The Government of the Republic of Palau has contracted Palau Ship Registry to operate the nation’s official shipping registry under a new governance framework.

The appointment follows a period during which the Government considered how the registry should operate going forward, with a focus on accountability, transparency, and alignment with international maritime standards.

In December, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries assumed responsibility for operating the Ship Registry to ensure uninterrupted service to vessels flying the Palau Flag. Throughout this period, registry services continued without disruption while the Government evaluated the future operating framework.

Under the new arrangement, Palau Ship Registry has commenced operations and has assumed responsibility for day-to-day registry operations in accordance with its contract with the Government of the Republic of Palau.

The Government of the Republic of Palau confirms that all marine regulations, circulars, notices, and statutory documents, including vessel and seafarer certificates and Seafarer Identify and Record Books, issued on behalf of the Republic of Palau prior to the commencement of the new operating arrangement, remain valid and in full force and effect, subject to verification through online or QR code.

Commenting on the appointment, the Honorable Charles Obichang, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries, said: “The Palau Ship Registry now operates under a structure approved by the Government of Palau. Our focus is on providing a clear and robust framework that supports safe, responsible and compliant shipping while ensuring continuity and confidence for vessels flying the Palau Flag. The Government has confidence in entrusting Mr. Panos Kirnidis, who will lead this new chapter of Palau Ship Registry.”

Mr. Kirnidis said: “I am honoured to continue working with the Government of Palau in support of the Palau Ship Registry. Our clear objective is to provide reliable and professional service to shipowners, managers, and seafarers, combining effective digital tools with experienced and responsive support.”

The Government of the Republic of Palau confirmed that the operating framework provides clarity and stability for shipowners, operators, and international partners. It also ensures that the Palau Flag continues to meet the expectations of regulators, classification societies and the wider maritime community.

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Columbia Group has selected Prevention at Sea (PaS) as its strategic compliance partner and will deploy the MORSE digital compliance platform across its entire managed fleet.
The partnership between Columbia Group and PaS will strengthen digital capabilities by linking electronic logbooks with standardised, end-to-end compliance processes. MORSE will give the company real-time visibility of reporting activity, improve data quality, and cut administrative work for crews on board.
The move will improve operational efficiency onboard and removes the burden of time-consuming administrative jobs for crew members.
PaS will also act as the auditing arm of CSM’s compliance framework and deliver its Behavioural Competency Assessment & Verification (BCAV) program to help reinforce a strong compliance culture across the fleet.
The move reflects Columbia Group’s focus on efficiency and future-ready compliance systems.
Mark O’ Neil, President and CEO of Columbia Group, said: “Digitalising our compliance processes allows crews to spend less time on manual administration and more time on critical operational tasks. MORSE gives us the transparency, accuracy and audit trails we need as regulatory demands continue to rise across the industry.”
Petros Achtypis, CEO, Prevention at Sea, added: “We are proud to partner with Columbia Shipmanagement to support their vision of a digitally empowered compliance culture,” added Petros Achtypis, CEO of Prevention at Sea. “By integrating our MORSE compliance platform across their fleet and acting as their compliance auditing arm, we aim to enhance operational transparency and ultimately contribute to safer and more efficient vessel operations. This recognition comes with great responsibility, and it strengthens our commitment toward a zero-harm industry. We are excited for the journey ahead.”

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Posidonia to include exhibition, conferences, networking, social and sporting events over 3-week period to welcome thousands of exhibitors and visitors from some 140 countries

The world’s most prestigious shipping exhibition is now also set to become the longest in duration shipping event, as Posidonia 2026 prepares to engage the global maritime community over a three-week period filled with conferences, networking, social and sporting events. Activities will begin in early-May and culminate during Posidonia Week, which officially takes place from 1–5 June.

With 50,000 square metres of exhibition space at the Metropolitan Expo sold out months in advance, thousands of exhibitors and visitors from 140 countries will once again converge on Athens. Posidonia 2026 is eagerly anticipated across a broad spectrum of the local economy, including hotels, catering and restaurants, transport and mobility providers, entertainment and sporting venues and stand builders, amongst others. The event is expected to contribute over €100m to the economy of Attica and neighbouring tourism destinations.

