Sunday, August 02, 2026
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NYSE listed company Dorian LPG Ltd., entered into an agreement with HD Hyundai to build one 90,000 cbm VLGC for delivery in July 2029 for a price of approximately $115 million. Dorian also has signed memorandums of agreement to sell the 2014-built Corsair and two 2015-built VLGCs for aggregate proceeds of approximately $256 million. Dorian expects to deliver each of the vessels to their purchasers by the fourth calendar quarter of 2026. There is no guarantee that these transactions will be completed by the fourth calendar quarter of 2026 or at all.
Dorian also reports the following estimates for its fleet for the quarter ending June 30, 2026, based on the close of business today and estimates that it has fixed 99% of its calendar days at a rate in excess of $68,000 per day. For the month ending July 31, 2026, the Company estimates that it has fixed 34% of its calendar days at a rate in excess of $100,000 per day.
Dorian’s new building will be a dual-fuel Panamax VLGC, allowing the vessel to pass through the less congested “old” Panama Canal locks. Additionally, she is being built with a shaft generator. The integration of a shaft generator allows the vessel to harness mechanical energy from the main propulsion system, optimizing operational power efficiency and reducing the vessel’s overall emissions.
John C. Hadjipateras, Chairman, President, and CEO said, “We are confident in the growth prospects of the LPG transportation market and believe that our disciplined fleet renewal and expansion strategy, commitment to our people, focus on innovation and efficiency, along with a solid balance sheet will enable us to deliver long-term value for our shareholders.”
Dorian undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur, and the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
About Dorian LPG Ltd.
Dorian LPG is a leading owner and operator of modern VLGCs that transport liquefied petroleum gas globally. Dorian LPG's fleet of twenty-seven modern VLGCs currently includes six dual-fuel ECO VLGCs, nineteen ECO VLGCs, and two modern VLGCs. Its business is centered around safe, reliable, clean and trouble-free transportation for its customers. Dorian LPG has offices in Stamford, Connecticut, USA; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Athens, Greece. For more information visit www.dorianlpg.com.

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Through a strategic partnership with Hai Dang SMC (a Vitranschart member), a successful delivery and commencement of operations of the HD Glory, a 28,210 DWT bulk carrier were carried out recently at Vietnam. This vessel represents the first completion under VIMC ARIES' new development direction. Emphasizing a people-centered corporate culture, the company’s Management Board and Trade Union actively supported and celebrated the crew during Workers’ Month 2026, viewing seafarers as vital ambassadors for the Vietnamese maritime brand.
 
The VIMC–OOC Ecosystem
 
At the heart of this success is the VIMC–OOC (Owner–Operator–Charterer) Collaborative Ecosystem, introduced in April 2026 by Mr. Le Quang Trung. This innovative ship investment and operation model shifts away from isolated operations, connecting the three key stakeholders into a closed-loop framework. By pooling resources and aligning visions, the model aims to:
• Maximize investment efficiency and operational performance.
• Minimize risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Foster mutual growth and elevate Vietnam's global maritime standing.
 
The Role of VIMC ARIES
 
Within this ecosystem, VIMC ARIES acts as the strategic connector. Leveraging its market expertise and international network, it manages everything from project evaluation and transaction execution to delivery and operational support. Driven by the motto “Connecting to Create Value – Partnering for Development,” the HD Glory project serves as a practical blueprint for how effective collaboration can yield sustainable, long-term industry growth.
It should be noted that Mr. Gabriel Petridis, founder and CEO of Aries Energy & Transport, who is participating in the aforementioned venture, is the only foreigner to hold a joint venture with the government of Vietnam.

