ELNAVI celebrated its 50th anniversary during the 2day WIMA’s Convention at the Stone Warehouse of PPA.
38 stands of WIMA members flanked the exhibition - ELNAVI has been a member since 2006 and closed its curtain festively. Celebrating with friends and partners, ELNAVI chose @thegrazingtableathens from Pepper & Sugar with the talented chef Pavlos Sfikakis and the wine of the architect / art designer of our stand Sara Oikonomou.
During the event Stefanos Papandreou and Theano Kalapotharakou co-publishers thanked the distinguished guests and friends of ELNAVI saying: “On the occasion of our 50th anniversary edition, would like to extend our deep appreciation to all our partners of the magazine who have contributed their best in the 50 year course of the publication and we would like to thank our readers and advertisers who have supported us in all shipping market conditions.
Last but not least we also express our respect and gratitude to our predecessor Elias Kalapotharakos, founder of ELNAVI who have taught us the values of journalism which include responsible and accurate updating.
We continue our uninterrupted 50year activity inspired by the Greek shipping achievements and our duty for the future generations”.
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Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, Co-CEO of Tototheo Maritime™, and a prominent figure in the maritime industry, has been honored with the inaugural “Gender Equality Award" by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The candidacy of Ms. Panayiotou Theodosiou for the Gender Equality Award was submitted by the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry last July. The results were announced yesterday during the 130th Council Session of the IMO. It was emphasized that Ms. Panayiotou Theodosiou embodies the essence of this award, significantly contributing to the promotion of gender equality in the maritime sector through her work and actions.
In an announcement Cyprus' Shipping Deputy Minister, Ms. Marina Hatzimanolis, congratulated Ms. Panayiotou Theodosiou for the prestigious accolade. She commended her notable achievements and unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality in the field of shipping, setting a significant benchmark for excellence in the industry.
In her statement, Ms. Panayiotou Theodosiou said that it is an immense honour receiving the award, and extended her gratitude to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides and the Shipping Deputy Minister, Mrs. Marina Hadjimanolis, for submitting and supporting her nomination. She also expressed her dedication to the continuous promotion of gender equality within the maritime community.
“Over the last 10 years raising awareness of the incredible work women are undertaking within the maritime industry and the importance of gender diversity, equity and inclusion have been a key focus for me on both a personal and professional level. During my time as President of WISTA International it was a privilege to be part of the driving force behind many of the initiatives related to advancing gender equality within the industry, and when I look at what has been achieved I feel an immense sense of pride for being able to play my part in bringing about change. With that said, we still have a long way to go, and I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to continue to break down the barriers, acknowledge the need for change and work together to create a more inclusive and diverse maritime industry.”
The IMO Gender Equality Award aims to recognize individuals, regardless of gender, whose contributions significantly promote gender equality and empower women in the maritime industry.
image: Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, Co-CEO of Tototheo Maritime with Cyprus' Shipping Deputy Minister, Ms. Marina Hatzimanolis
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HEMEXPO – Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters – has appointed a new Board of Directors following the association’s General Assembly Meeting on Tuesday 21 November.
After completing the bi-annual election process, Mr Konstantinos Fanouriadis, CEO of FARAD S.A., Mr Athanasios Athanasopoulos, CEO of UTECO ABEE and Mr Ilias Mallios, Export Manager of SeaBright S.A. were re-appointed to the board, joined by Mr Stefanos Chartomantzidis, Chief Commercial Officer of Prisma Electronics. All four will assume the title of Vice-President of HEMEXPO.
HEMEXPO is a leading suppliers and exporters association for the shipping sector, which has supported Greek marine equipment manufacturers and technology specialists since 2014. The Board of Directors, which is led by HEMEXPO President, Mrs. Eleni Polychronopoulou, is responsible for setting the association’s direction, supporting members and raising awareness of the Greek marine manufacturing industry at both a national and international level.
HEMEXPO President, Mrs Polychronopoulou, said: “I am delighted to confirm Mr Fanouriadis, Mr Athanasopoulos, Mr Mallios and Mr Chartomantzidis as members of the Board of Directors for HEMEXPO. Moving forward the Board of Directors will be responsible for continuing HEMEXPO’s initiatives relating to promotion, as well as Research and Development, but also for undertaking new actions to address the challenges that are unique to the manufacturing, shipbuilding and repairs sectors.