Theodore Vokos, Managing Director of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., said: “The economic and business impact of Posidonia now begins nearly three weeks before the official opening, as conferences, business meetings, industry gatherings and sporting events are increasingly scheduled ahead of the traditionally crowded Posidonia Week. With many events staged during the preceding 15-day period, the overall Posidonia timeframe has expanded significantly. This extended activity cycle is expected to deliver even greater benefits to the local economy, with hotel and event-space bookings already exceeding 2024 levels.”

He added: “Posidonia is returning with greater strength and scale than ever before, driven by the industry’s renewed momentum and a shared commitment to maintaining the exhibition’s status as an unmissable biennial meeting point for the global maritime community — a place to connect, exchange ideas and collaborate now and into the future. No other shipping event attracts as many Shipping Ministers, presidents of international organisations, Greek and international shipowners and senior shipping executives.”

As the home show of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) - the world’s largest and most influential shipowners’ association - Posidonia has long served as a magnet for not only for shipyards and maritime equipment and service providers, but also for the finance, insurance and technology sectors, reflecting the UGS’s collective strength and expanding orderbook. In 2025, Greek shipowners placed 250 newbuilding orders. Greek shipowners also rank second worldwide in second-hand vessel acquisitions, with around 260 purchases concluding last year, surpassed only by China*.

Germany and Italy will return with National Pavilions after prolonged absence, with their ship equipment manufacturers and services providers showcasing their offering. To accommodate strong demand, the organisers utilized all available space to welcome some 40 new and returning exhibitors, including start-ups, technology innovators and shipyards from the Far East and Australia.

With shipping facing plenty of headwinds at the moment in a challenging international environment, a lot is to be debated at Posidonia. According to the head of research and valuations of Cass Technava, Eva Tzima: “Topics to be discussed will include geopolitics, environmental regulatory requirements, and of course technological advancements and the possible benefits the use of AI could offer to shipping. It goes without saying that while all these areas are of high interest to the industry, geopolitical developments are expected to dominate discussions, not only because they continue to shape market supply and demand dynamics, but also because their impact has been extending across other areas of interest, as evidenced by the delay in IMO’s net zero framework adoption voted last year, following intensive lobbying from the U.S. administration.”

The Posidonia 2026 Conference Programme is already taking shape. The Marine Insurance Greece and RightShip conferences will open proceedings in early May with a focus on risk management and maritime risk and security. The TradeWinds Shipowners Forum 2026 will take place on the first day of the exhibition, bringing together leading shipowners to debate the industry’s most pressing challenges, followed by the HELMEPA Conference, which will address environmental and sustainability issues. Among the highlights will be the SNAME Conference, titled “The Greek Shipyard Renaissance: Rebuilding Capacity, Restoring Leadership”, which will explore the future of Greece’s resurgent shipyard sector.

The Posidonia Games continue to expand into a major sporting and social platform and create their own maritime ecosystem, now comprising a full Posidonia sports weekend ahead of the exhibition. A new addition for 2026 is the Posidonia Tour, a challenging cycling event that will take participants along one of the world’s most scenic routes, from Syntagma Square in central Athens to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Around 300 cyclists are expected to take part. Established sailing, football, golf, 3x3 basketball and running events will also return, drawing more than 4,000 shipping professionals.

Posidonia 2026 is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Union of Greek Shipowners, with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.

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In an uncertain geopolitical environment of various conflicts and numerous sanctioned areas the world, is becoming more apparent and essential to guarantee the safety of all seafarers’ lives.

On the occasion of the New Year traditional vasilopita reception, Mr. Haralambos Fafalios President of Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, commented on the latest geopolitical developments and shared his views regarding the green transition of shipping.

He said that: “Geopolitically, with an unpredictable U.S. domestic and foreign policy, it is impossible to guess between tariffs and possible military hotspots how this will affect our industry, whether positively or negatively.

The takeover of Greenland and Taiwan seem to be lurking in the wings. The dissolution of NATO is also a possibility. At this point, global trade flows are relatively similar, and have not really affected individual ship types too drastically.

We still have a vigorous movement of bulk, liquid and unitized cargoes around the world. All sectors are being supplied by a growing number of brand new and ever larger size ships”.

In the last 12 months, the container market has been very positive, the tanker sector has seen some very profitable moments and the gas markets have also recovered significantly.