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Maritime technology leader draws strong engagement at its booth, generating new business discussions and qualified leads at the industry’s premier global event
 
Benefit Software, a leading provider of ERP and digital solutions for the maritime industry, has concluded its participation in Posidonia 2026, held from 1–5 June 2026 at the Metropolitan Expo in Athens.
Over four days, the company welcomed hundreds of visitors to its booth in Hall 4, offering live demonstrations of its integrated product suite: Benefit ERP, bHive, and Polus AI. The booth attracted strong interest from shipowners, operators, and maritime technology professionals from across the global shipping industry, resulting in a pipeline of qualified leads and new business discussions with international shipping companies.
At the core of Benefit Software’s offering is an integrated, interconnected operational environment built on three strategic pillars: Benefit ERP, its comprehensive maritime management system; Polus AI, an artificial intelligence layer that supports data-driven decision-making; and bHive, a connectivity hub that links shipping companies with third-party platforms and service providers across the maritime ecosystem. This approach enables shipping organizations to move from isolated systems to a unified, intelligent operational environment, one where all departments are connected to each other, to their vessels, and to their external partners.
At Posidonia 2026 Benefit Software had the opportunity to demonstrate how three decades of maritime expertise have shaped this ecosystem — designed to help shipowners and operators streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and strengthen digital connectivity across fleets and partners.
 “Thirty years in this industry have taught us that trust is built face to face. Posidonia gives us that opportunity, and this year’s edition was one of our strongest yet.”
— Thomas Zavitsanos, Founder & CEO, Benefit Software
Benefit Software’s participation in Posidonia 2026 reflects its continued commitment to the maritime community and its mission to deliver technology that drives operational excellence across fleet management, compliance, and commercial operations.
About Benefit Software
Benefit Software is a maritime technology company headquartered in Piraeus, Greece. Founded in 1994, it provides ERP and comprehensive digital solutions to the global shipping industry, supporting more than 250 companies and 1,700 vessels worldwide.
The company positions itself as a strategic partner for shipping organizations through its Operational Ecosystem, which integrates ERP, artificial intelligence (Polus AI), and cloud connectivity (bHive). This framework enables shipping companies to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and connect seamlessly with external partners.

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By Anastasios Maraslis, Founder/President, Marasco Marine Ltd
 
For over thirty years in shipping and marine insurance, I have learned to be suspicious of consensus. Whenever everyone agrees on where the next danger lies, I become interested in what they may be overlooking. Today, most discussions in shipping revolve around familiar concerns.
The Red Sea.
The Strait of Hormuz.
China.
Taiwan.
Russia.
Sanctions.
Trump.
Environmental regulations.
Cyber threats.
Interest rates.
Freight markets.
Every conference panel, every market report and every industry gathering eventually gravitates toward one or more of these subjects. Yet, I increasingly find myself asking a different question.
What if the next major challenge facing shipping is not any one of these risks individually?
What if the real threat is the moment several of them collide simultaneously? History suggests this possibility deserves far more attention than it currently receives. The most severe crises rarely arrive in the form expected by the majority. They usually emerge from the interaction of multiple events, each manageable on its own, but collectively capable of creating a chain reaction that few anticipated.
The shipping industry has seen this before. In 2008, most people believed they were witnessing a strong market supported by seemingly endless growth. Freight rates were booming. Asset values were rising. Financing was abundant. Confidence was everywhere. Then, Lehman Brothers collapsed. Within months, owners who believed they were facing a freight market challenge discovered they were actually confronting a banking crisis, a liquidity crisis, a financing crisis and, ultimately, a survival crisis. The original event was financial. The consequences spread far beyond finance.
COVID offered another lesson.
What initially appeared to be a public health issue rapidly evolved into a crew-change crisis, a logistics crisis, a supply-chain crisis, a port congestion crisis and eventually a freight market phenomenon unlike anything seen in decades. Again, the original event was not the most important part of the story. The consequences were.
Today, I believe shipping may once again be approaching a period where the interaction between risks matters far more than the risks themselves. To understand why, we need to step back and look at the broader picture. More than two thousand years ago, the Greek historian Thucydides observed that conflict becomes more likely when a rising power challenges an established one.
Whether one agrees entirely with the so-called “Thucydides Trap” or not, the world today exhibits many of the characteristics he described. The United States remains the dominant military and financial power, on the other hand China continues its economic and industrial ascent. Russia, despite unprecedented sanctions and political pressure, remains a significant geopolitical actor. India is emerging as a major force. Regional powers such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran are becoming increasingly influential.
For shipping, this changing balance of power matters enormously. Not because war is inevitable. But because uncertainty is increasing.
Shipping thrives on predictability. Investments are made years in advance. Newbuildings are ordered based on assumptions extending a decade or more into the future. Financing structures rely upon long-term confidence. Chartering strategies depend on stable trade patterns.
The more uncertain the geopolitical environment becomes, the more difficult it becomes to make decisions with conviction.
This is where China enters the discussion. Many shipping executives I speak with identify China as the single most important variable for the coming decade. They are not necessarily concerned about military conflict. Some are. But many are focused on something else entirely. China today influences almost every major component of the maritime ecosystem.
China is a dominant consumer of raw materials and a dominant exporter of manufactured goods. The world’s largest shipbuilder. A major source of maritime finance. An increasingly important owner of ports and logistics infrastructure. A key participant in global supply chains. A slowdown in Chinese growth affects freight demand. A trade dispute affects cargo flows. A sanctions regime can rapidly spread beyond politics and trade, affecting banking relationships, payment flows, insurance availability, chartering decisions and ultimately the commercial viability of a voyage.
A military confrontation affects all of the above simultaneously.
Few countries influence so many variables at the same time. Yet I would argue that even China itself is not the real issue.
The real issue is how the rest of the world reacts to China.
History repeatedly demonstrates that markets often suffer greater damage from reactions than from events.
A tariff imposed in Washington can affect cargo volumes in Asia. A sanctions announcement in Brussels can alter chartering decisions in the Middle East. A political decision in Beijing can influence financing appetite in London or Oslo. Anything that threatens future earnings influences financing appetite.
The world has become so interconnected that no major maritime risk remains isolated for long.
This is precisely why I believe the most underestimated threat over the next five years is not China. It is not Russia. It is not Taiwan. It is not even war.
It is the convergence of risks.
The possibility that several individually manageable events occur at the same time and begin reinforcing one another.
 * Marasco Marine Ltd, was founded in 1991, by Mr Anastasios Maraslis. Marasco is specialising in Managing Marine Risks and Risk Prevention Planning, serving the last 35 years, Ship Owners, Ship Managers and Ship Operators, with his experienced marine/ claims insurance team and the company’s Board of Advisors, Internationally Acknowledged. More about Marasco Marine at: www.marasco-marine.com

