Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd has signed a contract for two 174,000 cbm LNG carriers with Athens-based Angelicoussis Group affiliate Maran Gas Maritime Inc on November 8.

The Greek Angelicoussis Group is a privately owned shipping group, currently with 144 vessels on the water and 23 vessels, including three shuttle tankers, on order.

Through Athens-based companies, Maran Tankers Management, Maran Gas Maritime and Maran Dry Management, the Group operates a diversified fleet serving the oil, gas and dry cargo markets.

The affiliate of Greece’s Angelicoussis Group will have the 174,000 cbm vessels delivered in 2027.

Additionally, this deal comes with an option for two ships, so more orders are expected in the future.

Hanwha Ocean said that it has maintained a relationship with Angelicoussis Group that goes beyond business based on deep trust over the past 30 years.

A Hanwha Ocean official noted, “Our 30-year partnership is based on our trust in the shipyard’s technological capabilities,” and added, “We will repay them by building ships of the highest quality.”

As reported, the shipowner is Hanwha Ocean’s large customer, having ordered a total of 123 ships since its first order in 1994.

This contract contributes to Hanwha Ocean’s impressive 2024 order volume. Hanwha has won many orders this year for LNG carriers, very large crude carriers, containerships and others.

Recently, Angelicoussis Group affiliate Maistros Shiptrade Limited made a major deal to take over Altera Shuttle Tankers for an undisclosed sum in a major move into the sector.

Specifically, Altera Infrastructure Holdings L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of Altera Infrastructure L.P., has entered into an agreement to sell all its membership interests in Altera Shuttle Tankers L.L.C. (AST) to Maistros Shiptrade Limited, a company affiliated with the Angelicoussis Group.

Altera Shuttle Tankers, a shuttle tanker provider, owns and operates 18 shuttle tankers in Brazil, Canada and the North Sea.

The completion of the transaction is conditional upon receipt of relevant regulatory approvals.

Subject to receipt of such approvals, the deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025.

Photo credit: Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd

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ERMA FIRST GROUP has completed another one considerable deal with the acquisition of Ecochlor, in a move that reinforces its position as a trusted provider of ballast water treatment and advanced decarbonisation solutions.

Broadening the range of ultra-efficient ballast water treatment systems (BWTS), future-proof decarbonisation solutions and related services under the ERMA FIRST GROUP umbrella, the acquisition consolidates the company’s status as one of the world’s largest BWTS providers.

“ERMA FIRST GROUP is dedicated to protecting and preserving the marine ecosystem by continuously developing and expanding its portfolio of innovative and future-proof environmental protection solutions,” said Eleni Polychronopoulou, President, ERMA FIRST GROUP.

“Over the last 15 years, ERMA FIRST GROUP has secured its reputation as a trusted BWTS partner, working closely with customers around the world to ensure access to the highest-quality services and solutions. A crucial part of our success has been our continuous investment in providing the best BWTS solutions, both through organic growth and acquisitions such as this, while simultaneously supporting customers before, during and after installation.”

Ecochlor’s BWTS portfolio comprises a filtration- and ClO₂-based system and two versions of the EcoOne™ solution. The first is a filterless system that uses ClO₂ alone and consumes just 10–20 kilowatts of power even at very-high flow rates. The second hybrid system deploys either a two-step filtration and ClO₂ process or filterless ClO₂-based operations only, depending on shipowner requirements.

The Ecochlor BWTS secured its market position by using a low dose of its proprietary chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) solution, the EcoBlue, to treat ballast water in a highly efficient one- or two-step process. EcoBlue is the only chemical globally to be approved for use in Ecochlor systems under IMO and USCG Type Approval Certificates, which means that compliance is guaranteed for every operation, as well as compliance with IMO and USCG discharge standards. Apart from ensuring compliance, EcoBlue secures safe operation of the BWTS in accordance with the maker's operational manual and the BWTS warranty remains valid. ERMA FIRST GROUP’s global reach will further strengthen the system’s established chemical resupply and service network, which supports optimal Ecochlor BWTS performance wherever vessels sail.

In addition to that, the use of ERMA FIRST GROUP genuine spare parts safeguards the flawless, efficient and effective operation of every BWTS, prolonging its lifecycle without compromises, while reassures the warranty validity and full compliance with IMO and USCG Type Approvals.

