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

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

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

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

About Safe Bulkers, Inc.

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

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre 

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

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

About The Decarb Hub  

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

About Lloyd’s Register 

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine and offshore engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set standards for the safety of ships.   

Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.   

We also provide advisory services and digital solutions, supporting fleet and voyage performance and optimisation.  Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 30,000 vessels, following the acquisition of OneOcean in 2022 and Ocean Technologies Group in 2024.   

In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition.   

Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education.   

For more information, go to www.lr.org    

About Lloyd’s Register Foundation 

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

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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

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

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

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

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Following the delivery of m/v Hispania Graeca II on 6 January 2026, Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. took delivery of the third-in-a-series-of-eight new Kamsarmax vessels on behalf of its Principals at the Nantong Cosco KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) shipyard in Nantong, China.

The vessel’s name is Scythia Graeca II and the baptismal ceremony was officiated by the Greek Orthodox priest, Father Jeremiah Cho.

Professor Anca Dan from École Normale Supérieure of France and researcher at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France specialized in archaeology and geoarchaeology served as Godmother of m/v Scythia Graeca II.
Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. was represented by Mr. Evangelos El. Angelakos, accompanied by our Marine Manager, Capt. Georgios Lampros, and our Purchasing Manager, Mrs. Maria Makrykosta. They were joined by the company’s on-site team of naval architects, engineers, and seafarers, as well as the vessel’s Master, officers, and crew. Our Project Manager Mr. Panayiotis Makris was selected to deliver the speech of Capt. Stephanos E. Angelakos during the ceremony, in recognition of his instrumental contribution in the materialization of our current newbuilding programme.
The event was further honoured by the presence of His Excellency the Ambassador of Greece to the People’s Republic of China, Evgenios Kalpyris, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Li Xu.

Representing the shipyard’s senior management was Mr. Junji Maeda, Senior Vice President, alongside other senior executives.
Partners of Angelakos (Hellas) S.A., including makers, suppliers, and agents, were also in attendance.
Continuing the tradition of the first two vessels’ names (Gallia Graeca II and Hispania Graeca II), Scythia Graeca II was chosen to outline the ancient bonds between Greeks and Scythians.

In her speech the Godmother referring to the name of the vessel pointed out that “The encounter of these two peoples, Scythians and Greeks, shaped ancient Eurasia, where Chinese, Indian, and Iranian cultures flourished in contact with both Scythian and Greek cultures. No natural or political frontier was too strong for those who shared goods, knowledge, and technologies that advanced human civilization.”

We are delighted to welcome Scythia Graeca II under our management and extend our best wishes to her crew for calm seas and fair skies.

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Chalkis Shipyards SA has become the first shipyard in Greece to submit a Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report and to obtain a Verification Statement of the Carbon Footprint Report – No. GR007443 by the internationally recognized certification body Bureau Veritas (BV).

The inventory and quantification of greenhouse gas emissions were conducted in accordance with ISO 14064-1:2018, which specifies principles and requirements for the design, development, reporting, and verification of organizational greenhouse gas inventories.

The verification of the Carbon Footprint Report was performed by Bureau Veritas in accordance with ISO 14064-3:2019, ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of reported emission data.

This achievement demonstrates Chalkis Shipyards’ strategic commitment to transparency, compliance with international sustainability standards, and continuous improvement of its environmental performance. It also represents a key step in monitoring, managing, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its operations.

As the shipbuilding industry advances toward decarbonization, Chalkis Shipyards SA continues to implement responsible and sustainable practices, actively contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Danaos Corporation, one of the world's largest independent owners of containerships, has proceeded into a strategic partnership with Glenfarne Group LLC to advance the Alaska LNG project.

More specifically, Danaos Corporation will make a $50 million development capital equity investment in Glenfarne Alaska Partners LLC while it will also be the preferred tonnage provider to construct and operate at least six LNG carriers to deliver LNG to global customers for Glenfarne Alaska LNG, LLC, majority owner and developer of the Alaska LNG Project.

Glenfarne is developing Alaska LNG in two financially independent phases to accelerate project execution. Phase One consists of a 765-mile, 42-inch pipeline to transport natural gas from Alaska's North Slope to meet Alaska's domestic energy needs. Phase Two will add the LNG liquefaction terminal and related infrastructure to export 20 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG.