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The establishment of an exclusive principal partnership between Euploia Drydocks and Services Ltd and WSK International represents a significant milestone in further strengthening the company’s service portfolio and expanding the range of high-quality solutions that offers to its clients across the maritime industry.
WSK International is recognized worldwide for its expertise in marine fuel and lubricating oil separator systems, offering a comprehensive range of spare parts fully compatible with Alfa Laval, Westfalia and Mitsubishi separators, as well as complete new and reconditioned separator units. In addition, WSK International supplies plate heat exchanger gaskets and plates compatible with leading manufacturers including Alfa Laval, APV, GEA, Hisaka, Sondex and Schmidt, together with EPC cards, upgrade kits and a wide range of auxiliary marine equipment and components. Beyond product supply, WSK International provides a complete portfolio of technical services, including separator overhaul and reconditioning, bowl repair and balancing, metallization of bowl cones, PHE regasketing, EPC card repair, onboard inspections and maintenance services.

WSK International’s Managing Director, Teresa Data, commented: “We are delighted to start this cooperation with Euploia Drydocks & Services Ltd. This partnership represents a strong opportunity to expand our presence in the Greek maritime market and to work closely with a trusted and well-established partner. We look forward to building a long-term and successful collaboration.”

Charis Valentakis, Managing Director of Euploia Drydocks & Services Ltd commented: “We are very pleased to announce our partnership with WSK International as our new exclusive principal. This cooperation enables us to further expand our service capabilities and offer our clients high-quality, competitive and reliable solutions. We are confident that global presence and expertise of WSK International will add significant value to the Greek shipping industry, and we look forward to a strong and productive collaboration.”
About WSK International: WSK International is a specialized marine equipment manufacturer and service provider with more than 50 years of experience in the maritime industry. With an established international network spanning multiple countries and key maritime hubs, the company supports shipowners and operators worldwide through a combination of marine equipment solutions, technical services, and responsive operational support. Supported by its engineering expertise, modern manufacturing facilities and global logistics network, WSK International delivers reliable, cost-effective and high-quality solutions to shipowners, ship managers and operators worldwide, ensuring the efficient operation and longevity of critical marine equipment. Leveraging its expertise in separator technology and related marine systems, WSK International is committed to maintaining high standards of reliability, flexibility, and service excellence, ensuring long-term value for its partners and clients.

