Friday, June 19, 2026
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As the maritime industry enters a transformative era defined by regulatory balkanization and geopolitical friction, the 9th Slide2Open Shipping Finance Conference announces its 2026 edition: “The Shipping Nexus – The Urgency for Convergence”.

Taking place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the InterContinental Athenaeum, the conference serves as a critical bridge between macro-geopolitical strategy and micro-financial action. The conference is steered by a distinguished Advisory Board chaired by Mr Leonidas Dimitriadis-Eugenides (IMO Ambassador in Greece; President, Eugenides Foundation), and featuring prominent industry leaders including Mr George Sp. Alexandratos, Mr Dimitrios J. Fafalios, and Mr George D. Pateras.

A Model Under Pressure

The 2026 program centres on a profound shift in the industry’s identity. In 2026, the traditional Greek shipping model, defined by intuition and asset play, is being tested by a “Perfect Storm” of external pressures. Shipowners today are no longer just maritime managers; they are geopolitical navigators and carbon accountants. This evolution forms the backbone of the day’s discussions, moving from the engine room to the highest levels of global diplomacy.

Navigating an “Unpolar” World

Under the chairmanship of Mr. Yuri Bender (Financial Times) and Mr. Angelos Roupas Pantaleon (EUROMAR), the agenda deconstructs the shift toward a fragmented global order.

High-level sessions will address the “weaponization of trade” and the “instrumentalization of supply chains”, featuring insights from global strategists including Dr Arnab Das, Dr Louise Tumchewics and Prof. Athanasios Platias.

Highlights of the 2026 Nexus:

- The Sovereignty Clash: A deep dive into the “regulatory maze” of IMO frameworks versus regional mandates like FuelEU, examining the collision between political ambition and engineering reality.

- Mind the Gap: When Green Ambition meets Market Reality. Maritime innovators confront high-cost dual-fuel newbuildings without a synchronized support ecosystem.

- The Fuel Mirage: This panel moves past the “wishful thinking” of pilot projects to address the systemic chokepoints of 2026: the absence of global bunkering hubs, the “stranded asset” risk of unproven technologies, and the visceral safety profiles of tomorrow’s fuels. A reality check on alternative fuels, featuring DESFA and DEPA Commercial to bridge the “Land-to-Sea” connection through strategic infrastructure like the Alexandroupolis FSRU.

- The Owner’s Dilemma: A high-level panel of Greek shipowners, discussing the “Cost of Chaos” and capital mobility.

- A Landmark Alliance: A live on-stage signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Eugenides Foundation and IMarEST, launching a strategic partnership to modernize maritime education and bridge the global 90,000-officer gap.


The Intelligence Edge

The conference concludes by focusing on the “Intelligence Edge”, exploring how digital defence and human capital must synchronize. From a spotlight on crew logistics to an analysis of the “Strategic Instinct” and operational grit of Greek maritime leadership, the event reaffirms the Greek fleet’s resilience in the face of the “Triple Pressure” of high-interest capital, weaponized trade, and technical energy transition.

“Our goal is not just to discuss what shipping must do next, but how the entire ‘Nexus’ can urgently converge to provide the clarity required for global trade to thrive”, says Mrs Despina Travlou, chair of the Organizing Committee "Shipping has Stepped Up. Now the Ecosystem must Align”.

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Maritime ICT Community gathers at Istioploikos, Mikrolimano

The Association of Maritime IT & Communications Professionals (AMMITEC) held its annual Pita Party 2026 on Wednesday, 11 February, at Istioploikos, Mikrolimano, welcoming more than 350 delegates from across the maritime digitization ecosystem.

The event reaffirmed its standing as a key gathering for the Maritime ICT community, bringing together members, sponsors, partners, and industry stakeholders for an evening of networking and collaboration.

Attendance reflected AMMITEC’s continued growth and sectoral reach, with representatives from shipping companies, maritime service providers, technology firms, and industry bodies. Among the organizations present, AMMITEC extends its appreciation for the valued cooperation of WISTA, YES Forum, and INTERCARGO.
A highlight of the evening was the traditional raffle draw, where AMMITEC ICT members won 36 prizes, generously offered by the Association’s sponsors. We warmly thank all sponsoring companies for their contributions and support.

