By Mr Anastasios Maraslis, Founder and President/Director of Marasco Marine Ltd

As a marine risks manager and marine claims consultant with 33 years of experience, I have seen numerous cases where the concept of general average plays a pivotal role in the maritime industry. General average is a principle under maritime law where all parties in a sea venture proportionally share any losses resulting from voluntary sacrifices of part of the ship or cargo to save the whole in an emergency. However, disputes often arise regarding the seaworthiness of a vessel at the commencement of the voyage, particularly when machinery damage occurs.

Understanding General Average

General average requires that the loss or damage must be voluntary and extraordinary, and it must be for the common safety of the ship, cargo, and crew. In such instances, in a (GA) General Average, various parties or interests involved in the maritime adventure share the losses incurred from voluntary sacrifices made for the common safety during an emergency. The key parties or interests that participate in a GA contribution include:

1. The shipowners: who contribute based on the value of the ship and any sacrifices or expenditures they incurred for the safety for the common safety.
2. The owners of the cargo: being transported by the vessel and they contribute based on the value of the cargo saved and any sacrifices or expenditures made for the common safety.
3. Charterers: in case the charterer has an interest on the cargo may also be required to contribute to the GA based on the terms of the Charter party agreement.
4. Freight at Risk: The freight payable for the cargo being transported can also be considered as part of the General Average contribution. If the freight is at risk and has not yet been earned, it is included in the contribution.
5. Crew: Crew Wages and maintenance of the crew during the period of the GA act are considered GA expenses. These costs are incurred to maintain the safety of the vessel and cargo and are thus shared among all GA participants and are included in the GA adjustment, although the crew does not contribute financially to the GA. Their efforts are crucial to the common safety of the vessel and cargo and voyage.

The Onus of Proof: Seaworthiness of the Vessel

The onus of proof regarding the seaworthiness of a vessel at the commencement of the voyage lies primarily with the shipowner. Seaworthiness implies that the vessel is adequately equipped, manned, and maintained to safely undertake the intended voyage. This encompasses the vessel's hull, machinery, and all necessary equipment.

In the case where cargo interests are alleging unseaworthiness to avoid paying their contribution to general average, the shipowner must demonstrate that the vessel was seaworthy when the voyage began. The fact that a vessel was classed and maintained under class before and after the machinery damage strengthens the owner's position but is not conclusive proof on its own.

Establishing Seaworthiness: Key Points

Class Certification and Maintenance Records:

Presenting class certification and maintenance records is crucial. These documents show that the vessel was inspected and deemed fit for service by a recognized classification society. Regular maintenance and inspection logs can demonstrate ongoing compliance with safety and operational standards.

Machinery Inspection and Repairs:

Detailed logs of machinery inspections and any repairs conducted prior to the voyage are essential. These records can substantiate that the machinery was in good working order at the start of the journey.

Crew Competence and Certification:

Proof of the crew’s qualifications and certifications, along with evidence of safety drills and operational training, can further establish the vessel's seaworthiness. A well-trained and competent crew is a significant factor in maintaining seaworthiness.

Previous Cases and Precedents:

Citing previous cases where courts have ruled in favor of shipowners under similar circumstances can be persuasive. For example, in the case of The Good Luck, the court emphasized that regular class inspections and certifications were strong evidence of seaworthiness.

Expert Testimonies:

Obtaining expert testimonies from marine engineers, surveyors, and other relevant professionals can support the shipowner’s claim. Experts can provide independent assessments of the vessel’s condition and the adequacy of maintenance procedures.

Case Study: The Good Luck

In the landmark case of The Good Luck (1992), the court held that a vessel which had been regularly inspected and certified by a classification society was presumed to be seaworthy. The burden of proof shifted to the cargo interests to demonstrate any specific deficiencies that could have rendered the vessel unseaworthy. This case underscores the importance of thorough documentation and adherence to class standards.

In disputes over general average contributions, establishing the seaworthiness of a vessel at the commencement of the voyage is paramount. Shipowners must meticulously maintain records and documentation to discharge their burden of proof. Class certifications, maintenance logs, machinery inspection reports, crew qualifications, and expert testimonies collectively form a robust defense against claims of unseaworthiness.

By presenting comprehensive evidence and leveraging precedents like The Good Luck, shipowners can effectively counter claims from cargo interests and ensure fair contributions to general average.

