Lloyd’s Register Group, has reached an agreement to acquire Ocean Technologies Group (“OTG”), a leading trusted provider of human capital management and operational software dedicated to the global maritime industry, from European private equity firm Oakley Capital (“Oakley”).

OTG provides critical training, compliance, operational and HR software to over 1,000 shipowners and operators and over one million seafarers around the world. LR will now be able to offer OTG’s solutions across a combined fleet of over 30,000 vessels.

Acquiring OTG represents a significant milestone in LR’s journey to become a leading provider of digital solutions for the maritime industry and follows the acquisitions of OneOcean in 2022 and the purchase of a 50% stake alongside the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) in ISF Watchkeeper in 2023.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) revised its Greenhouse Gas strategy last year to include a common ambition to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by or around 2050 and a commitment to ensure an uptake of alternative zero and near-zero GHG fuels by 2030. In a report commissioned by the Maritime Just Transition Taskforce, it was estimated that up to 800,000 seafarers will require training on alternative fuels and new engines by the mid-2030s to cope with this need.

This acquisition will allow LR to provide a complete end-to-end energy transition solution for clients from advisory and feasibility studies on alternative fuels to the training and development of seafarers on the handling and use of those fuels.

LR’s aim is to combine OTG with its fast-growing digital business, LR OneOcean, to create one of the largest software platforms in maritime and to help accelerate the digital transformation of the industry.

Nick Brown, Chief Executive Officer of LR, said: “This is a really transformative acquisition for LR and our clients and reinforces our focus on maritime. For over 260 years we have provided trusted advice on the safety and performance of assets and vessels. 

“The purchase of OneOcean in 2022 gave us the digital capability to support and optimise the safe and compliant operations of vessels and now with the acquisition of OTG we will be able to provide a strategic approach to attracting, developing, managing and retaining maritime professionals at sea and ashore.

“It also complements perfectly the acquisition of the stake in ISF Watchkeeper, allowing us to advise owners and operators when to deploy training at the most optimum time for competency development onboard.”

Thomas Zanzinger, CEO of OTG, said: “Becoming a part of Lloyd’s Register is a great opportunity to further extend our global leadership in maritime which we have built with the support of Oakley. It allows us to rapidly expand our capabilities within an organisation that aligns perfectly with our mission, vision and values as we support our industry towards a digital and sustainable future. Key to that future is the ability to unlock the potential of our people through investing in Human Capital Management and harnessing technological innovation across vessel operations. I am truly excited to unlock the potential of what this combination of our highly trusted brands can achieve together for our clients.”

Peter Dubens, Oakley Capital Co-Founder and Managing Partner, said: “In partnership with Thomas and his team, we have helped to transform OTG from a single product solution into a diversified, best-in-class platform and partner to the shipping industry, and a small but critical enabler for sea transport and trade. We look forward to seeing OTG’s continuing growth now as part of Lloyd’s Register.”

Completion of the acquisition is subject to obtaining customary regulatory approvals and is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Image: Nick Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd's Register, Thomas Zanzinger, CEO, Ocean Technologies Group & Peter Dubens, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Oakley Capital

