussis Group

Principal and chief executive of Greece’s largest shipping group is writing new chapters of her own into an illustrious family history

Spectacular move into shuttle tankers puts financial clout and vision of the major shipowner on display

16 Evangelos Marinakis, Capital Group

Mercurial Greek owner has a bold longer-term vision, yet remains a pragmatic deal-maker

Flagship publicly listed company led by Marinakis has been rebranded Capital Clean Energy Carriers and is on track to become the largest US-listed energy transition fleet

17 Magda Kopczynska, Kurt Vandenberghe and Fotini Ioannidou, European Commission

Europe is preparing to splash the cash to boost its growth — and shipping wants in

Shipping groups will make the case to a new European Commission that spending to create a local green fuels industry is the right way forward for the bloc, the industry and the planet

20 George Prokopiou, Dynacom/Dynagas/Sea Traders

Lest some splashy real estate purchases should sow confusion about the Greek owner’s main business focus, just take a look at the orderbook

Innovator Prokopiou has doubled down on his choice of conventional fuel for a new generation of tankers and bulkers

24 Angeliki Frangou, Navios

In the face of uncertain times, the disciplined shipowner keeps the focus on aspects that she can control

Consolidation of dry bulk, tanker and container fleets into one diversified entity allows Frangou and US-listed Navios to take advantage of market dynamics

26 Melina Travlos, Union of Greek Shipowners

Association's president is both at home on a global stage and in leading Greek shipping’s social efforts in its home country

In her first term heading the largest national shipowning association, Travlos has excelled at building industry coalitions and communicating shipping’s positive mission

33 George Economou, TMS Group

Shipowner, art collector and now tech bro looks like he’s having a lot of fun riding the waves

Economou’s TMS Group has one of the largest private newbuilding orderbooks and is looking to future-proof itself in a new energy transition partnership with Lloyd’s Register

35 Kostis Konstantakopoulos, Costamare

Chief executive is continuing to stake out a broader footprint in shipping as the Greek company turns 50

While the traditional container shipping franchise has been reliably producing strong results, Costamare has also been decisive in jumping into other sectors

37 Petros Pappas, Star Bulk Carriers

Greek shipowner has emerged as one of the few consistent consolidators in the fragmented dry bulk shipping sector

The recent merger with Eagle Bulk was a coup for Pappas and his team

49 Peter G Livanos, GasLog/DryLog/EcoLog

Shipowner with a long historical lineage has always looked well into the future to position himself

Greek owner is to the fore in exploring CO2 and hydrogen shipping but remains a force in LNG shipping and dry bulk

63 George Logothetis, Libra Group

This year marked the end of an epic containership asset play for the executive chairman

One of the greatest traps in shipping is to get greedy and try to time cycles too closely. At the Libra Group, Logothetis has thrived for decades using a counterintuitive mantra: buy cheap and sell expensive

76 Nikolas Tsakos, Tsakos Energy Navigation

Few, if any, have led a public shipping company on such an even keel for so long as this chief executive and president

By opening the country’s first private marine academy, the Tsakos family is being true to its shipping roots, but also showing how to combine doing good with being smart

83 Elpi Petraki, Enea Management/Wista

President celebrates her second year as the organisation representing women in shipping reaches its 50-year milestone

Alongside the IMO, Petraki-led Wista is running the second Women in Maritime Survey, a critical source of information on gender diversity in the industry 

87 Semiramis Paliou, Diana Shipping/Helmepa

Highly experienced owner has widened the horizons for the two publicly listed shipping companies she helms

Leadership of the shipping-linked environmental organisation Helmepa reflects Paliou’s progressive and sustainable beliefs

98 Costas Grammenos, Bayes Business School

Business school professor has guided and educated the most successful executives across the shipping industry for decades

Prof Grammenos received yet another honorary doctorate this year as he celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Costas Grammenos Centre for Shipping, Trade and Finance.

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The WISTA Hellas Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony that took place on Monday 19^th of December at the Athens Marriott Hotel brought together members, supporters, and industry leaders for a night dedicated to excellence, inclusion, and fostering a future of opportunities for all.

Among the Highlights of the Evening WISTA Hellas proudly honored exceptional women who lead by example.