The RoRo and car carrier sector have been less bullish than a year ago. Finally, the dry bulk sector has seen a slight improvement towards the final months of the year.

There is sufficient optimism to have filled most shipyards capacity beyond 2028 and into 2029. Large numbers of large container ships, tankers, gas carriers and bulk carriers are on order predominantly in China, with the rest being built in South Korea and Japan. In China in particular, new yards such as Hengli are building up huge order books, and in Japan Imabari is further consolidating the Japanese shipbuilding sector.

Of these new ships a certain proportion are being built to be multi-fuel suitable but without knowing if there will be sufficient green fuels available to supply them. Supply of green fuels to shipping will only be available after shore-based demand is satisfied!

Outside of the fossil fuel and biofuel solutions, including LNG and LPG, other fuels, such as ammonia, are not tried and tested or safe for that matter for the entire global fleet.

Shipping needs global solutions and tramp shipping in particular, which encompasses the largest part of the world shipping fleet, cannot rely on haphazard solutions which are not yet there in terms of reliability and more importantly, in terms of safety.

The carbon-free solution is still not around and will not be so for the next 10-20 years and therefore levying more taxes will not encourage a cleaner world. Those who are levying these taxes should be responsible for finding the real solutions.

No member of the environmental lobby has come up with a workable solution for our future fuel needs.

“Greek shipping companies represent the largest individual shipping nation comprising a substantial global trading fleet with the greatest number of low-carbon newbuildings. As a result of this order book, the Greek fleet continues to get younger and to provide ever more versatile solutions to marine transport needs”.

Concluding Mr. Fafalios emphasizes on the role of GSCC and the importance of Hellenic Coast Guard.

The GSCC itself, being based in London since 1935, has played a significant role in being a conduit between the Greek shipping industry and the various UK-based organizations representing our industry.

We also wish to stress the importance of the Hellenic Coast Guard for Greece.

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The Marine Technical Managers Association (MARTECMA) hosted its traditional New Year Pita Cutting ceremony, an event that brought together the elite of the Greek shipping community to celebrate industry milestones and look toward the challenges of 2026.

The evening commenced with a welcome address by Panos Kourkountis, Chairman of MARTECMA. Kourkountis highlighted the Association’s pivotal role in fostering technical excellence and reflected on the significant activities undertaken over the past year. He emphasized that MARTECMA remains a cornerstone for collaboration as the industry navigates a rapidly evolving regulatory and technological landscape.

Underscoring the international influence of Greek shipping, the event featured addresses by the Ambassadors of Japan, the People’s Republic of China, and the Republic of Korea. The diplomats collectively expressed their gratitude to Greek shipowners and technical managers for their long-standing trust. They reaffirmed their nations' commitment to supporting the Greek fleet, particularly through ongoing partnerships in the shipbuilding and new construction sectors.

Commitment to Education: The 2026 Benevolence Grants

In a demonstration of the Association’s commitment to the next generation of maritime professionals, MARTECMA announced its Benevolence Grants for 2026. The announcements were led by the Association’s leadership:

• • Antonis Georgantzis (Vice President A’): Announced a significant donation to the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) to support academic excellence in naval architecture and engineering.
• • Fotis Belexis (Vice President B’): Announced a donation to the Nautical Academy of Kalymnos, aimed at bolstering vocational training for future seafarers.

Lifetime Achievement: Honoring Stefanos Tsonakis

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of an Honorary Membership and a Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Stefanos Tsonakis of Eastern Mediterranean Maritime (Eastmed).

The award was presented by Dean Tseretopoulos, who delivered a moving tribute to Tsonakis’s distinguished 44-year career. Recognized as a pillar of the technical community, Tsonakis was lauded for his exemplary service as a Technical Director and his enduring contributions to the standards of Greek ship management.

The event concluded with the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita, symbolizing a prosperous and technologically innovative year ahead for all members and the global maritime industry.

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With an ambitious newbuilding project currently in development involving 20 new vessels across almost all categories NYSE listed company Tsakos Energy Navigation held the Naming and Delivery Ceremony of the MR Product oil/Chemical tanker H.N. 1521 – M/T “DELOS T” and the Naming Ceremony of our H.N.1522 - MT "DION", which took place on January 12th, 2026.