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 16th Annual Shipping & Marine Services Forum on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at the BMA House, in London. ABS is the Lead Sponsor of the event.
With a 16-year track record, this Forum, organized on an annual basis, aims to provide investors with a comprehensive review and current outlook of the various shipping markets, all while covering topics of critical interest to industry participants, financiers, and investors.
Investor Meetings
1x1 meetings with Executives of Shipping Companies are available upon request for institutional investors. Please send all requests to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The upcoming Forum is honored by the participation of the leaders of the foremost Maritime Regulatory Authorities: Mr. Mike Kane MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security - Department for Transport, United Kingdom, will deliver Keynote Remarks (via webcast), Mr. Guy Platten, Secretary General - International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Ms. Karin Orsel, President - European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), and Mr. Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst  – BIMCO, will participate on the discussion panels together with the following esteemed top executives of the biggest companies of the Greek, UK and international shipping communities.
For more information and to register: https://forums.capitallink.com/shipping/2024london/
AGENDA TOPICS & PARTICIPATING SPEAKERS
REGISTRATION & COFFEE | BREAKFAST SPONSORS: Castor • Toro
WELCOME REMARKS
Mr. Nicolas Bornozis, President – Capital Link, Inc.
DRY BULK SHIPPING
Moderator: Mr. Emanuele (Manu) Ravano, Co-CEO – IFCHOR GALBRAITHS (IG)
Panelists:
· Mr. Emanuele d’Amico, Director – d’Amico Dry
· Mr. John Su, President & CEO – Erasmus Shipinvest Group
· Mr. Ted Petrone, Vice Chairman – Navios Maritime Partners L.P. (NYSE: NMM)
· Mr. Simos Spyrou, Co-CFO – Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: SBLK)
CONTAINER SHIPPING
Moderator: Mr. Clemens Toepfer, Managing Director – Toepfer Transport GbmH
Panelists:
· Mr. Dimitris Dalakouras, CEO – Conbulk Shipmanagement Corporation
· Dr.  Tasos Aslidis, CFO & Treasurer – Euroseas Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESEA) & EuroDry Ltd. (NASDAQ: EDRY)
· Mr. Torben Kölln, Managing Director – Leonhardt & Blumberg
· Mr. Constantin Baack, CEO – MPC Container Ships ASA (NO: MPCC)
LNG & THE NEW ENERGY LANDSCAPE - INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION
Moderator: Mr. Panos Mitrou, Global Gas Segment Director – Lloyd’s Register
Panelists:
· Mr. Richard Tyrrell, CEO – Cool Company Ltd. (NYSE: CLCO)
· Mr. Arthur Regan, CEO – Energos Infrastructure
· Mr. Achilleas Tasioulas, CFO – GasLog Partners L.P. 
· Mr. Eduardo Maranhão, CFO – Golar LNG Ltd. (NASDAQ: GLNG)
· Mr. Erik Nyheim, President & CEO – Höegh LNG Holdings Ltd. 
KEYNOTE REMARKS
A NEW EQUATION FOR A NEW SAFETY PROTECTION FRONTIER
Mr. Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman and CEO - ABS
SAILING TOWARDS A BLUE ECONOMY
Moderator: Ms. Kate Silverstein, Partner, Assets & Structured Finance Group – Watson Farley & Williams
Panelists:
· Mr. John McDonald, President & COO – ABS
· Mr. John C. Lycouris, Head of Energy Transition, Director – Dorian LPG (NYSE: LPG)
· Mr. Constantinos Capetanakis, Bunker Director – Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: SBLK); Chair – IBIA
· Ms. Friederike Hesse, Co-Founder & Managing Director – zero44
SHIP FINANCE IN AN ERA OF CHANGE
Moderator: Ms. Diana Syziu, Partner, Corporate & Ship Finance – Hill Dickinson LLP
Panelists:
· Ms. Anastassia Tcherneva, Global Head of Shipping – ABN AMRO
· Mr. Chris Conway, Managing Director, Global Head of Shipping & Logistics Export Agency Finance – Citi
· Mr. Martin Hugger, Managing Director – Meerbaum Capital Solutions Inc.
· Mr. Harris Antoniou, Founder & Managing Director – Neptune Maritime Leasing
NAVIGATING THE SUPERCYCLE
Dr. Martin Stopford
KEYNOTE REMARKS
Mr. Mike Kane MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security
Department for Transport, United Kingdom, (via webcast)
MULTI-SECTOR CORPORATE STRATEGIES
Moderator: Mr. Stuart McAlpine, Partner – Stephenson Harwood LLP
Panelists:
· Mr. Nicholas Gleeson, Chief Financial Officer – ADNOC Logistics & Services  (DH:ADNOCLS)
· Mr. Nils Aden, Managing Director – Harren Group
· Mr. Mads Peter Zacho, CEO – Navigator Gas (NYSE: NVGS)
· Mr. Piyush K. Sharma, Group Director Corporate Strategy – NSB Group
WHERE TO INVEST TODAY? THE INVESTOR VIEWPOINT
Moderator:  Mr. Ravi Pattani, Partner – Reed Smith LLP
Panelists:
· Mr. Richard Diamond, Principal – Castlewood Capital Partners, LLC
· Mr. James Cirenza, Managing Director – DNB Markets
· Mr. John Wessel, Managing Director – Oldendorff Overseas Investments
· Mr. Andrew Hampson, CEO – Tufton Investment Management
· Mr. Will Homan-Russell, Chief Investment Officer – WMC Capital Ltd
STEERING THROUGH TROUBLED WATERS – SHIPPING IN A DISRUPTIVE ERA
Moderator: Mr. David Barrow, SVP West Europe & The Americas (Marine & Offshore) - Bureau Veritas Group
Panelists:
· Mr. Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst  – BIMCO
· Mr. Mark O'Neil, President & CEO – Columbia Group; President – InterManager
· Ms. Karin Orsel, President – European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA)
· Mr. Guy Platten, Secretary General – International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
· Mr. Bud Darr, EVP, Maritime Policy and Government Affairs – MSC Group
TANKER SHIPPING
Moderator: Mr. James Cirenza, Managing Director – DNB Markets
Panelists:
· Mr. Bart Kelleher, CFO – Ardmore Shipping Corp. (NYSE: ASC)
· Mr. Carlos Balestra di Mottola, CEO – d’Amico International Shipping S.A. (IM:DIS)
· Mr. Ted Petrone, Vice Chairman – Navios Maritime Partners L.P. (NYSE: NMM)
· Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, Founder, Chairman & CEO – TEN Ltd. (NYSE: TEN) Chairman – INTERTANKO (2014-2018)