Glenfarne became lead developer of Alaska LNG in March 2025. Since then, Glenfarne has secured preliminary commercial commitments from leading LNG buyers in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand for 11 MTPA of LNG, and strategic partnerships that also include Baker Hughes and POSCO International. Glenfarne owns 75% of Alaska LNG and the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation owns 25%.

Glenfarne Group is a privately held global developer, owner, and operator of energy infrastructure assets that owns and operates over 60 energy assets through three core businesses: Global LNG Solutions, Grid Stability, and Renewables. Glenfarne's permitted North American LNG portfolio totals 32.8 MTPA of capacity under development in Alaska, Louisiana, and Texas.

Danaos Chief Executive Officer Dr. John Coustas commented: "As Alaska LNG opens up a major new source of North Pacific energy, Danaos is pleased to offer our shipping expertise to reliably serve customers across the region and around the world with safe, competitive LNG delivery. This transaction provides us with an opportunity to expand on our expertise in global seaborne transportation and expand the footprint of Danaos in the LNG and Energy segments."

About Danaos Corporation

Danaos Corporation is one of the largest independent owners of modern, large-size container vessels. The current fleet of 75 container vessels aggregating 477,491 TEUs and 25 under construction container vessels aggregating 163,950 TEUs ranks Danaos among the largest container vessels charter owners in the world based on total TEU capacity. Danaos has also invested in the dry bulk sector with the acquisition of 11 capesize drybulk vessels, which on a fully delivered basis, aggregate approximately 1,943,286 DWT. The container vessels fleet is chartered to many of the world's largest liner companies on fixed-rate charters. The long track record of success is predicated on its efficient and rigorous operational standards and environmental controls. Danaos Corporation's shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "DAC".

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MIRIC, one of the oldest and most respected marine insurance brokers in Greece, with a high profile legacy Greek shipping portfolio, which complements fully the SEASCOPE HELLAS /SEASCOPE EUROPE well established presence in Greece for well over 50 years. SEASCOPE GROUP is placing insurances of over 2000 ships, of 120m Dwt, 85% of it being Greek, thus, SEASCOPE insures and leads around 30% of Greek tonnage. The addition of MIRIC’s clients will bring the new JV at the top of the Greek Marine Insurance broking market.

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Effective 15th January 2026, Baseblue Ltd will change name to KPI OceanConnect (Cyprus) Ltd, thereby completing the integration into one organisation under KPI OceanConnect.

The two organisations have decided to join forces to streamline operations and better align regional teams.

As part of this strategic integration, expected to increase the group’s market share in the East Mediterranean, all customer and supply agreements will continue unchanged under KPI OceanConnect, ensuring a seamless transition.
Dorthe Bendtsen, CEO of KPI OceanConnect, will continue to lead the organisation, supported by the existing regional and local management structure. The integrated team will continue to deliver a broad range of services, expertise and bespoke solutions to the shipping industry.

“This strategic integration will strengthen our international presence and unlock synergies to deliver broader services and greater value to our customers,” says Dorthe Bendtsen, CEO of KPI OceanConnect.

About KPI OceanConnect

KPI OceanConnect is one of the world’s largest and most experienced independent marine energy service and solutions providers. For more than 50 years, KPI OceanConnect has been fuelling global trade through its partnership approach, innovative solutions, and ability to expertly guide its clients through new and evolving challenges.
By combining the expertise of its global workforce with market-leading technology, innovation, and financial strength, KPI OceanConnect creates long-term value for its partners and is a trusted leader in the transition to low carbon energy.
KPI OceanConnect’s teams of experienced professionals deliver trusted expert counsel from offices in Athens, Doha, Hong Kong, Houston, Istanbul, Jakarta, London, Miami, New York, Seattle, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo.

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For Crossworld Marine Services, the Philippines is not just a key crewing market—it is a strategic, human partnership built over decades. Filipino seafarers form the backbone of global shipping, and their welfare, safety, and professional dignity are deeply embedded in how we operate.

That philosophy was reaffirmed on 15 January 2026, when Crossworld participated in a high-level maritime labor meeting in Makati City, organized by the Greek Embassy in the Philippines in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers.