The evening combined professional engagement with a festive atmosphere, offering attendees the opportunity to reconnect, exchange perspectives, and strengthen industry ties in the waterfront setting of Mikrolimano, marking another successful milestone for the AMMITEC community.

About AMMITEC: Founded in 2003, AMMITEC is the leading professional association for Maritime IT & Communications specialists in Greece, promoting digital transformation, cybersecurity resilience, and technology collaboration across the shipping industry.

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Providing a Strategic Insights and Global Maritime Leadership, The Capital Link Athens Forum 2026 commenced with welcome remarks from Mr. George Teriakidis (DNV Maritime) and Mr. Nicolas Bornozis (Capital Link, Inc.), setting the stage for a comprehensive dialogue on the industry's most pressing challenges. The Net Zero Debate, moderated by Dr. John Kokarakis (Bureau Veritas), brought together Mr. Mikki Koskinen (ESL Shipping/ECSA), Ms. Fotini Ioannidou (European Commission), Mr. Alfonso Castillero (LISCR), and Ms. Ioanna Procopiou (Prominence Maritime/BIMCO). The panel underscored the complexities of the energy transition, a theme expanded upon in the "Steering the Course" session moderated by Ms. Anthi Miliou (Lloyd’s Register). There, Mr. John Xylas (INTERCARGO/Ariston Navigation), Mr. Paul Pathy (BIMCO/Fednav), Mr. Claes Berglund (ICS/Stena), and Mr. Rolf Westfal-Larsen Jr. (INTERTANKO) emphasized that while decarbonization progress is being made—particularly in dry bulk—the priority must remain on seafarer welfare, safety, and the urgent need for re-skilling personnel to navigate a hazardous and unprecedented regulatory landscape.

The financial backbone of the industry was explored through two specialized panels. The Bank Finance session, moderated by Mr. Anthony Paizes (Hill Dickinson LLP) and featuring Mr. Vangelis Nomikos (ABN AMRO), Mr. Yiannis Karamanolis (Alpha Bank), Mr. Christos Tsakonas (DNB), Mr. Vassilios Maroulis (Citi), and Mr. Evan Cohen (First Citizens Bank). They mentioned that while banks remain resilient and innovative, financing specific green fuels remains premature due to a lack of global bunkering infrastructure. Complementing this, the Alternative Finance panel—moderated by Mr. Chris Vartzis (Stephenson Harwood) with Mr. Nicholas M. Petrakakos (Alantra), Mr. Eahan Shi (Bank of China Leasing), Mr. George Fikaris (EnTrust Global), and Mr. Sakis Voudris (Neptune Maritime Leasing)—noted that geopolitical volatility and sanctions are driving creativity and risk diversification through alternative financial instruments.

Technological evolution was addressed in the Digital Horizon panel, where moderator Ms. Maria Kyratsoudi (ABS) joined Mr. Yiannis Kourkoulis (Best Oasis/Armi Shipmanagement), Mr. Mark O'Neil (Columbia Group/InterManager), Mr. Konstantinos Stampedakis (ERMA TECH), and Mr. Ben Richardson (Sulnox). The group argued that AI must be human-driven and rigorously tested to ensure data accuracy, moving the industry from personal experience to "company intelligence" to eliminate human error. 

This technical shift was framed by geopolitical realities in a session moderated by Ms. Dorothea Ioannou (American P&I Club), featuring Mr. Michael Parker (Citi), Mr. Richard Fulford-Smith (Eden Ocean/Affinity), Mr. Peter G. Livanos (GasLog), and Dr. Anthony S. Papadimitriou (Onassis Foundation). Mr. Livanos and Dr. Papadimitriou both issued strong calls for unified global regulations over fragmented regional rules to ensure safe and efficient cargo movement.

The Keynote Ministerial Roundtable, moderated by Mr. George Teriakidis, featured Minister Vasilis Kikilias (Greece), Minister Marina Hadjimanolis (Cyprus), Minister Chris Bonett (Malta), and DAS Marco M. Sylvester (U.S. Department of State). The ministers emphasized that regulation must not outpace the availability of fuels, with the U.S. representative advocating for "common sense" and realistic goals over overly ambitious net-zero frameworks. 