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.

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV M&O) has launched a new smart hub, “MOVE by Bureau Veritas”, at the SMM maritime conference in Hamburg, Germany. Currently available for shipowners, MOVE is designed to integrate various maritime digital applications, helping reduce operational complexity by enabling fast, informed decision-making on asset compliance and performance.

MOVE offers shipowners a streamlined classification experience, allowing them to manage their fleet throughout their lifecycle, and analyze data from a single interface. This will enable users to manage their assets throughout early design, construction and operation.

MOVE is highly customizable and can be adapted to a client’s individual specifications, whilst also having the ability to continue to evolve with the asset, in light of more sophisticated digital tools and processes being introduced to the vessel in the future. 

Through MOVE’s app drawer, users can access all of BV M&O’s classification, statutory and technical advisory applications, as well as partner solutions. The new platform builds on the offer of VeriSTAR Info with two new applications for shipowners:

• ·Fleet in Service: Developed in collaboration with shipowners, “Fleet in Service” provides a visual and intuitive real-time fleet compliance overview to enable fast and accurate situation assessments. “Fleet in Service” can also be used to take action specific to the asset’s needs, such as requesting surveys and taking post-corrective steps.
• ·Connect your Systems:“Connect your Systems” facilitates the connection of client systems to accelerate the flow of high volumes of data between shipowners and BV M&O, saving time and improving efficiency.

BV M&O is continuously updating and improving MOVE, with new functionalities to be added over the coming months. MOVE is currently available to shipowners and Flag Authorities, and it will be progressively expanded to other profiles, including shipyards, designers, and equipment manufacturers. These users will also benefit from a tailored profile and selection of applications.
Laurent Hentges, Vice President – Digital Solutions & Transformation at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “MOVE is a means for shipowners and BV M&O to rise to the challenge of complying with increasingly complex regulations. It enables a data-centric approach, empowering shipowners to act more effectively, supported by reliable data from a single source.