Konstantinos Stampedakis, Co-Founder and Managing Director, ERMA FIRST GROUP emphasised that all installed Ecochlor systems were eligible for continuation of certified service post-acquisition, subject to verification that clients’ prior maintenance used original spare parts and EcoBlue. Failure to use approved components can render certifications null and void.

“We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Ecochlor in a move that consolidates our position as a world-leading provider of BWTS and our continuing growth as a one-stop shop for green ship operations,” said Konstantinos Stampedakis.

“By combining the portfolios and service capabilities of ERMA FIRST GROUP and Ecochlor, the acquisition extends our reach as a future-proof partner equipped to help shipping meet its environmental obligations”, Mr. Stampedakis added. Ecochlor’s ClO₂-based technology offers a simple yet highly effective means of treating ballast water while at the same time helping to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions due to the system’s low power requirements.

image: Eleni Polychronopoulou, President, ERMA FIRST GROUP & Konstantinos Stampedakis, Co-Founder & Managing Director, ERMA FIRST GROUP

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Over 500 considerations from cross-sector consultations that took place during a series of risk assessment workshops, led by Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, suggest a comprehensive overhaul of seafarer training is required as the industry transitions to zero and near zero GHG emission fuels.

These are the outcomes of a summary report, which was produced by the Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF), in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register’s (LR) Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Ocean Stewardship Coalition. 

Made possible with the support of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and founding funder Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the report marks the completion of the first milestone of the MJTTF training project for the development of a baseline training framework to equip seafarers with the skills required to safely use ammonia, methanol and hydrogen as marine fuels. It is the high-level summary of the consultations made by over 100 stakeholders during 12 hybrid risk assessment workshops, which took place earlier this year.

The report is launched today (12 November) at Seatrade Maritime CrewConnect Global in Manila. 

Zero and near zero GHG emission fuels such as ammonia, methanol and hydrogen present unique challenges and hazards to the crew’s health and safety; requiring specialised knowledge and safety measures to be adequately and effectively implemented. However, the current Standards of the Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention do not yet include guidelines or competency levels when specifically dealing with these green molecules.

The workshops focused on the use of ammonia, methanol and hydrogen as marine fuels to gather the industry perceptions on the necessary changes for seafarers transitioning from conventional fuel oil operations to zero and near zero energy sources for ships’ propulsion. The workshops identified the most significant safety risks associated with each fuel in scope and the new or modified training and competencies required for such a transition to be safe and effective, putting the seafarer at its core. 

Considerations on ammonia highlighted its toxicity as a major challenge and alluded to comprehensive training on emergency response procedures, alongside new PPE standards and process safety measures.

Similarly for methanol, key concerns included the fuel’s high flammability, requiring new fire detection methods and updated personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols. Detailed training on methanol’s toxic properties and corrosivity will also be necessary in the next phase of the transition.

For hydrogen, considerations focused on issues such as flame detection and enhanced fire safety systems that would be vital for the crew, while repeating the need for new PPE protocols to be introduced to fully address hydrogen’s hazard profile.

From these stakeholder engagements, the MJTTF training project will develop detailed competency standards and a training framework to help maritime training academies and institutions further draft and implement training materials for upskilling and reskilling seafarers who will come in contact with hydrogen, ammonia and methanol as marine fuels.  A roll-out of the Instructor Handbook to accompany the training framework is scheduled to take place in MTCC Asia in May 2025. The roll-out will be led by the World Maritime University (WMU), who lead this upcoming milestone as project partners.

Natassa Kouvertari, Senior Lead – Human Competency for Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, said: “This report crystallises the industry’s views on what level of human competencies and training frameworks are needed for the safe deployment of ammonia, methanol and hydrogen onboard ships. It also aims to capture the scale of change required for each fuel in scope, establishing the foundations for informed decisions to be taken by the regulators and the industry for a meaningful just transition for seafarers.’.

Kjersti Aass, Head of the Maritime Just Transition Task Force on behalf of UN Global Compact, said: “The UN Global Compact, through the Maritime Just Transition Task Force, is proud to lead the Training for Decarbonisation project in collaboration with the IMO Secretariat to facilitate the uptake of alternative fuels and ensure a safe, just and equitable transition as shipping is decarbonising.”