Being proactive is part of Marasco Marine Ltd ‘s Risk Management and Risk Prevention Culture as it is always far more economical and time saving to maintain diligent records and act proactively managing your risks wisely by seeking expert guidance to navigate these complex waters successfully.

*Marasco Marine Ltd Is an independent Marine Risks Management Company which has over 30 years of marine insurance expertise in P&I and H&M insurance with an unwavering commitment to client’s success, by introducing specialized strategies in Risk Prevention and Risk Management in its daily modus operandi, with additional services such as: safety audits, and the introduction of safety protocols, which is very crucial for its clientele’s P&I and H&M insurance covers and premium cost control. More about Marasco Marine Ltd, its full list of services, unique structure and its Board of Advisors, can be found at www.marasco-marine.com

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As part of the regular meetings and discussions, Propeller of Piraeus organized the Members' Day focusing on the latest developments.
In his greeting, the president of the Propeller Club Kostis Fragoulis emphasized that the Club is developing qualitatively with new members under the slogan Next Working for the future.

Stamatis Tsantanis CEO of Seanergy and United Maritime welcomed the new members and the keynote speaker Sveinung Stohle deputy CEO of Angelicoussis group. The Angelicoussis group is the largest shipping group in Greece with approximately 145 vessels under the Greek flag and a significant number of vessels under construction.
Mr. Tsantanis expressed his satisfaction for the quite remarkable charitable work of the Club which is supported by the companies Seanergy and United listed on the American Stock Exchange. He said that: “The funds raised from the American capital markets have been for many Greek companies a driver for the development of their fleets.
Mr. Tsantanis noted his company's great interest in alternative fuels and that Seanergy has been awarded as a best place to work which demonstrates the company's focus on ESG principles of corporate responsibility.

In his speech, the US ambassador, George Tsounis said that he is proud for the cooperation with the Propeller Club, which represents the potential of Greek shipping.
He reminded that the Greeks are the people of the sea and they have also succeeded in cooperating with the American Stock Exchanges where more than 29 companies have been listed, raising funds for further growth.
He also pointed out that the Greek shipping companies have invested in the efficiency of ships and that he shipyards of Syros and Elefsina have an important role in this important project.

Mr. Stohle's topic was "Navigating Through Challenging Times Towards a Sustainable Future", i.e. he spoke about the sustainable development of shipping in the midst of various challenges.
In his speech, he praised the capacity and adaptability of Greek shipping, an achievement that must be preserved at any cost as the international competition is very tough.
As he said, in times of challenges, a shipping company should focus on its main activity and plan with a long-term horizon.

In this context, innovation and the adoption of new solutions are very important for the future of a company.

Regarding the decarbonization of shipping, firstly the cooperation of all shipping stakeholders will be able to bring the expected results, secondly the efficiency of the existing fleet should be a key priority, thirdly the adoption of a strategy for building ships with dual fuel engines, and fourthly alternative fuels could cause many problems such as ammonia is toxic, methanol has not yet been proven to be completely clean for the environment and hydrogen is very expensive.
However, LNG as fuel is an ideal solution until 2050. At the same time, shipping companies should not forget the continuous training of their staff in safety matters and to maintain long-term relationships with charterers.

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Highlighting on the profound commitment and deep-rooted partnership with the Greek maritime community ClassNK one of the leading classification societies in shipping has proved its capability to deliver customized services tailored to the specific needs of Greek shipowners maintaining the highest standards of service excellence.

In this framework of the fruitful and effective cooperation Mr. Hiroaki Sakashita president & CEO of ClassNK welcomed the distinguished members of the Greek shipping community at Athens Marriott Hotel 15 days before the commencement of Posidonia 2024.

By leveraging expertise and embracing digital transformation ClassNK strive for a more transparent, environmentally friendly, and efficient future for the maritime sector. ClassNK is committed to adaptation and excellence engaging a number of projects and focused on decarbonization and the challenges of future fuels with industry front runners. These steps are part of our broader strategy to support the sustainable actions of the shipping sector and the entire society.