"We aim to offer the right tools, at the right time, for a digital transformation that suits our clients’ business. Today, MOVE is tailored to shipowners, allowing them to manage their assets in operation, but our vision is that MOVE will go much further in the near future. We want to provide our clients with a truly asset-centric tool, from which they can follow their assets from design throughout in-service life.”

Matthieu de Tugny, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “At Bureau Veritas, we are committed to being by our clients’ side to navigate the challenges they face. MOVE is one more step – although a big step – providing the platform to keep evolving and optimizing the classification experience to meet the needs of the future.”

In time, VeriSTAR Info will be phased out and replaced by MOVE by Bureau Veritas’ Fleet in Service app. Discover the new smart hub and start your journey with MOVE here.

ELNAVI Newsletter  
Μore 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 Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus on Thursday 23 August 2024, approved the extension of the Contract for the Passenger Maritime Link between Cyprus and Greece for a further 3 years (2025, 2026, 2027), after evaluating the performance indicators, based on the number of passengers carried from 2022 until today.

The Cyprus - Greece Passenger Maritime Link was embraced from the first year by the public with great success, exceeding all expectations, creating a new tourist market for travellers wishing to travel to and from Cyprus and the rest of continental Europe with their private cars and motorcycles.

The Shipping Deputy Ministry has from the very beginning attached particular importance to the smooth operation of the Cyprus-Greece passenger maritime link, which provides an alternative means of transport for passengers and their accompanying vehicles, serving in particular the needs of those who have difficulties in travelling by air, either for medical reasons or due to their age or aerophobia. 

Since the first sailing in June 2022, more than 21,000 passengers have travelled until now, carrying more than 7,000 cars and 700 pets.  These numbers prove that the passenger maritime link is necessary.

image: Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus

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 the 23rd of August, at Hanwha Ocean Shipyard, GasLog Italy (H2532) was delivered by Hanwha Ocean to her owners, under the management of GasLog, ready to ship sustainable energy to the world. This marks the newest addition to the GasLog fleet!

The GasLog Italy is one of the total four new built LNG Carriers, each with 174,000m3 cargo capacity, that Hanwha Ocean is scheduled to deliver to GasLog between 2024 and 2025. The vessel is powered by two HP-2S MEGI engines and equipped with two shaft generators, an Air Lubrication System (ALS) and a Full Reliquefaction System (FRS).

During the beautiful ceremony, Mrs. Ilaria Azzimonti, Head of LNG Portfolio at Eni S.p.A, served as the vessel’s godmother, christening the GasLog Italy and breaking a champagne bottle for good fortune.

GasLog is an international owner, operator and manager of LNG carriers providing support to international energy companies as part of their LNG logistics chain. GasLog’s fleet consists of 37 LNG carriers (32 on the water, four under construction and one vessel ready to be sold as a floating storage and regasification unit, or “FSRU”).

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.

Bluepool Panamax, a dry bulk shipping pool, is continuing to beat the benchmark Baltic Panamax Index (BPI) and is growing. Since its launch in April 2022, vessels entered in the pool have delivered consistently higher returns to their owners than those traded on an index-linked contract. In July, a further six third party owned vessels joined the pool. The pool, launched in early 2022, now consists of 17 vessels, making it a significant player in the market.

Singapore based MPSL Diamond Pte has brought in its entire fleet of four post-Panamax ships along with an independent Greek owner who has joined with two Japanese built Kamsarmax vessels.

“We’re delighted to welcome our new partners to our pool and thank them for their vote of confidence in our ability to continue to outperform the index through our intelligence-led chartering and trading decisions. We are backed by a wide network and look forward to continued growth adding further vessels and team members in the future,” said Kimon Angelopoulos, Bluepool Panamax’s head of business development.

MPSL Diamond’s vessels were previously entered with a large pool manager.