“As an association of leading Greek marine equipment manufacturers, our goal is to continue to develop new and innovative products to address evolving industry needs, while at the same time using our collective strength to build lasting international and local partnerships. After another excellent year for HEMEXPO, I am confident that our Board of Directors will continue to excel in achieving the association’s objectives and supporting our members”.
HEMEXPO – Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers and Exports – is a leading suppliers and exporters association for the shipping sector, representing Greek maritime technology specialists worldwide since 2014.
HEMEXPO brings together Greek companies that manufacture and export a comprehensive range of world class marine equipment and technical services used in the construction, conversion, maintenance and upgrading of ships and other marine structures.
Image: Mrs Eleni Polychronopoulou, President of HEMEXPO
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The Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, and the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce successfully organized their joint Thanksgiving Dinner, on Monday, November 20th, 2023, at the Athenaeum Intercontinental Hotel.
Both organizations share a common objective of promoting the bilateral relations between Greece and the United States, as well as strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Graced by the esteemed presence of the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, George J. Tsunis, the event was a resounding success, having been attended by 450 distinguished guests from the shipping, commercial, and industrial sectors, including notable representatives from both organizations.
In his address, Nikolaos Bakatselos, the President of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, referred to the profound meaning of Thanksgiving and emphasized the significance and value of this cherished holiday. Additionally, he highlighted the strong and unbreakable bonds that exist between the nations of Greece and the United States, which serve as a constant source of strength and reassurance not only for the present, but also for the future that lies ahead.
The President of the Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, Costis Frangoulis, stressed the significance of the annual Thanksgiving dinner as a longstanding tradition, while he expressed his gratitude for the Propeller-AmCham partnership, which aims to strengthen the Greek-American bond and promote cooperation between the two countries. The President also highlighted the achievements of Greek shipping on a global level. “We are thankful and proud that our country remains the world’s leading maritime force. An inspiration for all the Greeks. A great example that we can thrive and lead the way internationally, in other sectors too.”
Addressing the guests, U.S Ambassador, George J. Tsunis, referred to Democracy and immigration. "By living in Athens, you realize how lucky you are to live in a place like Greece, or to live in a place like the USA. They are both democratic countries.”
The Ambassador discussed about how the USA drew upon the democratic principles of ancient Athens to establish its political system. “Thousands of years ago, for the first time, people made a political system not perfect, but the best that has ever been created in the history of mankind. A political system based on as many freedoms as possible for the citizen. And we must be grateful for the Ethos of the ancient Greeks."
Courtesy of the American Farm School, 10 complimentary turkey coupons were given at the event.
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Ship design, particularly the design of bulk carriers, presents particular challenges when it comes to the decarbonisation of existing vessels, a forum of INTERCARGO members and guests in Athens has heard.
Welcoming more than 200 attendees to the event entitled ‘Solutions for Sustainable Dry Bulk Shipping’, INTERCARGO Chairman Dimitris Fafalios advised: “Shipping is an extremely wide term covering both tramp and liner sectors. Our sector, that of dry bulk carriers, presents special challenges to decarbonisation due to its non-regular, itinerant nature, serving more ports and more anchorages in the world than other sectors.
“The design of our bulk carriers, especially the smaller geared vessels, present a cargo section forward of the engine room bulkhead where deck tanks for alternative fuels cannot be located. In addition, the deck cranes leave little room for the increased storage volumes required by alternative, low carbon or zero carbon fuels.”
The high-level evening seminar, held at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and supported by @TECHNAVA, explored the real-life technical and operational solutions that can assist dry bulk operators to move forward on their decarbonisation journey. Speakers included representatives from Nihon Shipyard (NSY) in Japan, one of the world’s leading bulk carrier builders; engine maker WinGD, who shared their experience with engines designed for ammonia and methanol; leading marine technology firm Alfa Laval; and Oldendorff Carriers, an active INTERCARGO member who reviewed the commercial impact of the imminent EU-ETS scheme. Each presentation was followed by a lively Q+A session where many participants shared their thoughts, concerns and experience.