Ismael Cobos Delgado, Deputy Director, Subdivision for Operational Safety and Human Element, IMO, said: “IMO is committed to ensuring that the maritime workforce is prepared for the new fuels, with differing hazards and operational challenges, that will be part of the picture to meet the IMO 2023 GHG Strategy goals. IMO is pleased to be working with partners to ‘fast-track’ the development of training provisions for ships using new technologies and alternative fuels, alongside and in parallel to the comprehensive review of the STCW training Convention and Code.”

Arvind Natrajan, Senior Manager, Crewing & Training, Marine Department, ICS, said: “It is critical that seafarers who work on ships propelled by future fuels, do so in a safe manner. The recommendations from this report will go a long way towards developing a baseline training framework and to support maritime education and training institutes who will have to deliver this training. I believe that this report has come at an opportune time when our industry is debating strategic measures to achieve decarbonisation”

Kulsoom Jafri, Lead Campaigner for Seafarers and Inland Navigation, ITF, said: “As the maritime industry undergoes a monumental shift toward alternative fuels and sustainable technologies, the importance of seafarers has never been clearer. This new report underscores a critical need for seafarer upskilling and training. 

“As we transition to a greener, more technologically advanced maritime sector, it’s essential that our workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate these changes safely and effectively. Seafarers are the backbone of global trade and energy transport, and investing in their training is not just an industry necessity—it's an investment in safety, efficiency, and the future of the maritime sector itself.”

The project is co-funded by the IMO through its technical cooperation funding, including the IMO GHG TC Trust Fund, and Lloyd's Register Foundation, an independent global charity that supports research, innovation, and education with a mission to make the world a safer place.

Tim Slingsby, Director of Skills and Education and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said: “Moving towards a decarbonised future will create new jobs. This urgently requires workforces to reskill and upskill. Shipping is no different, and so Lloyd’s Register Foundation champions numerous skills initiatives that support a safe, equitable and just transition to zero and near-zero GHG emission fuels, particularly in emerging maritime economies. We’re proud of the work of our long-term partners the Maritime Just Transition Taskforce and the Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub for helping realise our vision in this space, and showing leadership at a time when it is so desperately needed.”

The full report can be downloaded at Considerations of Training Aspects for Seafarers | LR

ABOUT LLOYD’S REGISTER MARITIME DECARBONISATION HUB
The Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub is an independent, not-for-profit social purpose organisation, working towards our vision of a safe, sustainable, and human-centric decarbonised shipping industry for the benefit of society. 
Formed in 2020 with a grant from Lloyd’s Register Foundation, and in partnership with Lloyd’s Register Group, we are an evidence-led research and action unit. Our team of specialists in economics, fuels, risk & safety engineering, human factors, and analytics deliver research, insights, and implementation pathways to future fuels across the maritime supply chain. 

For more information, go to www.maritimedecarbonisationhub.org.

ABOUT LLOYD’S REGISTER  
Trusted maritime advisors, partnering with clients to drive performance across the ocean economy.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering and technology. 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 advice, support and solutions on fleet performance and optimisation, voyage optimisation, enhancing our clients’ digital capability. Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 20,000 vessels. 

In the race to zero emissions, our research, 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 LLOYD’S REGISTER  FUEL FOR THOUGHT SERIES
Lloyd’s Register is leading the safe and sustainable use of alternative and low carbon fuels in the maritime sector. Through its innovative "Fuel for Thought" alternative fuel report series, LR has established its expertise through a comprehensive series, which includes reports, webinars, and events, that explore the latest trends and developments in alternative fuels for shipping.

The aim is to provide valuable insights into the challenges, benefits, and practicalities of using alternative and low carbon fuels, driven by environmental concerns and stringent regulations for cleaner and greener ship

Photo credit: International Maritime Organisation

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MSC Cruises is embarking on its first Winter season from Greece, with weekly departures from Piraeus (Athens) to beautiful Mediterranean destinations. MSC Sinfonia will sail on Mondays for the entire winter season, allowing Greek travellers to unwind and explore on a winter vacation to destinations including Greece, Turkey, and Italy without the need to fly.

This cruise brings guests to some of the Mediterranean’s most captivating locations, from the cultural crossroads of Istanbul to the charming Puglia region, all while sailing from the convenience of ports close to home and aboard the elegant ship.

