On Wednesday, January 14^th, Project Connect welcomed the New Year by uniting its vibrant community of pupils, educators, maritime professionals, and supporters for its annual Kick‑Start 2026 event—an energizing gathering built around the guiding principle Knowledge + Clarity = Progress.

The morning event set an optimistic tone for the year ahead, encouraging students to embrace learning, ask bold questions, and make thoughtful decisions that shape their personal and academic journeys. With an atmosphere full of curiosity and purpose, participants explored how clarity of direction and informed choices can drive meaningful progress in 2026.

Program Highlights

• Hosted by the American Community Schools in Chalandri, Greece, the opening welcome by Dr. Peggy Pelonis, President of ACS, set the tone with an inspiring introduction on the power of knowledge and clarity before welcoming Project Connect Founder Ms. Irene Notias.
• Ms. Notias, also the Director of Project Connect moderated and created the Kick‑Start Concept during the 2020 pandemic to give hope, provide home entertainment and a sense of belonging to all the Project Connect membership stuck at home.  Ms. Notias presented Project Connect’s expanding educational initiatives in the maritime sector, illuminating the Adopt a Ship and Niata Psila youth‑empowerment programs.
• Adopt a Ship Pupils Students shared heartfelt letters exchanged with their captains, offering a glimpse into the transformative impact of maritime mentorship.
• Keynote Address: Former Ambassador George Tsunis captivated the audience with his personal journey in America, encouraging students to broaden their horizons through global exploration and programs like Adopt a Ship.
• Spotlight Talk: “Opinion and Knowledge” Life Coach Michalis Fragkiadakis of FOS Breakthrough delivered an engaging session on critical thinking and self‑awareness, followed by an interactive Q&A with pupils.
• Pupils’ New Year’s Resolutions students shared thoughtful resolutions, reinforcing the event’s central message of clarity, intention, and forward momentum.
• Closing Remarks Ms. Notias and Dr. Pelonis expressed gratitude to speakers, students, partners, and ACS, and highlighted upcoming follow‑up activities that will continue the year’s momentum.

Why This Matters

The Annual Kick Start event acts as a springboard for young people to begin the year with purpose, clarity, and achievable goals. By nurturing curiosity and linking education with real‑world maritime experiences, Project Connect continues to empower the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and global citizens. This year, schools from across Greece and abroad watched the program online, while pupils from Elinogermaniki Agogi and Pierce participating in Adopt a Ship attended in person, adding vibrant energy to the event.

Project Connect has also expanded its impact with the launch of the Only Good News Youth Podcast and a formal proposal to the Ministry of Education for a National Maritime Week in Schools, supported by a full program designed by Academic Dr. Adamantia Spanaka, Project Connect’s Educator Consultant.

Project Connect welcomes new members to join its network of prestigious shipping companies, united in strengthening maritime awareness and professional readiness in today’s youth through deep‑rooted, authorized programs such as Adopt a Ship.

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At the dawn of 2026 Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. took delivery of a new Kamsarmax vessel on behalf of its Principals at the Nantong Cosco KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) shipyard in Nantong, China. It was the first vessel to be delivered at the shipyard for 2026.

The delivery and naming ceremony was held on 6 January 2026 and the Cypriot-flagged vessel was named Hispania Graeca II.

María Paz de Hoz García-Bellido, Professor of Philology at the Complutense University of Madrid specialized in Greek epigraphy served as Godmother of the vessel. During her speech Professor De Hoz Garcia-Bellido highlighted the ancient trade bonds between Greeks and Iberians, which ultimately led to the establishment of Greek colonies in the Iberian Peninsula such as Rhode (Rosas), Emporion (present-day Ampurias), Hemeroscopeion and Mainake (Málaga).

The name of the vessel was inspired by the book “Hispania Graeca” (Greek Spain) written by the renowned Spanish scholar Antonio García y Bellido, who was the grandfather of the vessel’s Godmother.

Speaking about the name, the Godmother stated: “It is a particular source of pride for me — almost as great as it would undoubtedly have been for him — to know that this name will serve as an ambassador, a symbolon, of the millennia-old relationship between Greece and Spain”.

Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. was represented by Mr. Evangelos El. Angelakos, joined by our Marine Manager Capt. Georgios Lampros and our Purchasing Manager Mrs. Maria Makrykosta, along with the company’s dedicated site team of naval architects, engineers and seafarers led by Project Manager Mr. Panayiotis Makris, as well as the vessel’s Master, officers, and crew. Vessel’s Master, Capt. Adolfo Jr. Guinmapang, was entrusted to deliver the speech on behalf of Capt. Stephanos E. Angelakos, during the ceremony, in recognition of his outstanding performance, dedication, and loyalty to the company.

The shipyard’s leadership was represented by Mr. Junji Maeda, Senior Vice President, along with senior executives.
Also present were partners of Angelakos (Hellas) S.A., including makers, suppliers, agents.
We thank everyone who joined us on this special occasion.

We warmly welcome Hispania Graeca II under our management and wish her and her crew fair winds and clear skies!

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The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Greek Branch has launched the ICS Company Membership Scheme, a new initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Greek shipping industry and the world’s leading professional body for commercial shipping.

Founded in 1911 and awarded a Royal Charter in 1920, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is the only internationally recognised professional body for shipping professionals, with 27 branches worldwide. Since 2005, the ICS Greek Branch has grown to become the largest ICS branch globally, playing a leading role in

professional shipping education and industry engagement in Greece through high-profile conferences, seminars, and networking events.

The ICS Company Membership Scheme enables companies to formally affiliate with ICS and join its global professional network, reinforcing their commitment to professionalism, education, and excellence in shipping.

Who Can Apply

Shipmanagement companies, shipbroking offices, and key service providers to the shipping industry, including shipping law firms, technical and management offices, suppliers, consultants, and maritime service providers, having at least one Fellow of the Institute (FICS) in a senior management role, can apply for the ICS Company Membership.

Why Join ICS Company Membership

Company Membership offers formal affiliation with one of the most respected and long-established professional organisations in global shipping. With over a century of history and an extensive international network, ICS provides member companies with enhanced credibility, global visibility, and direct access to a worldwide maritime community. The scheme has been designed to support companies in addressing today’s key industry challenges, including talent development, recruitment, regulatory awareness, business development, and continuous professional growth.

Key benefits

ICS Company Membership offers global recognition and credibility through official affiliation with a Royal Charter body and use of the ICS Company Member logo. Member companies gain enhanced visibility via inclusion in the ICS International Directory and direct access to maritime talent, including ICS-qualified students, graduates, and professionals.

Membership also provides preferential access to CPD, specialised training, and seminars, including complimentary ESG, leadership, and soft-skills programmes. In addition, companies benefit from industry intelligence, regulatory updates, and priority access to ICS events, supporting networking and thought leadership within the global shipping community.

Strengthening the Greek Maritime Cluster

Through this initiative, the ICS Greek Branch seeks to strengthen the connection between professional standards and business practice, supporting companies in talent development, corporate growth, and international connectivity. The scheme is designed to enhance networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across the Greek and global maritime community, while reinforcing Greece’s position as a leading global maritime centre and upholding the highest international professional standards.

Join the ICS Company Membership Scheme

Companies interested in joining the scheme or learning more are encouraged to contact the ICS Greek Branch: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and +30 210 4125945.

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Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (PPA S.A.) inaugurated the 2026 cruise season with the arrival of the first cruise ships of the year, marking the beginning of a new dynamic period for cruise activity at the Port of Piraeus.

More specifically, representatives of PPA S.A. welcomed at Passenger Terminal A “Miaoulis” the Viking Vesta, the newest vessel of Viking Cruises, which is scheduled to call at the Port of Piraeus a total of 12 more times during 2026, further strengthening the company’s long-standing cooperation with Greece’s largest port.

In addition, executives of PPA S.A. also visited the cruise ship MSC Lirica, which is expected to call at the Port of Piraeus 13 times during 2026, performing partial passenger disembarkation. This confirms the continuous presence and cooperation of leading international cruise companies with the Port of Piraeus.

During 2025, the Port of Piraeus welcomed 863 cruise ships, while the total number of cruise passengers reached approximately 1.85 million, a new milestone that highlights the steadily strengthening position of Piraeus as a leading cruise destination in the Eastern Mediterranean.