Sessions were moderated by INTERCARGO Technical Committee Vice Chairman, Dimitris Monioudis whilst the association’s Vice Chairman Spyros Tarassis and members of INTERCARGO’s Secretariat were on hand to welcome attendees.
Mr Fafalios commented: “It was exciting to have so many INTERCARGO members present at this important meeting. Dry bulk ship owners are keen to play their part in helping to meet shipping’s ambitious decarbonisation goals and events like this enable us to share knowledge and experience.”
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Representatives of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), members of the Government, and key stakeholders discussed CLIA’s proposed Action Plan for Greece for the next five years, during a CLIA visit in Athens last week.
Development of homeporting activities, the opening of new destinations, and the need for port infrastructure to meet the requirements of the EU Fit For 55 legislation, as well as the potential for cruise shipbuilding in Greece, the extension of the cruise season, and opportunities for seafarers were all on the agenda.
Represented by Marie Caroline Laurent, Director General of CLIA in Europe and Maria Deligianni, CLIA’s National Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, and joined by cruise line members, CLIA met with the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Mr. Christos Stylianides, Minister of Culture Ms. Lina Mendoni and the Deputy Minister of Tourism Ms. Elena Rapti.
CLIA’s Director General in Europe, Marie Caroline Laurent, said: “The goal of our proposed Action Plan is to maximise the benefits to Greece from cruising and help to unlock its potential for sustainable growth. Our plan was well received by the Ministers, and we are pleased that our vision is consistent with the Government’s priorities”.
CLIA’s National Director, Eastern Mediterranean Maria Deligianni added: “Greece is seeing great growth in cruising the last years, bringing significant benefits to its economy, generating more than €1,1 billion euros annually and supporting thousands of jobs. We welcome this development and, with great respect for the communities that support the cruise sector, we cooperate on itineraries, port operations, and improved destination management practices, to provide sustainable, optimal experiences for communities and visitors”.
The meeting with the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Mr. Christos Stylianides confirmed the need for port infrastructure and investments for development of homeporting activities and the opening of new destinations. Discussions also focused on the need of port infrastructure to meet the requirements of the EU Fit For 55 legislation, and production and supply of sustainable marine fuels at key ports in Greece.
Discussions also included how the recent revitalization of shipyards in Greece and the potential for cruise shipbuilding could represent a business opportunity for the country. CLIA also shared how it is raising awareness of career opportunities in the cruise sector through educational ship visits for Greek students.
The meeting with Minister of Culture and Sports Ms. Mendoni confirmed that concrete steps are being taken to develop new archaeological sites to highlight the country’s unique cultural history, as well as to improve conditions at existing sites, including the Acropolis in Athens. CLIA congratulated the Minister for the actions already taken to improve the guest experience and noted that the Acropolis of Athens can serve as a model of sustainable tourism management practices for other archaeological sites of global significance.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism Ms. Rapti embraced CLIA’s proposal to work jointly on extending the cruise season and opening new destinations given the wide variety of options that Greece can offer to cruise visitors.
CLIA stressed the need for a holistic approach to destination management to manage tourism flows.
Discussions also covered the need to encourage partnerships among Eastern Mediterranean countries, highlighting the uniqueness of the region which brings together three continents: Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Lastly, the Minister embraced CLIA’s initiative to inform the young people about the vast range of career opportunities in the cruise sector.
The delegation also met the President of Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Mr. Vassilis
Korkidis, the President of the Hellenic Ship Suppliers and Exporters Association Mr. Nikolaos Mavrikos, the Director General of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) Ms Katerina Peppa, the General Manager of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) Ms Maria Gatsou, and the Director General of HELMEPA, Ms Olga Stavropoulou.
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Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Lloyd’s Register (LR) Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, in collaboration with Arup, introduced today the Sustainable First Movers Initiative Identification Tool, a system to help shipping stakeholders align investment decisions that support the maritime energy transition away from fossil fuels.
The tool, which is presented in a preliminary findings report – The Potential of Ports in Developing Sustainable First Movers Initiatives – scores a port’s potential to produce and bunker electrofuels while delivering local environmental and community benefits in alignment with the global temperature target of 1.5 degrees Celsius set by the Paris Agreement.
