At the Chios Festival Pioneering Pathways, Irene Notias, Founder & Director of Project Connect^TM, presented the organization's work in connecting education with the maritime industry and creating opportunities for young people to explore careers at sea and ashore.

Established in 2015, Project Connect is a non-profit organization dedicated to preparing the next generation through educational initiatives, industry engagement and experiential learning. The organization operates under the aegis of the Hellenic Ministry of Education, while its educational programs have also been endorsed as well by the Hellenic Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy.

During the presentation, Ms. Notias highlighted the success of Adopt a Ship^TM, Project Connect's flagship program that connects students with seafarers and vessels around the world, bringing the realities of maritime life directly into the classroom. The initiative has engaged 573 captains, 389 vessels, 67 shipping companies, 800 teachers and more than 30,000 students, creating meaningful connections between schools and the maritime community.

Particular emphasis was placed on the strong support of the Chian shipping and maritime services community, with 18 shipping companies and 6 maritime service companies actively supporting Project Connect and its mission to inspire future generations. These include leading Chios and Oinousses roots maritime organizations such as Angelicoussis Group, Alpha Tankers, Fafalios Shipping, Lotus Shipping, Carras (Hellas), Chandris (Hellas), Chartworld, Eurobulk, SteelShips, StarBulk, Sun Enterprises, Prime's Bunkerplus, Marine Tours, Ulysses Systems and others.

The presentation also recognized the contribution of Chios schools, whose students and educators have played an active role in the program, helping strengthen the island's long-standing maritime heritage and its connection with future generations. Examples highlighted included schools from Vrontados, Kardamyla and other educational institutions across Chios that have participated in the exchange of letters, knowledge and experiences with seafarers serving onboard vessels around the world.

"By connecting knowledge with experience, we open horizons for young people and help them discover the opportunities that the maritime sector offers. Together, we are building a generation that cares for the sea and is ready to lead the future," said Irene Notias.

Project Connect's mission is built around three pillars: Education, Development and Maritime Careers, creating a bridge between the classroom and the world of work while strengthening young people's understanding of the maritime industry.

About Project Connect

Founded in 2015, Project Connect is an award-winning non-profit organization that connects young professionals in-the-making with educational and career opportunities, with a particular focus on maritime education, mentorship and industry engagement. The organization operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Education and has received the endorsement of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy. Through the support of schools, educators, shipping companies and maritime service providers, Project Connect continues to build meaningful pathways between education and industry for thousands of young people in Greece and internationally.

 Chios Festival "Pioneering Pathways"

At the Chios Festival Pioneering Pathways, Irene Notias, Founder and Director of Project Connect, presented a vision for strengthening the connection between education, personal development, and career opportunities in the maritime sector.

Addressing government officials, industry representatives, educators, and members of the local community, Ms. Notias shared how Project Connect is creating meaningful pathways for young people by bringing them closer to the world of shipping through experiential learning, industry engagement, and mentorship.

The presentation focused on Project Connect's core mission: connecting opportunities with young professionals in the making and building stronger links between primary and secondary schools and the maritime community.

"From the classroom to the industry, our goal is simple: to connect knowledge with experience and open horizons for the next generation. Through education, development and career exposure, we help young people discover opportunities they may never have imagined," said Irene Notias.

During the presentation, Ms. Notias outlined the three pillars of Project Connect:

• Education: inspiring students to learn about the sea, shipping and sustainability.
• Development: offering real-life experiences that transform knowledge into practical understanding and skills.
• Maritime Careers: connecting young people with the maritime industry, mentors and authentic career opportunities.  

A key focus was the success of the"Adopt a Ship" program, which creates direct communication between students and seafarers, enabling children to learn firsthand about life at sea and the human side of the maritime profession. Through letters, messages and ongoing exchanges, students gain a deeper understanding of the people who keep global trade moving.

The program has achieved significant impact, engaging hundreds of captains and vessels, dozens of shipping companies, and tens of thousands of students and teachers across Greece and internationally.

The presentation also highlighted the strong support of the Chian maritime community, whose commitment to education and youth development continues to strengthen the connection between future generations and the shipping industry.

Closing her remarks, Ms. Notias emphasized that investing in young people is essential for the future of both shipping and society.

"Together, we are creating a generation that cares for the sea, understands the value of maritime professions, and is ready to lead the future."