Aboard MSC Sinfonia, guests will enjoy a wide choice of entertainment and activities: the sports and leisure options span all tastes and ages, from main pool on the open deck to the fully-equipped gym and MSC Aurea Spa with its modern beauty treatments and massages. 7-night cruises this winter start at €399, for reservation contact your travel agent.

The selection of handpicked destinations include:

Izmir/Ephesus, Turkey - guests can make the most of winter temperatures in their mid-twenties while wandering through cobbled streets, bustling bazaars and taking in Izmir’s centuries-old and UNESCO listed wonders, such as the stunning archaeological sites of Ephesus or the Yesilova Hoyuk centre.

Istanbul, Turkey – the meeting point of East and West, Istanbul boasts rich, diverse history with stunning landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, offering diverse and unique exploration opportunities. From roaming the Grand Bazaar in search of colourful spices or souvenirs, taking an iconic dinner cruise on the Bosphorus, visiting grandiose palaces or attending a mystic dervishi show & dinner.

Corfu, Greece – back on Greek lands, guests can unwind with a well-deserved break in Corfu, a cherished gem in the Ionian Sea. Known for its blend of Venetian architecture, lush natural landscapes, and stunning beaches with its crystal-clear seas, it offers the perfect mix of serenity and adventure. Culture aficionados will relish in the numerous city tours to discover Corfu’s panoramic views, ancient monuments, monasteries and churches, while leisure-seeking travellers can simply relax on Barbati Beach to soak up some sun.

Bari, Italy - visit the charming port city of Bari, capital of southern Italy’s wonderful Puglia region, with its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and historic old town awaiting to be explored. From strolling through the medieval streets of Bari Vecchia and visiting the impressive Basilica of St. Nicholas to discovering the unique, UNESCO-listed trulli houses of Alberobello. For nature lovers, the stunning Castellana Caves and the coastal town of Polignano a Mare offer breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences.

Experience more in each destination with an MSC Cruises Shore Excursion – shore excursions not only support local economies by using local suppliers, but also encourage guests to immerse themselves in the local cultures of each destination featured on itineraries.

MSC Cruises supports the development of responsible and sustainable tourism growth across Greece’s island and mainland destinations by lengthening the traditional cruise season and reducing pressure on traditionally popu lar destinations, such as Santorini and Mykonos, by increasing calls to other ports, including Cephalonia, Katakolon and Zakynthos.

About MSC Cruises: Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and

the market leader in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Southern Africa, with a strong and growing presence in North America and the Far East.

The MSC Cruises fleet consists of 22 modern ships with three new vessels due to be launched in 2025, 2026, and 2027. The Company operates in more than 100 countries around the world, offering cruises across five continents, calling at more than 300 destinations and welcoming more than 180 different nationalities on board.

MSC Cruises is firmly committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its marine operations by 2050.

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The Port of Piraeus has once again been recognized for excellence in passenger transport, receiving the prestigious “Ferry Shipping Port of the Year 2024” award at a special ceremony during the European Ferry Shipping Summit.

This award highlights Piraeus’ commitment to strategic development, ongoing investments, and comprehensive modernization, resulting in consistently positive upward trajectory across all sectors of port operations. In particular in recent years, passenger transport is noteworthy, meaning ferry shipping and cruise sector. The port of Piraeus, now serving approximately 20 million passengers annually, is the largest port in Europe and one of the largest in the world. By providing high level services, Piraeus port is acting as a critical transportation hub, connecting mainland Greece with the Aegean islands and Crete, while also functioning as a primary gateway from Europe to its southeastern borders.

The CEO of PPA S.A. Mr. Su Xudong shared his pride in this accomplishment, stating: “At PPA S.A., we are delighted and deeply proud of the continuous recognition the port receives. The dedicated and systematic efforts of our team combined with their extensive experience and expertise are key to Piraeus’ success as a model port, exemplifying efficiency and responsible operations.”

Held in Greece for the first time, this year’s European Ferry Shipping Summit took place in early November, bringing together industry leaders across Europe, with the participation of approximately 200 delegates from almost all European countries. During the conference, a tour was held at the Piraeus Port facilities and were presented the port services at the passenger and cargo piers.

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Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. published its Event Sustainability Report for Posidonia 2024, confirming its commitment to organising sustainable exhibitions with a positive impact to society and economy.

Posidonia received the ISO 20121 certification for the second consecutive time. It should be noted that the international shipping exhibition was Greece’s first event to receive the certification in 2022.

