The adoption of the right e-mail and communication platform in the sector of travel management services is very important for providing efficient solutions to the clients.
Mr. Dimitris Matthaios, Managing Director of Aspida Travel commented the win-win agreement.
“We are very excited to join forces with an evolving organization such as WinguSuite. We strongly believe that with their tools we will be able to minimize response times and provide efficient solutions to our clients especially in the marine sector.
Our goal is to always adopt new technologies and solutions in our daily routines. In our quest to upgrading our services for our customers and investing on operational & automation performance, we have chosen WinguSuite as our new email cloud platform”.
Mr. Michalis Sariklis, Marketing Director of WinguSuite in his statement focuses on the advantages that derived from the new e-mail platform.
He said: “Considering the demanding operations and agile remote working of the industry, the email platform is undeniably one of the business-critical operational technologies (OT). Thus, the adoption of the right solution could reflect directly to improvements on efficiency, accuracy and speed, ensuring the non-negotiable reliability and security standards.
We are confident that WinguSuite's differentiation factors will unleash the operational performance of your organization, through a new approach to fast business automation and secure content information management”.
WinguSuite is a leading cloud-technology, departmental email & communication platform, designed and developed for the shipping industry. WinguSuite is based on an innovative architecture, matured over the last decade integrating users’ feedback, embedding tailor-made functionalities to support reliably industry specific requirements.

Image: Michalis Sariklis, Marketing Director of WinguSuite & Dimitris Matthaios, Managing Director of Aspida Travel

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A tanker with Wind-Assisted Ready and HVSC-Ready ABS notations, one of six LNG fuel ready sister ships with eco-friendly design delivered to Capital in 2023.

Capital Ship Management Corp. took successful delivery of the newbuilding vessel M/T ‘Avax’, a 50,000 dwt, eco-type Chemical/Product MR tanker, built by Hyundai Vietnam Shipyard Co Ltd, Vietnam. It is assigned with Wind-Assisted Ready and HVSC-Ready notations by ABS, while it is the third of six LNG Fuel Ready sister ships with eco-friendly design delivered to Capital in 2023.
The HVSC-Ready notation is for vessels equipped with High Voltage Shore Connection systems to be installed in the future, and the Wind-Assist Ready notation refers to vessels equipped with wind-assist equipment to be installed on board. M/T ‘Avax’ has future proof design compliant with EEDI Phase 3 and is annotated with ABS SUSTAIN-1 (2020) that demonstrates adherence to the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Being Tier III compliant for reduced NOx emissions, assigned ABS ENVIRO notation, as well as ABS Wind-Assisted Ready, HVSC-Ready and LNG Fuel Ready notations, and equipped with IHM notation for safe recycling, M/T ‘Avax’ becomes one of the most environmentally friendly, technologically advanced and efficient vessels in the global MR fleet.
Capital Ship Management Corp. is currently operating a fleet of 31 tankers (12 VLCCs, 10 Aframaxes, 8 MR/Handy product tankers and 1 small tanker) with a total dwt of 5.27 million tons approx. Capital has extensive experience in managing various vessel types and sizes including all tanker segments (VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax/LR2, Panamax/LR1, MR/Handy and small tankers), dry bulk segments (Cape, Panamax, Handymax and Handy), as well as OBOs and containers.

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Enesel S.A. which operates a modern fleet of 16 tankers has begun to implement the rollout of Starlink’s new connectivity service with a trial on MT Kanaris 21.
Mr. Andreas Panagiotaras, IT Manager for Enesel S.A. said ‘We are always interested in exploring ways to keep our modern fleet at the forefront of technological innovations, and so trying Starlink is a natural step for us. We chose Navarino to implement this project with us as we know that they are the leading technology partner in the market and we have enjoyed an excellent partnership with them for many years.
As connectivity becomes ever more critical, adding this new, high speed, low latency solution in combination with our existing setup of Inmarsat Fleet Xpress and Infinity will ensure that our vessels will be able to benefit from a fully redundant, high speed bandwidth setup and we look forward to seeing what Starlink can do to further enhance both our business and crew welfare applications.’
Mr Ioannis Brougianakis, VP Sales Middle East , added ‘I am delighted that Enesel S.A. chose us to deliver Starlink to their fleet and I am really excited to see how the never before seen speeds of this new satellite constellation will offer new ways of connecting to vessels and the applications that it will enable. Enesel S.A. operates a very advanced IT environment on their vessels and I believe that Starlink will help bring their fleet to a new level.’