Images:

- Konstantinos Theofanis Markou general manager of ClassNK in Greece, Costas Delaportas President and CEO of DryDel Shipping and Mr. Hiroaki Sakashita president of & CEO of ClassNK
- The team of ClassNK’s senior executives
- Capt Nicos Liadis with his wife Maria Christina Ktistakis from Genimar Shipping, George Liadis technical manager of Genimar shipping with his wife Anna
- Theofilos Xenakoudis managing director of Marshall Islands ShipRegistry office in Piraeus with Theomar’s SHIPMANAGEMENT team Kostas Stamoulis, Ioannis Theodorou, Maria Theodorou, Lefteris Malandris, George Papaleventis
- Costas Delaportas, Diamantis Andriotis from Vafias group and Ioannis Dragnis managing director of Goldenport.
- Shingo (Steve) Ogawa country representative of Mitsubishi Corporation, George Thanopoulos CEO of Neda Maritime and Spyros Vlassopoulos manager of Ionic Shipping
- Costas Markakis from Dorian LPG and Nicholas Kosmatos CEO of Sealink Navigation.
- Capt Costas Liadis manager of Carras (Hellas) S.A., Capt Nicos Liadis, Capt Stamatis Atsidis, Lymperis Liadis senior executives of Carras Hellas and John Ioannidis.

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Ocean Technologies Group (OTG), the leading global provider of Human Capital Management solutions for the maritime industry, has signed an agreement with WISTA International, the global network for women in shipping. The partnership will provide WISTA members with a suite of OTG e-learning resources, empowering them to advance their maritime careers and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive industry.

The new agreement gives 200 WISTA Members access to the Ocean Learning Platform (OLP) and a comprehensive range of learning titles covering maritime regulatory, safety and risk-based courses for shoreside personnel.

Additionally, WISTA Members will have access to material on interpersonal and behavioural soft skill development, including communication, teamwork, and adaptability, equipping them with the tools to become stronger maritime leaders.

“As an industry, we recognise the critical importance of supporting women in maritime and promoting gender diversity and inclusion. said Raal Harris, Chief Creative Officer.

“This partnership with WISTA International represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to address gender disparities in the maritime industry, we hope access to our content resources will help to spearhead a wave of female talent progressing in their chosen fields and encourage more women to choose shipping as a career,” he added.

Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International, underscored the transformative impact of this initiative: “Not only will the OLP provide our Members with the training they need to help develop their careers, but they will also be able to track their progress to gain insights into specific areas of improvement and the next steps to attain their own personal goals. It is all about making sure our Members feel empowered and in control of their own destinies.”

Image1: Elpi Petraki, President, WISTA International
Image2: Raal Harris, Chief Creative Officer, Ocean Technologies Group

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The Panama Maritime Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with which the vessels of the Panamanian Registry will have access to new incentives. 

The purpose of this Memorandum is to establish a collaboration framework between both parties for the development of the “Blue Pass “project, which pursues the creation of a platform that gathers the main actors of the maritime industry of the UAE, altogether with partners and interested parties to offer a series of privileges and facilities of first quality to the main shipping companies and shipowners visiting the ports and waters of the UAE, from all over the world.

The project also seeks to offer incentives and concessions to the yachts and recreational ships docking in the country´s regional waters and to enhance the integration and facilitate mutual services between the suppliers and the participant companies.

With this initiative, the ships of the Panamanian Registry will receive a series of benefits and facilities as priority in the entry and exit from the ports, change of crew, discounts in auxiliary services with all companies, shipyards and other businesses registered in the database of the Blue Pass program.  Likewise, the ships will have access to the shared database, with which they may contact directly with all the suppliers and their discounts for mutual benefit. 

The agreement was signed by Her Excellence Hessa Al Malek, Consultant for Maritime Transportation Affairs from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in cooperation with Captain Rami Omar Al Breiki, General Director of NeoNautica for Ship and Boats Trading LLC, with headquarters in Dubai, while the signature by the Panama Maritime Authority was delegated to Her Excellence Rebeca Pérez Cervantes, Ambassador of Panama in the United Arab Emirates.

This Memorandum of Understanding is enforceable since its signature and will have a validity of two years. It could be renovated with the mutual consent of both parties and the signature of a new memorandum of understanding. 

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Moore Greece has assisted the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) with their very first ESG Review. The ESG Review highlights how INTERCARGO’S recent activities relate to each of the pillars of ESG: Environmental, Social and Governance. Echoing INTERCARGO’s commitment to quality dry bulk shipping, the Review also suggests how ESG has become an increasingly important topic for all stakeholders in the dry bulk shipping community.