About Euploia Drydocks & Services Ltd: Euploia Drydocks and Services Ltd is a well-established company of highly experienced professionals in the maritime industry, specializing in Ship Repairs and Conversions for the Greek market. The company’s core activities include Repair Services through a worldwide network of leading Shipyards, Workshops and collaborating partners. Its portfolio also extends to Marine Equipment and Spare Parts supply. Euploia Drydocks & Services Ltd is committed to delivering high-quality products and services with timely execution and competitive pricing, always honouring its contractual commitments.

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Posidonia 2026 set a new benchmark for the global maritime industry, bringing together the world's leading shipping stakeholders at a pivotal moment for international trade. Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, evolving decarbonisation regulations, digital transformation and mounting pressures on global supply chains, the exhibition provided a unique platform for dialogue, collaboration and deal-making.

Reflecting the significance of the event, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, who participated at Posidonia and addressed the opening ceremony, highlighted the exhibition's unique role in fostering industry engagement.

"Posidonia is a shipping exhibition that has become a maritime institution," said Dominguez. "Engagement and dialogue are the basis for the business of global shipping. Honest and open conversations and trust-building are central to negotiations at IMO, to reach consensus, built on understanding of everyone's perspectives."

Those conversations unfolded throughout the week across conference halls, exhibition stands and networking events, as shipowners, regulators, policymakers and technology providers examined the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of shipping. At the same time, the exhibition floor was transformed into a hub of commercial activity, with exhibitors announcing strategic partnerships, signing memoranda of understanding and unveiling major investment initiatives.

Among the landmark agreements announced during Posidonia 2026 were a series of strategic collaborations and commercial transactions that underscored the industry's commitment to innovation, sustainability, digital transformation and industrial growth.

Highlights included a Memorandum of Understanding between Skaramangas Shipyards and Hyundai Heavy Industries aimed at strengthening Greece's shipbuilding capabilities and exploring opportunities in naval and commercial vessel construction. The exhibition also witnessed one of the year's most significant shipbuilding transactions, with Greek shipowner Dynacom advancing a major VLCC newbuilding programme at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.

Further reinforcing the momentum behind the revitalisation of Greek shipbuilding, ONEX Shipyards and Antipollution signed an agreement for the construction of four advanced anti-pollution vessels at Elefsis Shipyards, with options for additional units. ONEX also announced a strategic cooperation agreement with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to strengthen connectivity between Greece and Northern Europe through the development of a new "Blue Corridor."

ABS and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries also signed a joint development agreement to design a U.S.-flagged 50,000 DWT oil and chemical tanker compliant with ABS Rules and U.S. Coast Guard requirements.

Environmental compliance and digitalisation featured prominently among the business announcements, with StormGeo and OceanScore unveiling a collaboration designed to help shipowners navigate increasingly complex emissions regulations. Meanwhile, Samsung Heavy Industries, Lloyd's Register and Capital Clean Energy Carriers revealed plans to jointly explore floating data centre solutions, highlighting how maritime expertise can support emerging digital infrastructure requirements. A separate agreement between Lloyd's Register Advisory and Samsung Heavy Industries will further advance the commercialisation of the concept.

Commenting on the breadth of commercial activity generated during the exhibition, Theodore Vokos, Managing Director of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., said: "Collectively, the agreements announced during Posidonia 2026 reflected the industry's determination to invest in future-ready fleets, sustainable operations, advanced technologies and resilient infrastructure. From major shipbuilding contracts and environmental initiatives to pioneering digital projects and logistics partnerships, the exhibition once again demonstrated its role as a premier global platform for maritime business, innovation and international collaboration."