On the occasion of the launch of the 2026 cruise season, the CEO of Piraeus Port Authority S.A., Mr. Su Xudong, underlined the steadily increasing momentum of cruise activity in Piraeus, noting that the port’s strategic geographical location, combined with ongoing investments and the systematic upgrading of infrastructure and services, contributes substantially to the sustainable development of the sector.

Piraeus Port Authority continues to invest consistently in the upgrading of its infrastructure and services, further enhancing the port’s position as a strategic cruise hub at both national and international level.

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Despite a landscape defined by volatile trade routes, intensifying environmental mandates, and geopolitical shifts, Greek shipowners have not only maintained but expanded their global dominance in 2025.

Bolstered by an "ingrained resilience," the Greek fleet now accounts for roughly 20% of the world's carrying capacity and over 60% of the EU's fleet. Greeks lead the global orderbook for next-generation tankers and LNG carriers, accounting for over 25% of all tankers currently under construction.

Top-ranked owners like Maria Angelicoussis and Evangelos Marinakis have executed record-breaking acquisitions in shuttle tankers and CO2 carriers, pivoting toward the energy transition.

Last but not least Ffgures like Melina Travlou (President of the Union of Greek Shipowners) are actively shaping international policy, advocating for realistic decarbonization pathways amid the complexities of the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime regulations.

By reinvesting heavily in "eco-vessels" and securing vital energy supply chains, Greek shipping remains the indispensable "backbone" of global trade in an era of fragmentation.

In the Lloyd’s List 2025 rankings, Maria Angelicoussis maintains her position as the world’s top Greek shipowner, climbing to 8th globally. She is followed by Evangelos Marinakis at 10th, George Economou at 13th, and George Prokopiou at 14th, solidifying Greece's maritime dominance.

Maria Angelicoussis — Angelicoussis Group (No. 8)

Rising from 12th place last year, she is the highest-ranked Greek. Under her leadership, the group executed its largest-ever transaction: acquiring Altera Shuttle Tankers, solidifying its dominance in dry bulk, crude oil, and LNG. She emphasizes safe, first-class service amid geopolitical and regulatory challenges, while affirming: “We have an international outlook, but our heart will always be in Greece

Evangelos Marinakis — Capital Group (No. 10)

Climbing sharply from 16th, he recorded the biggest gain in the Top 10. Capital has emerged as a premier diversified platform with a modern, low-carbon fleet of 163 vessels (plus 95 on order). Lloyd’s highlights his decarbonization strategy, including nuclear propulsion research and innovative CO₂ carriers, while noting his global recognition—partly from owning football clubs Olympiacos, Nottingham Forest.

George Economou — TMS Group (No. 13)

Up from 33rd, thanks to building one of the largest independent containership orderbooks (mostly LNG dual-fuel) and involvement in methane abatement initiatives.

George Prokopiou — Dynacom/Dynagas/Sea Traders (No. 14)

Advanced from 20th, with massive tanker and bulker orderbooks, innovations in LNG, and a pragmatic stance on decarbonization (e.g., carbon capture).

Magda Kopczynska, Fotini Ioannidou, and Apostolos Tzitzikostas — European Commission (No. 24)

Grouped entry reflecting the EU’s growing regulatory influence post-IMO setbacks on carbon pricing.

Melina Travlos (No. 26)

Re-elected President of the Union of Greek Shipowners; advocates realistic global regulation and expands Neptune Group’s vehicle carrier business.

Angeliki Frangou (No. 29)

Down slightly from 24th; leads highly diversified Navios Maritime Partners, emphasizing fleet renewal and resilience through terminals/logistics.

Thomas Kazakos (No. 36)

New Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Shipping, prioritizing global rules and pragmatic decarbonization.

Kostis Konstantakopoulos (No. 40)

Steers diversified Costamare, with strong container revenue backlog and ventures into leasing/offshore.

Semiramis Paliou (No. 52)

Significant rise from 80th; modernizing Diana Shipping, including methanol-ready newbuilds and offshore wind entry.

Nikolas Tsakos (No. 56)

Up from 76th after securing a landmark shuttle tanker contract for Petrobras.

Peter G. Livanos (No. 60)

Pioneering in LNG renewal and future fuels like CO₂ and hydrogen.

George Logothetis (No. 67)

Transformed Libra Group; strategic sales and investments in innovation.

Petros Pappas (No. 80)

Heads consolidated Star Bulk, navigating market volatility.