The Chairman of INTERCARGO, Dr Dimitrios J. Fafalios, expressed his “sincere gratitude to the dedicated professionals at Moore Greece for their effort and skill in preparing this ESG Review”. He concluded that “with the support of all members, INTERCARGO will successfully transition to a future where day-to-day operations of the dry bulk shipping sector are fully aligned with the principles of sustainable development”.

Costas Constantinou, Managing Partner at Moore Greece and Global Maritime Leader of the Moore Network, pointed out that “Moore Greece has been a trusted partner to the Greek shipping community for the past 60 years, proactively responding to needs of the industry for quality and transparency in reporting to their stakeholders. Moore Greece is excited to have been working alongside INTERCARGO and to have helped shape the INTERCARGO 2024 ESG Review”.

Pinelopi Kassani, Governance, Risk & Compliance Partner Moore Greece, highlighted that ‘INTERCARGO’s ESG Review is an important initiative for the dry bulk sector. INTERCARGO’s global outreach as demonstrated by its 250 members and 3.300 vessels, helps bring the ESG discussion of the sector forward by highlighting many of the sector’s common topics that relate to the environment, the society and corporate governance’.

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Celestyal has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) alongside AD Ports Group. The MOU, signed at Arabian Travel Market, will promote Abu Dhabi as a key destination among Celestyal’s guests and help further raise the cruise line’s profile in the region.

Celestyal has previously launched a seven-day ‘Desert Days’ itinerary for 2024, sailing roundtrip from Doha and calling at Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. The itinerary launches from November until March 2025, with a number of special sailings such as festive cruises and will feature for three seasons.

All voyages are on the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, which joined the line last year, although Celestyal have hinted that the recently purchased and refurbished 1,266, Celestyal Discovery may also be set to join the region for the winter season in the near future. Due to popularity, there is currently limited availability across all new departures.

Lee Haslett, Celestyal Chief Commercial Officer, said: “It’s a huge privilege to sign this agreement and we would like to thank DCT Abu Dhabi for all their support. Our ethos has always been to proudly partner and showcase our fabulous destinations, building strong connections with the regions we visit. Abu Dhabi is a truly unique destination, and we are eagerly anticipating showcasing everything it has to offer to our guests. The cruise industry continues to attract record passenger numbers and we are looking forward to a successful first season that highlights the very best of this special region”.

Celestyal’s vision is firmly rooted in creating unmissable experiences at sea and ashore, and they are committed to showcasing the best of the region to their guests. As part of their award-winning shore excursion offerings, they already offer nine Abu Dhabi excursions that will transport their guests to the heart of the emirate, including half day tours taking in the best of Abu Dhabi, food and culture explorations, theme park visits, VIP beach days, as well as the classic desert safaris and attractions.

The ‘Desert Days’ itinerary is available to book from €529pp for seven nights and includes €75pp shore excursion discount, full board, select drinks with meals, all port and service charges. All cruises are on sale now and include 50% deposits as part of the Spring campaign, bringing deposits down to as low as €125 per booking.

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 Baseblue has announced the appointment of the company’s new ESG Manager, the first role of its type within the organization, highlighting its commitment to improving ESG within the company and the bunkering industry. 
The creation of this role underlines Baseblue’s culture and mission to uphold the highest standards of governance and transparency, as well as building trust with stakeholders in helping the bunker industry achieve its decarbonization goals. 

As fuel providers, Baseblue is diversifying its product portfolio to include low carbon fuels and supporting its customers and clients in their green transition. The company is actively promoting the uptake of alternative fuels by offering competitive prices. Whether it's biofuels or floating wind energy sources, the team work to understand their client’s unique requirements and guide them towards the most suitable solutions.  

Baseblue is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to develop their unique talents and capabilities. As part of Baseblue’s ongoing efforts, the company focuses on gender equality and has set ambitious targets to increase the representation of women across all levels of our organisation. Baseblue aims to address the specific challenges women might be facing within the shipping industry and explore the barriers and factors influencing women's participation in certain roles, by identifying and addressing any obstacles that may exist. 

In addition, supporting local communities is a key part of Baseblue’s commitment to social responsibility. The company actively engages in environmental initiatives participating in several events related to beach and seabed cleaning, tree planting, and supporting the construction of borehole water wells in Ghana to provide access to clean, safe water for the local community, along with other charitable activities.  
Recently, Baseblue made a substantial donation to the Blue Marine Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to restoring the health of the ocean. The contribution aimed to help the orgainsation achieve goals such as establishing marine protected areas, promoting sustainable fishing models, and supporting marine habitat restoration. 