The forum also paused to honor Mr. Pantelis Eleftherios (Lou) Kollakis (Chartworld Group) with the Greek Shipping Leadership Award, introduced by Mr. George A. Tsavliris (Tsavliris Salvage) and Mr. Adam Polemis (New Shipping). Mr. Kollakis advised the next generation to maintain patience in a sector defined by unpredictable global events.

Finally, the discussion turned to investment and regional security. The Investor View panel—led by Mr. Konstantinos Mexias (Watson Farley & Williams) with Mr. Bastian Hagebeuker (Blue Star), Sofia Kalomenides (DNB Carnegie), Mr. Felix Nölke (MPC Capital), and Mr. Alexis Atteslis (Oak Hill Advisors)—highlighted that shipping now enjoys better access to capital due to strong recent performance. 

Moderated by Mr. Morten Løvstad (DNV), panelists Mr. Alexandros Exarchou (AKTOR), Mr. Frangiskos Kanellakis (Alpha Bulkers/Pantheon/Alpha Gas), Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos (TEN LTD) and Mr. Joshua Huck (U.S. Embassy) discussed the strategic "vertical corridor" in Alexandroupolis and other energy projects. Dr. Tsakos highlighted the Greek dominance in the LNG market, while Mr. Kanellakis championed LNG as the only currently viable transitional fuel for immediate environmental benefits.

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As the maritime industry navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, Stephenson Harwood celebrates three decades of unwavering support for the Greek shipping community. By inaugurating new, state-of-the-art facilities and expanding its leadership team, the firm reinforces its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and world-class legal expertise.

To mark its 30th anniversary and the launch of a refreshed strategic vision, the global maritime partners of Stephenson Harwood hosted a cocktail reception for international clients at the firm’s new offices in Paleo Faliro. The event signaled a significant milestone in the firm's long-standing history within the Greek market.

During her keynote address, Dora Mace-Kokota, Athens Managing Partner and Global Head of Maritime, Trade & Offshore, highlighted that the recent move to modern, spacious premises in Paleo Faliro is more than just a change of address; it represents a transition into a new era focused on a sustainable and forward-thinking future.

The firm has cultivated a creative and highly specialized team designed to guide Greek shipping interests through the intricacies of the international maritime environment. 

As part of this growth, the firm welcomes the appointment of four new partners: Georgia Asimakopoulos, Paul Katsouris, Andreas Papachristodoulou and Vanessa Tzoannos.

These four accomplished lawyers bring extensive experience and have fully embraced the firm’s new strategic direction. 

Ms. Mace-Kokota also extended her gratitude to Chris Vartzis, Partner and Head of Maritime Finance in Greece, for his pivotal contributions and support, and she concluded by praising the entire Athens team – consisting of 40 highly educated solicitors and management executives – whose collective dedication has established the office as one of the most prestigious and renowned legal practices globally.

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With wishes for a creative, productive, and dynamic new year, the Board of Directors of the Association of Banking and Financial Executives of Hellenic Shipping held its customary New Year’s vasilopita-cutting ceremony for 2026 on January 29 at its offices in Piraeus. Numerous members of the Association attended the event, which was preceded by a blessing and consecration of the cake by Father Andreas.

During the review of the past year, emphasis was placed on the Association’s intense and multifaceted activity, developed through strategic collaborations with bodies of the Greek economy, international diplomacy, and state delegations from all continents. Special reference was made to the many events in which the Association participated together with its members and friends, recording a participation record of thousands of executives from Greek shipping and the wider maritime cluster.

These initiatives attracted representatives of the Greek and international banking markets, the shipbuilding and port industries, as well as productive and institutional stakeholders, strengthening the Association’s role as a point of reference for the shipping finance sector. At the same time, the goals for the new year were presented, including events, thematic forums, and overseas missions aimed at further enhancing its outward-looking strategy and international presence.

The Board of Directors warmly thanked the supporters of the Association’s work and extended an open invitation to new executives active in the banking and financial services sectors of Greek shipping to participate actively in the joint effort to maintain and strengthen the industry’s competitiveness in the international maritime market.

The event was honored by the presence, on behalf of Deputy Minister of Shipping Mr. Stefanos Gikas, of his Office Director, Mr. Athanasios Makris, Rear Admiral (ret.), who conveyed his wishes for a creative and successful new year for all.