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The first closed roundtable discussion held by NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS in the framework of the 22nd NAVIGATOR 2023 - THE SHIPPING DECISION MAKERS FORUM, was successfully completed on Tuesday 21st of March 2023, at Grand Hyatt Athens, under the theme #BeTheChange. A total of two hundred (200) distinguished executives from across the entire spectrum of the shipping arena took part in the closed roundtable event, where they met and discussed key issues that concern and affect both the industry and our society.
Mrs. Danae Bezantakou, CEO of Navigator Shipping Consultants, welcomed the participants stressing that “The dialogue and exchange of viewpoints and practices have always been the driving force that has contributed to the transfer of knowledge in maritime tradition, which keeps Greek shipping at the top. On our part, we will make our utmost contribution to the continuation and promotion of this dialogue, as we have been doing so for 22 consecutive years”.
The event was opened by the Secretary General of Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Mr. Manolis Koutoulakis and the Vice President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, Mr. George Alexandratos.
Honorary guests of the event were the Embassies of the United States, France, and Norway. Specifically, Ms. Yuri Arthur, Commercial Counselor - U.S. EMBASSY IN ATHENS, Mr. François de Ricolfis - Head of the Economic Dpt. - EMBASSY OF FRANCE, and Mr. Christian Grotnes Halvorsen, Deputy Head of Mission - ROYAL EMBASSY OF NORWAY, referred to the maritime agenda of their countries and their relations with Greece and Greek Shipping respectively.
The first part of the event was concluded with presentations by Mr. Cyrille Bret, Representative Committee Maritime CCI FRANCE GRECE & General Manager in Greece at Naval Group, Mr. George Vangis, Territory Manager - AMAZON WEB SERVICE, and finally, Mr. Kal Petrov, Director New Market Development – DRONAMICS.
Afterwards, discussions were held between the executives of the ship owning companies and shipping services executives on the topics of:

1) DECARBONISATION,
2) MARITIME LOGISTICS, SUPPLY, PURCHASING & FORWARDING,
3) SMART SHIPPING,
4) INTERSECTION OF HUMAN PERFORMANCE, TECHNOLOGY & TRAINING,
5) HUMAN ELEMENT,
6) ESG, and
7) KNOW YOUR CLIENT.