Ms. Semiramis Paliou, recipient of the Leadership Award, recognized for her impactful roles in shipping through Diana Shipping., her dedication to marine environment protection as President of HELMEPA - Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association and INTERMEPA and her commitment to actively pursuing and supporting diversity and the empowerment of women throughout her career.

Mrs. Rodiani Giagkidou, Vice Commander and Mrs. Katerina Xanthou, Lieutenant of the Hellenic Coast Guard, celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the Coast Guard, acting as role models for young women.

The evening was more than an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of the values and commitment that drive our mission, a warm exchange of wishes for the festive season, and a reflection on the vital role WISTA Hellas plays in the Greek shipping industry.

As Mrs Vivi Kolliopoulou, president of WISTA Hellas stated: “Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this event truly memorable. Together, we continue to empower, inspire, and lead the way forward”.

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With the aim to take advantage of Golden Destiny’s long term and valuable expertise and legacy in the shipbroking sector Intermodal Shipbrokers proceeded to the acquisition of the company.

Intermodal announced that: “We are privileged to announce that we are welcoming Mr. Michalis Kokkinis, his skilled staff and the legacy of Golden Destiny into the Intermodal team. 

For over 30 years, Golden Destiny has been a trusted and respected name in the maritime service industry, synonymous with reliability and integrity in our sector. This transition allows us to carry forward their history and expertise in a respectful and thoughtful manner, whilst ensuring business continuity for Golden Destiny's valued clients and employees and allowing us to remain steadfast in our vision for the future, maintaining our core values and mission. 

This is a natural evolution of our path, and we are proud to be the custodians of such a rich heritage while forging ahead with our own”.

Michail D. Kokkinis Founder and Managing Director Golden Destiny S.A. commented: “Since 1994, Golden Destiny has been a recognizable and respected name in the international shipping industry in the shipbroking sector. Over the past 30 years, Golden Destiny has been instrumental in negotiating hundreds of ship sales and purchase transactions, has been a trusted partner for several entrepreneurs and investors that entered the shipping industry and became prominent shipowners, and has been consulting many veteran shipowners and banks in their investments from all over the world. Furthermore, Golden Destiny, has trained a lot of shipbrokers that are presently serving the international shipping industry, from various esteemed shipbroking firms, instilling in them values that make the Greek shipbrokers respected around the world.

In our effort to maintain, strengthen and improve on the level of service to our industry, without compromising our values and ethics, we have found a trusted partner with similar values, operations and heritage as our own in INTERMODAL Shipbrokers CO., founded by the veteran shipbroker Mr. Kyriakos Dermatis. INTERMODAL Shipbrokers that is now being led his son Mr. George Dermatis will be driving the vision and goals of our company to the next generation.

This collaboration is beyond an operational consolidation, as like-minded seasoned professionals with a great depth of know-how and network are joining forces to improve on the level of service adapting to the changes in the industry as dictated by the market forces.

I would like to personally thank you for your support all these years and we are inviting you to continue our voyage together under the strengthened INTERMODAL Shipbrokers brand that will soon celebrate its 40th Anniversary”.

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The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Greek Branch held its 19^th Annual Forum, on Wednesday, 27^th of November 2024, with the theme “SHIPPING BEYOND BORDERS”.

This year’s event took place with physical attendance at the Eugenides Foundation, while it was broadcast live around the world and attended online by hundreds of friends and Members of the Institute.  Among the distinguished guests was H.E. Mr. Matthew Lodge, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, who later addressed the audience during the Awards Giving Ceremony.

A welcome address was made by Ms Natalia Margioli - Komninou FICS, Managing Director of the ICS Greek Branch and Hellenic Management Centre. Ms Margioli-Komninou emphasized the international presence of ICS and highlighted Greek Branch’s dedication to excellence in maritime education and professional development. She mentioned that the Branch has educated 4,000 students to achieve ICS Membership, a prestigious mark of competence in the shipping industry. This success is attributed to the commitment of expert tutors who inspire and shape the next generation of professionals. She concluded that with over 10,000 professionals benefitting from corporate training programs, ICS continues to support both individuals and organizations in adapting to the evolving industry while the Company Membership scheme is now open to companies that wish to benefit from the ICS’s international recognition and expanded business networks.