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Stamatis Tsantanis, Chairman & CEO of Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp., participated in Davos Lodge 2026, an exclusive gathering bringing together international business leaders, investors, and policymakers during the week of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. also served as an official partner of Davos Lodge 2026, supporting the initiative’s mission to foster dialogue and collaboration among global stakeholders addressing key economic and sustainability challenges.

Mr. Tsantanis took part in the panel discussion “Global Trade and Shipping: Navigating Volatility in an Era of Geopolitical Risk”, alongside Maximilian Hoffmann, President of the Foreign Council on Economic Relations of Germany, with moderation by Rhett Power, Editor at Forbes. The discussion focused on the role of shipping in ensuring global trade continuity amid geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruption, and market volatility.

Later the same day, Mr. Tsantanis attended the invitation-only closed-door session “Global Shifts – Opportunities in Developed Markets”, featuring Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization; Rainer Schorr, Co-Founder & Chairman of Standard Land SA; Margarita Louis-Dreyfus, Chairperson of the Louis Dreyfus Group; and John Koudounis, President & CEO of Calamos Investments. The session was moderated by Rhett Power.

The day concluded with a private dinner attended by participating speakers and international executives, offering an opportunity for further exchange of views on global economic developments, investment trends, and the future of international trade.

Davos Lodge serves as a platform for dialogue among global leaders seeking solutions to global challenges and opportunities for sustainable development alongside the broader discussions taking place during the World Economic Forum.

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Being always at the edge of new technologies The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) recently hosted a specialized workshop exploring the integration of drone technology within the maritime sector. As the industry pushes toward 2026, the event highlighted how Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are transforming traditional survey methods.

The session culminated in the traditional 2026 Vasilopita cutting ceremony, marking a year of expected digital growth in naval engineering.

The workshop focused on three primary pillars where drones are currently disrupting the status quo:
• Enclosed Space Inspections: Navigating hazardous areas without risking human life.

  • • Class Surveys: Meeting regulatory requirements through digital eyes.
  • • Ultrasonic Thickness Measurements (UTM): Assessing hull integrity and corrosion via specialized payloads.

Mrs. Catherine Prifti (Laskaridis Shipping Co Ltd.) detailed the strategic shift toward safer inspections.

Key takeaways included:

  • • Safety First: Utilizing drones helps comply with ESP (Enhanced Survey Programme) regulations while addressing the high rate of accidents in enclosed spaces reported by InterManager.
  • • Regulatory Drivers: Requirements such as RightShip Section 6.2 are making digital inspections more of a necessity than an option.
  • • The Trade-off: While drones eliminate human entry and provide more granular data, current models face limitations regarding intrinsic safety in volatile environments.

Mr. Papaioannou, (Drobotiq) emphasized the collaboration with classification societies like ABS to refine Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement workflows. He said that Modern

inspection drones feature collision-resilient designs specifically for confined spaces. It was also mentioned that New tech allows for 3D cloud mapping during flight, providing superior data quality compared to manual spot checks.

Mr. Moraitis (Orbidron) provided a historical perspective on the development of maritime drones. He described The journey from 2019 to 2025 focused on achieving stable "flyability" while carrying heavy UTM payloads. Orbidron is now focusing on next-gen capabilities certified by all major classification societies.

Representatives from Zener Maritime Solutions showcased how turnkey project management is revolutionizing the inspection space. By eliminating the need for expensive scaffolding and reducing "drydock surprises" drones are now viewed as an essential tool for asset value protection.

Class societies such as Bureau Veritas, ABS, DNV and Lloyd’s Register gave insightful presentations.

The event concluded with a live demonstration, where a drone performed a visual inspection of a corrugated bulkhead ballast tank and conducted live UTM measurements, proving that quality and technology now go hand in hand.

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The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Greek Branch hosted its annual Vassilopita Cutting Event on Monday, 9 February 2026, at the premises of V.Ships, welcoming Members, shipping professionals and distinguished guests for an evening combining timely insight with tradition and networking. The event was also live streamed, attracting more than 500 members and professionals from around the world, underlining its strong international reach.

Prior to the traditional Vassilopita cutting, the ICS Greek Branch organized a seminar focusing on geopolitical developments and their impact on global shipping and trade. The seminar featured an esteemed panel of speakers who provided in-depth perspectives on the evolving geopolitical landscape and its direct implications for maritime transport, global supply chains and commercial decision-making within the shipping industry.