The roundtable on “INTERSECTION OF HUMAN PERFORMANCE, TECHNOLOGY & TRAINING” discussed how the evolution of technology affects the shipping workforce, both on board and in the office. New digital as well as “green” technologies pose new challenges in the training of crew and office staff and create the need to attract personnel based on demanding soft and hard skills. Effective communication, collaboration, and leadership skills are essential in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the supply chain. Therefore, investing in the development and training of the human workforce is essential to achieving supply chain success in the long run.
In the discussions regarding Decarbonization in Shipping, there was clear agreement that challenges remain regarding (a) the legislative/regulatory framework, (b) the types of possible alternative fuels and (c) the technologies (both existing and those under development). The common feeling of the participants was that the shipping market itself, with its constant ferment and multidimensional dynamics, will determine developments, always with a view to further enhancing shipping’s contribution to the common goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
With regards to the Human Element theme, the need to create a safety culture and its implementation, which starts from the top management levels and spreads downwards, was discussed. Prerequisites include specialized training, a focus on empowering people on personal development issues, such as empathy and self-esteem, and the value of having a crew with the ability to self-report.
The discussion on Smart Shipping revealed two main points as key challenges for the digitalization of the industry. The first point is for shipowners to understand the return on their investment, which is not always straightforward, so in many cases, they minimize risk to avoid costs. The second point is the need to establish trust in the technology and provide continuous feedback to their service providers in order to find even more effective and targeted solutions.
The ability to report on sustainability metrics in a fast, accurate and consistent manner is going to be a major differentiator soon, it was mentioned in the ESG discussion, and shipping companies need to be able to respond to this to remain competitive. Reporting, although the responsibility of the finance departments, is a formal process but it involves and concerns all departments of the company. Listed companies have already started doing so and private companies should start soon.
A new theme introduced at this year’s forum was the topic “Know Your Client”. This topic has become popular in relation to the increasing need for shipping companies to thoroughly vet the parties with whom they do business, in order to rid themselves of any entanglement with trading parties and sanctioned entities. The shipping industry is globalized, but the same cannot be said for the different bodies that may only form part of the overall trade concept, so it is very important to understand the different cultures and adapt accordingly. Direct access to information will help improve services and thus the relationship among different parties. Maritime Logistics, ship spares and supplies are key elements of the global maritime industry. Timely and reliable delivery of service parts and spare parts can make the difference between smooth operations and costly downtime. Logistics providers play a critical role in ensuring the availability and delivery of these items to ships, which operate in a complex and ever-changing environment. As the shipping industry continues to grow and evolve, the importance of an efficient supply chain will increase.
The results and final conclusions of these discussions will be presented at the 22^nd NAVIGATOR 2023 - THE SHIPPING DECISION MAKERS FORUM on Thursday 9th of November 2023 at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center!

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Marlink the smart network and ICT solutions company, and ABS Wavesight™, the ABS-affiliated maritime software as a service (SaaS) company, have signed an agreement to collaborate on using optimized connectivity to support efficient delivery of sustainability services and data to clients’ vessels.
The agreement connects Marlink’s blended network with the voyage optimization and vessel management services provided by ABS Wavesight. The partners will collaborate to enable their many mutual clients to enhance their use of digital tools and applications using the optimised Marlink network.
“Marlink is delighted to have put in place this agreement with ABS Wavesight, an innovative partner whose approach to the challenges faced by the maritime industry and the solutions required links so closely with our own,” said Tore Morten Olsen, President, Maritime, Marlink. “We look forward to helping our mutual clients enjoy improved access to ABS Wavesight services and investigate how to further optimize connectivity for the next generation of digital services.”
Together, the companies will work to improve connectivity and integration of software and services into client ships and systems. Vessel operators will benefit from faster and more regular data updates that can help them improve vessel performance and optimize voyage execution.
“ABS Wavesight is an industry advocate for both digitalization and decarbonization, delivering unmatched value through its suite of products and integrated solutions and providing the insights needed for vessels to operate more efficiently,” said ABS Wavesight Chief Executive Paul Sells. “As we continue to partner with companies such as Marlink, we’re expanding our reach and strengthening our ability to help clients gain visibility into their existing operations to mitigate risk and deliver operational excellence.”
Launched in late 2022 and built on ABS’ 160-year legacy of maritime innovation and safety, ABS Wavesight combines the industry-leading platforms, Nautical Systems™ and My Digital Fleet™, which are collectively installed on more than 5,000 vessels. ABS Wavesight’s purpose-built, integrated solutions ensure a cohesive user experience that reduces costs, improves safety and enhances overall efficiency.
Marlink operates the maritime industry’s most advanced ICT networks, comprising connectivity across all available channels, including VSAT, L-band, 4G/5G and, most recently, services offered by Starlink and OneWeb. These ‘new-LEO’ services will provide maritime market users with very high throughput and low latency connectivity, blended with Marlink’s guaranteed throughput VSAT offerings.
About Marlink: Marlink is the trusted partner in fully managed smart network solutions, based on an intelligent hybrid network and unrivalled digital solutions.
The company provides Smart Network Solutions, connecting people and assets around the globe and across all markets where conventional connectivity cannot reach or is not available. Marlink’s Intelligent Hybrid Network combines global satcom and terrestrial technologies via a proprietary global infrastructure.
The Marlink Smart Edge, an integrated service delivery platform, orchestrates and optimises all network elements and applications, from data handling and IT to application-based routing (SD Wan), cloud and Digital Solutions, including remote data and IT, cyber security as well as IoT/OT solutions.
This provides customers with full ‘Peace of Mind’ that their chosen network solution is fully optimized, integrated and has the security required to operate more profitably and sustainably, increasing their efficiency and safety through operational optimization, tracking, routing, monitoring and reporting.
Marlink’s Smart Network Solutions are provided as Managed Services meeting the highest quality standards and service level agreements. The company proactively monitors and supports network solutions, providing alerts, reporting and insights on the performance and usage of connectivity, systems, and applications, as well as advice and consultancy on how to further optimize client networks.
About ABS Wavesight™: ABS Wavesight™, an ABS-affiliated company, is a global leader in the maritime technology industry pushing to decarbonize operations at sea through digitalization. Through its industry-leading My Digital Fleet™ and Nautical Systems™ platforms, ABS Wavesight provides maritime clients with innovative fleet management software to improve the reliability and performance of their shipping operations. ABS Wavesight’s portfolio comprises best-in-class proprietary technology and third-party integrations that offer unparalleled insight into every aspect of a fleet’s operations.