Mr Nicolas A. Tsavliris, FICS, Chairman of the ICS Greek Branch and Tsavliris Salvage Group addressed a very warm welcome to the attendees of the Forum. Mr Tsavliris highlighted the profound challenges and opportunities facing the shipping industry in an era of rapid change. Geopolitical instability, including conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, cyber threats, and the potential impacts of shifting global trade policies, underline the fragility of international stability. Reflecting on the theme Shipping Beyond Borders, he emphasized the need to transcend modern boundaries - geopolitical, digital, environmental, and regulatory - while embracing innovation and resilience. Drawing inspiration from maritime history and the teachings of Heraclitus, he urged industry to adapt to evolving currents such as decarbonization, digitalization, and autonomous vessels.

During the 19th ICS Annual Forum, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Mr Christos Stylianides, delivered a video message emphasizing the vital role of the Greek maritime sector in driving the nation’s economy. Highlighting Greece’s position as a global leader in shipping, he underscored the sector’s contribution to employment, innovation, and international trade. Mr Stylianides commended the ICS Greek Branch for its pivotal role in educating the next generation of maritime professionals, reinforcing Greece's legacy in shaping the future of the shipping industry.

The panel included the following distinguished speakers:

• Harris Antoniou · Founder & CEO, Neptune Maritime Leasing Ltd.
• Helena Athoussaki · Chief Sustainability Officer, Motor Oil Group
• Dimitris Patrikios, FICS · Managing Director, V. Ships Greece Ltd.
• Mark Pearson, Managing Director, Maran Tankers Management Inc.
• Eva Tzima · Head of Research & Valuations, Seaborne Shipbrokers
• Dimitri Vassos · Managing Partner, HFW Greece
• John A. Xylas · President & CEO, Ariston Navigation Corp.

The panel was moderated by Mr Simon Ward, FICS, Director, Ursa Shipbrokers. His expert facilitation of discussions, posing critical questions, and encouraging diverse viewpoints, played a crucial role in the success of the event.

The forum itself was very informative and comprehensive, covering a spectrum of issues facing the shipping industry at a global level.

Ms Eva Tzima highlighted the challenges in the current market, emphasizing that sentiment plays a significant role in pricing, and uncertainty is leading to cautious decision-making. She noted that the dry bulk slowdown reflects China's shift toward quality over quantity and its reduced reliance on property-driven growth. Mr Mark Pearson emphasized the nature of shipping as a highly regulated industry, where compliance requires significant resources and adaptability. He highlighted that, in the context of sustainability, company size plays a crucial role, with larger organizations better equipped to navigate regulatory challenges and implement sustainable practices effectively. Mr John Xylas highlighted the uncertainty in the market over the past six to twelve months, emphasizing that many owners remain cash-rich, reducing the urgency to sell, while operators face challenges in securing long-term charters due to a lack of available vessels. He pointed out the trend toward consolidation in the industry but noted that the foundation of shipping continues to be small to medium enterprises. This underscores the resilience required by smaller players to adapt to the evolving regulatory environment. Mr Dimitri Vassos reflected on the impact of sanctions and protectionist policies on sale and purchase transactions. He emphasized the need to adapt to the geopolitical landscape and recognized the evolving role of ESG compliance in shaping the industry's future. Mr Dimitris Patrikios underscored the importance of agility in navigating economic and market volatility. He addressed the challenges posed by the energy transition, emphasizing that while it is a necessary societal shift, the availability of alternative fuels remains limited and not yet scalable to meet the industry's demands. Mr Harris Antoniou discussed the growing trend of economic fragmentation and its implications for shipping, emphasizing the industry's resilience as a connector in global trade. He also reflected on the financial sector's heightened scrutiny of emissions, acknowledging that while intervention is sometimes necessary to influence progress, the challenge lies in ensuring these measures are effective and aligned with long-term goals. Ms Helena Athoussaki emphasized the significance of ESG as a comprehensive framework comprising policies, procedures, metrics, and targets that evaluate a company's performance concerning financial risks and opportunities across the pillars of environment, social responsibility, and governance. She highlighted the importance of analyzing trends by assessing both their risks and opportunities, underscoring ESG's growing role in shaping strategic and operational decisions within the maritime industry.

