Alassia NewShips Management Inc have joined industry leaders Hafnia, Marfin, C Transport Maritime, Trans Sea Transport and BW Epic Kosan in working with Foundational AI company Complexio. Foundational AI is creating a transformational leap in how humans interact with their data and tools, from siloed applications to a centralised system that is connected to all areas of a company’s infrastructure. Complexio has created this AI-driven system after three years of intensive research and development inside market leading enterprises, with unrestricted access to their real-time and historical company data. In the last two years almost 90 percent of the world’s data has been generated, which has become especially problematic in larger, data-heavy industries who are reliant on many different tools, systems, processes and departments to carry out their business activities, resulting in lost efficiency and productivity.

At the same time, research shows that 90 percent of all employees are routinely completing manual, recurring tasks and spending about 60 percent of their workday doing "work about work". Fulfilling these repetitive tasks costs businesses as much as 19 working days per year per employee. “Our people and our reputation are our two most important assets,” says Alassia Newships CEO Basil Sakellis. “We work in a very data and process heavy industry that has historically been slower to take up technologies. Consequently, we are investing a lot of human resources on actioning and sharing vessel data with external partners.”

“We already have an ERP and have a very detailed filing system, as well as satellite communications onboard for real-time communication between the ships and headquarters, but it is not enough. Our employees are still spending too much time on repetitive, data-intense tasks. We had been thinking for some time that there had to be a better way to manage and automate these processes and to make a positive impact on the productivity of our team. We think we have found that with Complexio,” he says. “Businesses are under incredible amounts of pressure to be efficient, while dealing with the exponential amounts of data and systems,” Complexio CEO Matthew Talbot says.

“At the same time, their workers are still stuck spending most of their time on recurring tasks using multiple systems and tools to move this data around. We can alleviate this burden by automating these tasks.” Alassia NewShips has already begun ingesting and mapping their data into Complexio. “The data ingestion and initial mapping process takes a couple of months to be completed, depending on the number of systems, volume of data and data sources we need to connect with,” Matthew says. “Once this is completed, we move onto mapping the relationships in the data, highlighting patterns that we can use to understand and automate repetitive tasks. It is an iterative system that continues to learn from new inputs and user interactions, progressively unlocking more and more business value.

“The development of Foundational AI comes at a very opportune time for us in shipping,” Basil says. “A lot of changes are taking place because of environmental concerns and new environmental regulations. As a result, we are managing even more data and repetitive tasks for compliance and reporting. Streamlining and automating our handling of these tasks will allow more time for the team to think productively and creatively in terms of our path towards being a net zero organisation. Complexio will help us free our time to focus on more constructive activities, as opposed to managing those repetitive tasks again and again and again and again.”

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.

With remarkable success and participation from over 40 Project Connect member companies of the shipping industry, the 2nd HR Executive Breakfast Meeting took place on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the Piraeus Marine Club.

Sophia Piha, Project Connect's, CV-HR Platform Coordinator showed the shipping HR members how to navigate their CV-HR online Platform which is a database of pre-interviewed young candidates.

This  innovative and pioneering idea to make work life easier for the HR community with an efficient recruiting tool where young adults are concerned has been founded by Project Connect and its shipowner membership since 2015.

Member, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime's HR Manager, Ms. Ismini Giannakopoulou, mentioned, “On behalf of Eastern Mediterranean’s HR team, we believe that this partnership, with Project Connect to working together to achieve our company’s vision, in relation to career management and employee placement will be a big asset to the further development of our company.”

The event was highlighted by a compelling presentation from Project Connect’s Director, Mrs. Notias, who emphasized how Project Connect is enhancing youth employability by preparing youth for the office environment through basic training in work ethics, business standards, and self-development, in addition to directly bridging the young job seekers to shipping companies on its online CV-HR Platform.

The platform has already made a significant impact, connecting undergraduates and graduates from universities and maritime academies to more than 80 major shipping companies.

Since its inception, the platform has successfully placed over 126 students and graduates in roles within the industry, with over 170 students already populating the database.