Beyond the business deals and announcements, Posidonia 2026 delivered unprecedented levels of participation and engagement. Over 35,000 visitors passed through the halls of the Athens Metropolitan Expo over the course of the week, generating over €100 million in economic activity for the Attica region and reinforcing the exhibition's importance not only to the maritime sector but also to the wider Greek economy.

The international nature of the event was reflected in the feedback received from government representatives, industry executives and maritime stakeholders from around the world.

"Posidonia has always been much more than an exhibition," said Marina Hadjimanolis, Cyprus Shipping Minister. "It has long been one of the most important meeting points for the global maritime community."

Murali Pillai, Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport, described Posidonia 2026 as "an invaluable opportunity to meet old friends and other key maritime players to exchange perspectives on the future of international shipping."

Industry participants echoed similar sentiments. George Marinakis, Managing Director of MT Innovative Solutions S.A. (MTIS), said the exhibition confirmed that the future of shipping will be shaped by organisations capable of combining strong partnerships, operational excellence and intelligent use of technology, while Konstantinos Antoniadis, CEO and Co-founder of EMICERT, noted that the event exceeded expectations and provided a valuable platform for dialogue on the future of shipping and sustainability.

For Orestis Schinas, Co-Founder and Academic Lead of HHX.blue, the quality of discussions surrounding finance, decarbonisation, digitalisation and competitiveness demonstrated why Posidonia remains one of the industry's most influential gatherings and a catalyst for new business opportunities.

While attendance surpassed every previous edition, the record-breaking numbers also highlighted the need for continued investment in infrastructure capable of supporting events of this scale. Posidonia 2028 will be the 30th edition of the world’s most prestigious shipping trade event and will take place from 5-9 June at the same venue.

"Each edition of Posidonia raises the bar even higher - not only for the exhibition itself, which is widely recognised as the world's premier maritime gathering - but also for Greece's overall profile as a destination for international conferences and exhibitions," said Vokos.

He added: "As Posidonia continues to grow, so do the infrastructure requirements needed to support it. Adapting to these evolving needs is essential - not for the reputation of Posidonia, which is already firmly established - but for strengthening Greece's standing as a world-class destination capable of hosting events of the highest international standard."

Posidonia 2026 was organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Union of Greek Shipowners, with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.

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Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: CCEC), proceeded to the formation of a joint venture company with CMA CGM S.A. Each party will hold a 50% ownership stake in the Joint Venture, which has been established for the purpose of constructing, chartering, and operating one 20,000 cbm dual-fuel LNG bunkering vessel. The Joint Venture marks CCEC’s entry into the LNG bunkering segment, the Company’s first vessel dedicated to marine fuel supply.
In connection with this transaction, the Joint Venture has entered into a shipbuilding contract with Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (“CIMC SOE”) for the construction of the vessel at a contract price of $82.8 million, with delivery expected in the third quarter of 2028.
Incorporating the latest technologies, the vessel is designed to enable safe and reliable LNG transfers across a wide range of operating conditions. Advanced emissions reduction systems, combined with highly efficient dual-fuel power generation, are designed to help the vessel meet applicable environmental standards of the global shipping industry.
In addition, the Joint Venture is expected to enter into a 12-year time charter with a joint venture company formed between CMA CGM S.A. and TotalEnergies S.A., commencing upon delivery of the vessel from the shipyard.
Jerry Kalogiratos, CEO of Capital Clean Energy Carriers, commented: “This joint venture marks CCEC’s entry into LNG bunkering — a natural extension of our gas platform from carriage into marine fuel supply. Working alongside counterparties of the calibre of CMA CGM and TotalEnergies, we can help build the infrastructure that allows LNG to deliver a cleaner emissions profile, alongside security and diversity of supply, while opening a new, long-term contracted revenue stream for the Company through the Joint Venture.”
Christine Cabau, Executive Vice President Operations and Assets of CMA CGM S.A., said: “Together with Capital Clean Energy Carriers and TotalEnergies, we are committed to building a reliable and high-performance LNG bunkering supply chain, which is essential to ensuring the availability and reliability of fuels such as LNG that represent the first step in the decarbonization of our industry.”
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 17 high specification vessels, including 13 latest generation LNG/Cs, one legacy Neo-Panamax container vessel, one dual-fuel medium gas carrier and two handy LCO2/multi-gas carriers. In addition, CCEC’s under-construction fleet includes eight additional latest generation LNG/Cs, five dual-fuel medium gas carriers, two handy LCO2/multi-gas carriers and one LNG DF Bunkering vessel to be delivered between the second quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2029.

