During Posidonia 2024, the President, Melina Travlos, the Secretary Dimitrios J. Fafalios, the Deputy Treasurer Constandinos I. Caroussis, the Member of the BoD John C. Lyras, the Director General Katerina A. Peppa, & UGS staff held numerous meetings, at the UGS premises, with key stakeholders from the maritime industry.

These meetings were crucial fostering collaborations to overcome our industry's multiple challenges, such as the geopolitical ones, decarbonization, innovative technologies, & the evolving regulatory landscape, towards the shared goal of strengthening future of sustainable shipping.

The meetings held were with the following stakeholders:

-Japan Ship Machinery & Equipment Association, headed by Shigeki Kinoshita, Chairman

-Rightship, headed by Andrew Roberts, Executive Director, EMEA

-Bahamas Maritime Authority (ΒΜΑ), headed by Jobeth Lilian Coleby Davis, Minister of Transport Bahamas, Jacqueline Margerita Simmons, BMA Chair & P.J.Goulandris, Vice Chairman of BMA

-Turkish Chamber of Shipping, headed by Tamer Kiran, Chairman

-European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) headed by Karin Orsel, President
-Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR) headed by Annet Koster, Managing Director

-BIMCO, headed by Niko Schües, President, David Loosley, Secretary General and CEO, Sadan Kaptanoglu, BIMCO’s Former President

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The Vehicle Carrier “Neptune Phos” built in 2009 in Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, was the first vessel digitally registered under Greek flag through “niologio.gov.gr”. This innovative platform facilitates the Greek flag registration process upgrading it to an user friendly, non-time consuming, digitalized process, marking a significant step towards the holistic effort of the digital transformation of the maritime industry.

Neptune Lines recognizes that digitalization and automation are crucial for enhancing competitiveness and operational efficiency. The company encourages and supports innovative thinking in everything it does and are committed to embracing initiatives that drive the future of maritime technology.

The Chair of the Board and President of the UGS, Melina Travlos, attended the unveiling of this new application last week during Posidonia and stated, "I welcome the new era of the registry, that of digitalization. I am pleased that the Greek registry has begun to operate in line with the dynamic response of Greek shipping to modern challenges. I hope to see the Greek flag waving on more of our ships soon."

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 ABS, shared the latest insights on critical issues like FuelEU, the impact of geopolitical challenges on global trade and the carbon value chain, with Greek shipowners, ship managers and charterers, at the annual ABS Hellenic National Committee Meeting.

The session yielded open conversations, directly addressing the real challenges and viable solutions to meet 2050 decarbonization targets.

“We need different ways to approach decarbonization, not just through the lens of a CII rating. In the case of FuelEU, there are market-based measures based on well-to-wake emissions, not just what’s on a vessel. So, the strategy now is focused on how to apply sustainability practices to the whole fleet, not just an individual ship, to maximize incentives and reduce the cost of compliance,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO.
Wiernicki elaborated on the FuelEU program, reviewing analysis on different alternative fuels and technologies, including wind-assisted propulsion, and the impact on the daily cost of compliance over time. He also expanded on the fleet pooling opportunity within FuelEU, walking through different scenarios where owners could lower the carbon intensity measurement by pooling, for example, one LNG vessel with five assets using light fuel oil.
“With our deep technical experience and client-centric approach, ABS is well-positioned to operate in this emerging intersection of safety, technology and regulation,” he said.

Among the special guests at the committee was former ABS Chairman Bob Sommerville.

John McDonald, ABS President and COO, delivered an update on shipyard operations, noting that shipyards around the world are near capacity with yards in China looking to increase availability and provide more slots to support new builds.

The agenda also addressed the current geopolitical landscape and its impact on shipping, with ABS sharing insight into the challenges brought on by supply chain disruptions.

Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development, presented a market outlook. New orders for vessels show an increase in dual-fuel readiness in comparison to conventional fuels, with the majority of new builds designed to be LNG-ready followed by methanol and ammonia.

“Sharing knowledge and collaborating on solutions are important activities for the shipping industry right now. ABS is a steadfast partner, providing valuable insight for us as we navigate new regulations while maintaining safe and viable operations,” said Peter Livanos, Chairman of GasLog Ltd. and the ABS Hellenic National Committee Chairman.
About ABS

ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.