The panel included: Professor Athanasios Platias, Professor of Strategy, University of Piraeus, Mr. Vasilis Mouyis, Co-founder & Director, Doric Shipbrokers S.A., Mr. Punit Oza, FICS, President, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.

The speakers shared valuable insights into how geopolitical uncertainty continues to reshape global commerce, emphasizing the importance of strategic awareness, adaptability and informed leadership for shipping professionals operating in today’s complex international environment.

Following the seminar, members and guests enjoyed a warm cocktail reception, offering the opportunity for meaningful networking and exchange of views among industry peers. The evening concluded with the much-anticipated Vassilopita Cutting, during which the lucky winners of the traditional coins received special gifts.

The ICS Greek Branch would like to warmly thank the companies and members who generously contributed these wonderful gifts: AEGEAN Airlines, ELIES RESORTS SIFNOS, Euphoria Retreat (Mystras), Hellenic Management Centre, B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation, Guerlain Spa – One & Only Athens (Glyfada), and

Seaorama: World of Shipping. 

Heartfelt thanks are also extended to V.Ships and our Fellow Member, Mr. Dimitris Patrikios, Managing Director of V.Ships Greece, for their generous hospitality in hosting the event at their auditorium and facilities.

The ICS Greek Branch extends its sincere gratitude to the speakers, attendees and supporters for contributing to an engaging and successful evening. The Branch remains committed to promoting knowledge-sharing, professional development and constructive dialogue within the shipping community and looks forward to welcoming its members to future events.

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Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) recently launched its Gas Center of Excellence in Doha, Qatar, strengthening its commitment to supporting the continued growth of LNG and gas projects worldwide. The centre brings together BV’s expertise in gas carrier operations, classification, and regulatory compliance to deliver integrated, future-ready support across the gas value chain.

Staffed by a dedicated team of gas specialists with extensive experience in gas carrier operations, both for new building phases and for vessels in service, the Center combines strong regional know-how with Bureau Veritas’ global technical network. Based in Doha, the centre is designed to provide responsive, high-level support to stakeholders in Qatar, across the Middle East, and internationally, reflecting the scale of gas investment and fleet expansion in the region and beyond.

The Gas Center of Excellence builds on BV’s long-standing marine and offshore presence in the Middle East, with operations across 13 offices and with around 120 specialists. So far in the region, BV has classed more than 1250 ships and provides continued marine classification, surveys, audits, and inspections across the full vessel lifecycle, supporting clients throughout the maritime and energy ecosystem.

Today, 50% of the world’s leading energy companies work with BV. Its fleet of gas carriers in service totals 344 vessels, including 153 LNG carriers. In the LNG shipping segment, BV holds a leading position, with 21% of LNG carriers currently on order and 19% of LNG vessels in operation sailing under its class, as of the end of 2025. BV is also a market leader in membrane cargo containment systems and dual-fuel propulsion certification and holds around 30% market share in LNG bunkering vessel classification across newbuilds and vessels in service, and classes more than one-third of the world’s floating LNG units, including FLNGs, FSRUs, and LNG-FSUs.

In recent years, BV has supported major LNG projects for leading energy players, including QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies, Petronas, and Cheniere, providing classification and technical services for next-generation LNG carriers delivered between 2022 – 2025. This experience is reflected in its involvement in QatarEnergy’s LNG carrier newbuilding programs with 174 000 m3 and 271 000 m3 capacity LNG carriers, the largest shipbuilding project in modern history, as well as a condition Assessment Program (CAP) with Nakilat covering more than 22 LNG carriers currently in service.

Beyond marine and offshore, the Center is also backed by Bureau Veritas Group’s broader global testing, inspection and certification capabilities across the entire gas value chain – from upstream production and midstream transport to terminals, storage, distribution networks and LNG facilities. This is further strengthened by BV’s Future Shipping Team, a global cross-disciplinary network of experts driving collaboration, research and innovation to support sustainable, technology-driven progress across the maritime and energy sectors.

Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President, Industrials & Commodities at Bureau Veritas, said: “The expansion of gas infrastructure is a full value-chain challenge, not only a maritime one. With our Gas Center of Excellence in Doha, Bureau Veritas is combining classification with our broader testing, inspection and certification expertise to support stakeholders from production and liquefaction to transport, terminals and distribution networks, helping them manage complexity, ensure asset integrity, and improve performance safely and sustainably across the entire supply chain.”