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LALIZAS kicked off the Posidonia 2026 week by hosting the Ship Chandlers & Service Providers Summit 2026 at its new facilities in the heart of Piraeus. While LALIZAS hosted this event in the past, 2026 marked the first time it was held at the headquarters, the LALIZAS Port - welcoming guests from Azerbaijan, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Greece, India, UK, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, United States, and Venezuela, highlighting the truly international nature of the LALIZAS network. It was the perfect curtain-raiser for what was about to follow.

Posidonia 2026 exceeded every expectation, proving to be the largest edition in the event's history, with more than 2,220 exhibitors from 83 countries gathering at the Athens Metropolitan Expo - and #thelalizasforce delivered one of its strongest performances to date.

From day 1, LALIZAS’ agenda was packed with meetings with executives and decision-makers from leading companies in the global shipping industry. From long-standing partners to new faces exploring LALIZAS for the first time, the level of engagement was outstanding. Conversations ranged from the llifesaving and firefighting equipment to the full range of FSR and F&I services - and the enthusiasm from every visitor who walked through LALIZAS’ stand was a true testament to where the industry is heading.

Thursday evening was, as always, the company’s much-anticipated gathering. The atmosphere at the  stand was vibrant, and the night went well beyond what any of us expected. Partners, customers, and friends from across the globe came together for an evening of meaningful connections that once again proved to be one of the highlights of the exhibition.

Once again, LALIZAS’ team welcomed groups of young professionals as well as Merchant Marine Academy cadets through the YES Forum to the stand. Engaging with tomorrow's industry leaders is something the company genuinely values - and their enthusiasm for maritime safety and the world of LALIZAS never fails to inspire us.

Having roots in sailing, LALIZAS has always believed that a healthy mind and a healthy body are the key to productivity. True to that spirit, our teams competed across every athletic event Posidonia had to offer - the Posidonia Cup, where also Mr. Lalizas himself took part, was an unforgettable experience for all involved. The 3x3 Basketball, the Cycling, and the Running Event completed a weekend where the LALIZAS spirit was felt on and off the field.

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The 5th Trading in U.S. Waters Seminar: U.S. and Greek Approaches to Today’s Maritime Challenges, took place on Thursday, June 4, 2026 – during Posidonia Week – reaffirmed its position as an important maritime industry gathering, attracting an exceptionally large number of participants from the Greek and the global shipping community.

The American – Hellenic Chamber of Commerce proudly organize this seminar, every two years-during Posidonia, along with the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Athens, and with the support of the International Propeller Club and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping.

By bringing together shipowners, operators, maritime service providers, industry stakeholders and representatives from the governmental and diplomatic community, this event served as a key platform for discussing the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities shaping the shipping sector.

The Shark Tank Event – a SHIPPINGInsight initiative – which was successfully launched during Posidonia 2022 to introduce innovative U.S. technologies to the Posidonia audience, was once again integrated into this year’s seminar agenda, further strengthening its role as a dynamic and interactive highlight of the program and an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their work and receive instant feedback.

Opening Remarks session

Elias Spirtounias | Executive Director, American – Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, John D. Saracakis | President, American – Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, Seminar Moderator: Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Founder/CEO, North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), Chief Evolution Officer, SHIPPINGInsight and Fmr. IMO Maritime Ambassador, Yuri Arthur | Commercial Counselor, U.S. Embassy, Athens, Joe Hughes | Chairman, NAMEPA, Board Member, American P&I Club and Costis Frangoulis |President, International Propeller Club

The 5th Trading in U.S. Waters Seminar opened with a discussion among representatives of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Embassy in Athens, NAMEPA, and the International Propeller Club, who shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the maritime industry.  Looking ahead, speakers reflected on how innovation, digitalization, and stronger partnerships will continue to shape the maritime sector in the years to come, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions on the future of global shipping.