“Ports can play an important role in kickstarting shipping’s decarbonisation process even before global policies are established,” said Marie Cabbia Hubatova, Director, Global Shipping at Environmental Defense Fund. “By considering the impact sustainable first mover initiatives can have on port-side communities, climate, environment and economies, resources can be better directed to locations where these initiatives will make the biggest difference.”
With close to two billion people living near coastal zones globally, the role of, and impacts on local port communities must be intentionally considered as the sector decarbonises globally. Ports can play a crucial role in ensuring shipping decarbonisation efforts are done in a way that has positive impacts on port communities. The preliminary phase of the Sustainable First Movers Initiative Identification Tool analyses 108 ports in the Indo-Pacific region according to five criteria including land suitability, air quality, renewable energy surplus, economic resilience and ship traffic.
It is also applied to three different port scenarios, including ports exploring fuel production and bunkering, ports exploring fuel exports, and ports exploring fuel imports and bunkering. The combined criteria and scenario evaluation determines which ports have the greatest potential (‘high potential’) for sustainable first mover initiatives to lead to significant emissions reductions and positive impacts in nearby communities, such as improved air quality and economic resilience.
“The transition to clean energy supply for shipping can be achieved only if stakeholders act together. Identifying potential port locations is the first step in this process,” said Dr Carlo Raucci, Consultant at Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub. “This approach sets the base for a regional sustainable transition that considers the impacts on port-side communities and the need to avoid regions in the Global South lagging behind.”
Regions in the Global South are fundamental in driving the decarbonisation of shipping. To make this transition effective, the rate at which different countries adopt and scale up electrofuels must be proportional to the difference in capital resources globally to avoid additional costs being passed on to local communities. Sustainable first mover initiatives can play an important role in making this happen by ensuring the sector’s decarbonisation is inclusive of all regions and by engaging all shipping stakeholders, including port-side communities.
“There’s a huge opportunity for early adopter shipping decarbonisation initiatives to unlock benefits for people and planet – shaping the way for a more equitable transition in the 2030s,” said Mark Button, Associate, Arup. “Our collective approach shows that taking a holistic view of shipping traffic, fuel production potential and port communities could help prioritise action at ports with the greatest near-term potential.”
The tool can be customised according to stakeholders’ needs and goals and is dependent on scenario desirability. The next phase of this work will include the selection and detailed assessment of 10 ports to help better understand local needs and maximise the value offered by sustainable first mover initiatives.
LR and EDF carried out a joint study on ammonia as shipping fuel, and LR and Arup have collaborated on The Resilience Shift study focused on fuel demand for early adopters in green corridors, ports, and energy systems, amongst many other projects.
About Enviromnental Defense Fund
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and activists and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund.
About Lloyd’s Register
Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Lloyd’s Register Foundation through the LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, are enabling the delivery and operation of safe, technically feasible and commercially viable zero-emission shipping. Our research and partnerships with other forward-looking organisations bring together thought leaders and subject matter experts to create and share evidence, insight, and knowledge on shipping’s energy transition to stakeholders across the industry. Connect with us online via www.maritimedecarbonisationhub.org
About Arup
Arup is a global independent firm of more than 15,000 designers, planners, engineers, architects, consultants and technical specialists, working across every aspect of today’s built environment. The company was founded on the belief that the built environment has a central role in creating a safer, more sustainable planet. Together we help our clients solve their most complex challenges – turning exciting ideas into tangible reality as we strive to find a better way and shape a better world.
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Operating in a firm market that underpinned yet another quarter of high profitability Stealthgas the Nasdaq listed company reported an all-time record net Income of $43.0 million for the nine-month period corresponding to a basic EPS of $1.12 for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The CEO of StealthGas Mr. Harry Vafias commented: “2023 has turned out to be a tremendous year for gas shipping overall and especially for StealthGas. So far for the first nine months of 2023 we have reported our strongest performance on record, with a basic EPS of $1.12. For the third quarter, in what normally would be a seasonally weak quarter, we reported net income of $15.7 million, the second-best quarter on record, only surpassed by the first quarter of this year. As the market is firming we took advantage of the momentum and entered into a number of long period charters some with durations as long as three years thus securing part of our future revenues. We have thus extended the duration of our contract coverage to over 50% for 2024. Also part of our strategy is deleveraging, and so far during this year we have more than halved our outstanding debt, repaying $151 million and greatly reducing our interest rate expenses in the process while at the same time keeping 15 out of the 27 vessels debt-free. At the same time we sought to expand the repurchase of shares with an additional $10 million as we used the initial $15 million, and during a short period of time we have so far repurchased over 10% of the outstanding shares with the aim to return value to our shareholders. The market remains firm as we are entering the seasonally stronger winter months and is buoyant for the larger sized vessels, in what we hope will prove a well-timed diversification of the fleet with the addition of larger sized vessels. We believe we are well positioned to benefit from strong markets and to continue to generate shareholder value”.