A Long-Term Commitment, Not a One-Off Discussion

The meeting brought together government officials and Greek maritime stakeholders to align on a shared priority:
the welfare, safety, and protection of Filipino seafarers serving aboard Greek-managed vessels.
For Crossworld, this discussion directly reflects our corporate culture and mission. As one of the most established crew management organizations active in the Philippines, we believe that responsible maritime operations begin—and end—with people.

Key areas of discussion closely mirror Crossworld’s day-to-day practices:

Fair and transparent employment conditions

Strong compliance with international maritime labor standards

Continuous improvement of safety and wellbeing frameworks

Ethical recruitment and long-term career support for seafarers

Crossworld’s Role in the Filipino Maritime Workforce

With a substantial Filipino seafarer pool under management, Crossworld has long invested in:

Seafarer welfare programs, both onboard and ashore

Safety-first crewing standards, aligned with global best practices

Sustainable employment relationships, not transactional placements

Seafarer careers, not simply a job placement

Our presence at this high-level meeting was not symbolic. It reflects our belief that industry leaders must actively engage with institutions shaping maritime labor policy, particularly in markets as critical as the Philippines.
Leadership Participation That Reflects Company Values

Crossworld was represented by Group CEO, Simos Varias and Capt Levy Capayas, President of Crossworld Marine, whose participation underscored the company’s hands-on leadership approach in matters of crew welfare and safety.
At Crossworld, leadership involvement in such forums is deliberate. Decisions affecting seafarers’ lives and careers deserve direct accountability at the highest level.

Looking Ahead: Shared Responsibility, Shared Future

The Philippines remains the world’s leading supplier of maritime professionals. Greece controls the world’s largest merchant fleet. The intersection of these two realities creates both opportunity and responsibility.

Crossworld remains committed to:

Strengthening cooperation with Philippine institutions

Supporting initiatives that protect and empower seafarers

Advancing a maritime industry where welfare and performance are not competing priorities—but complementary ones
This is not new ground for Crossworld. It is simply who they are.

Together Always Ahead.

Image: Mr. Simos Varias (Crossworld Marine Group CEO), Mr. Ioannis Pediotis (Ambassador of Greece in Manila), Mr. Hans Leo J. Cacdac (Secretary of Department of Migrant Workers), and Capt. Levy Capayas (Crossworld Marine Inc. President)

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mintra, a global leader in digital learning and workforce management solutions for the maritime and energy industries has appointed Vassilios Demetriades as Global Ambassador, with a strategic focus on the Greek market. The appointment follows Mintra’s recent acquisition of SQLearn and marks a key step in strengthening SQLearn’s position within the Mintra group and in the global maritime training landscape.

The integration of SQLearn into Mintra brings together two established digital learning providers, combining Mintra’s global scale and technology platform with SQLearn’s strong reputation and deep-rooted presence in the Greek maritime market. This strengthens SQLearn’s ability to operate within the Mintra group while extending Mintra’s reach in one of the world’s most influential shipping regions.

In his role, Mr Demetriades will support the international growth of SQLearn’s solutions under the Mintra brand. Working closely with shipowners, operators, training institutions, and industry stakeholders, he will promote advanced digital learning, competence, and compliance solutions tailored to the needs of the Greek market and the global shipping community.

Mr Demetriades brings 27 years of experience in global shipping, including service as Deputy Minister of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus, where he was actively involved in maritime policy, regulatory affairs, and international shipping relations at both the EU and global levels. His appointment underscores Mintra’s commitment to combining strong technology platforms with deep industry and regulatory expertise.

“The acquisition of SQLearn represents a significant expansion of Mintra’s capabilities,” said Kevin Short, CEO of Mintra. “By appointing Vassilios Demetriades as Global Ambassador, we are further strengthening SQLearn’s role within the group and ensuring closer alignment with the Greek maritime market.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Demetriades said: “The integration of SQLearn into Mintra creates a stronger, more comprehensive digital learning platform for the maritime industry. I am pleased to support this next phase of development by helping deepen engagement with the Greek shipping community and reinforcing SQLearn’s value as part of the Mintra group.”

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.