Image: (L to R): Peter Livanos, Chairman of GasLog Ltd. and the ABS Hellenic National Committee Chairman; former ABS Chairman Bob Sommerville; and Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO

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On 6th June 2024, during Posidonia week, Laskaridis Shipping Co. Ltd. hosted a Roundtable Discussion, with the Australian Ambassador, Ms. Alison Duncan and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Executive Director, Mr. Michael Drake.

It was a great opportunity for stakeholders of the shipping industry including Classification Societies and Flag Nations to meet and exchange views as well as discuss their concerns with AMSA. Mr. Michael Drake presented AMSA activities and responded to questions from ABS, BV, CCS, DNV, LR, NKK and RINA as well as Cyprus, Liberia, Malta and Panama Flag.

Furthermore, INTERCARGO, representing more than 3000 ships had the chance to convey queries from their Members.
Laskaridis Shipping Co. Ltd. raised questions from shipping companies managing a total of more than 300 ships with
regular calls in Australian ports. The discussed topics included AMSA experience for port state control inspections, prioritization of inspections, concerns regarding remote surveys, environmental concerns such as Navigation in the Great Barrier Reef, loading terminal responsibilities etc.

Distinguished attendees included: H.E. Ms. Alison Duncan, Australian Ambassador to Greece, Romania and Bulgaria, H.E. Ms. Marina Chatzimanolis, Deputy Minister of Shipping, Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Ms. Julie Lymberopoulos, Ambassador and General Consul of Panama in Greece, Mr. Michael Drake, Executive Director, Operations, AMSA, Mr.Reynaldo Garibaldi, Executive Vice President and Mr. Michael Pantazopoulos, Senior Vice President of Liberian Registry, Mr.Ivan Tabone, Registrar General of Shipping and Mr.Keon Vella, Technical Senior Manager of Malta  Registry, Mr. Ioannis Efstratiou, Director, Safety and Environmental Protection Directorate, Shipping Ministry, Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Dimitris Monioudis, Vice Chairman of INTERCARGO Technical Committee, Ms. Paillette Palaiologou, Bureau Veritas, Mr. Theodosis Stamatelos, Lloyd’s Register, Mr. Spyridon Zolotas, RINA, Mr. Ioannis Chiotopoulos, Det Norske Veritas, Mr. Stamatis Fradelos, American Bureau of Shipping, Mr. Baochun Wang, China Classification Society, Mr. Konstantinos Markou, Class NK, representatives from Panama Flag, Liberia Flag, Malta Flag, Cyprus Flag and representatives from Laskaridis Shipping Co. Ltd.

The Roundtable discussion was moderated by Ms.Catherine Prifti, DPA and Director HSQE of Laskaridis Shipping Co.Ltd
We believe that such events build trust, highlight the need for more transparency in shipping, more collaboration and more responsibility from all parties involved and brings us closer to a world where the shippers, the carriers, the regulators, the ports and the cargo owners, all put safety first.

The Roundtable Discussion with AMSA follows the Roundtable with RIGHTSHIP that took place in Posidonia 2022.
The proceedings will be published in due course, as we believe that they will be useful for the whole maritime industry.

Photo 1: from left to right: Mr. Panagiotis Laskaridis, CEO of Lavinia Corp., Mr. Michael Drake, Executive Director, Operations, AMSA & H.E. Ms. Alison Duncan, Australian Ambassador to Greece, Romania and Bulgaria
Photo 2: The participants of the Roundtable Discussion
Photo 3: from left to right: Ms. Catherine Prifti, DPA, HSQE Director, Laskaridis Shipping Co. Ltd. & H.E. Ms. Marina Chatzimanolis, Deputy Minister of Shipping, Republic of Cyprus
Photo 4: from left to right: Mr. Dimitris Monioudis, Vice Chairman of INTERCARGO Technical Committee & Mr. Michael Drake, Executive Director, Operations, AMSA

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Tototheo Global and Neuron have agreed to deploy Neuron’s AI-powered quality of experience (QoE) management platform to vessels contracted to Tototheo. Through this partnership, Tototheo Global and Neuron will address a growing need for ships as they increasingly engage with multiple satellite providers and networks – the need for increased transparency and technologies to help vessels switch seamlessly between different service deliveries.
The agreement follows proof of concept tests verifying that Neuron’s QoE analytics solution, Neuron 360, enhances connectivity robustness with deep insights that can be used to improve onboard connectivity operations and performance.  With this partnership Tototheo Global and Neuron will work with customers to integrate real-time connectivity data from the antennas, routers and third-party systems on their ship’s end-to-end network, providing a holistic view of their connectivity and QoE on one vendor-neutral platform.