Operational and Financial Highlights
Third Quarter 2023 Results:
Nine Months 2023 Results:
Impairment loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $0.5 million relating to one vessel, for which the Company had entered into an agreement to sell and subsequently delivered to its new owner.
Fleet Update Since Previous Announcement
The Company announced the conclusion of the following chartering arrangements (of three or more months duration):
As of November 2023, the Company has total contracted revenues of approximately $200 million.
For the remainder of the year 2023, the Company has about 85% of fleet days secured under period contracts, and 50% for the year 2024.
On October 6, 2023, the 40,000cbm vessel newbuilding Eco Sorcerer was delivered in Korea to our joint venture. The vessel has been deployed on a twelve-month time charter.
SteatlhGas Inc. has a fleet of 33 LPG carriers, including six Joint Venture vessels in the water, and two 40,000 cbm newbuilding Medium Gas Carriers to be delivered by the end of Q1 2024. These LPG vessels have a total capacity of 397,747 cubic meters (cbm). StealthGas Inc.’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market and trade under the symbol “GASS.”
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Satellite communications and technologies specialist Tototheo Maritime has passed the 1,000-ship mark in Fleet Xpress terminal installations, in a significant milestone for its collaboration with Inmarsat that reinforces the appeal of high-speed maritime broadband services.
Tototheo has worked closely with Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat business, for over 30 years and has played a key role supporting commercial shipping’s uptake of the Fleet Xpress service since its launch in 2016. The 1,000 terminal installations have included container and general cargo ships, tankers, bulk carriers and very large crude carriers.
Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Tototheo Maritime, said: “This is a remarkable achievement for Tototheo and a further expression of the success we have had in working in partnership with Inmarsat for over three decades. Having activated more than 1,000 Fleet Xpress terminals, we look forward to many more years of helping the maritime industry harness the power of data and digitalisation using Fleet Xpress.”
Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress is the only global network combining Global Xpress Ka-band technology with resilient L-band back-up built in as standard, offering 99.9% uptime SLA on secure high-bandwidth connectivity. Its ability to provide guaranteed global bandwidth has been central to powering the maritime data revolution, allowing shipping companies to operate more intelligently and efficiently while enhancing safety, cyber security and crew welfare and supporting regulatory compliance.
Damien Staples, Vice President Indirect Sales & Global Partnerships, Inmarsat Maritime, said: “As the demand for onboard data continues to surge, the reliability and global coverage of Fleet Xpress provides certainty for ship owners, managers and seafarers everywhere, with unrivalled flexibility, security, and capacity to support commercial shipping’s growing IT and crew welfare needs. Tototheo has been a strategic Inmarsat partner for over 30 years. As we mark this significant milestone, we are excited to extend our contract with Tototheo and once more would like to express our gratitude for their exceptional work championing the digital maritime revolution, powered by Inmarsat Fleet Xpress”.
About Tototheo
Tototheo Maritime specializes in innovative, efficient and functional solutions in the fields of digitalization, satellite and radio communication, automation and navigation systems. Headquartered in Cyprus and we have our own office in Greece, Germany and partner offices in Dubai and Singapore. Our vast experience in the maritime sector provides us with the unique advantage of in depth understanding of our customers’ needs combined with our dynamic approach towards innovative technologies, thus allowing our clients to generate more value out of their daily operations.
Tototheo Maritime operates in a connected dynamic and sustainable maritime sector, supported by reliable and efficient connectivity and innovative technologies – all underpinned by the Tototheo values. We conduct our business with honesty and transparency, offering equal terms of treatment without prejudice. Our team’s foremost goal is to listen and confidently trek into the future while keeping a firm link to the present.