MPSL Diamond General Manager Ravi Maheshwari said: “We were impressed with Bluepool Panamax’s track record to date and are confident that they will continue to deliver market beating returns for our fleet.”

Bluepool Panamax is a spot-market only vehicle which uses advanced index-hedging techniques including freight derivative trading to outperform the BPI. To date the Bluepool team has achieved market-beating returns over a volatile period for the Panamax sector.

The pool offers an open-door policy to its participants with commercially flexible entry and exit clauses which allow owners to switch to a fixed rate should they choose. Monthly reports on each vessel’s commercial performance ensure full transparency and oversight for owners.

Its trading division Bluepool Trading is backed by blue-chip market participants and uses investor funds in order to charter-in vessels while deploying them in the spot market exclusively via Bluepool Panamax.

For further information see www.thebluepool.com

Image: (l-r) Aris Bachos, Nikolas Gavriilidis and Kimon Angelopoulos

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.

Wallem Group, a leading global maritime partner, has released its Environmental, Social and Governance (EGS) report, reinforcing its commitment to safe, sustainable and responsible practices across its ship management, ship agency and crewing businesses.

In reaffirming its role as a trusted global partner delivering industry-leading services, the report stresses Wallem’s mission to support safe and smart operations at a critical moment for its clients and the wider maritime stakeholders. The Group’s comprehensive strategy for ESG excellence is also encapsulated in a people-oriented approach that prioritises the needs of seafarers.

The new report emphasises how compliance with international, national and local requirements to reduce CO2 emissions demands continuous updating of policies and procedures to ensure best practice.

In underscoring its commitment to compliance with the IMO 2030 and 2050 targets for CO2 emissions reduction, Wallem underlines the necessity of regular crew training to support ship owners in implementing sustainable technologies.

Figures included in the latest report show how the implementation of ship-specific solutions and plans offer tangible evidence that policies to reduce emissions and enhance ESG are working in practice.

Wallem also emphasises its commitment to continual improvement in the prevention of pollution and meeting or exceeding relevant regulations or requirements.

The report also highlights the Group’s dedication to staff well-being. Crew working on all Wallem vessels have access to a network of Mental Health Champions on board. Wallem also enforces anti-discriminatory practices throughout the company to ensure that high levels of diversity and gender equality goals are attained.

“Wallem Group has taken onboard the increasing importance of ESG practices across the maritime industry and this report shows both the progress we have made and the work we continue to do to demonstrate our commitment to transparent, responsible practices for our stakeholders,” said John Rowley, CEO, Wallem Group.

“We continue to work in partnership with our clients towards a safer and more sustainable maritime future, where crew well-being and decarbonisation is firmly at the heart of our business success,” he added.

Click here to download the full ESG report

About Wallem: Wallem Group is a leading provider of technology-driven maritime partner, offering services supporting the complete lifecycle of a vessel from newbuilding supervision to end-of-life recycling guidance. Wallem’s extensive portfolio includes asset management, crewing, training, ship management, safety and compliance management and agency services.

As one of the largest and most experienced solutions providers globally, Wallem offers world-class support to shipowners by bringing its customer-centric and transparent approach to all aspects of fleet operation. Wallem combines technology and forward-thinking to deliver safety, technical, and commercial performance without compromise. Wallem believes in collaboration to foster innovation in meeting future needs.

Wallem operates globally with a shore-based team of 700 people and over 5,000 highly qualified seafarers, serving nearly all vessel segments.

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 Baltic Exchange, in collaboration with Xinhua News Agency released the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCDI) Report for 11th consecutive year regarding the ranking of the world’s leading shipping centres based on a comprehensive evaluation of port factors, professional business services, and the general environment.

For the 11th consecutive year, Singapore has been recognised as the world’s leading shipping centre, achieving a score of 96.23 out of 100. The enduring success of the island nation is attributed to Singapore’s strategic location, robust international outlook, and a well-established ecosystem of professional maritime services.