Discussion: Trading Smart in U.S. Waters: Compliance, Cost and Competitive Edge

Matthew Thomas | Partner, International Trade Maritime, Blank Rome Law Firm, Dana Merkel  | Partner, Maritime, Blank Rome Law Firm, Seminar Moderator: Carleen Lyden Walker, Sydney Plante | Acting Associate Administrator for Strategic Engagement at the Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S. Department of Transportation, Aristidis Kourkoumelis | Assistant Secretary, Trade & Economic Security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The first discussion examined the evolving regulatory and operational landscape facing companies trading in U.S. waters.  The discussion provided valuable insights into how shipping companies can successfully navigate a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape while maintaining operational resilience and competitive advantage.

Session 1: Safeguarding Global Trade Amid Geopolitical Risk

Thanos Dokos | National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, Daniel Tadros | Chief Operating Officer, The American P&I Club, Robert Obayda | Chief of Staff to the CEO, Davie Shipbuilding and Former Director of Maritime Industrial Policy, White House National Security Council, Stratos Desypris | Chief Operating Officer, Navios Maritime Partners L.P. and Mariniki Psifia | ALBA Visiting Faculty – Economist, Head Shipping Market Analyst, Latsco Marine Management

The session explored the increasingly close relationship between maritime security, energy security, economic resilience, and national security.  A key takeaway was that resilience can no longer be viewed solely through an operational lens. In today’s environment, it requires strategic planning, international collaboration, and the ability to adapt to evolving geopolitical and market realities.

Session 2: Navigating the Future: AI in Global Shipping

Joshua Divin | Senior Vice President, Marine Business Development, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Maria Kolitsida | Founder and CEO, Signal Fusion and George Kokosalakis | Executive Director, Center of Excellence in Shipping, Logistics & Energy, Associate Professor, School of Business and Economics, Deree

In this session the speakers elucidated on how artificial intelligence is moving from experimentation to practical application across the maritime industry. A key takeaway from the discussion was that the success of AI will not be determined solely by technological capability, but by the industry’s ability to integrate these solutions in ways that support people, strengthen decision-making, and deliver tangible business outcomes.

Session 3: Optimizing Energy in Shipping: Technologies, Efficiency, and the Path Ahead

Sydney Plante | Acting Associate Administrator for Strategic Engagement at the Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S. Department of Transportation, The Honorable Sang H. Yi | President and CEO, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), Themis Vagiakos  | Director, Global Sustainability, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Cynthia Hudson | President, Shoreline Hudson, Kirk Kaiser | Chief Technical Officer, Airglide AI

This part of the seminar asked one of the most important questions facing the maritime industry today: how to advance the energy transition while maintaining competitiveness, efficiency, and operational resilience.  The discussion underscored both the progress already being made and the work that remains ahead as the maritime industry navigates a responsible and sustainable path toward its future.

The keynote address by Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, highlighted the strategic role of shipping in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world.  The address served as a timely reminder that shipping remains not only a pillar of the Greek economy, but also a critical component of global stability and growth.

Discussion: Strategic Collaboration Agreement

Panos Xenokostas | Founder & President, ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group, President, Hellenic Shipyards Association and Georgios Plevrakis | Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanwha

The discussion between ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group and Hanwha highlighted the growing strategic importance of international industrial partnerships in the maritime sector.  Speakers explored how collaboration between leading organizations can support the modernization of shipbuilding capabilities, drive innovation, and create long-term value.