The platform has garnered the financial support of 90 members, consisting of 55 shipowning companies and 35 maritime service providers, solidifying its role in shaping the future of the maritime workforce.

Benefits for Shipping’s HR Departments

The Platform is a well-designed Human Resources recruiting tool specially designed by HR experts and Ms. Notias to provide its member HR Departments an advance look at potential candidates and enhance their hiring processes.  It provides a free training service for newcomers, saving time, energy and money for the member companies.

The primary mission of Project Connect is to bridge education with the maritime sector, both at sea and on shore, to boost youth employability and ensure the sustainability of the shipping industry.

Having the endorsement of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs & Sports, the Ministry of Shipping & Insular Policy, and the Ministry of Labor & Social Security, Project Connect’s strategy is built on three main pillars: the CV-HR Platform, live self-awareness and self-development workshops for college students and graduates, and through Adopt a Ship connecting ships with classrooms, and engaging captains, teachers, and students aged 8 to 18 in meaningful, industry-related activities.

In recognition of its exceptional contributions to youth employability in the maritime industry, Project Connect was honored with the prestigious Lloyd’s Greek Shipping Award in the “Education or Training” category in 2022.

Project Connect calls on all stakeholders to get on board and make this part and parcel of their company's ESG program, as its Adopt a Ship program alone hosts 11 of the 17 United Nations’ SDG’s. 

All, maritime companies, captains/crew, teachers/schools, pupils/ students and grads, marine cadets/grads, and trade associations— stand to gain, if they join Project Connect, to build the next generation workforce together. 

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.

Watson Farley & Williams celebrated recently with a cocktail party in One and Only Aesthesis, along with her friends from shipping its 40 years presence in Greece. It was the first international law firm that opened offices in 1984.

Today with 700 lawyers across 19 offices worldwide is a dominant player in international legal chess.

George Paleokrassas, senior partner of the law firm in Greece focused on Watson Farley & Williams sustainability vision - in other words underlined the power to create share value through a firm wide focus on people, planet and practices using skills and expertise to support sustainable and inclusive prosperity.

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.

The WISTA International AGM and Conference, scheduled for October 9-11, will mark the organisation's 50th anniversary. The event will bring together over 300 global leaders, innovators, and advocates to discuss the intersections of innovation, diversity, and sustainability driving the future of global maritime and trade industries. 
The conference will host a series of panel discussions that delve into topics such as financing the future of the maritime sector and the critical human element in driving innovation. Additionally, workshops will focus on innovation in enhancing global supply chains and further investigate methods for building a sustainable maritime workforce.

Keynote addresses from the President of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, IMO Secretary General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, and Futurist & Ecocentrist KD Adamson will highlight the event, which also offers unparalleled networking opportunities.

WISTA connects over 5,100 professionals across 59 countries in the maritime, trading, and logistics sectors, fostering a unique community aimed at empowering women in these industries.

For more on the agenda, visit: www.wista2024.com

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.

International dry bulk shipping association backs streamlined approach to IMO's mid-term GHG reduction strategy INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, reaffirms its commitment to sustainable shipping by advocating for straightforward mid-term measures in the industry's decarbonization efforts. The association, representing one of the most efficient cargo transportation sectors globally, emphasized the critical need for practicable solutions to ensure effective implementation of emissions reduction strategies.

Key Points:

Support for Integrated Framework: INTERCARGO endorses in principle the updated joint proposal by Bahamas, Liberia, and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) for an "IMO net-zero framework."

Simplified Pricing Mechanism: Backing a flat-rate contribution per tonne of GHG emitted, with incentives for zero and near-zero GHG fuel usage.

Predictability for Stakeholders: Advocating for fixed annual GHG fees over minimum five-year periods.

Well-to-Wake Approach: Supporting a comprehensive emissions accounting system while addressing concerns about upstream emissions beyond shipping's control.

Cautious Approach to Decarbonization Fund: Highlighting the need for thorough review of legal issues and alignment with UN climate fund principles.

Fair Cost Distribution: Endorsing the principle that charterers or commercial operators, as fuel cost bearers, should also cover GHG fees and compliance costs.