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The 22nd Navigator 2023 – The Shipping Decision Makers forum which took place on November 9, 2023, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre in Athens, Greece brought together a total of 500 esteemed shipping professionals, enthusiasts, and international participants to discuss and navigate the ever-evolving maritime industry under the theme #NavigateTheChange.
Danae Bezantakou, CEO of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS, welcomed the participants and stressed that, amid global economic, environmental, and political shifts, there is a collective commitment at NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS to unite as decision-makers and industry experts, striving not only to adapt to change but to actively shape it. She also highlighted the belief in the power of synergy fuels collaborative efforts to overcome obstacles and contribute to the industry’s resilience, and the importance of empowering and educating the youth.
The forum commenced with welcoming remarks by Captain Dimitris Bezantakos, President of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS, setting the tone for a day of insightful discussions.
Captain Dimitris underscored the vital role of synergies in the maritime world, highlighting the essential contribution of seafarers as the backbone of the industry; even amid the challenges of COVID, he acknowledged their resilience, emphasizing how shipping persevered, thanks to their unwavering support. The president of Navigator underscored thefortune in having an Ambassador like H.E. George J. Tsunis, acknowledging Greek shipowners for consistently keeping the Greek shipping industry at the forefront. He praised their respectful assistance to our country, portraying it as a beacon of democracy, peace, and progress in the unpredictable conditions of our neighborhood.
The Director for Shipping at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Captain Andreas Spanos, delivered his Opening Address, outlining government initiatives and priorities for the maritime sector; underlining sustainability and industry prosperity, the address set the stage for focused discussions aligned with the Ministry’s strategic vision.
In his Opening Address, H.E. George J. Tsunis, United States Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, emphasized the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Greece. He highlighted the imperative for collaboration, and greater female representation in various fields, envisioning a world of synergies, inclusion, and diversity, asserting that true growth arises from unity, and the convergence of diverse perspectives.
Captain Panagiotis Tsakos, Founder of Tsakos Group, in an impromptu address, emphasized the pivotal role of women in the maritime industry, celebrated the collaboration of valuable human resources between the two genders, and acknowledged the achievements of women captains, seeing their presence as the realization of a lifelong dream at sea. Furthermore, he underscored the imperative of involving more young people in the shipping industry.
Underlining the importance of collaboration in navigating industry challenges, the CEO of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS LTD, Danae Bezantakou, emphasized the role of shared experiences and relationships in enhancing the global standing of the shipping community. The event also marked the inclusion of the inaugural Embassies panel back in 2012, with 18 Embassies participating.
Throughout the day, the Navigator Forum addressed crucial topics impacting the maritime industry, including decarbonization, maritime logistics, smart shipping, human performance, technology, training, ESG, and more. The forum showcased the commitment to shaping the future of the shipping industry, with a focus on fostering dialogue, exchanging ideas, and sharing best practices.
A highlight of the event was the participation of international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Economic Forum (WEF), European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), French-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIFG), and others, for actively participating in discussions with an objective to recognize that the future will be marked by experimentation and dilemmas as they navigate the evolving landscape of the shipping industry.
The forum included panel discussions on “Current Trends and SEAsing Opportunities”, “Navigating Sustainable Seas: The Global Perspective”, and “Mastering the Tides of Change: Navigating Through Experiments and Dilemmas”. Experts from various sectors provided valuable insights into the economic outlook, digital acceleration, carbon reduction technologies, and global perspectives on sustainability.
“Current trends and SEAsing opportunities” panel focused on key issues in the maritime industry. Moderated by Dorothea Ioannou, CEO – The American P&I Club, the panel featured prominent experts who provided insights into various aspects of the shipping sector.
Robert W. Walker, CEO & Founder – SURVEYS & FORECASTS, stressed the importance of understanding consumer attitudes and market forces for future shipping strategies. Carleen Lyden Walker, Chief Evolution Officer - IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador – SHIPPINGInsight, explored the role of the shipping industry as a digital accelerator in addressing disruptive factors affecting maritime security. Richard Poe, Chairman – SHIPGLIDE, advocated for investment in green technology, providing practical insights into achieving immediate energy savings and reducing CO2 emissions. Finally, Erik Holmgren, Economic Officer of the U.S. Embassy to Greece, discussed U.S. government efforts to revitalize the maritime industry for international trade, considering historical context and national importance.