Sotiris Raptis (No. 88)

ECSA Secretary-General, advocating balanced green policies.

Elpi Petraki (No. 91)

WISTA International President, advancing diversity and membership growth.

Greek shipping’s representation in the Top 100 highlights its innovation, adaptability, and influence amid unprecedented global challenges.

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Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. took delivery of the world’s first 22,000 cbm low-pressure liquid CO2 (“LCO₂”) / Multigas carrier, the Active, from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd.

The Active is the first of four 22,000 cbm LCO2/multi-gas sister carriers to be delivered by HMD in 2026. The vessel is designed to transport LCO2 and features multi-cargo capability: LCO2, LPG, ammonia, and selected petrochemicals.

The Active recently won the Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping 2025 “Ship of the Year” Award “for opening a new chapter in future carbon transportation solutions” and its “revolutionary tank technology and multi-cargo flexibility”.

Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. is a ship management service provider, currently operating a fleet of 21 modern LNG Carriers, 8 dual fuel LPG carriers, 4 pioneering LCO2 carriers and 2 dual fuel VLACs (Very Large Ammonia Carriers) with a total carrying capacity of approximately 4.3 million cubic meters. The fleet under management includes vessels of Nasdaq-listed Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp.

For a time-lapse construction video of Active, please click here 

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Avin International has made a strategic step joining Ahti’s FuelEU Maritime compliance pool.

Avin manages a fleet of about 35 oil and chemical tankers with a total capacity exceeding 2.5 million tonnes and employs over 2,000 shore and sea personnel. The company has constructed the world’s first ammonia-ready Suezmax vessel and continues to invest in future-ready tonnage.

By joining Ahti Pool, Avin enhances its FuelEU Maritime strategy by complementing its own decarbonisation initiatives with a structured, market-grade compliance mechanism. The Pool provides an additional layer of flexibility and alignment with the regulation, supporting Avin as it advances its broader decarbonisation roadmap across its fleet.

Built specifically for FuelEU Maritime, Ahti Pool manages fleets from owners and operators – including Van Weelde Group, Bore, Spliethoff, Stenersen, and Neste – and administers more than EUR 100 million of emissions exposure, providing members with robust, market‑grade compliance and strategic decarbonisation support.

Captain Pavlos Xagoraris, CEO of Avin International, said: “Joining Ahti Pool is a strategic step that strengthens our decarbonisation agenda and supports the next phase of our energy-transition journey. The Pool complements our own initiatives with a structured, market-aligned mechanism for managing FuelEU Maritime requirements across the fleet, enhancing our ability to deliver on our long-term environmental commitments.”

Risto Juhani Kariranta, CEO, Ahti Pool, said: “We are delighted to welcome Avin to Ahti Pool. Avin’s strong track record, investment in future‑ready tonnage, and commitment to operational excellence make them an ideal partner. Their entry strengthens the pool’s depth and diversity and enhances our ability to optimise compliance at scale for all Pool members.”

Photo credit: Avin International

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Aegean Protective Coatings S.A., representative of PPG in Greece completed a high-performance coating project during the dry docking of the tanker Apiliotis of Elin Shipping Co. at Chalkis Shipyards in October 2025.

During the dry docking, the hull of M/T Apiliotis was coated with PPG NEXEON 810, an ultra-low friction, premium performance copper-free antifouling, with the use of ESTA technology. This project marked another milestone in Aegean Protective Coatings’ ongoing effort to introduce sustainable and innovative coating technologies to the Greek shipping industry.

The Field Technical Service Team of Aegean and PPG played a key role in the project’s successful execution, providing on-site technical oversight and ensuring optimal application of the coating system. The execution was carried out in collaboration with Chalkis Shipyards, whose experienced team contributed to the smooth and efficient completion of the project.

PPG NEXEON 810 is an innovative copper-free antifouling solution with strong emphasis on performance sustainability and aesthetics. Building on over 25 years of successful copper-free coating development experience, PPG NEXEON 810 will help to achieve a reduction of up to 25% in greenhouse gas emissions and supports 60 days of idle time with minimal speed loss. Its unique formula integrates photodegradable biocides while also providing outstanding color retention throughout the entire service life of the vessel.