Reduced Administrative Burden: Calling for streamlined processes, especially for dry bulk tramp shipping facing global compliance challenges in accessing safely green energy sources in ports around the world.

"The path to shipping's decarbonization must be paved with practical, implementable solutions," said INTERCARGO’s Secretary General Kostas Gkonis. "Our support for these measures reflects our sector’s commitment to environmental responsibility whilst maintaining operational efficiency and smooth global transportation of essential goods."

INTERCARGO stresses the importance of global governmental action and cross-stakeholder collaboration throughout the maritime transport chain to achieve these ambitious goals.

Images: Caption: Dr Kostas Gkonis, Secretary General, INTERCARGO

Credit: INTERCARGO

Credit: Shutterstock

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.

Introducing the She4Sea profiling tool, offering new career opportunities for women in the Blue Economy. Tailored for both unemployed women and active professionals seeking career advancement, this innovative tool provides insights into marine industry roles that align with their skills and career goals across three main sectors: maritime transport, fisheries and aquaculture, and water-based tourism.

By undergoing a self-assessment that highlights their soft and hard skills, participants can discover how their professional strengths align with current career trends in these areas. Whether aspiring to be a fishing tour organizer and guide, a port coordinator, an environmental officer on a cruise ship, or a shipbroker, every woman can find her niche in the Blue Economy, according to her unique talents and ambitions. The personalized list of professions revealed through this process provides insights into their requirements. At the end of this journey, women are empowered to pursue these careers by enrolling in the upcoming She4Sea training platform, which focuses on enhancing the most sought-after soft skills in the industry, categorized under leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

Human resources and sectoral experts have collaborated in developing this tool, ensuring women receive up-to-date information reflecting the latest market trends. This preparation equips them to be competitive and well-prepared in pursuing their chosen careers in the Blue Economy.

As the Blue Economy shifts towards a greener and more efficient future, it faces challenges in attracting talent. Providing women with opportunities to enter traditionally male-dominated sectors not only promotes inclusion but also holds significant potential for economic development.

Discover your strengths

Explore a wide range of opportunities

Try the She4Sea Profiling Tool here

About the project: The Sea4Sea profiling tool was developed under the framework of the She4Sea project, funded by Erasmus+ and implemented by partners from Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Spain. The project aims to provide personalized guidance to women aspiring to pursue a career in the blue economy and provides training opportunities to develop sought-after skills such as leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

For more information, visit the project website and connect with the She4Sea team through Facebook and LinkedIn

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.

Capital Link is hosting the “14th Annual Capital Link Operational Excellence in Shipping Forum - Best Industry Practices - Building Long Term Value Through Sustainability”, on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at the Athenaeum Intercontinental Athens, in Athens, Greece.

With a 14-year track record it is the only Forum that showcases Operational Excellence in the Maritime Sector and explores Best Industry Practices across all major areas such as fleet management, technological innovation, crewing, energy efficiency and the environment, safety & security. Special attention will be paid to sustainability and ESG considerations.
The Forum provides an interactive platform on the topic of Operational Excellence, Best Industry Practices and Sustainability linking shipping companies, charterers, regulators, government and non-government industry associations, classification societies, P&I Clubs, flag registries, technology & service providers and the financial and investment community.

This year's forum will once more feature industry leaders addressing a global audience.

More info & registration at the following link: https://forums.capitallink.com/opexcellence/2024/

AGENDA

REGISTRATION & COFFEE

Sponsored by Castor Maritime • Toro

WELCOME REMARKS

Mr. Nicolas Bornozis, President - Capital Link

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

Mr. Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman & CEO - ABS

FUEL POTENTIAL UNLOCKED – NATURALLY POWERED BY XBEE

Presentation by: Mr. Roy Gebbink, Managing Director – XBEE Marine

REALITY CHECK ON MARINE FUELS & ENERGY TRANSITION

Availability, Affordability & Scalability

Moderator: Mr. Vassilis Dimoulas, Technology & Innovation Director SEEBA Zone - Bureau Veritas

Panelists:

• Dr. George D. Pateras, President - Hellenic Chamber of Shipping; Deputy Chairman - Contships Management
• Mr. Kostas Polydakis, CEO - MM Marine, Mercuria Energy Group; Head of Shipping-Minerva Bunkering, Mercuria Energy Group
• Mr. Constantinos Capetanakis, Bunker Director - Star Bulk Carriers Corp (NASDAQ: SBLK); Chair – IBIA
• Mr. George Saroglou, President & COO - TEN Ltd. (NYSE: TEN)

SAFETY & SUSTAINABILITY - SAFEGUARDING THE CREWS, CARGOES, & THE ENVIRONMENT

Moderator: Mr. Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman & CEO – ABS

Panelists:

• Mr. Stylianos Psillakis, Technical Director - Columbia Shipmanagement
• Mr. George Poularas, CEO - Enesel SA
• Mr. Kostas Karathanos, COO – GasLog Ltd.
• Mr. Roberto P. Cazzulo, Council Chair -International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)
• Mr. Dimitrios Fafalios, Chairman - INTERCARGO; President / Director – Fafalios Shipping

SPOTLIGHT ON HUMAN SUSTAINABILITY

Moderator Mr. Michalis Pantazopoulos, General Manager - Liberian Registry (LISCR Hellas)

Panelists:

• Mr. Vangelis Sfakiotakis, COO - Diana Shipping Services S.A.
• Ms. Ioanna Lali, D.E.I. Officer & Alternate Crew Manager - Dorian LPG Ltd. (NYSE: LPG)
• Mr. Tim Ponath, CEO - NSB Group
• Mr. Theo Baltatzis, General Manager - Technomar Shipping
• Ms. Venetia Kallipolitou, Cross Department HR & Training Manager - Tsakos Group; Commander – Hellenic Coast Guard (Retired)

NAVIGATING TROUBLED WATERS

Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis HN, Operational Commander "EUNAVFOR ASPIDES" - Hellenic Navy General Staff

KEYNOTE REMARKS

H.E. Christos Stylianides, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy - Hellenic Republic of Greece

"2024 CAPITAL LINK MARITIME SUSTAINABILITY AWARD"

Presented to: Mr. Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman - INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF SHIPPING ; President & MD - Grimaldi Euromed SpA ; Managing Director - Grimaldi Group

Introductory Remarks by:  Ms. Melina Travlos, President - Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) ; Chair of the Board - Neptune Lines

RIDING THE TECHNOLOGY WAVE

Fleet Performance Optimization Through Innovation & Digitalization

Moderator: Mr. Spyridon Zolotas, Senior Director – RINA

Panelists:

• Mr. Dimitris Vastarouchas, COO & Vice President – Danaos Corporation
• Mr. Marcos Vassilicos, Managing Director – Eurobulk
• Mr. Antonios Georgantzis, COO – Latsco Marine Management
• Mr. Costas Kontes, Group Commercial Director Europe / Managing Director – Mediterranean Cluster –V.Ships Greece Ltd.

ALL ABOUT CARBON - CARBON CAPTURE, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

Moderator: Dr. Chara Georgopoulou, Head of R&D and Advisory Unit Greece, Onboard CCS Manager, Maritime – DNV
Panelists:

• Mr. Jerry Kalogiratos, CEO - Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: CCEC)
• Mr. Jasper Heikens, CCO - Ecolog
• Ms. Eleni Polychronopoulou, President - ERMA FIRST GROUP
• Mr. Nikolas Rigas, Head of Carbon Storage -EnEarth
• Mr. George Daskalakis, Head Technology Management, Strategy Division - Motor Oil (Hellas)

GOING INTO 2025 - FUELEU MARITIME & EU ETS

1x1 Discussion: 

• Mr. Frederic Bouthillier, Head of Shipping - Vertis Environmental Finance
• Ms. Vanessa Tzoannos, Partner - Hill Dickinson

PORT STATE CONTROL – CHINA

Presentation by: Mr. Francis Chin, Executive Director – Singhai Marine Services (Singapore)

THE SHIPOWNER’S PERSPECTIVE - LOOKING AHEAD

Moderator: Ms. Elina Papageorgiou, Global Strategic Growth Director & Vice President, Greece & Cyprus - Lloyd’s Register
Panelists:

• Mr. Sveinung Støhle, Deputy CEO - Angelicoussis Group
• Mr. Jerry Kalogiratos, CEO - Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: CCEC)
• Mr. Thomas Lister, CEO - Global Ship Lease Ltd. (NYSE: GSL)
• Mr. George Thanopoulos, CEO - Neda Maritime Agency Co. Ltd.
• Ms. Charis Plakantonakis, Chief Strategy Officer - Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: SBLK)

--------------

THE FORUM IS ORGANIZED:

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: ABS

GLOBAL LEAD SPONSOR: TEN – TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LTD.

GLOBAL GOLD SPONSORS: Columbia Shipmanagement • DNV

GLOBAL SPONSORS: Hill Dickinson • Lloyds Register • NSB GROUP

SPONSORS: Bureau Veritas • ERMA FIRST Group • Liberian Registry (LISCR) • RINA • VERTIS Environmental Finance • V.Ships Group • XBEE Marine

SUPPORTING SPONSORS: Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. • Danaos Corporation • Diana Shipping Inc. • Dorian LPG Ltd. • Euroseas Ltd. • Eurodry Ltd. • Flott & Co.  PC • Global Ship Lease • Ichor Fitness • Safe Bulkers, Inc. • Star Bulk Carriers Corp.

BREAKFAST SPONSOR: Castor Maritime • Toro

COFFEE SPONSOR: Dimello

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS: Association of Banking and Financial Executives of Hellenic Shipping • BCA College • British Hellenic Chamber of Commerce – BHCC • Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee • Hellenic Committee of Lloyds Brokers Associates • Hellenic Chamber of Shipping • HELMEPA • Hellenic Shipbrokers Association (HSA) • International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) • International Association of the Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) • International Ship Managers Association (InterManager) • Hellenic Union of Mediators • Master of Science (MSc) in International Shipping, Finance & Management – Athens University of Economics and Business • The International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Piraeus • Piraeus Association of Maritime Arbitration • WLPGA

MEDIA PARTNERS: MEGA – TO VIMA – TA NEA - in.gr – OT.gr

All About Shipping Co. UK • Athens – Macedonian News Agency • Actualidad Maritima • Business Events Callendar • Efoplistis Shipping Magazine • Efoplistesnews.gr • Elnavi • The Japan Maritime Daily • Marine Circle • The Maritime Executive • Maritimes.gr • MEDIA Nafs • Naftika Chronika • Robban Assafina • Shipping & Finance • Shipping International Monthly Review • Ship Management International • Worldoils • Xinde Marine News.

Chairing the Ocean Hull Workshop at International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) 150^th annual conference in Berlin (Germany), Ilias Tsakiris, General Manager of American Club Europe, CEO of Hellenic Hull, and Chair of IUMI’s Ocean Hull Committee opened by saying: As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded of the legacy we’ve inherited but also of our responsibility to prepare for the future. The marine insurance sector has a long history of adaptability, and now, more than ever, we must remain nimble as the world around us changes.”

He emphasized the continuing growth of global ocean hull premiums, which rose by 7.2% in 2023, reaching USD 9.2 billion. He explained that this growth was due to increased shipping activity and the rising value of vessels. "Shipowners are investing in growing their fleets with more technologically advanced vessels to meet the demands of global trade and consequently hull underwriters have expanded their covers for these higher-value assets."

However, he warned of potential challenges on the horizon from new capacity entering the market, particularly through existing insurers seeking rapid growth.

Tsakiris also touched on the changes in claims activity noting that 2023 saw an increase in claims frequency and costs compared to recent years, though they remained at pre-pandemic levels. “As we move into 2024, the situation appears to be stabilising”, he noted.

He highlighted that the post-pandemic environment had introduced new dynamics to the claims landscape, but the industry was adjusting accordingly. “We’re seeing shifts but the industry is responding well. The fluctuation in claims is something we’ll continue to track but the outlook is more balanced for now.”
Trade Route Disruptions

One of the significant issues Tsakiris raised was the impact of geopolitical tensions on global trade routes, particularly in the Middle East. He pointed to the ongoing Red Sea crisis, where the activities of the Houthi rebels had led to considerable disruption. "Many shipowners are avoiding the Suez Canal, choosing longer routes around Africa to safeguard their vessels and crews," Tsakiris said.