Image: The agreement connects Marlink’s blended network with the voyage optimization and vessel management services provided by ABS Wavesight

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The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has again been recognized as a high-quality registry, achieving an unprecedented 19 consecutive years on the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG’s) QUALSHIP 21 roster as noted during today’s INTERTANKO meeting in Connecticut which took place prior to the kick-off of the CMA Shipping Conference 2023. The RMI is the only one of the world’s three largest registries to consistently achieve QUALSHIP 21 status. More than 1,350 RMI flagged vessels were enrolled in QUALSHIP 21 as of 14 March 2023, representing approximately one third of the QUALSHIP 21 vessels worldwide. “We take our commitment to high-quality and safe vessel operation seriously. It is the focus of everything that we do,” said Bill Gallagher, President of International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI), which provide administrative and technical support to the RMI Registry. “We work closely with our owners, operators, and teams around the world to facilitate high levels of compliance, and actively engage in supporting our clients’ compliance efforts,” he continued. With the industry’s significant attention on sustainability and decarbonization, IRI has enhanced resources and capabilities in key technical and customer service areas to support RMI owners and operators in compliance with forthcoming regulatory changes. Two key personnel changes in North America: the hiring of Rafael Riva, Vice President, Client Relations, and the promotion and shifting of Tom Bremer to Vice President, Fleet Quality and Compliance, underscore the importance IRI is placing on enhancing compliance and technical capabilities for the future. Mr. Riva comes to IRI after nearly 19 years with Lloyd’s Register where he specialized in LNG and LPG and moved around the world to support their strategic interests and business development. Mr. Riva supports RMI owners and operators from the Houston office, working closely with IRI’s Renewables and Oil and Gas teams. “It’s clear that the market will continue to explore and develop alternative and renewable energies,” said Simon Bonnett, Chief Maritime Officer. “Our clients need to know that their flag has the in-house technical experts and client support capabilities to answer questions and provide guidance as they determine their path to 2050. We are expanding our team to ensure we have experienced and knowledgeable resources available to them worldwide.” Mr. Bremer, originally hired in 2013, previously supported the fleet as Vice President, Investigations. Based in the Baltimore/Annapolis office, Mr. Bremer serves as a liaison between the worldwide fleet operations teams and clients, with a focus on supporting clients’ compliance especially for fleets calling on ports in the United States. Prior to joining IRI, Mr. Bremer served with the USCG for nearly 10 years in a variety of port State control and investigative roles. “Compliance continues to become increasingly complex, and we saw an opportunity to provide enhanced support to our clients by creating a new position,” said Brian Poskaitis, Senior Vice President, Fleet Operations. “Tom serves as a dedicated link between operators and the flag State, not just to support individual operators, but also to be proactive in anticipating and addressing the clients’ changing needs as the compliance environment shifts,” he continued. “Compliance is not a static achievement,” noted Mr. Gallagher. “We constantly review our processes, procedures, teams, and capabilities to find ways to enhance and strengthen our fleet’s compliance. That constant striving to do better is how we have achieved this new milestone, and I am exceptionally proud of our team, owners, and operators for the collective efforts that led to this recognition,” he concluded.