London once again secured second position with a score of 82.50, demonstrating its continued prominence as a maritime support services powerhouse. Shanghai, with a score of 81.84, retained third place, highlighting its significant role as a major port city in Asia. London and Shanghai have retained their positions of second and third place, respectively, within the Index for the past five years.

Hong Kong (79.07) and Dubai (75.64) rounded out the top five, emphasising the strength and importance of these key global shipping hubs. Rotterdam solidified its position as a European leader by maintaining its strong sixth place from 2023 into 2024.

Meanwhile both Athens/Piraeus and Ningbo Zhoushan have each climbed one place in the rankings this year, to seventh and eighth, respectively. As a result, Hamburg has dropped two spots to ninth but still maintains its decade-long position in the top 10.

As in 2023, New York/New Jersey rounded out the top 10 owing to a substantial increase in container volumes, as well as improvements in port infrastructure.

Key findings of the 2024 ISCDI Report:

• Top Performers: Singapore, London, and Shanghai continue to lead the rankings, underscoring their global leadership in shipping.
• Stability in Rankings: The top 10 shipping centres have shown little change from the previous year, reflecting the stability and sustained performance of these hubs and the wider maritime industry.
• New Entrant: Tianjin was the only new feature to this year’s list, taking 19th position, marking yet another Asian port in the global rankings.

Other notable rankings include Houston at 11th (68.08), Tokyo at 12th (66.60), and Guangzhou at 13th (65.36). These cities continue to demonstrate robust maritime capabilities and significant contributions to global shipping.

The ISCDI Report evaluates a total of 43 maritime locations, considering various port metrics such as cargo throughput, crane count, container berth length, and port draught. It also assesses the presence of professional maritime support businesses, including shipbroking, ship management, ship financing, insurance, and legal services, alongside hull underwriting premiums. Additionally, the evaluation considers general business environment factors like customs tariffs, the level of electronic government services, and overall logistics performance.

According to this year’s ISCDI Report, the average score amongst the top 10 ports is 77.12 out of 100, and 69.98 for the top 20, with the average across the entire 43 rankings standing at 59.13.

Mark Jackson, Chief Executive of the Baltic Exchange, commented: “It has been eleven years since the Baltic Exchange began collaborating with Xinhua News Agency on this Index, and in that time, we have observed significant shifts in global trade patterns. The international shipping industry in 2023 demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, reinforcing its indispensable role as the cornerstone of global trade. Despite facing significant economic slowdowns, geopolitical tensions, and environmental challenges, the sector maintained stability and continued to facilitate the movement of essential goods around the world. 

 “This year’s rankings highlight the strength of global ports, with Singapore, London, and Shanghai continuing to lead the way, providing world-class services and infrastructure that underpin the industry’s success. The shipping industry will continue to face challenges such as decarbonisation and evolving trade routes. However, its inherent resilience and strategic importance will ensure that it remains a critical driver of global economic growth and stability.”

Pan Haiping, Chairman of China Economic Information Service, said: “This year’s ISCDI Report shows that the world’s trade and shipping network underwent some subtle changes in 2023. Even with all the challenges the global shipping industry faced throughout the year, including route challenges in the Panama Canal and the Red Sea, the maritime sector continues to exhibit strong vitality and excellent resilience, driven by global demand for goods.

 “Decarbonisation has also become the consensus in the global shipping industry, while digital technologies such as AI, digital twins, IoT, and automation are constantly empowering the shipping industry and promoting the development of ports to become more efficient, smarter and more sustainable.

 “An efficient, safe, green and smart future is our expectation for the global shipping industry. We look forward to seeing the world’s international maritime centres, particularly those highlighted in our report, playing their part to explore the future development of the shipping industry.”

Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, said:  “We thank our international partners, including maritime administrations, port authorities, industry, research community, the enterprise ecosystem as well as unions, for this achievement. We will continue to value-add to the maritime community and explore opportunities for collaboration with like-minded partners to strengthen Singapore’s connectivity and advance maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation and talent development for the global maritime community.”

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.

10 Years Celebration of Golf & Maritime

The premier golf event, Greek Maritime Golf Event, is gearing up for its 10^th anniversary year, set to take place on September 5-8, 2024, at Costa Navarino, in Messinia. The event will feature a rich schedule filled with golf and parallel activities for the executives of the Greek and global maritime industry.

Golf against the background of the endless blue of the Ionian Sea

Greek Maritime Golf Event is expected to gather more than 80 senior maritime executives, forming teams of four. Golfers will compete at the golf courses of Costa Navarino, awarded as the “World's Best Golf Venue” at the 2023 World Golf Awards. Participants will enjoy a stunning landscape, playing golf among centuries-old olive trees with a unique view of the Ionian Sea, the historic Navarino Bay, and the picturesque port of Pylos. The competition includes a shotgun scramble in the morning of Friday, September 6, at the International Olympic Academy Golf Course, and another shotgun scramble in the morning of Saturday, September 7, at The Hills Course.

Parallel Activities for Participants

On Friday, September 6, the 10th anniversary Greek Maritime Golf Event will welcome participants at the Welcome Cocktail by Marine Tours, while on Saturday, September 7, the Awards Gala by Teddy’s Speakeasy will take place, including the awards ceremony for the winners.

Awards for the Tournament’s Top Teams & Players

The teams competing in the Greek Maritime Golf Event 2024 will claim the top three positions in the overall ranking, with special awards also given to players achieving the best performances in the Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin categories.

Golf Clinic

Non-golfers will have the opportunity to attend the Golf Clinic and become familiar with the basic principles of the Olympic sport of golf, which will be held on Saturday, September 7, at The Hills Course.

Golf & Maritime Support the “Floga” Association

For yet another year, Greek Maritime Golf Event will support the Parents’ Association of Children with Cancer “Floga” through its activities. During the awards ceremony on Saturday, September 7, participants will have the opportunity to contribute any amount they wish by participating in the lottery for a chance to win valuable prizes. The total amount raised will be donated to “Floga” association, which supports children suffering from cancer and their families, fights for their better medical, psychological, and social care, shares their fears and anxieties, supports their struggle in every way, and advocates for substantial presence and intervention in matters of medical, psychological, and social care for these children. More information: www.floga.org.gr.

Valuable Support for the Event

The 10^th Greek Maritime Golf Event is supported by some of the most prominent maritime companies from Greece and Cyprus, as well as major Greek companies.

Platinum Sponsor: IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry

Gold Sponsors: Mainline Shipping Company and Marine Logistics

Silver Sponsors: Arrow Hellas, DNV, and Marine Tours

Bronze Sponsor: Teddy’s Speakeasy

Official Clothing Partner: Under Armour

Official Water: μ. Artisan Water

Official Supporter: Grey Goose

Premium Mobility Partner: SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMICS Group

Official Beauty Partner: Messinian Spa

Partners: Messinian Nest, Karnabakos, Poseidonia Restaurant, Karalis Beach Hotel, La Cucina Italiana, and Mind the Ad

Supporters: Budweiser Budvar, Aggelis Meatworks, and Athi Rodi

Audio Visual Partner: Boo Productions

Auction Partners: Costa Navarino, Athina Luxury Suites, Messinian Nest, The Margi, Tsikeli Boutique Hotel Meteora, Porto Carras Grand Resort, Iliada Sunset Suites Naxos, Kois Accommodation, Petra & Fos Boutique Hotel & Spa, Marmari Bay Hotel, Quattro Suites, Namaste Boutique Apartments, Anama Restaurant, Kookoonari Beach Bar Restaurant, and Premium Steakhouse Platanos

The event is held under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization.