With 2,038 exhibiting companies from 81 countries and territories, 32,527 visitors from 130 countries and total participation reaching 41,838 people, Posidonia 2024 broke every record, creating a challenge for Organisers to achieve the set sustainability goals.

This year’s report confirms that Posidonia managed to exceed expectations:

• Maintained low consumption levels per visitor, both in electricity (10.2kwh) and water (0.022m³) consumption, despite a 12.6% increase in visitor attendance
• Reduced carbon footprint of the exhibition, through effective shuttle bus service planning. 5.12% fewer shuttle bus routes served 31.15% more passengers
• 96.7% of exhibitors implemented extended sustainability practices, following Organisers’ guidance (i.e. use of sustainable or recyclable materials in stand construction, implementation of energy efficient solutions in stand design, etc.)
• 66.23% of exhibitors opted for sustainable or recyclable materials in stand construction
• 41.72% of exhibitors re-used their stand from previous exhibition(s) participation, while 91% of them appointed local stand contractors, thus reducing logistics induced effects and further supporting the local economy
• Zero accident recorded during exhibition construction & dismantling
• Minimized paper and plastic waste
• Digitalisation of Posidonia 2024 promotional and informational material
• Appointment of ISO certified suppliers and partners contributed to the overall upgrade of the exhibition’s quality and sustainability.

Through its corporate initiatives and sponsorship programme, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. allocated over 200,000 euro, directly or indirectly, to support organisations, NGOs and social/environmental projects, mainly focusing on supporting educational, environmental, and cultural as well as health and sports related initiatives.

In addition, Posidonia 2024 contributed to the Greek economy an estimated amount of over 80 million euro, spread over various sectors including stand constructions, transportation, meetings and corporate events, hotels and restaurants, tax revenues and foreign direct investment. It is worth mentioning that approximately 13,000 people visit Greece for Posidonia, many of whom prolong their stay for vacations after the exhibition, thus multiplying the financial benefit for the local economy.

“The pursuit of environmentally friendly solutions that attain maximum benefit for society is of primary importance to our company” said Theodore Vokos, Managing Director of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., and added that “We are particularly happy to confirm that both exhibitors as well as all Posidonia participants are partaking in this effort, contributing to the best possible results. Large-scale sustainable exhibitions in Athens contribute to promoting the city’s, but also Greece’s, image abroad as an important MICE destination.”

The Posidonia 2024 Event Sustainability Report is available here.

Posidonia 2024 is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Union of Greek Shipowners and with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.

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At the company’s Annual User Conference, October 16-18, Ulysses Systems demonstrated the development speed and transparency of the new advanced solutions hosted by the new Web based marine Maritime Applications Platform.

- The new Web based Maritime Applications Platform is a unique platform that is the enterprise knowledge map, the data model and the code every maritime enterprise needs.

- Not least, it also includes an embedded linguistics application that integrates corporate e-mails with corporate applications.

- Above all, its unique architecture enables software to improve without the burden of regression testing and new product releases.

Web-Platform highlights

Hosting any software development required by clients

A requirements elicitation model makes realization of new features entirely transparent to stakeholders and enables development at a fraction of the effort required by current development methods.

Undreamed of Integrations

Undreamed of integration because we don’t just join systems. Whatever the application and wherever the area, we join the attributes and ensure these are in concert because the logic is clearly visible graphically, as it executes.

Traceability and granularity

Traceability and granularity are special and patented platform features enabling software changes to be traceable. As a result, there is no need for the many complexities of new product releases.

Traceability also enables the platform to be an enterprise process map using the logic of any propagation between attributes and processes.

Traceable logic furthermore guarantees the explainability of algorithms and the unambiguous propagation of logic across the data model and is an essential part of ensuring clarity and predictability.

An enterprise map with proper risk related co-ordination

A marine domain goal model that reads like a map provides situational assessment of any part of the enterprise the client wishes to focus on. It also provides substantial decision support to the decision-makers by integrating emails and documents with enterprise processes in enterprise software into a converging goal map.

20 years of Ulysses product and services to Exmar Ship Management

In parallel, Ulysses Systems is celebrating 20 years of Ulysses product and services to Exmar Ship Management.