“Multi-network services are becoming widespread in commercial shipping, which makes it critical that there is transparency for the end user on the performance management of connectivity as a whole,” said Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, co-CEO Tototheo Global. “Neuron 360 will ensure more uptime by bringing the visibility that makes it easier, quicker and less costly to resolve shipboard communication issues.” Neuron 360 will be offered as an additional reporting tool for Tototheo Global customers. 

Ms. Panayiotou Theodosiou added that Tototheo is part-way through a proof of concept with Neuron Grid, an AI-powered network management solution that enables intelligent network orchestration across multiple providers, orbits and networks. Neuron Grid integrates connectivity services offered via LEO, MEO, GEO, 4G, 5G and/or Wi-Fi and consolidates them into a single channel. It then intelligently routes traffic across all available services and providers to ensure reliable coverage in any location at the most optimal QoE, while also managing bandwidth and cost constraints. 

“We see Neuron Grid as an added value solution which will help clients reduce their costs in network management, freeing up resources, while ensuring a high-quality experience and delivering even more robust network connectivity,” said Ms. Panayiotou Theodosiou. “In partnership with Neuron, Tototheo will deliver a market leading AI-driven solution for network management.”

“In the era of multi-network satellite service provision for ships, the speed, accuracy and constant availability of AI to optimise routing selection will drive better connectivity performance while also eliminating the operating time and money lost to manual interventions,” she said.

"Intelligent multi-provider, multi-orbit orchestration will unlock a number of new use cases for shipping companies, with the ability to quickly scale from a few megabits to hundreds as needed, while keeping QoE high and total cost of ownership low,” said Benny Retnamony, founder and CEO of Neuron. “Through our partnership with Tototheo, we look forward to bringing the Neuron platform to more companies to help accelerate the future of smart shipping.

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CAPITAL GAS, ERMA FIRST and BABCOCK signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to install a pioneering Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) system, CARBON FIT, on board four new liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO 2) carriers.

Due for delivery by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in 2026, the 22,000 cbm LCO 2 carriers will join the Capital Gas managed fleet as the largest of their kind ever built.

The ERMA FIRST CARBON FIT system holds Approval in Principle (AiP) from both Lloyd’s Register and DNV. It uses amine absorption technology based on a proprietary amine solvent to absorb CO 2 from flue gases. The resultant mix is then heated to produce a chemical reaction that reverses the absorption, separating the CO 2 from the solvent. Subsequently, the released CO 2 is liquefied using Babcock LGE’s ecoCO2® system and stored on board the ship in pressurised low-temperature storage for subsequent offloading. Since the regenerated solvent can be re-used, the process creates a highly efficient regenerative loop for CCS.

Miltos Zisis, Managing Director, Capital Gas Ship Management Corp., said: “As part of our ongoing efforts to minimize our impact on the environment, but also to actively contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future, Capital Gas proudly became the world’s first ship manager to supervise the construction of LCO2 carriers. Now, we are taking a step further. Alongside our partners, we are developing advanced carbon capture technology to enhance the environmental sustainability of these ships.”

Neale Campbell, Managing Director, Babcock LGE, said: “The addition of onboard carbon capture to these first-of-a-kind vessels, in conjunction with our industry-defining ecoCO2® system, is a significant step towards achieving the shipping industry’s emissions reduction targets. The ecoCO2® design concept for handling both CO2 and LPG cargoes provides a flexible solution that can easily be upgraded to incorporate carbon capture and storage requirements.”
Konstantinos Stampedakis, Co-Founder & Managing Director, ERMA FIRST GROUP, said: “This project is a major breakthrough not only for ERMA FIRST and our CCS technology but also for shipping’s journey towards low-carbon operations. Under normal conditions, CCS systems are expected to cut vessel CO 2 emissions by 15% to 30%. At this specific project the CO2 capture rate will exceed 70%. This will play a significant role in helping Capital Gas to achieve its decarbonisation objectives but also to have the first almost carbon neutral vessels”.
“Indeed, for owners and operators worldwide, the ERMA FIRST CARBON FIT represents a smart investment in decarbonising technology, supporting compliance with the IMO’s strengthened emissions-reduction targets while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for the industry as a whole.”