Stella Fyfe will be taking on this role and leading the company’s ESG initiatives. Before joining Baseblue, she served as the European Projects Coordinator for Bunkernet, being actively involved in promoting LNG as an alternative fuel for the shipping industry through multiple funded projects. Throughout her 25 years of experience in the shipping industry, Stella developed the ability to navigate complex challenges in an ever-evolving industry by embracing change and innovation, along with a range of skills such as expertise in setting up management systems and ensuring compliance.

Commenting on the appointment, Lars Nielsen, CEO of Baseblue said: “At Baseblue, we have embraced ESG initiatives for many years and I am pleased that we are now formalising this with the appointment of Stella. It is crucial that we dedicate time and resource to our ESG strategy and initiatives, and I am glad to see this is an emerging trend across the industry. Impactful and authentic ESG practices are not just a part of Baseblue’s strategy but also a key driver of our success and impact in the industry.”
In addition to this appointment, Baseblue has appointed ESG ambassadors in each office who will report into Stella and play a crucial role in adapting and implementing policies tailored to the diverse regulations in different countries.

When discussing her motivation for the role, Stella said: “I am enjoying being part of this transitional time at Baseblue and in the shipping industry. As we look towards a greener era for the industry, it is so important to implement real change and make a positive impact where we can. As the ESG Manager at Baseblue, I'm motivated by driving positive change in the shipping industry.
“The multifaceted nature of the role - engaging with various departments and aspects of the group - is truly stimulating and resonates with my holistic approach to making a meaningful impact. At Baseblue, ESG is not just a policy but a fundamental part of our organisational DNA.” Baseblue places equal weight and priority on the three pillars - Environmental, Social, and Governance. 

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Posidonia 2024, the world's most prestigious shipping exhibition, is set to commence from June 3rd to 7th at the Athens Metropolitan Expo for a week packed with more than 65 thought-provoking and informative seminars and conferences where a strong line-up of prominent industry leaders and decision makers will cover a spectrum of critical topics shaping the future of shipping.

With Posidonia known as the Home of Shipping, the “TradeWinds Shipowners Forum” once again is expected to attract much of the attention. This year the forum will delve into the roles of shipowners, charterers, financiers, and regulators in fostering a new paradigm against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, economic flux, and climate crisis considerations. Distinguished leaders such as Katerina Bodouroglou, Dr John Coustas, Angeliki Frangou, Evangelos Marinakis, Leon Patitsas, Charis Plakantonaki, Alexander Saverys, Mikael Skov, Dr Nikolas Tsakos, Harry Vafias, Chris Wiernicki and others will explore the push for cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly fuels in relation to the need of shipping companies to maintain robust financial health. The forum will also enjoy an exclusive session featuring Jan Dieleman, president of Cargill Ocean Transportation.

Coinciding with World Environment Day, the “HELMEPA Conference” will delve into sustainability and climate issues impacting the industry. Top experts will discuss the impact of climate change on maritime operations, fostering awareness and strategies for sustainability. The conference will feature a high-level panel discussion -exclusively for shipowners- to explore the multifaceted impacts of climate change on global shipping, covering both operational challenges and financial implications fostering awareness and igniting actionable strategies for resilience and sustainability.

Sustainability will be the focus during the “Greener Shipping Summit 2024”. Under the theme “New Technologies and Education”, the day-long summit, organised by Newsfront/Naftiliaki and supported by MARTECMA (Marine Technical Managers Association), will host panel discussions focusing on managing the next generation of ships, education for the future of shipping and green shipping technology. Prominent figures including Dimitris Fafalios, Panos Kourkountis, David Taylor, Dimitris Fokas, Venetia Kallipolitou, Panos Zachariadis and others will contribute their insights on a wide range of topics spanning technology, jobs, energy transition, digitalisation, training and education onboard, Artificial Intelligence as threat and tool of marine education, energy-efficient new and second-hand vessels, carbon capture and many more.

The 9th Maritime Leaders’ Summit, organised by Capital Link, yet another high-profile event under the auspices of Posidonia, will be titled ‘Dashing Ahead - Leadership in Action’. This year’s Maritime Leaders’ Summit will provide invaluable insights into critical industry topics and highlight the sector's impact on the global economy. In partnership with ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), the summit anticipates a record turnout of industry leaders, including prominent Greek and international shipowners. Critical industry topics will be tabled about the sector's profound impact on the global economy and trade dynamics which underpin the thought leadership that shapes the discourse and direction of the industry.