The concurrent New Platform Launch with the 20 Years of Ulysses Product and Services to Exmar Ship Management is indicative of Ulysses Systems commitment to software that always improves, demonstrated by 20 years with Exmar and another 20 going forward. enabled by the new web platform.

We are deeply thankful to Exmar for the opportunity to serve them and especially for the extremely high standards and outstanding expertise they have provided in guiding our product improvement.

Throughout this period the software has been evolving at a significant pace, showing ground breaking new features, all of which are available to Exmar and all our clients, through seamless upgrades without having to redevelop any client specific features.

The reason is that, from the start, Ulysses Systems unique platform architecture enabled continuous product improvements without ever confronting clients with upgrade cost and complexity.

Now, the newly launched Ulysses Systems Maritime Applications Platform embraces another 20 years of future developments without imposing the slightest discontinuity to customers. This significant advantage is owed to the sophistication of the original platform and thanks to sustained periods of research, development and investment in the new platform.

About Ulysses Systems

Ulysses Systems is a Maritime Software specialist dedicated to replacing information technology complexity and elevating usability. Its award-winning Task Assistant® Software enables office and seagoing personnel to work intuitively and efficiently with minimal training and just-in-time information. We Managers should expect a fast return on total software lifecycle cost thanks to mature process optimization, bridging of information gaps and refined integration technologies. Currently Ulysses Systems is pioneering fast development of new annexes to existing software, including monitoring underlying systems for cybersecurity compliance

Image - Patented certificates: Domain module computation unit, System containing a model of an enterprise, Single board computational unit, Grid of computational units, Method to provide propagation traceability, and Non-transitory computer program product

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IBIA - The International Bunker Industry Association announced the establishment of its European Regional Board at the IBIA Annual Convention, held in Athens attended by over 250 delegates. The event, which began with opening addresses from Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA, and Constantinos Capetanakis, Chair of IBIA, set the stage for insightful discussions on the future of marine fuels and industry collaboration.

Distinguished keynote speakers included Christos Stylianides, Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, and George J. Tsunis, U.S. Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic.

The IBIA Convention in Athens brought together industry leaders and specialists from across the global bunker sector, creating an unparalleled platform for knowledge exchange and forward-thinking discussions. Panels focused on emerging trends in alternative fuels, regional regulatory challenges, and the drive for environmental stewardship, fostering rich dialogue and collaboration on the industry’s most pressing issues.

Constantinos Capetanakis, IBIA Chair announced the formation of IBIA’s European Regional Board completing the association’s commitment to establishing five regional boards worldwide, which include Africa, Americas, Asia and Middle East, this reflects IBIA’s strategic focus on addressing regional issues through localised leadership. This new board will enhance cooperation within the European bunker and shipping sectors, address pressing regional challenges, and support IBIA’s mission to promote a sustainable and equitable marine fuel landscape.

The European Regional Board will be chaired by Charlotte Rojgaard, Global Marine Fuels Director at Bureau Veritas Verifuel. She will be joined by influential industry leaders: John Stirling, Director of Marine Technical at World Fuel Services; Kenneth Juhls, Managing Director at ZeroNorth Bunker; Andrea Realfonzo from Grimaldi Group’s Corporate Bunker & Chartering Department; Sofia Furstenberg Stott, Partner at Furstenberg Maritime Advisory; Peter Grunwaldt, Vice President at Hafnia; Jan Christensen, Senior Director, Fuels, Lubricants & Chemicals, Hapag-Lloyd AG and Capt John Ghio, CEO & Captain of the Port, Gibraltar.

Reflecting on her new role, Charlotte Rojgaard stated, “It is an honour to lead IBIA’s European Regional Board. We have a unique opportunity to drive meaningful progress on issues specific to Europe’s diverse and dynamic bunker industry. With this team, we are well-equipped to tackle both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities in marine fuels and environmental stewardship”.

IBIA’s regional boards play a critical role in fostering local engagement, promoting best practices, and addressing region-specific concerns within a global framework. With an array of expertise, the European Board members are committed to elevating industry standards, promoting sustainability, and advancing cooperation across the sector.

About IBIA: IBIA (The International Bunker Industry Association) is the voice of the global bunker industry and represents all stakeholders across the industry value chain. Our membership includes ship owners/operators, bunker suppliers, traders, brokers, barging companies, storage companies, surveyors, port authorities, credit reporting companies, lawyers, P&I clubs, equipment manufacturers, shipping journalists and marine consultants. Formed in 1992, today has members in more than 80 countries.