About ERMA FIRST

ERMA FIRST - From saving the oceans, to safeguarding the planet

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Greece, ERMA FIRST is a leading manufacturer and provider of future-proof sustainable maritime solutions. The company’s robust systems and solutions ensure worldwide compliance, provide operational simplicity and reduce operational expenditure, while at the same time minimizing the impact of ship operations on the environment.

ERMA FIRST’s customer-centric approach offers flexible and convenient servicing through a trusted network of certified engineers worldwide. ERMA FIRST provides sales, maintenance and training to clients via offices in 46 countries. ERMA FIRST offers a complete range of solutions, including ballast water treatment (BWTS), Alternative Maritime Power (AMP), Energy Saving Devices (ESDs) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
ERMA FIRST won the Lloyd’s List Technical Achievement Award (2013 and 2023), the GREEN4SEA Technology Award (2016) and the GREEN4SEA Sustainability Award (2023).

About BABCOCK

Babcock LGE provides cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems for the liquefied gas markets. Its environmentally-focused technologies improve vessel efficiency and enhance performance, delivering value to customers throughout the entire life of the vessel.

About CAPITAL GAS

Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. is a ship management service provider, currently operating a fleet of 20 modern LNG Carriers, 4 pioneering liquid CO2 carriers, 2 dual fuel Ammonia VLACs (Very Large Ammonia Carriers) and 8 Dual Fuel LPG Medium Gas Carriers (‘MGC’) with a total carrying capacity of approximately 4.0 million cubic meters. The fleet under management includes vessels of Nasdaq-listed Capital Product Partners L.P.

Image: Evangelos Marinakis, founder and chairman of Capital Maritime & Trading Corp, meets Eleni Polychronopoulou, Business Development Director and Konstantinos Stampedakis, Co-Founder & Managing Director, ERMA FIRST ESK Engineering Solutions at Posidonia 2024

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ONEX Shipyards joined recently the Green Award Foundation in order to provide incentives to our certified shipping companies who are at the forefront in demonstrating exemplary responsibility in ensuring the safety of their vessels, environmental stewardship in their navigation, and decent work policies that promote the welfare of their staff and crew.

ONEX SHIPYARDS comprise the largest group of shipyards in Greece and one of the larger groups in the Mediterranean. The ONEX Shipyards on the island of SYROS (established in 1861) and in ELEFSIS, Attica (established in 1962) have been providing customers with detailed integrated solutions covering ship design, construction, and comprehensive support & maintenance services. In recent years, they have expanded their shipyards’ activities into new markets such as LPG/LNG conversions, scrubbers/carbon capture installations, smart/green retrofits, oil rigs, offshore wind platforms/farms, and other major offshore constructions.

Why we are excited about this new partnership.

"We are proud and happy to welcome ONEX Shipyards to the Green Award scheme to ensure quality ship constructions and repairs. The sustainable future of our planet is not a matter of individual actions but depends on collective activity,” said Capt Dimitris Mattheou, chairman of the Board of Green Award Foundation.
With ONEX joining the Green Award family, we are shifting gears, and I am confident that, together, we will make an even bigger difference, sharing our knowledge, communicating our positive ideas, using our extensive experience and our added values, to benefit our world," Capt Dimitris added.

“As a foundation driven by the profit made for the well-being of humanity and our environment, we are always excited when new incentive partners join us to fulfil this vision. Our approach is not to punish offenders, but rather, incentivize responsible shipping companies to encourage to stay on the positive path,” said Jan Fransen, the Executive Director of Green Award Foundation.

“ONEX SHIPYARDS is an industry leader when it comes to using cutting-edge technology to build and maintain ships that are safe and eco-friendly. With this new partnership as one of our incentive providers, we are confident that our certificate holder will be in good hands in our effort to achieve net-zero emissions before 2050,” Jan added.
What does this mean for our community of certified shipping companies and ports?

“It’s indeed a pleasure to join the Green Award certification program as an incentive provider and be part of its broader vision of motivating shipping companies to go above and beyond the required standards in contributing to safe and sustainable waterborne transportation,” said Panos Xenokostas, President and CEO of ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group.

“Besides the nearly two centuries of experience we have in building and maintaining the largest shipyard in Greece, we are investing heavily in green technologies to help shipping companies make a just energy transition by cutting down their emissions to meet the net-zero target before 2050.

As an incentive provider, we believe in motivating shipping companies and working closely with them to provide the innovative technical support needed on the journey to transitioning to environmentally friendly energy sources. Whether it be consultation, design, construction, or maintenance, we provide tailored support to make it possible,” Mr Xenokostas added.