Image: Bill Gallagher, President of International Registries, Inc.

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The NYSE listed company Costamare has agreed to become the leading investor in Neptune Leasing through the investment of an amount of up to $200M.
Costamare will be appointing three additional members to the Board of Neptune Leasing, including Vassilis Mantzavinos, an experienced shipping banker.
Nikoletta Fouska, Chief Investment Officer of the LATSCO Family Office said: “Costamare has selected Neptune Leasing as the vehicle for their investment in the sector. We have also committed to significantly increase our original investment in Neptune Leasing.  Harris and the team have made excellent progress since Latsco FO anchored the platform in early 2021.”
Harris Antoniou, the Founder and CEO of Neptune Leasing, commented: “Another leading shipping investor has chosen to back our platform of leasing services to the maritime community. Both our key investors share Neptune Leasing’s goal to build a high quality portfolio in shipping, diversify across various shipping sectors and pursue healthy returns at acceptable risk levels. The Neptune business model is not competitive but symbiotic to bank finance and we are pursuing cooperation with commercial lenders. Finally, I welcome Vassilis Mantzavinos as well as the other new members to the Board of Directors.”
Gabriella Kindert, Non-Executive Director & Board Chair added: “Maritime leasing has attractive income-generating capacity, downside protection, and limited correlation with other investment products.  Given the large fragmented market and the growing demand for credit, maritime leasing offers an opportune entry point for investors. The support Neptune Leasing enjoys from two leading strategic investors with interests in shipping enables the Company to pursue its mission and growth objectives. I welcome the new experienced Costamare representatives on the Board of Directors.”
Neptune Maritime Leasing was established in 2021. It is a growth-oriented maritime leasing platform with the mission to providing shipowners with access to a flexible financing tool and investors with secure access to an under-invested asset class with attractive real yield.
Neptune’s strategy is to buy high quality assets and build a portfolio of long-term contracts through sale and leaseback transactions in diverse maritime sectors. Neptune is committed to delivering attractive, long term, risk-adjusted, and responsible returns to our investors, by advancing global trade and economic growth through supporting the maritime industry responsibly, and by making a positive contribution to the environment and to society as a whole.
About The Latsco Family Office 
The Latsco Family Office (“LFO”), the first Anchor Investor in Neptune Leasing, is the Single Family Office of Marianna J. Latsis’ family, with offices in Athens, Geneva, and London. LFO manages strategic investments in Shipping, Energy, Infrastructure, Real Estate and Fintech, has investment expertise across asset classes and multiple strategic partnerships.  The Latsis family is one of the world’s most renowned investors in shipping since the 1940’s via the Latsco Shipping Group.
About Costamare Inc.
Costamare Inc. is one of the world’s leading owners and providers of containerships and dry bulk vessels for charter. The Company has 49 years of history in the international shipping industry and a fleet of 72 containerships, with a total capacity of approximately 531,000 TEU (including one vessel that we have agreed to sell) and 45 dry bulk vessels with a total capacity of approximately 2,436,000 DWT. The Company also has a dry bulk operating platform which charters in/out dry bulk vessels, enters into contracts of affreightment and utilizes hedging solutions. Four of our containerships have been acquired pursuant to the Framework Deed with York by vessel-owning joint venture companies in which we hold a minority equity interest.