About Project Connect

Project Connect is an award-winning educational initiative that bridges the gap between education and the maritime industry. Through program such as Adopt a Ship, industry engagement activities, mentorship and career awareness initiatives, Project Connect inspires and equips young people to explore opportunities in shipping and related sectors.  

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RINA has unveiled Mermaid, a future-ready ship propulsion concept designed to help shipowners reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, improve operational resilience and protect long-term asset value while remaining flexible as the maritime industry’s decarbonisation pathway evolves.

Mermaid expands the role of a vessel’s highly efficient two-stroke main engine beyond propulsion, enabling it to become the primary source of onboard power while reducing reliance on less efficient auxiliary engines. The concept combines a shaft generator, propeller shaft clutch and battery energy storage in a new propulsion architecture that improves efficiency without committing owners to a particular fuel pathway.

When a vessel arrives in port, the propeller is disconnected while the main engine continues generating electrical power. Rather than relying on auxiliary engines to meet onboard demand, Mermaid enables the main engine to supply electrical power directly or charge the batteries. Once charged, the batteries provide onboard power, allowing the main engine to operate more efficiently while reducing fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs.

Mermaid also supports a more optimised propulsion system. As slow steaming becomes more common, many vessels spend much of their operating life operating well below the speeds they were originally designed to achieve. By combining aux engines with battery energy storage in a hybrid propulsion scheme, the concept enables propulsion power to be better matched to real operating conditions while maintaining operational flexibility and safety. This reduces the need to install excess engine capacity while providing an additional

source of electrical power that enhances resilience during critical operations.

The benefits are significant. RINA&’s analysis indicates that Mermaid can reduce fuel consumption by more than 1,000 tonnes per year in some applications. By lowering fuel use and emissions, the concept also reduces future compliance costs while helping shipowners protect long-term asset value. Mermaid is fuel agnostic, giving owners greater flexibility as future regulations and technologies continue to evolve. Thanks to the batteries, the concept may also deliver important safety benefits by enhancing onboard power resilience and

reducing the risk of power loss, both for propulsion and electric, during critical operations.

“The challenge facing shipowners today is not simply choosing a fuel, particularly as future solutions may merge that we are not even considering today - said Antonios Trakakis, Energy Transition Solutions Technical Director at RINA -. It is preparing a vessel for a future that nobody can predict with certainty. Ships being ordered today will still be operating well into the 2050s, so today’s decisions need to remain commercially and technically sound for decades.

The Mermaid concept delivers immediate operational and commercial benefits while reducing the need for costly modifications in the future. Instead of optimising vessels for a single decarbonisation scenario, it provides a flexible platform that can adapt as technologies, fuels and regulations evolve.

Importantly, Mermaid delivers value regardless of how the maritime energy transition unfolds.

“Today there is no consensus on which fuels will dominate the future of shipping – said Trakakis -. Owners are being presented with multiple possible pathways, each carrying different risks and uncertainties. Mermaid was designed to work whatever the future brings. If the world changes, the ship is ready. If it does not, the economics still work.”

The concept is applicable across a wide range of vessel types, including tankers, bulk carriers and container ships, and is currently being developed into a fully detailed design following encouraging feedback from both shipowners and shipyards.

By focusing on adaptability rather than a single fuel pathway, Mermaid demonstrates how ship design can help owners reduce costs today while preparing confidently for the uncertainties of tomorrow. The concept reflects RINA’s commitment to developing practical engineering solutions that enable shipowners to balance commercial performance with long- term decarbonisation objectives.

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The premier golf gathering of the maritime industry takes place on September 4–6 at the award-winning The Dunes Course, combining sporting excellence with social contribution

The countdown is on for the Greek Maritime Golf Event, which celebrates 12 years of presence and is preparing to welcome leading executives from the Greek and international maritime community. From September 4 to 6, 2026, the maritime community will gather at Costa Navarino, with this year’s action centered around the impressive The Dunes Course.

Competitive Golf Action & Golf Clinic

The competitive action will reach its peak on Saturday, September 5, at 10:00 a.m. Golfers, competing in teams of four, will take part in a Shotgun Scramble 4-Ball (2 better ball) format, a competition that requires

strategic teamwork and promises a high level of competition throughout the 18 holes.

Alongside the tournament, at 11:30 a.m., a special Golf Clinic will be held for invited guests who wish to discover the fundamentals of the sport under the guidance of an experienced golf professional.