SHIPPINGInsight’s SHARK TANK: A Competition of Innovative U.S. Maritime Technologies

The Sharks and the Presenting U.S. Firms

The Sharks:  Marina Hadjipateras | Founder and General Partner, TMV, Semiramis Paliou | CEO, Diana Shipping Inc., Kimberly Guilfoyle | U.S. Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, U.S. Embassy Athens, Danae Bezantakou | 1st Vice President, The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus & CEO, Navigator Shipping Consultants, Stephen Schueler | Managing Director, European Maritime Finance, Chairman, Enerjen Capital, George Alexandratos | President, Hellenic Chamber of Shipping

The Presenting U.S. Firms: Miles Keeney-Ritchie | Founder and CEO, Aloft Systems, Anastasija Kuprijanova | Director of Business Development, Carbon Ridge, Sidney McLaurin | Founder and CEO, Fleet Robotics, Hans Olson | Director of Business Development, Quartermaster AI, Sean Simons | CCO & Co-Founder, Robot Toolworx and Matthew Ezekiel Riley | CEO and Co-Founder, Sidonia

One of the highlights of the 5th Trading in U.S. Waters Seminar was the return of the SHIPPINGInsight Shark Tank, bringing together innovative U.S. maritime technology companies and a distinguished panel of industry leaders to explore the future of shipping.  The session featured the participation of U.S. Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic Kimberly Guilfoyle, alongside leading representatives from the Greek and international maritime community, who evaluated innovative solutions addressing key industry challenges related to efficiency, sustainability, automation, safety, and operational performance.  By connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and maritime executives, the Shark Tank showcased the important role that innovation and cross-sector collaboration play in advancing the maritime industry. The discussion highlighted how emerging technologies are helping shape a more competitive, resilient, and sustainable future for global shipping.  The future of maritime innovation is being driven not only by established industry leaders, but also by the next generation of companies bringing new ideas and technologies to the market.

U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle offered the Shark Tank competition award to Anastasija Kuprijanova of Carbon Ridge, a United States based developer of carbon capture & storage solutions for the Maritime industry, for the Onboard Carbon Capture & Storage (“OCCS”) solution provides a lowcost and near-term solution to significantly reduce the intensity of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) onboard large maritime vessels.

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Antipollution, a member of V Group, and ONEX Shipyards & Technologies (ONEX) have signed a letter of intent covering the construction of up to eight marine pollution reception and oil recovery vessels to be built to ABS Class in Greece.

The project covers four vessels plus four options and marks a significant step for Greek shipbuilding while advancing environmental services for the country's maritime sector. To be constructed by ONEX, which is reviving shipyards in Elefsis and Syros, the vessels underscore growing investment in specialized vessels built in Greece for service in Greece.

“ABS is proud to support this milestone for Greek shipbuilding and for the environmental performance of the maritime industry in Greece. These vessels address a real operational need in Greek ports while demonstrating that environmental performance and domestic shipbuilding capability can advance together,” said Vassilios Kroustallis, Executive Vice President, Business Development and Chief Commercial Officer, ABS.

The vessels will collect liquid and solid waste from commercial ships in port and transport it to Antipollution's onshore facility, where it will be processed and converted into solid fuel, supporting a more circular approach to maritime waste management.

“This investment reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening the environmental infrastructure that supports shipping in Greece. We are particularly proud that these vessels will be built in Greece, combining environmental innovation with domestic shipbuilding expertise. Projects like this demonstrate how sustainable development, industrial growth and environmental responsibility can advance together,” said Vyron Vasileiadis, Chairman and CEO of V Group.

“This agreement with Antipollution highlights the capabilities of modern Greek shipyards. At ONEX, we are expanding our horizon — combining world-class repair services with the construction of next-generation vessels built to the highest international standards. These eco vessels open a new chapter in our newbuilding portfolio and stand as clear evidence that Greece has the industrial power, the expertise, and the vision to lead in specialized shipbuilding. We are proud to champion a project where environmental responsibility and real industrial growth advance together. Built in Greece, designed for the future, and ready for the world,” stated Panos Xenokostas, President & CEO, ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group and President of the Hellenic Shipyards Association.

ABS will support the project through its classification services, helping advance safety, reliability and operational performance from design through construction. Learn more about the industry-leading classification services at ABS here.

Photo Caption (L to R): Vasilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of Greece; Panos Xenokostas, President & CEO of ONEX Shipyards & Technologies; Vyron Vasileiadis, Chairman & CEO of V Group; and Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Executive Vice President, Business Development and Chief Commercial Officer.

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