The vessels' sponsors were:

M/T "DELOS T": Ms. Corina Lazarou, P.A. to Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, TEN Ltd.

M/T "DION": Ms. Elina Papageorgiou, President Greece and Cyprus, Lloyd's Register of Shipping.

Both vessels were constructed at Jiangsu Shipbuilding Group, incorporating the latest design innovations, the highest environmental standards, and advanced technical specifications to meet the highest operational requirements of our charterers. As part of a broader strategic newbuilding programme, these additions underscore the Tsakos Group’s continued commitment to sustainable growth, strategic fleet renewal, and the continuous enhancement of the environmental performance.

The vessels will sail under the Marshall Islands Flag and are classed with Lloyd’s Register.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the newbuilding team and all supporting teams whose dedication, expertise, and hard work were instrumental in the successful and timely completion of this project. To the Master, Chief Engineer, Officers, and Crew of M/T “DELOS T”, we wish safe, smooth, and prosperous voyages—always with calm seas.

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METLEN and the Tsakos Group have signed a strategic partnership for the development, construction, operation (energy management), and commercial management of one of Greece’s largest hybrid power generation projects.

Under the agreement, METLEN will participate in a joint venture (SPV) with the Tsakos Group (Tsakos Group 60% – METLEN 40%) to develop and operate a hybrid power plant from Renewable Energy Sources (RES) with integrated energy storage system consisting of a 251.9 MW photovoltaic park and an energy storage system with an expected capacity of 375 MWh, located in Central Greece. Implementation of the investment is expected to commence in 2026, with completion targeted for early 2028.

METLEN, through this investment, a) strengthens its strategic positioning in next-generation renewable energy by acquiring an equity stake, b) undertakes the construction, and c) integrates the management of the plant’s commercial operations - a landmark project for Greece that combines large-scale energy generation and storage - into the company’s Energy Management.

Strategic partnerships, such as the one with the Tsakos Group, alongside METLEN’s extensive international experience in delivering complex hybrid projects, strengthen the company’s position at the forefront of Greece’s energy transition and its role in shaping the Utility of tomorrow.

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Safe Bulkers, Inc. has entered into an agreement for the acquisition of two newbuild, 82,500 dwt, dry-bulk, Chinese, Kamsarmax class vessels, with scheduled delivery dates in the third quarter of 2028 and the first quarter of 2029.

The newbuild vessels are designed to meet the Phase 3 requirements of the Energy Efficiency Design Index related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (“IMO GHG -EEDI Phase 3”) as adopted by the International Maritime Organization, (“IMO”) and also comply with the latest NOx emissions regulation, NOx-Tier III (“NOx-Tier III”). The newbuild vessels are sister to existing vessels in our fleet with advanced energy efficiency characteristics resulting in lower fuel consumption. 

The Company has already taken delivery of twelve IMO GHG Phase 3 – NOx Tier III vessels. Including this agreement, the Company has an outstanding orderbook of eight newbuild vessels, two of which are methanol dual fuel, with scheduled deliveries four in 2026, two in 2027, one in 2028 and one in 2029.

Dr. Loukas Barmparis, President of the Company commented: “We have placed these newbuild orders consistent with our fleet renewal strategy, aiming to increase the competitiveness and resiliency of the Company and to own one of the most modern and environmentally efficient dry bulk fleets in the market.”

About Safe Bulkers, Inc.

The Company is an international provider of marine dry-bulk transportation services, transporting bulk cargoes, particularly grain, coal and iron ore, along worldwide shipping routes for some of the world’s largest users of marine dry-bulk transportation services. The Company’s common stock, series C preferred stock and series D preferred stock are listed on the NYSE, and trade under the symbols “SB”, “SB.PR.C”, and “SB.PR.D”, respectively.

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The Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre (MERC) has appointed Nikos Kakalis as its new Managing Director. 

Kakalis, who currently serves as Lloyd’s Register’s Global Bulk Carriers Segment Director, succeeds Stelios Korkodilos in leading the Athens-based non-profit industry collaboration. 

The MERC was co-established by the Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and leading shipowners Capital Group, Navios Maritime Partners, Neda Maritime Agency, Star Bulk and Thenamaris (Ships Management) Inc., with enabling support from Lloyd’s Register.  