The second panel, “Navigating Sustainable Seas: the Global Perspective”, moderated by Natalia Bury, Chief Operations Officer – Tototheo Maritime Ltd, contributed to pivotal discussions about steering the shipping industry towards a sustainable future. From a global perspective, experts Mette Asmussen, Lead, Maritime Sector Initiatives at the World Economic Forum, Fanny Lossy, Director – Environment, Maritime Safety & Offshore at the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), and Vassilis Triantafyllos, Lawyer – Energy Policy Expert, highlighted the industry’s positive trajectory towards sustainability, emphasizing the need for accelerated action from all stakeholders to achieve ambitious objectives.
It was stated that the journey to sustainability in shipping is deeply connected with advancements in energy efficiency, and the future looks promisingly multi-fueled. Consequently, it’s crucial that energy sector policies and strategies incorporate the unique needs and perspectives of the shipping industry. Collaboration and transparency are key in this transformative process. It was also specified that it’s essential for the industry to recognize and leverage the numerous opportunities presented by this shift towards sustainability, and how acting swiftly and decisively, as increasing pressures across regulatory, operational, and socioeconomic fronts leave no room for complacency, is needed. The complex nature of value chain in the maritime world, involving numerous stakeholders, necessitates a unified approach. Aligning objectives and actions across the entire value chain is imperative to ensure a cohesive and effective transition at a uniform pace. This collective movement, as was stated, is vital for any operator aspiring to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
The final panel discussion titled “Mastering the Tides of Change: Navigating Through Experiments and Dilemmas” was moderated by Riviera Maritime Media’s Executive Editor Edwin Lampert, and featured insights from Philippe Louis Dreyfus, Chairman of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs and President of the Maritime Committee of the French-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Alex Hadjipateras, Managing Director, Dorian LPG and Kostas Rokkos, Chairman & CEO - TST International SA.
Together they addressed strategic risks keeping them up at night, developments they find most exciting about the industry’s future, and challenges around new technologies, decarbonization and ESG demands. Geopolitical conflicts and their potential impact on shipping routes emerged as a major ongoing concern. The shipping leaders also expressed enthusiasm for innovations like automation, AI, and data analytics.
Mr. Hadjipateras noted these technologies can strengthen risk management and generate value across supply chains. However, upskilling workforces to leverage them remains an obstacle. Dr. Rokkos emphasized the need for continuous training to transition crews into new roles. On environmental sustainability, the panelists saw biofuels and carbon capture as promising but costly options for meeting emissions goals. They said spreading the costs equitably and balancing sustainability with financial viability remain key challenges.
Looking 5-10 years ahead, Mr. Louis Dreyfus highlighted exciting potential in “smart shipping” and new activities enabled by technology, though cautioned the industry’s public image could make it a target for regulators if it does not adapt. Overall, the leaders agreed that embracing innovation and transparency will be vital to overcoming threats like climate change, cybersecurity, and global health crises. The moderator echoed the shared view “that challenges remain but dialogue gives us insight into navigating change.”
In between the panels of discussion, presentation of outcomes from NAVIGATOR ASSEMBLY 2023, were discussed. More specifically, INTERSECTION OF SMART SHIPPING & HUMAN ELEMENT, explored the integration of technology and the human factor, highlighting the need for ongoing training to navigate technological advancements successfully. The discussion on DECARBONISATION & ESG emphasized environmental considerations. Finally, the presentation of the outcome of SUPPLY CHAIN addressed logistics optimization. These sessions, moderated by industry experts, provided insights into smart shipping, sustainability, and supply chain dynamics. These sessions were presented by representatives of NAVIGATOR’S sponsors, as listed below.
The Navigator Forum 2023 was a testament to the industry’s resilience, adaptability, and commitment to navigating through challenges collectively, through continued dialogue and progress. It was also announced that Navigator Forum 2024 will return to its roots in Chios and Oinousses Islands from September 20 to 22, 2024.
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