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“The new technology cannot replace the importance of training of crews and key personnel”, declared Panos Kourkountis, the keynote speaker at Greener Shipping Summit.
Indeed, this was a clear message to come out of the event as panelists and delegates discussed the summit's theme 'New Technologies and Education'. Another clear message was that the industry's traditional education system "should become most flexible and modernised".
The event was organised by Newsfront / Naftiliaki under the auspices of Greece's powerful technical body Martecma (Marine Technical Managers Association).
Mr. Kourkountis, chairman of Martecma, noted technology has affected shipping in a positive manner. Its application to design, construction and operation has resulted in "better and safer ships than in the past". 
"The fast pace of changes due to technology also brings serious risk," he said. "There is no period for the building of experience. Education is the only means to understand, evaluate, build and safely operate the new systems."
Then we are getting double messages from countries on the way to decarbonise with many of the regulations having nothing to do with the environment but only geopolitics.
Then when it comes to new fuels – hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, biofuels, batteries and electric power – the industry has very little knowledge and to go forward "we need the proper education".
"Whether the future ships will be fueled by hydrogen or methanol a blackout is enough to strip the ship of a sophisticated high-tech system leaving it with the people who have the capabilities and right virtues," said the Martecma chairman.
When it came to discussing the management and understanding of new equipment to be used on the next generation of ships, several panelists were quick to say there is a need to "teach the teachers". Indeed, the first panelist, Dimitris Fokas, training manager of the Angelicoussis Shipping Group, declared "teachers have to change the way they teach", a view shared by Ioannis Golias, md of the Eugenides Foundation, who also warned maritime educators need to prepare for what is coming as staff do not have to only know what to do but how to do it.
Fokas also said it is vital the correct balance be found of what is available and what is not, while Venetia Kallipolitou, of the Tsakos Group, said the interface between the office and the vessel must be robust and shipping companies must cooperate with educational institutes.
There was considerable discussion throughout the day on 'soft skills' and 'hard skills'. Stavros Hatzigrigoris, a former Martecma chairman, argued that soft skills will be downgraded in the medium term as people with hard skills are required to deal with today's needs and the training of people with hard skills should be the priority. RINA's training manager, Katerina Palla disagreed saying there is a need for soft skills when it comes to handling innovation. Summit chairman, George Tsavliris contended "re-skilling and up-skilling" is what is required.
When it comes to new equipment and green shipping and AI, Panos Zachariadis, technical director of Atlantic Bulk Carriers, said Greek shipping is now being left behind. ABS' business development manager, Maria Kyratsoudi, said AI is here but "we are missing the back-up systems", while Zachariadis said AI "needs controls otherwise it will takeover". Applied Research International's Gaurav Bajaj said when it comes to AI we have to go step-by-step and focus on what is required. John Kokarakis, of Bureau Veritas, stressed digitalisation is related to AI because of the data it provides.
Rizos Krikkis, gm Oceanking Engineering, said current trends pose three questions: What green technologies seem attractive for shipping; What will be the role of the after-sales and training for their adaption; and What are the major concerns for their sustainability.
Nikolaos Fragiadakis, director of marine engineering at the Merchant Marine Academy of Aspropyrgos, said the pandemic saw the introduction of teaching new tools which are not methods but now he uses his computer and cell-phone and not chalk and blackboard. Further, academies have to produce decision-makers with a technical skill and for maritime academies this is the difficult thing.
A student of the Aspropyrgos academy, Nikolaos Karagiannis, said students today are searching for the new technologies which are a combination of classical advanced engineering and computerisation.
National Technical University of Athens associate professor of maritime transport, Nikolaos Ventikos, told the summit that updating the curriculum is critical and the NTUA is trying to do it continually to meet the needs of today. He gave the example of a newly elected  member to the staff who is a specialist in sustainability and new vessel design how the university is striving to make use of findings in international projects.
However, NTUA PhD candidate, research engineer, Konstantinos Louzis, felt the curricula of universities have “fallen a little behind because of the fast pace of change”, and this has presented challenges.
University of Piraeus’ Thanos Pallis noted the growth of e-learning  means many students are part-time. He also stressed there is a need to teach students how to manage data. He also referred to the fact most students have a relative or a friend at sea and this has influenced the choice of a career. “The career at sea is not promoted,” said Pallis who also noted many qualified Greeks work abroad.
Hellenic Institute of Marine Technology president, Nikolaos Liapis, said new technologies do exist but are not being applied to the shipping industry. He said Greek technology companies do exist and they can work with universities, but they need funding and support. He believes Greece could become one of the leading technology producers in the maritime sector in the world but it needs academia and the industry to come to together.
Captain Michael Malliaros, gm, Euronav Ship Management (Hellas), said the industry is facing huge challenges and there is a great need for collaboration. “Actions from individual companies will not have the impact we want to produce the people with the skills needed to run vessels in the future,” he said. He said the willingness of individual companies to educate or train the people is not enough, all the stakeholders need to collaborate.
As Summit chairman, George Tsaviiris, summed up: “Shipping isone of the few industries where you have to be passionate, willing, daring and a romantic.