The centre is focused on accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of the global shipping fleet by identifying, validating and promoting technology and operational solutions that can deliver efficiency and scalable impact and ensure existing vessels contribute to global decarbonisation efforts. 

Since its inception, the MERC has developed its impact strategy around several research and development pillars, including optimising hydrodynamic efficiency, benchmarking wind assisted propulsion solutions, exploring alternative auxiliary power generation, and scoping a data programme to integrate technical and commercial use of performance data to drive emissions reduction optimisation and benefit sharing. 

As managing director, Kakalis will drive the centre’s strategy, develop further its network of industry partners, and align its programmes with emerging regulatory and market developments shaping the energy transition.  

Nikos Kakalis said: “Decarbonising the existing fleet is the defining challenge facing the maritime industry.  

“The MERC provides a unique platform to bring together owners, operators, class and technology providers to deliver solutions that work in practice. I am excited to assume this role and to build on the strong foundation established by all of our partners.” 

Kakalis brings extensive technical and commercial experience to the role. During his four years with LR, he has led the organisation’s global bulk carrier strategy, guiding shipowners through the complex landscape of new fuels, energy efficiency technologies and evolving regulation.  

Before joining LR, he held senior positions at DNV, where he managed R&D and Advisory services in the Eastern Mediterranean, and at Bureau Veritas Marine Fuel Services, where he oversaw business development across marine fuel quality and sustainability. 

Vasileios Lampropoulos, MERC Board Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Thenamaris (Ships Management) Inc., said: “Nikos’s leadership, technical insight and experience make him exceptionally well placed to steer the MERC’s next phase of development.  

“His appointment reinforces the importance of collaboration between class, shipowners and technology partners in tackling the emissions reduction challenge head-on. The MERC is an important catalyst for real progress on maritime decarbonisation, and Nikos is perfectly positioned to lead that mission.” 

About the Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre 

The Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre (MERC) was established through the joint initiative of six founding members — Capital Group, Navios Maritime Partners, Neda Maritime Agency, Star Bulk, Thenamaris (Ships Management) Inc., and Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub. These organisations united around a common purpose: to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the global shipping fleet. 

Each founding member brings a unique set of capabilities, perspectives, and commitments. Together, they have created a neutral, collaborative platform designed to deliver practical, scalable solutions. MERC focuses on enabling evidence-based innovation and supporting the maritime sector’s transition to a more efficient, lower-emissions future. 

About The Decarb Hub  

The Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub (commonly known as The Decarb Hub) is an independent, non-profit initiative established through a partnership between Lloyd’s Register Foundation — a global charity with a mission to engineer a safer world — and Lloyd’s Register Group, a global provider of maritime professional services with over 260 years of heritage. This partnership brings together the Foundation’s public benefit mandate and focus on societal resilience, with the Group’s deep technical expertise and trusted relationships across the maritime industry. Positioned at the intersection of these two organisations, the Hub is uniquely equipped to accelerate the safe, sustainable, and human-centric decarbonisation of global shipping — combining neutrality with influence, and research with real-world application. For more information, go to www.thedecarbhub.org  

About Lloyd’s Register 

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine and offshore engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were 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 advisory services and digital solutions, supporting fleet and voyage performance and optimisation.  Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 30,000 vessels, following the acquisition of OneOcean in 2022 and Ocean Technologies Group in 2024.   

In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and 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 Foundation 

Lloyd’s Register Foundation is an independent global charity that supports research, innovation, and education to make the world a safer place. Its mission is to use the best evidence and insight to help the global community focus on tackling the world’s most pressing safety and risk challenges. For more information, please visit www.lrfoundation.org.uk 

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On 5 January, Queensway welcomed M/T MOLTENPOWER to its fleet, its 9th vessel, delivered by Taizhou Fangzhen Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., China, an oil/chemical tanker of 8,500 dwt.

The addition of M/T MOLTENPOWER represents another milestone in Queensway’s strategic fleet development and long-term commitment to high standards of safety, performance, and operational reliability. The vessel enters service as part of the Company’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its presence with modern and efficient tonnage.

As this achievement is the result of collective effort, the company extends its sincere appreciation to the Queensway team ashore and onboard, and to all parties involved, whose professionalism and cooperation ensured the successful completion of this project.

With M/T MOLTENPOWER already at sea and trading, Queensway begins the year with renewed momentum and confidence.

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