The panelists collectively highlighted that future maritime professionals should embody integrity, humility, and a strong work ethic as the foundation for success. Agility, adaptability, and collaboration across departments are crucial for navigating a volatile market and driving strategic decisions through data insights. A passion for the industry, commitment to excellence, and a willingness to learn were deemed essential, while traits like negativity, unresponsiveness, and unethical behavior were discouraged. These qualities define the ideal profile for thriving in the dynamic shipping industry.

The emphasis on essential skills and attributes for future maritime professionals resonates with the outstanding achievements of ICS Greek Branch. The excellent performance of the Greek Branch is translated into 5 International Prize Winners and 4 distinction students, who have excelled in the ICS Professional Qualifying Examinations in 2023-2024. All of them were honored during the Awards Giving Ceremony, which was included in the Annual Forum’s proceeding.

During the award presentation, H.E. Mr. Matthew Lodge, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, highlighted the significance of the ICS in advancing professional standards within the shipping industry. He praised the Institute's long-standing legacy, established under its Royal Charter in 1920, for shaping maritime education and contributing to the sector’s global development. The Ambassador expressed the British Embassy's pride in collaborating with the ICS Greek Branch and commended its efforts to promote professionalism in this vital field. Concluding his remarks, he congratulated the award recipient for their exceptional achievement, embodying the excellence fostered by the ICS.

The International Prize Winners are:  

• Philip Iliakis, Trafigura: Award to the candidate with the highest marks in Ship Sale &Purchase Examinations worldwide
• Liesza Bertram – Sotiriadis, Holland Hellenic Shipping Agencies: Award to the candidate with the highest marks in Shipping Finance Exams worldwide
• Panagiotis Michaleakos: Award to the candidate gaining the highest marks in Dry Cargo Chartering worldwide
• Alexandra Mangos (2 prizes): Award to the most successful candidate overall in Examinations and award for gaining the highest marks in Shipping Law worldwide

The distinction students are:

• Eleni Manioudaki, Ifchor Galbraiths: Award to the candidate gaining a distinction in Shipping Finance Examinations
• Alexios Mavropoulos, Halkidon Shipping Corporation: Award to the candidate gaining a distinction in Ship Sale and Purchase Examinations
• Emanet Meliksha: Award to the candidate gaining a distinction in Shipping Business Examinations
• Evangelos Karagoudakis, Wilhelmsen Port Services: Award to the candidate gaining a distinction in Shipping Business Examinations

The 19th Annual Forum of the ICS Greek Branch was held with the kind contribution and support of the following sponsors: AB Maritime Inc., Acropolis Chartering & Shipping Inc, Arrow Shipbroking Group, Capital Ship Management Corp., Clarksons Hellas Ltd,  Danaos Management Consultant S.A., Danaos Shipping Co. Ltd, Dorian LPG Management Corp, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd, Element Shipmanagement S.A., Euroseas Ltd,  Hellaschart Ltd,  Holman Fenwick Willan International LLP, Insight Shipping Partners SA, The Marshall Islands Registry International Registries Inc., Navios Maritime Partners L.P., Nereus Shipping S.A., Safe Bulkers Inc., Seaborne Shipbrokers S.A., Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp., Target Marine S.A., Technomar Shipping Inc., Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd., Tsavliris Salvage Group, UK Defence Club, Ursa Shipbrokers S.A, V. Ships Greece Ltd., WCI Maritime Services  

The 19th Annual Forum is available for replay on demand at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/ThK78Oyf9SA

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On November 21, 2024, Navios Maritime Partners held the naming ceremony of two 7,700 TEU LNG dual fuel Containerships, the “HMM Ocean” and the “HMM Sky”.

The ceremony took place in HJ Shipbuilding & Construction yard in Busan.

The two vessels signal a significant milestone for both Navios Partners and HMM as they are the first LNG powered vessels in both fleets, demonstrating the company’s strong commitment to reduce emissions, build environmentally friendly vessels and take advantage of latest technological developments.
The company is also proud to welcome a female Chief Engineer onboard the HMM Ocean!

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.