This shift, he explained, was not without consequences. “These longer voyages expose vessels to unfamiliar waters and less developed ports, which heightens the risk of damage and delays. The lack of salvage and repair facilities on these alternative routes means that even minor incidents can escalate into significant claims.”

In addition to the operational risks, Mr. Tsakiris addressed the environmental toll of these rerouted voyages. With longer distances come increased fuel consumption and higher emissions, he noted. “Whilst, CII rating may seem improved, the ships are burning more fuel as they take these longer routes which directly impacts the industry’s carbon footprint. This is a serious concern as we work towards reducing emissions in line with international targets. We need to find solutions that not only meet regulatory requirements but also genuinely reduce the carbon impact of global shipping.”
Ilias Tsakiris also explored the changing risk landscape as a result of geopolitical tensions. “Underwriters are increasingly cautious when it comes to vessels with connections to high-risk regions,” he said. "Past experiences in conflict zones, particularly around the Red Sea, are playing a larger role in risk assessments.”
He explained that sanctions and geopolitical strain had made insuring vessels with ties to countries like the US, UK, and Israel more complex. “Risk selection is becoming more selective. Insurers are closely examining both the physical and political risks involved.”

Future outlook

Looking towards the future, he highlighted the industry’s ongoing efforts to support the transition to more sustainable shipping. “The push towards dual-fuel vessels and the exploration of alternative fuels is changing the makeup of the global fleet. New vessel deliveries are strong, but we’re also seeing an ageing fleet, which brings its own set of challenges.”

One major concern is the growing “dark fleet”—vessels with unclear ownership and often dubious classification. “This so-called ‘dark fleet’ presents significant risks for marine insurers. These ships are often operated by questionable entities and their lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess liability in case of accidents or pollution. This is a growing concern for marine insurers.”
Despite the many challenges facing the industry, Mr. Tsakiris reaffirmed IUMI’s commitment to promoting excellence in underwriting. “Education and expertise are more important now than ever,” he said.

Through initiatives such as the soon-to-be announced IUMI Masterclass in Hull Insurance, we are ensuring that our professionals have the skills they need to navigate these complex times.”

He concluded by acknowledging that while the future holds many uncertainties, the marine insurance industry has always thrived on its ability to adapt. "For 150 years, we have evolved and grown. As we look to the future, we must continue to innovate, educate, and protect the global maritime industry for the next 150 years and beyond."

image: Ilias Tsakiris, General Manager of American Club Europe, CEO of Hellenic Hull, and Chair of IUMI’s Ocean Hull Committee

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.

SEA Europe, the Shipyards & Maritime Equipment Association of Europe, has submitted its formal contribution to the European Commission's public consultation on the draft revised State aid rules for land and multimodal transport, with a focus on inland waterways. Representing Europe's maritime technology industry, SEA Europe welcomes the Commission’s initiative to support the inland waterways sector but calls for more ambitious criteria to ensure sustainable, digital, and high-tech solutions are prioritised.
The inland waterways sector, despite transporting 150 billion tonne-kilometres of cargo annually, faces an aging fleet and limited financial capacity, dominated by SMEs and family-run businesses. The European Commission has proposed criteria to facilitate State aid for acquiring and modernising inland vessels. While SEA Europe appreciates this support, the association stresses that these investments must align with the EU’s Green Deal and support the business case for the European maritime technology industry, comprising shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturers.

SEA Europe’s key concerns: Lack of sustainability and innovation: The current draft lacks conditions for the use of state-of-the-art, green technologies in new vessels. SEA Europe argues that this is a missed opportunity to drive innovation and transition to zero-emission, digitalised fleets. Unfair competition from non-European shipyards: The proposed rules do not require vessels to be built or retrofitted in European shipyards, potentially funnelling funds from EU countries to non-European competitors that often benefit from domestic subsidies, further disadvantaging European shipbuilders.