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The three-day open workshop “Blue Horizons – Shipping for the New Generation” took place from Friday 17/03 to Sunday 19/03 at the Yacht Club of Greece with great success and attendance of students and graduates.
For the first time, the three historical organizations of Piraeus, the Propeller Club, the Yacht club of Greece and HELMEPA collaborated with the aim of strengthening the ties of today’s youth with shipping.
During the opening day, greetings were addressed by Ms. Semiramis Paliou, President of HELMEPA, Mr. Costis Frangoulis, President of the Propeller Club, and Ms. Elisavet Procopiou, Vice President of the Y.C.G.
An emotional speech given by the President of Y.C.G., George Procopiou, to the young guests, on Saturday morning 20/03, was inspiring and created a sentimental atmosphere. The contribution of the Propeller Club’s General Secretary Danae Bezantakou as the main coordinator for the Club in this event, was exceptional.
This new collaboration attracted young people from 15-25 years of age, giving them the opportunity to learn from industry experts, engage in interesting discussions, and gain valuable insights into the world of shipping. Among the young participants, we had the pleasure of having several members of our own Student Port attend.

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The European Commission recently proposed the Net-Zero Industry Act to scale up the manufacturing of clean technologies in the EU and make sure the Union is well-equipped with net-zero technologies for the clean-energy transition.
This initiative is part of the Green Deal Industrial Plan and will contribute to the European Green Deal objectives, contributing to both the 2030 climate and energy targets and to the 2050 objective of climate neutrality.
The Cyprus Shipping Chamber has agreed with the EU’s proposed Net-Zero Industry Act, however points out that the Act could play a critical role in efforts to enhance Europe’s security, competitiveness, and autonomy.
Therefore, the new Act must properly recognise the strategic role of shipping, especially in Europe’s security. The shipping industry is a cornerstone of European security: energy security, food security, security of supply of goods.
This is also a unique opportunity for Europe to foster the sector’s competitiveness. Shipping remains one of the most important means of trade for the Member States of the EU. Nowadays, ships carry more than half the value of goods imports to the EU and over 40 percent of goods exports from the EU. To maintain the competitiveness of its shipping industry, the EU should continue to control a sizeable merchant ship fleet that needs to keep expanding every year.
Decarbonisation is a huge challenge for shipping and the upscaling of affordable low- and zero-carbon fuels and technologies for the sector is key. As such, renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) should be included within the Act’s definition of ‘strategic net-zero technologies’, so that dedicated production capacity can be swiftly developed.
The inclusion of offshore renewable technologies and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies in the list of strategic net-zero technologies is a step in the right direction but there are further initiatives that could contribute towards developing dedicated industrial capacity for marine fuels. The proposed Act could be the kick-start for the development of a European supply chain mechanism for clean marine fuels and technologies which is so much needed for meeting the sector’s and the EU’s decarbonisation objectives at large.

Image: Mr. Themis Papadopoulos, president of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber

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