The day will conclude with the Awards Ceremony, hosted by European champion and EuroLeague legend Joe Arlauckas.

Supporting Floga Through Meaningful Action

Remaining true to its charitable character, the Greek Maritime Golf Event actively supports Floga – Parents Association of Children with Cancer. During the Awards Night, guests will have the opportunity to acquire a selection of special gifts at exclusive “Buy Now” prices, with their contributions directly supporting the Association’s efforts to provide essential medical, psychological and social care to children battling cancer.

The Pillars Behind the Event

This year’s event is made possible through the continued support of leading organizations:

As Platinum Sponsor, the internationally renowned ship registry IRI / The Marshall Islands Registry reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote networking, excellence and the values of the maritime sector.

Marine Tours, a leading Travel Management company in Southeastern Europe, with more than 45 years of experience in meeting corporate travel needs and deep expertise in supporting the global maritime community, once again supports the event as Silver Sponsor, while embracing and actively contributing to its charitable initiatives.

Arrow, with a strong presence in the international maritime market and expertise in shipbroking services, reaffirms its longstanding connection with the maritime community by participating in the Greek Maritime Golf Event as Bronze Sponsor.

Golden Stone Maritime Ventures SA, active in the international maritime sector with a focus on developing and capitalizing on investment opportunities within shipping, strengthens its presence within the Greek maritime community by participating as an Official Supporter.

Erasmus Shipinvest Group, an integrated international shipping group with expertise in ship ownership, ship management and operations, as well as chartering, participates as an Official Supporter.

HEYDUDE, the international footwear brand redefining casual footwear through a philosophy of freedom, comfort and simplicity, participates as

Official Footwear Partner. Inspired by a carefree, outdoor lifestyle, HEYDUDE creates lightweight and flexible footwear with an effortless aesthetic, designed for every moment, both on and off the golf course. As part of the partnership, HEYDUDE will provide footwear for the event’s production team, while also offering gifts and exclusive discounts to participants.

μ. Artisan Water, the natural mineral water brand that combines quality with contemporary design and a fresh approach to the hospitality experience, will accompany participants and guests throughout the event. Available as both natural mineral and sparkling water in its innovative, 100% recyclable aluminum packaging, μ. Artisan Water brings design and sustainability together, demonstrating that aesthetics can coexist with a modern and more responsible approach.

Napapijri, the premium lifestyle brand inspired by exploration, adventure and outdoor culture, will provide apparel for the event’s participants, bringing together contemporary style, functionality and premium aesthetics at the Greek Maritime Golf Event 2026.

Grey Goose, the internationally renowned premium French vodka, will accompany the Gala Awards Night, offering its signature Grey Goose Espresso Martini to guests and elevating the hospitality experience throughout the evening.

The successful delivery of the event is made possible by the valuable contribution of leading companies that actively support the initiative:

Platinum Sponsor of the event is IRI / The Marshall Islands Registry.

Silver Sponsor is Marine Tours.

Bronze Sponsor is Arrow.

Official Supporters are Golden Stone Maritime Ventures SA and

Erasmus Shipinvest Group.

Official Footwear Partner is HEYDUDE.

Official Water is μ. Artisan Water.

Official Clothing Partner is Napapijri.

Official Partner is Grey Goose.

Premium Mobility Partner is SIXT, a member of MOTODYNAMICS Group.

Official Suppliers are Budweiser, Teddy’s Speakeasy, Aggelis Meatworks, Athi Rodi, Karnabakos, La Cucina Italiana, Benostan, Mind the Ad.

Charity Partners are Costa Navarino, Messinian Nest, Karnabakos, Tsikeli Boutique Hotel Meteora, La Cucina Dormi, Dermaperfect, Napapijri, Anama Restaurant, Kookoonari Beach Bar Restaurant.

Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.

The Greek Maritime Golf Event is organized by Birdie Events and is an initiative of acclaimed Greek professional PGA golfer Thanos Karantzias.

Golf Production is managed by ActiveMedia Group, Sports Marketing Agency of the Year.

#GreekMaritimeGolfEvent

photo credit: @Greek Maritime Golf Event

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Amendment of the Articles of Association Approved by 99,94%

The Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of PPA S.A. was held in accordance with the applicable procedures, with the participation of shareholders representing 81.78% of the Company’s share capital.