Alex Gregg-Smith, President, Marine & Offshore at Bureau Veritas, concluded: “Shipping sits at the core of global gas trade, and LNG carriers, bunkering vessels and floating units are becoming ever more sophisticated. BV’s new Gas Center of Excellence strengthens Bureau Veritas’ ability to support ship-owners, operators and shipyards with deep operational expertise, from newbuildings to vessels in service, helping clients manage risk, meet evolving regulations and adopt advanced technologies while improving safety, performance and sustainability across their fleets.”

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The Marine Club of Piraeus recently hosted the 25th International P&I Conference, a landmark event gathering the "who’s who" of the Greek and international P&I shipping community.

Mr. Paris C. Xanalatos - Director of Tide Line Inc. - Chairman of the BoD of the PMC opened the event & Ms. Maria Prevezanou - Director of Evmar Marine Services Ltd. - Treasurer of the BoD of the PMC / Organiser of the Conference thanked the sponsors for their support and trust.

Chaired by Mr. Lou Kollakis, President of Chartworld Shipping Corp, the conference addressed the volatile intersection of geopolitical shifts, green energy transitions, and the evolving risk landscape. From the complexities of "Green" disputes to the sustainability of the International Group’s (IG) reinsurance, the day’s debates highlighted a common theme: the industry must balance traditional shipping pragmatism with an increasingly digital and regulated future.

  1. The Green Transition: A Boon for FD&D Disputes?

Motion: Will new fuels and regulations lead to a surge in Freight, Demurrage & Defense (FD&D) claims?

  • • The Case "For": Ms. Alexandra Davison (NorthStandard) noted a 10% increase in disputes linked to ESG issues, specifically BIMCO’s EU ETS clauses and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulations. The argument is that technical complexity naturally breeds legal friction.
  • • The Case "Against": Mr. Konstantinos Samaritis (Britannia P&I) argued that existing Charter Party frameworks are robust enough to handle these shifts. He emphasized that the industry has always adapted to disruptions—from Red Sea transits to new fuel sampling—and that mediation and owner-charterer cooperation remain the best tools for resolution.
  1. Major Casualties and Reinsurance Stability

Focus: The impact of mega-claims like the X-PRESS PEARL and MSC ELSA 3.

Moderated by Ms. Ismini Panagiotidi (Pavimar SA), this session raised alarms regarding the rising costs of maritime accidents. Panelists including Mr. Ian Barr (The London P&I Club) and Mr. Alan Mackinnon (UK P&I Club) stressed the need for the International Group to work closer with coastal states. The goal is to ensure compensation remains fact-based and proportionate, warning that unchecked costs could eventually threaten the sustainability of the Group’s commercial reinsurance programs.

  1. Financial Health: Underwriting vs. Investment Income

Motion: Are P&I Clubs too reliant on volatile investment markets to cover underwriting losses?

  • • The Pro-Balance View: Mr. Bjornar Andresen (Gard) argued for strong buffers that reflect solvency rules, suggesting investment strategies must align with the sound performance of the balance sheet.
  • • The Technical View: Mr. Marius Vitas (West of England) and Mr. Dimitris Batalis (Shipowners Club) focused on sustainable technical underwriting. While Batalis acknowledged that claims volatility has led to premium increases, he maintained that Club balance sheets remain resilient enough to withstand financial market uncertainty.
  1. Cyber Risk: Reality or Hype?

Motion: Does the IT community exaggerate cyber-exposure for the average shipowner?

The consensus leaned heavily toward the reality of the threat. Mr. Daniel A. Tadros (American Club) cited specific instances of government-backed hacking and phishing causing massive financial loss. Mr. Ludvig Nyhlen (The Swedish Club) and Mr. George (Margetis Maritime) emphasized that because P&I Clubs often cannot cover these specific risks, the defense must be internal: rigorous audits, staff training, and "cyber-hygiene" for both seafarers and office personnel.

Closing Remarks: Mr. Lou Kollakis closed the proceedings by calling for continued collaboration across the sector, noting that while the industry is in a period of transition, its ability to adapt to new fuels and frameworks is proven. The community will reconvene for the next international P&I event in 2027.

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