Going above and beyond in ensuring safety of people, vessel, goods, and cutting down on emission and pollution to the marine creatures and the environment comes at a cost for responsible shipping companies, but a worthy cost and so, we are always delighted when new incentive providers in the industry join us on this journey. 
Image: From the left - Jan Fransen, Executive Director, Green Award Foundation, Panos Xenokostas, President and CEO of ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group and Capt Dimitris Mattheou, chairman of the Board of Green Award Foundation.

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The international, European and national dimension of the projects carried out by Greek shipping is the main element of the Union of Greek Shipowners, UGS Annual Report.

In particular the statistics and data are captured from the annual report for the basic characteristics of the Greek-owned fleet and its environmental performance reflects the irreplaceable role that shipping plays in modern societies. The UGS Annual Report 2023-2024 also summarizes the positions and proposals of the UGS on the main challenges that have strongly discussed during the previous period of time.

For another year, the available data highlight the leading role of Greek shipping internationally, as:

- With more than 5,500 ships, Greek shipowners control over 20% of the world's tonnage, making our country the largest shipping power in the world.

- More than 60% of shipping controlled by the EU belongs to Greek interests. Shipping contributes the most to the economic security of the European Union and to the achievement of its climate goals.

- Shipping is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, with the lowest cost for the consumers. The Greek-owned fleet is constantly growing and renewed, is energy efficient and equipped with state-of-the-art environmental systems. It is already the largest fleet capable of using alternative fuels in the world.

In relation to maritime policy issues, a large part of this year's Exhibition is dedicated to the sector's path towards a sustainable future. The agreement at the IMO level for the transition of shipping to net zero greenhouse gas emissions close to the middle of the century, is undoubtedly a positive development, which was warmly welcomed by the Greek, as well as the international shipping community.

The Annual Report 2023-2024 of the UGS also records the contribution of the sector to the economic development of our country as well as the multi-level social contribution work of the Greek fleet, with an emphasis on its immediate response to the natural disasters that hit the Thessaly region.

In her address the President of UGS Melina Travlos remarks: “2023 was yet another year of important developments and severe geopolitical tensions. New conflicts have emerged. Economic rivalries and policies of protectionism threaten the fundamental principles upon which shipping has thrived and operates for the benefit of global prosperity and peoples’ general well-being. Awareness, strategic thinking and determination are essential to ensure the sustainability of our sector. Up to this day, we have successfully dealt with external disruptions, always taking into account the unique characteristics of our industry.

It is now more evident than ever that shipping is the cornerstone of world trade, ensuring the smooth operation and security of supply chains and energy autonomy. It connects and vitally unites people and economies, under any circumstance.

In this context, the shipping sector has welcomed an updated and explicit goal regarding its energy transition. Member States participating in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have agreed on achieving net-zero Greenhouse Gas emissions from shipping by or close to the middle of this century. Both the Greek and international shipping communities firmly and actively support IMO’s strategy, as a decisive step to climate crisis resolution.

Research and innovation are crucially important for achieving this common goal, enabling the development of suitable, low- or zero- emissions fuels and technologies by the stakeholders under whose remit this task falls, such as fuel producers and suppliers, shipyards, engine and marine equipment manufacturers. In any case, the prerequisite for using new fuels and technologies, as well as digital tools, including AI (Artificial Intelligence), must be safety: the safety of, above all, our people at sea, our vessels and the environment.

We firmly believe that sustainable development can only exist with people at its center.

Shipping is the cornerstone of world trade

Shipping has drastically reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions, while constantly investing in new, environmentally advanced, and certified technologies. The Greek-owned fleet leads the way to green transition, with eco-friendly and new-built vessels, as well as insightful entrepreneurial decisions made by Greek shipowners. Sustainability is an integral part of Greek shipping’s core resilience and evolution, while fully incorporating ESG criteria.

Undoubtedly, we are going through a transitional period marked by new challenges. We must turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and expansion, drawing from our multi-faceted legacy of successes and achievements at a national, European and international level.

We take pride in Greece being the world’s leading shipping nation. We continue to control more than 20% of global tonnage, with a strong presence in all shipping segments.

Thus, our contribution to the livelihoods of billions of people around the globe on a daily basis is decisive.