Ambiguity in aid eligibility: SEA Europe calls for clearer eligibility criteria to ensure that European shipyards and maritime equipment suppliers can access aid for the production and modernisation of inland vessels.

SEA Europe recommends that the European Commission’s rules include specific provisions to ensure that State aid supports the acquisition of vessels that are equipped with cutting-edge, sustainable technologies and that priority is given to European manufacturers and shipyards. “Europe’s inland waterways present a unique opportunity for greening, digitalization, and automation. However, without clear criteria that promote innovation, environmental stewardship, and support for European shipbuilders and equipment manufacturers, this opportunity could be lost,” said Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General of SEA Europe.

SEA Europe remains committed to working with the European Commission to ensure that the inland waterways fleet of the future is both environmentally friendly and built in Europe, fostering innovation across the continent.

SEA Europe represents close to 100% of the European shipbuilding industry in 16 nations, encompassing the production, maintenance, repair, and conversion of all types of ships and floating structures, commercial as well as naval, including the full supply chain with the various producers of maritime systems, equipment material, and services. As an NGO observer at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), CESA represents the shipbuilding industry and its supply chain from EU Member States, Norway, and Turkey. 

image: Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General of SEA Europe

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.

The new President of MedCruise is the Chief Commercial Officer and Director of Strategic Communications at the Port of Thessaloniki. The General Assembly also appointed the next Board of Directors, including Anne-Marie Spinosi from Corsica Ports as the Senior Vice President, and Laura Cimaglia from the Port of Taranto as the Vice President.

During the 65th MedCruise General Assembly held in Malaga, Spain, and within the framework of Seatrade Cruise Med 2024, Theodora Riga was elected as the President of MedCruise.
“I firmly believe in the value of collective action, or as we say in Greek "it is in unity, we stand strong" declared Ms. Riga. “With a vision to continue the work we have done so well, we are going to upgrade our activities and achieve even more, together, while ensuring the responsible development of cruising and benefiting all Mediterranean ports and destinations.  Through the collective actions of our members and synergies with other associations and institutions (UNTWO, ESPO, AIVP, CLIA, IAPH, etc.) we partner to maximize the economic, environmental and socially sustainable development of ports, destinations and all stakeholders in the Mediterranean and adjacent seas.”

In addition to electing its new President, MedCruise also announced the new Board of Directors (BoD) for the term 2024-2027. The elected members are: Anne-Marie Spinosi, elected as Senior Vice President (Corsica Ports, France), Laura Cimaglia elected  as Vice President (Port of Taranto, Italy), Valeria Mangiarotti (Sardinian Ports, Italy), Cristina De Gregori (Port of Genoa/Savona, Italy), Luz Marina Espiau Moreno (Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain), Joško Šupe (Port of Šibenik Authority, Croatia), Dario Barbarić (Dubrovnik Port Authority, Croatia), Maria Belkoleva (Port of Burgas, Bulgaria), Lorenzo Vera Franco (Port Authority of Motril, Spain), Genoveva Climent (Port Authority of Tarragona, Spain), Figen Ayan (Galataport Istanbul, Türkiye), Kyriaki Kampana (Heraklion Port Authority, Greece), Gilson Cruz (Ports of Cabo  Verde,  Cabo Verde) and Angelos Vlachos (Kavala Port Authority, Greece).
Theodora Riga succeeds Figen Ayan, Chief Officer at Galataport Istanbul, who will continue her involvement with the Association as Honorary President and elected Board of Directors member.
Born in 1973 in the USA, Theodora Riga holds an MBA in Business Administration and has held senior managerial positions in port, shipping and financial services companies over the last 20 years. Ms. Riga is a member of the National Cruise Committee and a Board Member of a shipping company listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, as Commercial Director and as Management Consultant on Strategic Development, Sales, Marketing and Communication in the largest shipping companies in Greece, providing communication support to the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies.

Theodora Riga is also a Member of the Board of Directors of Thessaloniki Tourism Organization and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping Representative on the Hellenic Government's National Cruise Committee.

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.