And with the recent geopolitical upheavals in key shipping routes, supply chain disruptions, port bottlenecks and safety concerns, the “Marine Insurance Greece Conference” is expected to attract many delegates to Athens also the week before Posidonia, providing the platform where brokers, insurers and industry experts will discuss the latest trends and challenges in marine insurance affecting the region. The welcome party is sponsored by Polygreen S.A., a leading provider of environmentally sustainable solutions for the maritime industry.

Other key events include the “Challenges by Japan” seminar, which will focus on greenhouse gas reduction measures and alternative fuels towards decarbonization, organised by the Japan Ship Exporters' Association, and the 4^th Trading in U.S. Waters Seminar “Future Trends & Innovations in the Maritime Sector”, which will discuss the geopolitical developments impacting global shipping, and explore future trends and innovations in the maritime sector, including digitalisation and decarbonisation. The US Seminar is organised by the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AmChamGR), the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), the U.S. Embassy in Athens with the support of the Int’l Propeller Club of the United States, Int’l Port of Piraeus, and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping - Maritime Hellas Shipping Cluster. Also, a “SHARK TANK: Competition of Innovative U.S. Maritime Technologies” will be held during the Posidonia week and the judge panel includes many prominent officials and industry leaders, including George J. Tsunis, U.S Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, George Pateras, President, Hellenic Chamber of Shipping & Deputy Chairman, Contships Management Inc., Costis Frangoulis, President, International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus & CEO, Franman, Panos Xenokostas, President & CEO, ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group & President, Hellenic Shipyards Association, Semiramis Paliou, CEO, Diana Shipping & Chairperson, HELMEPA & INTERMEPA, and others.

Another official participation will be the “4^th Korean-Hellenic Maritime Cooperation Forum”, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE). This event serves as a platform for esteemed experts and businesspeople from both Korea and Greece to engage in fruitful discussions regarding maritime and shipping policies and the latest advancements in eco-friendly shipping and shipbuilding technologies.

Posidonia 2024 delegates will also get updates on the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) at a seminar that will provide insights into the inclusion of the maritime sector in the EU ETS and its implications for shipowners. Macquarie Group, a global financial services provider, has been an active participant in the EU ETS for more than a decade and will host the event.

Nuclear Energy in Maritime, a presentation of Fission and Fusion is the title of the seminar organised by the Greek Branch of SNAME. It will explore if nuclear energy is a viable and possible option for ships. The panel will include the CEOs of Fliber (pioneer of Molten Salt Reactor Technology) and nT-tao (compact fusion power) as well as major shipowners, discussing if nuclear power is the way forward.

Crew management will be in the spotlight at the Crew Insights @ Posidonia 2024 conference, organised by Kyvernitis Leading Travel Companies. The event will focus specifically on the facets of managing crew needs and HR within the shipping industry and is designed to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss and exchange ideas that will chart the future of crew management. The conference will feature three targeted panel discussions over the course of an afternoon, each packed with insights from some of the most esteemed professionals in the industry.

Staying in Europe, the “POLAND – Thinking out of the box about the maritime industry”, organised by the Polish Embassy, will cover thematic blocks such as Polish seaports, renewable energy, shipbuilding and maritime logistics, showcasing the country’s role in the maritime industry. The seminar is organised in cooperation with the Polish Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Infrastructure, Economic Development, and Technology.

Experts and market participants will convene to discuss the impact of geopolitics, changing trade dynamics, and energy transition on shipping markets at the “S&P Global Commodity Insights Forum”. They will focus on issues around the increased geopolitical tensions and their impact on commodity trade dynamics and freight markets.

During the three sessions of the “UES: The Ferry Experience” series of seminars, participants will focus on enhancing the passenger and operator experiences in ferry travel, featuring insights into seating design and operational considerations. UES, a leading provider of ferry seating solutions, will showcase its latest innovations and success stories.

With such a robust and diverse programme of knowledge-sharing events, Posidonia 2024 promises to be an unparalleled gathering of industry leaders, fostering dialogue and innovation to propel the shipping industry towards a sustainable and prosperous future for the global maritime community.