During the meeting, it was clarified that the amendment of the relevant articles was necessary in order to align the Company's Articles of Association with modern business practices, the strategic evolution of the port sector, supply chain (logistics) and infrastructure sectors, as well as the Company' s long-term growth objectives.

The General Assembly approved the relevant amendments by a vote of 99.94%.

In his statement, the Company’s Chairman, Mr. Han Chao, noted: “Building on the consistently growth trajectory of PPA S.A., we are modernizing our Articles of Association with the aim of creating the necessary conditions for the further development of PPA S.A. and the implementation of the Company’s long-term strategy.

A key priority remains the advancement of the investments and projects envisaged and approved under the Master Plan of the Port. Establishing a subsidiary company contributes to the further enhancement of supply chain (logistics) services, a sector of particular importance for the future of the company.

At the same time, the provisions concerning the possibility of acquiring interests in companies in Greece or abroad do not relate to any specific project or investment plan at present.

They establish a modern and flexible framework that will enable the Company to assess opportunities compatible with its strategy and long-term objectives.

Today’s amendment of the Articles of Association therefore represents another step forward, strengthening our ability to plan and invest with a long-term perspective, for the benefit of the Company, its shareholders and the Greek economy.”

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Ahead of the next round of negotiations on maritime decarbonisation at the IMO (London, 1-4/9/2026), the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), Mrs Melina Travlos stated:

“Climate change is a reality that Statement of the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), we are experiencing with ever-increasing intensity. The growing frequency of extreme weather events makes the substantial reduction of greenhouse gas emissions an urgent matter of both individual and collective responsibility. The goal of decarbonisation is clear and shared.

As an industry, we recognise the role we have to play in practice and remain firmly committed to making a meaningful contribution towards this goal. We are systematically investing in energy efficiency, new technologies, steadily reducing the carbon intensity of the sector’s emissions.

Ambitious targets, however, need to remain realistic, and go hand in hand with solutions that reflect technological capabilities and the realities of the global market. Otherwise, we risk placing an undue burden on economies and societies without delivering the desired environmental benefits. Throughout that journey, the shipping industry supports that, we need a single, functional and truly workable global framework, adopted by the industry's international regulatory body, the IMO.

The course of the negotiations to date, however, has revealed significant weaknesses in the proposed IMO Net-Zero Framework, which clearly is not the solution. It is critical that the voice of shipping, the sector that will be called to implement these measures, is meaningfully heard. The green transition of shipping cannot succeed without the actual involvement of the industry.

In this context, the approach suggested by Panama and Liberia, while leaving room for further improvement, provides a balanced and pragmatic foundation for continuing the international dialogue. It takes into account critical parameters, such as the affordability, availability and scalability of the required fuels. The importance of these parameters in determining shipping's decarbonisation pathway is also acknowledged in Japan's proposal.

It is equally important that the Panama and Liberia proposal also recognises the crucial role of ship energy efficiency and its contribution to reducing emissions, a factor of particular importance while suitable fuels are either not available at all or only at excessive prices.

Shipping is vital to the functioning of the world. Every day, every hour, every minute, it connects the entire planet. That is why decisions concerning its green transition are of global significance.
We therefore call on IMO Member States to heed the voice of the industry for a global solution that will secure the necessary international consensus and combine environmental effectiveness, economic viability and social fairness.

The goal is one: meaningful decarbonisation. Because progress is ultimately defined by what can be achieved in practice, always guided by the common good, not by what is planned in theory.”

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Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. has taken delivery of the Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier ("LNG/C") 'Alcaios I’ on July 31, 2026.

Following its delivery, the LNG/C Alcaios I (HD Hyundai Samho Co., Ltd., 174,000 cubic meters (“CBM”) commenced its previously announced employment under an 18-month index-linked time charter.
The acquisition of the LNG/C Alcaios I was funded with cash on hand and $170.0 million in total proceeds raised through the refinancing of two existing sale and leaseback facilities for the LNG/Cs Aristos I and Aristarchos. The vessel was added as additional security by way of mortgage under the refinanced facilities, which have a 10-year term.

Alcaios I is the 15th latest-generation LNG/C delivered to the Company. CCEC’s under-construction fleet also includes six additional latest-generation LNG/Cs, scheduled for delivery between the first quarter of 2027 and the first quarter of 2029.

About Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp.

Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: CCEC), an international shipping company, is a leading platform of gas carriage solutions with a focus on energy transition. CCEC’s in-the-water fleet includes 20 high specification vessels, including 15 latest generation LNG/Cs, one legacy Neo-Panamax container vessel, two dual-fuel medium gas carriers (“MG/Cs”) and two Handy Liquefied CO2 Multi-Gas Carriers (“HMG/Cs”). In addition, CCEC’s under-construction fleet includes six additional latest generation LNG/Cs, four MG/Cs, two HMG/Cs and one LNG dual-fuel Bunkering vessel to be delivered between the third quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2029.

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DNV Maritime Academy Hellas and the World Maritime University (WMU) are launching, for the first time in Greece, a five-day Masterclass on Human Element. The course is designed to help maritime professionals better understand the role people play in shaping a safer, more resilient and future-ready shipping industry.
The creation of the Masterclass follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DNV Hellas and the World Maritime University during Posidonia 2026. The agreement provides a basis for closer cooperation between the two parties withing the areas of maritime education, training and research.
Titled “At the Crossroads of Change: The Human Element at the Core of the Shipping Sector”, the course will take place from 30 November to 4 December 2026 at the DNV Maritime Academy Hellas in Piraeus, Greece. It will be delivered in cooperation with the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), School of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and with the contribution of HELMEPA.
The programme combines high-level teaching with immersive hands-on training, covering key topics such as regulatory frameworks, safety, security, energy efficiency and sustainability, artificial intelligence, wellness, resilience and soft skills. Participants will also explore leadership, teamwork, intercultural communication and conflict resolution as essential skills for a future-proof maritime workforce.
“As the maritime sector continues to adapt to a multilayered transformation, the human element remains central to effective implementation and long-term industry progress,” said Dr. Marina Papaioannou, Regional Maritime Academy Manager, DNV Maritime. “This Masterclass aims to support policymakers, shipping leaders, managers and seafarers by providing a comprehensive understanding of how human performance and leadership influence compliance and operational effectiveness in a changing world.”
The course, offered in a face-2-face format only, will be delivered in English and is now open for registration through DNV’s training portal DNV External - Masterclass on Human Element.
More info: +30 210 4100200 (Marina Papaioannou).

About DNV: We are the independent expert in risk management and quality assurance. Driven by our purpose, to safeguard life, property and the environment, we empower our customers and their stakeholders with facts and reliable insights so that critical decisions can be made with confidence. As a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful organizations, we use our knowledge to advance safety and performance, set industry benchmarks, and inspire and invent solutions to tackle global transformations.
DNV in the maritime industry: DNV is the world’s leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry. We enhance safety, quality, energy efficiency and environmental performance of the global shipping industry – across all vessel types and offshore structures. We invest heavily in research and development to find solutions, together with the industry, that address strategic, operational or regulatory challenges.  

Image: The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DNV Hellas and the World Maritime University (WMU) took place in the presence of representatives of all collaborating organizations, during Posidonia 2026.

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STEALTH Maritime, shipowner Harry Vafias’s tanker and liquefied petroleum gas carrier management arm, has extended its newbuilding orderbook with a pair of medium range product tankers.

The two MR2s have been contracted with HD Hyundai and are scheduled for delivery in 2029.
According to an industry source, the vessels will cost about $53m apiece, including upgraded specifications.
The new brace brings Stealth’s tanker orderbook to 16 vessels contracted at a total cost of about $1.4bn.
Earlier this year, the Greece-based owner ordered two very large crude carriers from Hanwha Ocean.
The Vafias Group sold its last VLCCs in 2008 and the Hanwha pair will mark its first return to the segment since.
The remainder of the newbuildings, including four suezmaxes, four aframaxes and now six MR2s have all been ordered from the Hyundai Group.

The all-South Korean company orderbook is not a surprise. Vafias has long shown a deliberate preference for ordering in Japan or South Korea.

This runs counter to China’s current domination of the shipbuilding market and the habits of most compatriot Greek owners, for whom about 60% of newbuildings currently on order are being built in the country.
The group is also a rarity in Greece for having a large fleet of vessels on the water with virtually no Chinese-built units among them.

Vafias acknowledged the surge in newbuilding investments by owners around the world in the past couple of years.

“There are too many newbuildings on order in all segments,” he said.