IBIA promotes improved standards, knowledge and understanding in the industry. We do this through a variety of events and courses, engaging in working groups, by disseminating reliable and accurate information and offering practical advice where we can. We also lobby for effective, pragmatic and workable regulations. One of the most important arenas for that is at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) where IBIA has consultative status as a non- governmental organisation. IBIA attends all meetings of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and a number of Sub-Committees.

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On October 31, 2024, Danaos Research Center hosted the 3rd Hellenic EU Maritime Research Workshop at Danaos Auditorium, bringing together a distinguished group of professionals, researchers, and industry leaders committed to advancing EU Maritime Research and Innovation with strong Hellenic contributions.

This event showcased cutting-edge presentations on a range of EU Maritime Research Projects focused on key areas that are shaping the future of the maritime industry. Topics covered included:

• Efficiency & Optimization
• Energy Retrofits & Sustainability
• Cybersecurity & Big Data Analytics
• Digitalization, Robotics & IoT

These essential themes are at the forefront of the push to create a more innovative, resilient, and environmentally sustainable maritime sector.

The event was moderated by Dr. John Kokarakis, and with esteemed Speakers:  Dr. George Kosmadakis, Prof. Sotirios Karellas, Dr. Takis Katsoulakos, Dr. Antonis Antonopoulos, Mrs. Georgia Tsiochantari, Prof. Takis Varelas, Mrs. Evelina Bintevinou, Dr. Kyriakos Mahos, Dr. Dimitris Kaklis, Dr. Apostolos Gkountas, Prof. Marc Bonazountas, Mr. Jason Markatos, Prof. Leonidas Ntziachristos, Mr. Leonidas Drikos, Mr. Fotis Oikonomou, Prof. Stathes Hadjiefthymiades, Dr. George Bravos, Mr. Konstantinos Louzis, Prof. Nikolaos P. Ventikos, Dr. Elias Chatzidouros, and all attendees, whose valuable insights are contributing to the advancement of the maritime sector.

“Together, we continue to explore new frontiers in maritime research, pushing boundaries in digitalization, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices. We look forward to continuing our journey toward a more innovative and sustainable maritime future.

Let’s navigate the future of maritime research together!”, stated the DCR team.

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In an effort to examine innovative and effective ways of loss prevention The American Club informed the members for critical operational issues, at a Piraeus Marine Club a Claims & Loss Prevention seminar.

Andrew Dyar, Regional Claims Director EMEA - VP/ Global Claims Eagle Ocean Marine at The American P&I Club, opened the event.

Dr. Konstantinos Galanis, Director of Technical, Operations and Sustainability, Dido Shipping presented the topic: “Riding the ship recycling waves towards sustainability and decarbonisation”. Dr. Galanis also mentioned: “If you think compliance is expensive try non-compliance. To prove your sustainability you have to adopt a waste management policy as recycling material has a remarkable value”.

Stamatis Fradelos, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, American Bureau of Shipping, spoke about: “Decarbonization: Regulatory developments and industry impact”.

Mr. Fradelos referred to revised IMO GHG reductions strategy, international shipping GHG Trends and IMO Net Zero framework.

Captain Nikos Taktikos, Technical Consultant SCB (Hellas) referred to the topics: “Coming up short: A technical perspective for tankers” and “Coming up short: A technical perspective for dry cargo”.

Dr. William Moore, Global Loss Prevention Director The American Club, gave an update to loss prevention practices. He said The American Club protects and helps shipowners to decarbonize and deal with any risk arises.

The Club has developed a mobile app, digital tools and publications for ship crew. In general it provides guidance to assist shipowners to avoid claims.

The Club identifies incidents trends from Member’s claims, regulatory changes and inputs from Members.  It also provides Education & Training tools, pre-employment medical examinations (PEME), best practices, guidance, posters & comics, detailed e-learning modules by MARPOL STS, IMSBC code, etc.

Seafarers from Bulgaria, India, Indonesia, Latvia, Philippines must obtain PEME’s from Club’s approved clinics on Club approved forms.

Focus is given on awareness, education of crew, enhancing ships standards through survey efforts, disseminate info to members through various communication means and ramping up efforts on sustainability and decarbonisation.

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.