Greek Maritime Golf Event, organized by Birdie Events, is an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Thanos Karantzias. The sports marketing agency of the year, ActiveMedia Group is responsible for the event’s Golf Production. The tournament is exclusively addressed to distinguished members of the Greek maritime industry.

Photo Credit: Greek Maritime Golf Event by Angelos Zymaras

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.

Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a contract with Norwegian shipowner Eidesvik to supply the equipment for the conversion of an offshore platform supply vessel (PSV) to operate with ammonia fuel. The vessel, ‘Viking Energy’, which is on contract to energy major Equinor, is scheduled for conversion in early 2026 and is expected to start operating on ammonia in the first half of 2026, becoming the world’s first ammonia-fuelled in-service ship. In addition to chartering the vessel Equinor contributes with financing for the conversion. Wärtsilä will then supply the engine and complete fuel gas supply system and exhaust after-treatment needed for the conversion, making it also the first vessel to use Wärtsilä’s recently released ammonia solution. 

Ammonia has emerged as a promising alternative fuel as the shipping industry looks for more sustainable fuel options. With new global regulations having set a clear destination for shipping – net zero emissions by mid-century – ammonia will play a significant role in enabling the shipping industry to reduce its emissions.  

A recent report by Wärtsilä highlights the role that sustainable fuels will play in achieving this target which is set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). According to the report, existing decarbonisation solutions, such as fuel efficiency measures, can cut shipping emissions by up to 27 percent; however, sustainable fuels, such as ammonia, will be a critical step in eliminating the remaining 73 percent. 

In this context, Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO of Wärtsilä highlights the importance of cross-industry collaboration: “In just 25 years – the lifetime of a single vessel – shipping needs to get to net zero emissions. Achieving this will require coordinated action by all maritime industry stakeholders to bring about the system change needed to accept a new generation of sustainable fuels.

“With this new contract, together with Eidesvik, Wärtsilä is proud to be at the forefront of this movement. Decarbonisation is front and centre of our strategy and we are committed to developing and delivering sustainable solutions which not only ensure the viability of sustainable fuels, but also their safety.” 

Wärtsilä, Eidesvik and Equinor share a commitment to support the industry’s efforts to decarbonise. The conversion of the Viking Energy is the latest project in a history of collaboration between the three companies. Viking Energy has an impressive record of demonstrating new environmental technologies, that includes three “world records”.

For example, using Wärtsilä dual-fuel engine technology, Eidesvik was the world’s first shipowner to have an LNG-powered offshore platform supply vessel. It also received the world’s first Battery Power notation, given to Viking Energy, for a battery system installed by Wärtsilä.

This latest partnership is a result of the ‘Apollo’ project which is co-funded by the Horizon Europe framework programme. The programme aims to accelerate the transition towards a climate-neutral Europe by 2050 through funding projects, such as Apollo, which contribute research and innovative solutions in various sectors related to climate, energy and mobility. 

 “Close collaboration throughout the value chain is key to succeed in the green transition. Eidesvik has a unique history of pioneering the implementation of innovative emission-reducing technologies, and we are proud to spearhead yet another groundbreaking project together with Wärtsilä and Equinor,” said Gitte Gard Talmo, CEO & President of Eidesvik Offshore.

In addition to the Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia engine, Wärtsilä will supply the complete ammonia solution, including its AmmoniaPac Fuel Gas Supply System, the Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation System (WARMS), and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system designed for ammonia. A service agreement, covering maintenance, is a highly essential part of the deal. The conversion project is planned for early 2026, with final commissioning expected in Q2 2026.

Image caption: Wärtsilä has signed a contract with Norwegian shipowner Eidesvik to supply the equipment for the conversion of an offshore platform supply vessel - ‘Viking Energy’ (image credit: Peter Tubaas/Vestland Media) - to operate with ammonia fuel

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.