If the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East ended, said Vafias, “I am afraid we may see a rapid deterioration of day rates.”

Few owners, however, appear to be as well positioned as the Vafias Group to withstand most downturns.
The group has a fleet of 110 vessels across five companies, all of which are debt-free.
As well as private-held family companies Stealth and Brave Maritime, Vafias helms three publicly listed companies – LPG carrier owner StealthGas, Imperial Petroleum, which currently controls nine tankers alongside 12 bulkers, and C3is, which will have a fleet of three bulkers after delivery of an MR tanker it is buying.
The smallest of the group’s US listed companies, Nasdaq-listed C3is, last week raised about $6m from an underwritten public offering with Maxim Group.

Trading in the company’s shares caught the eye with several days of sky-high volumes.
On July 28, for example, it was the second heaviest-traded stock in the US markets, with share numbers surpassing giants such as Amazon, Google and Nvidia.

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MV Lem Azalea and MV Lem Plumeria are the first vessels in the company’s four-ship alternative-fuel newbuilding programme

 
Lemissoler Navigation has celebrated the naming of MV Lem Azalea and MV Lem Plumeria, the first two vessels in its four-vessel dual-fuel methanol newbuilding programme.

The naming ceremony took place on 27 July 2026. The two 65,000-dwt dry bulk carriers were built by CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding in cooperation with China Shipbuilding Trading Co. (CSTC).
The vessels originated from Lemissoler’s operational experience and ambition to develop efficient, competitive dry bulk carriers with the flexibility to meet both present requirements and the evolving demands of the maritime energy transition.

Bringing this vision to life was a joint effort. Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) translated Lemissoler’s operational requirements and continuous owner input into the vessel design and detailed engineering, while the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) contributed its classification expertise and technical guidance.

The resulting Lem65ePlus-SDARI design combines dual-fuel methanol capability with advanced hull optimisation, improved propulsion efficiency, energy-saving technologies and modern environmental systems. The design received Approval in Principle from ABS in 2023.

MV Lem Azalea and MV Lem Plumeria are capable of operating on both conventional marine fuel and methanol. This flexibility will allow the vessels to maintain reliable operations while supporting the adoption of lower-carbon fuels as their availability and the required infrastructure develop.
Both vessels will operate under charter to Cargill.

The vessels have been designed around long-term operational efficiency and regulatory readiness, helping them remain competitive and relevant throughout the maritime energy transition. Their addition to the Lemissoler fleet represents an important step towards the company’s objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.

Philippos Philis, Chairman and CEO of Lemissoler Navigation, said: “The naming of MV Lem Azalea and MV Lem Plumeria is a significant milestone for Lemissoler and for everyone who has contributed to this programme.
“The concept began with a clear operational objective from our team: to develop efficient dry bulk vessels with the flexibility to meet both present requirements and the transition towards alternative fuels.
“Bringing that concept to life required close collaboration. SDARI translated our operational requirements and continuous input into the vessel design and detailed engineering, while ABS provided valuable classification expertise and technical guidance. Together with the shipbuilding capabilities of CSSC Huangpu Wenchong and CSTC, and the commitment of our technical and commercial partners, this collaboration turned our ambition into working vessels.

“MV Lem Azalea and MV Lem Plumeria demonstrate what can be achieved when operational experience, specialist engineering knowledge and close cooperation are brought together”.

The programme builds on Lemissoler’s established approach to fleet development. Drawing on its operational experience, the company defines vessel concepts and performance requirements before working closely with specialist naval architects, shipyards, classification societies and technology providers
to develop practical and commercially relevant solutions.

Lemissoler extends its appreciation to SDARI, ABS, CSSC Huangpu Wenchong and CSTC, as well as its financial institutions, equipment suppliers, technology providers, supervision teams and all other partners
involved in developing and delivering the programme.

The company also recognises the contribution of its newbuilding, technical, procurement, commercial, legal, finance and operations teams, as well as the captains, engineers and crews who will be responsible
for the vessels’ safe and successful operation.

MV Lem Azalea and MV Lem Plumeria are the first two vessels in the four-ship programme. Together, the
series represents a significant renewal of Lemissoler’s fleet and a practical investment in the future of lower-emission dry bulk shipping.