Greek shipping remains a beacon of stability and progress thanks to its ability to adapt and effectively respond to any challenge, a fact that was recently proven once again. Despite geopolitical tensions, shipping has efficiently contributed to the security of Europe’s food and energy supply chains. Accounting for more than 60% of EU shipping, we are the backbone of a key sector for the European Union (EU). Three quarters of the EU trade with third countries is carried by ships. Controlling a merchant fleet that operates in every part of the world, the EU has a strategic advantage regarding its relations with other economies.

Shipping is also a catalyst for the green transition as it will transport the new low-or zero- emissions fuels as well as the raw materials required for their production to and from Europe.

Consequently, we strive for further recognition of the indispensable role of our industry at European level. This recognition entails the upgrade of shipping’s status in an EU institutional context but also in the Union’s broader strategy to enhance the competitiveness of its industries.

We are always stoutly present, with clear positions, realistic suggestions and well-documented proposals. Joining forces, we work in a methodical and thorough way, closely co-operating in order for shipping to expand and evolve while dealing with a demanding future.

In the Union of Greek Shipowners, we uphold the power of togetherness and collectivity for the common good. Greek shipping continues to constitute a proud economic and social partner of our country.

In 2023, we initiated and established the largest scholarship programme in the history of our Union, granting 100 scholarships as well as the “Excellence” Scholarship for the top student.

It is with great pride that I refer to the immediate response of the Union of Greek Shipowners to the national call for the restoration of the damages caused by the 2023 floods in Thessaly, Central Greece. Our sector was the first to raise more than 50 million euros to relieve our fellow citizens affected.

Greek shipping continues to create, to evolve, to invest and to lead with deep faith in its seamanship, honoring its long maritime tradition.

Always a pioneer at sea”.

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The recent meeting of the RINA Hellenic Technical Committee (HTC) brought together stakeholders from all parts of the shipping industry to discuss the impact of new regulations (EU ETS), the way forward for decarbonisation, and the latest developments in SERTICA to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

With IMO 2030 and 2050, the shipping sector has some important decarbonization goals to meet. Operators face a hurdle not only in determining whether technology will work for future new buildings, but also in figuring out what they can accomplish with their current fleets. This was a core theme at the recent HTC meeting, held at Ekali, Athens, at the end of April.

Giosuè Vezzuto, Executive Vice President Marine at RINA, as the first speaker of the HTC, updated the guests about the developments of the company, focusing on the importance of the Piraeus office at the marine sector. He added, “The RINA classed fleet has reached 77 million GT (March 2024), the SERTICA Suite is installed today on over 3,000 vessels and we are called by more and more ship designers to Approve in Principle novel concepts to face the decarbonisation challenges. I am very proud of the recognition that the shipping market as a whole is giving us by choosing RINA as a partner for all encompassing solutions.”

Spyros Zolotas, Senior Director, Marine South EMEA Region at RINA, said, “These days, shipping must be viewed as an ecosystem, where knowledge sharing is vital. Getting together at events such as the HTC is essential to reaching the goals of our Industry. It allows us to discuss real issues, understand concerns, and share experience.”

The HTC meeting, jointly chaired by Theo Baltatzis, General Manager, Technomar Shipping, and Akis Tsirigakis, CEO, Nautilus Energy Management Corp., covered many topics, including an update on regulations EU ETS, propulsion systems to achieve decarbonization goals, aspects and impacts of alternative fuels, and the coming challenges for new builds. It also incorporated presentations from important guests. Tom Sand, Vice President of Marine and Ports at ABB, updated the audience on the Azipod propulsion system and Dr. Christos Papadopoulos, Professor at NTUA, spoke about wind assisted propulsion. Together they covered a topic “Harvesting the Wind” and how to achieve the expected energy savings from the wind, overcoming the difficulties that are being experienced. Additionally, Mr. Li Xin, SDARI Senior Engineer, presented the “Developments in Ship Design”.

Elias Boletis from RINA Marine Consulting talked about how we can support the existing vessels in the path to decarbonization and he focused on the retrofit projects proposed by RINA. Antonis Trakakis, RINA Marine Technical Director, and Marinos Anastasiou, RINA Key Account Manager New Buildings, focused on the challenges in making choices today for the future vessels.

“Numerous potential solutions exist to support the decarbonization of the shipping industry; nevertheless, throughout the HTC, it became evident that many professionals are uncertain about novel concepts and require workable solutions that would advance our current state of affairs and enable businesses to function as necessary. There won’t be a single solution, so we need to keep looking into all possibilities.” continued Zolotas.