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

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Esteemed President Dr. Vijay Kumar and Vice President Dr. Dimitris Kamsaris Celebrate Award at a Prestigious Ceremony 

In the plush surrounds of the Grande Bretagne hotel on April 19, 2024, American BC University honored Capt. Dimitris Matthaiou with an honorary doctorate. The award is a testament to Matthaiou's extensive achievements in the maritime sector and beyond. The ceremony featured a who's who of distinguished guests, including Dr. Vijay Kumar, the President of BC University Business and Theology and BCU UK Trust.

An Esteemed Gathering

Prominent figures from diverse realms including politics, academia, maritime, medicine, and the esteemed American-Greek organization, AHEPA, were in attendance to witness this prestigious event.

The ceremony's attendees included: American Senator Mr. Lou Raptakis, Mr. Pelagidis Theodoris, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Greece and former Minister of Finance, Mr. Jan Fransen, Executive Director of the Green Award Foundation, Mr. Hiotopoulos Ioannis, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager for Southeast Europe, Middle East, and Africa of DNV, Mr. Karapiperis Christos, Governor of AHEPA Greece.

A Moment of Gratitude and Reflection

During his heartfelt speech, Capt. Matthaiou expressed profound gratitude to American BC University and articulated his belief in selfless generosity and inspirational leadership. Leaders, according to Matthaiou, are those who lift others and inspire them to find their own growth and fulfillment path.

Capt. Dimitris Matthaiou, CEO of two shipping companies, Arcadia Shipmanagement and Aegean Bulk, Chairman of the Green Award Foundation, Founder and President of the St' Nicholas Business Club, Clinical Professor of the postgraduate program MSc in Shipping at the University of Piraeus, and also President of the Maritime Department of AHEPA, the Maritime Chapter HJ-45

Dr. Vijay Kumar's Role in the Ceremony

The conferment of the honorary doctorate by Dr. Vijay Kumar, alongside Dr. Dimitris Kamsaris, was a testament to the value American BC University places on professional excellence and contributions to the community.

Inspirational Words from the Honoree

Capt. Matthaiou's words echoed with the wisdom of a seasoned leader:

"Let us be bright lighthouses for entrepreneurship, maritime, social solidarity, and Greek heritage.»

He also reflected on some of the most significant achievements of his life, which have shaped his personality and led him to a successful career as a leader, and specifically mentioned:

'There are moments in our life that condense within the essence of human existence and the values of a whole person's journey. I am experiencing such a moment today, standing before you with the greatest honor and deepest gratitude, to receive this exceptional recognition, my conferment as an Honorary Doctorate by the esteemed American BC University.

My life's journey has taught me that true fulfillment comes from lifting others up and sharing the journey of discovery. Let us continue to sail together, transforming challenges into opportunities and dreams into realities. Let each of us be a bright lighthouse for entrepreneurship, maritime, social solidarity, and Greek heritage, bringing change, hope, and excellence to our world.'

Later on, in his so-inspired speech Mr. Mattheou added: 'Despite any difficulties and crises we face in our times, which seem to bend us momentarily, let us remember the line from our national poet, Dionysios Solomos, from his work 'The Free Besieged': 'Your strength is the sea and my will is the rock.' Let us draw willpower and mental strength from our values to perform our moral duty: to remain Human. Humans! With consciousness, responsibility, empathy, integrity, and principles. And let us remain Greeks! Greeks proud of our ancestry and roots, masters of ourselves and our homeland.

As a navigator of the oceans, businesses, and emotions, I am grateful for my personal Odyssey, constantly progressing towards a new Ithaca of happiness and fulfillment. Thank you for being part of my journey, and I wish you to be eternal travelers in people's hearts!”

An Ongoing Voyage

Comparing his life to an odyssey, Capt. Matthaiou expressed his hope for continuous progress towards greater success and fulfillment, extending his gratitude to all those who have been part of his journey.

Please find attached the full transcript of Capt. Dimitrios Mattheou's speech.

Experience the inspirational journey of Capt. Dimitris Matthaiou by watching the special video tribute here: https://youtu.be/G_T_7twbT58

About American BC University of Business and Theology

American BC University is renowned for recognizing and celebrating professionals who have made significant contributions to their fields. By honoring Capt. Matthaiou, the university continues its tradition of acknowledging exceptional accomplishments that resonate with the core values of leadership and service to the community.

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