ABOUT LEMISSOLER NAVIGATION: Founded in Limassol in 1996, Lemissoler Navigation has developed into an international shipping group providing dry bulk cargo marine transportation services. The company combines operational experience with a strong focus on vessel efficiency, technological development and environmental responsibility. Lemissoler is working towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.

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Hamburg becomes the “place to be” for the international maritime community

The countdown is on: In one week, SMM 2026 will open its doors. What the industry has developed over the past two years is now coming to Hamburg. Around 2,300 exhibitors, 50,000 participants and more than 90,000 m² of exhibition space across twelve halls will once again turn Hamburg into an international meeting place for the maritime industry. The entire exhibition grounds are fully booked.
SMM means world premieres, international market leaders, exciting newcomers and the key players of the maritime industry – all in one place for four days. Many of the innovations at SMM will be on public display for the first time. SMM is far more than a trade fair: it is the meeting place for the international maritime community. The entire maritime world comes together here – shipyards and shipping companies, suppliers and classification societies, start-ups and research, as well as policymakers and international organisations.
“SMM is where the global maritime industry meets in person every two years. It is a showcase for technological and innovation leadership across the entire maritime value chain. And SMM is great fun, too. You simply meet everyone here!”, says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress.

 
The world comes to Hamburg

Companies from 70 countries and participants from 120 nations make SMM one of the most international meeting places for the maritime industry. Twenty-six official national pavilions, strong participation from the world’s leading shipbuilding nations and high-ranking delegations from politics, business and navies will be there. China, Japan, South Korea and India are among the maritime markets with a particularly strong presence. At the same time, international participation continues to grow: Cyprus, Vietnam and Brazil, among others, will have their own national pavilions for the first time.

 
Maritime expertise concentrated in one place

 
Five stages and five international specialist conferences make SMM a key knowledge forum for the maritime industry. Nowhere else do so many international experts come together to shape the future of the industry. The conference programme includes the Maritime Future Summit, the global maritime environmental congress (gmec), the MS&D – International Conference on Maritime Security & Defence, the Offshore Dialogue and the TradeWinds Shipowners Forum.

And that is far from all: numerous sessions, panels and Innovation Talks bring additional expertise directly into the exhibition halls, with the programme on the Transition Stages free of charge for SMM visitors. The new Exhibitor Innovation Stage is the fifth stage, giving exhibitors a platform to present their innovations in compact talks. Running alongside SMM, two new event formats will make their debut at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg: ALL ABOUT PORTS and LogiNext Germany, expanding the programme to include the port industry and digital logistics.

New focus areas, more space

 
The new Energy Efficiency Hub gives the key topic of energy efficiency its own dedicated exhibition area for the first time, complemented by a specialist programme on the Energy Efficiency Stage. Maritime Security & Defence is also gaining more space: the established MS&D Conference is joined by the new MS&D Expo in Naval Hall B8 and the Naval Stage. The Dual-Use Tech Newcomer Zone will also provide young companies developing technologies for both civilian and military applications with a dedicated platform for the first time.

 
The next generation in focus

 
SMM brings the skilled professionals of tomorrow together with the industry. The Maritime Career Market will once again take place over two full exhibition days and is aimed at students, young professionals and school pupils. Admission is free on Thursday and Friday for school pupils, students and accompanying teachers. Young companies will also provide fresh impetus: Start-ups@SMM> and Young Innovators bring new ideas, technologies and business models to SMM.

More than a trade fair – an event

SMM 2026 starts with a first: for the first time, the SMM 2026 – Official Opening Conference will be open to all participants and will also be streamed live to the stages in the exhibition halls. Beyond the specialist programme, SMM is all about meeting people in person. From Tuesday to Thursday, each exhibition day winds down with Wine o’clock at the Transition Stages. International receptions, exhibitor events and stand parties keep the atmosphere going in the halls after the specialist programme ends. The Welcome Reception, Maritime Start-up Night, Career Happy Hour and MS&D Reception are just some of the networking events.
Six Theme Routes guide visitors across the exhibition grounds. In 2026, the former Green Route becomes the new Energy Efficiency Route. SMM TV by TradeWinds will report live from the event. SMM is also expanding outdoors, with more exhibition space available in the outdoor area in 2026.
After two years of preparation, the time has come: the maritime community is coming together in Hamburg once again. For four days, the Hanseatic city belongs to the maritime world. Welcome to SMM – The world’s leading maritime industry event.

ELNAVI Newsletter  
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