Dimitris Zisimopoulos, RINA Digital Sales Manager, talked about SERTICA, a comprehensive portfolio used by ship owners and ship managers worldwide. SERTICA digitalizes maintenance, procurement, HSQE, crewing, performance, logbooks and reporting. It manages vessels and fleets in all technical, operational, and compliance aspects.

Zolotas commented, “Digital tools are paramount. They cover strategies to lessen human error and streamline onboard procedures. We can reduce emissions by improving ship performance, operational efficiency, and route optimization through the analysis of fleet data. Naturally, cyber security goes hand in hand with digitalization. This is an issue that the committee also addresses, and RINA is investing heavily in to support the maritime sector.”

Anna Karmiri, Manager of RINA Piraeus Environmental Plan Approval, updated the guests on EU ETS & Fuel EU Maritime regulation. She announced the launch of Leonardo missions, a digital tool that serves as an enabler to achieve the industry’s decarbonization goal by turning raw data into sustainable operations.

Zolotas concluded, “The discussion about decarbonization is at full steam. Leonardo Emissions is a tool to put us a step forward on better and successful results on EU ETS requirements. A wealth of useful information was presented at the HTC meeting to help shed light on the problems and potential solutions. Working together will enable us to achieve our objectives.”

RINA, leading certification and engineering company, provides a wide range of services across the Energy, Marine, Infrastructure & Mobility, Certification, Industry and Real Estate sectors. With revenues in 2023 of 797 million euros, 5,380 employees and 200 offices in 70 countries worldwide, RINA is a member of key international organizations and an important contributor to the development of new legislative standards.

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Latsco Marine Management Inc. has established a partnership with TUV Hellas (TUV NORD) to validate and verify the EnviroMetrics Insight Module, a key component of the developed Latsco Data Integration Platform. This in-house platform collects, validates, synchronizes, and presents data from multiple sources across all Latsco Group Companies, generating insight performance indices, visualizations for daily operations, and preparing compliance reports.

The EnviroMetrics Insight module is designed to retrieve and process vessel emissions data, visualize GHG pollutant quantities, calculate environmental KPIs, and display factors influencing respective vessel performance for validation and justification purposes. Deliverables are supported by internally developed controls, ensuring the collection and processing of high-quality data essential for decision-making.

Latsco’s commitment to data accuracy and reliability of platform deliverables is proven by engaging TUV Hellas, a top-quality independent third-party accreditation body, to validate and verify key processes of the EnviroMetrics Insight module. This partnership showcases Latsco’s strategy to control, validate, re-engineer, and continuously improve internal operations, reflecting the Company’s orientation to blend its extensive experience with the strength of data in the decision- making process.

Antonis Georgantzis, Latsco’s Chief Operating Officer, commented: “We are proud to partner with TUV Hellas, a subsidiary of TUV NORD, to validate and verify our EnviroMetrics Insight Module. This initiative, driven by Latsco’s pioneering effort, is being undertaken for the first time in the maritime industry. Such a partnership reinforces our commitment to transparency, accuracy, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence. By ensuring our data meets the highest quality, we can confidently report to the IMO, EU Commission, and other stakeholders, contributing to a sustainable future”.

Iasonas Zacharioudakis, Latsco’s Operational Technology and Energy Manager, remarked: “Accurate data and verified processes are prerequisites for continuous improvement. Developing tools internally provides the flexibility and rigorous control needed for excellence. TUV Hellas’s validation and verification of our tools and processes adds immense value and confidence, reinforcing our commitment to high-quality and reliable data-driven decisions”.

Vasiliki Kalampokidou, TUV Hellas (TUV NORD) Vice President System Certification, shared: “We are honored that Latsco Marine Management Inc., chose and trusted TUV Hellas for our Verification and Validation Services of the EnviroMetrics Insight module. The audit process included effectiveness, validity, and security of data flow, as well as carbon Footprint regulatory requirements for the company’s fleet. We are proud to be a part of Latsco’s sustainability strategy that is, safeguarding its stakeholders’ interests, and pursuing excellence”.

TUV Hellas, a subsidiary of the German TÜV NORD Group, has been active in Greece since 1987, providing third-party inspection and certification services to both private and public sector enterprises. Latsco and TUV Hellas look forward to a fruitful collaboration, advancing the maritime industry’s standards for data integrity, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.

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