ESTA technology represents a significant advancement in marine coatings application, allowing superior paint adhesion, reduced material waste, and improved environmental sustainability. By utilizing an electrostatically charged spray method, the technique ensures a more uniform and efficient coating application compared to traditional methods.

With this pioneering project, Aegean Protective Coatings S.A. reaffirms its dedication to promoting PPG’s revolutionary marine coatings applications in Greece and paving the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly dry docking practices, bringing benefits to owners, operators and shipyards.

About Aegean Protective Coatings

Aegean Protective Coatings S.A. is the long-standing representative of PPG Coatings in Greece, providing innovative and high-performance coating solutions for the maritime industry. Through close collaboration with PPG, Aegean Protective Coatings S.A. delivers cutting-edge technology and technical expertise to shipowners and operators.

About PPG

PPG is a global leader in paints, coatings, and specialty materials. With a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and performance, PPG’s Protective and Marine Coatings Business delivers state-of-the-art solutions designed to extend the service life of assets and enhance operational efficiency.

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Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (PPA S.A.) has recently recorded a series of high-profile distinctions, confirming its steadily upward trajectory, strong financial performance and strategic commitment to the principles of responsible and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Specifically, the company was distinguished at the ICAP CRIF – True Leaders Awards, an institution that acknowledges companies with outstanding financial performance, strong creditworthiness and a consistent growth path. The True Leaders Awards are based on strict and objective criteria, including profitability, turnover growth, employment levels, and financial reliability, highlighting companies that serve as benchmarks of sound entrepreneurship within the Greek economy.

In parallel, Piraeus Port Authority was honored with the Diamond Elite distinction at the Diamonds of the Greek Economy 2025, a leading institution organized by Naftemporiki that highlights companies with a strong footprint in the Greek economy. The ELITE category applies to companies listed on the Athens Stock Exchange with high market capitalization and stable growth dynamics. It is worth noting that the Diamond Elite award was conferred on Piraeus Port Authority for the first time, as a result of the significant increase

in its market capitalization—an achievement that reflects market confidence and further enhances the company’s corporate value.

Of particular importance is also the distinction of PPA S.A. at the Diamonds of the Greek Economy 2025 – ESG Awards, also organized by Naftemporiki. The ESG Awards recognize companies that consistently integrate the principles of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) responsibility into their daily operations and the core of their strategic approach. This ESG Leading Award distinction, which PPA S.A. received for yet another year, confirms its leading role in responsible business practices and sustainable development.

The above distinctions collectively present a comprehensive picture of strategic maturity and financial strength, clearly reflecting the values and corporate culture of PPA S.A., which consistently invests in transparency, sustainable development and the creation of long-term value for the economy and society.

PPA S.A. continues to consolidate its position as a modern, reliable and responsible organization, making a substantial contribution to the country’s growth momentum and reinforcing the role of the Port of Piraeus as a strategic hub at both national and international levels.

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The International Flag-State Association (IFA), an association of the world’s three largest registries, Liberia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Panama, has been meeting since 2021.  IFA is the first alliance of its kind and was designed to allow its members to have a platform to more formally engage with respect to global challenges, stakeholder insight, and the development and implementation of international instruments to enhance maritime safety, security, the protection of the marine environment, and the welfare of seafarers, among others.

Unlike other maritime sectors, flag States previously lacked a dedicated and formal global platform. IFA aims to fill that gap. For example, in 2024, IFA members enhanced the capabilities of the successful Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC) by improving the paths to information exchange through an integrated online database. The RISC database is an online tool for consultation among subscribed flag States that allows for easier access to details on problem vessels that may be evading regulations or engaging in suspicious activities.

While information sharing has been the priority to date for IFA, one of its next steps will be applying for consultative status at the International Maritime Organization to more actively contribute to international policymaking. 

IFA founding member representatives include Alfonso Castillero, Chief Executive Officer, Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry; Bill Gallagher, Senior Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator; and Alexander De Gracia, Deputy Administrator, Panama Maritime Authority. Collectively, these founding member representatives agree that:

“IFA brings together the world’s most influential flag States, which represent more than 40% of the world’s gross tonnage, to promote higher maritime safety, security, environmental protection, seafarer welfare, and practical, globally harmonized rules and regulations. Shipping is a worldwide industry and maritime regulations must remain global.”

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