The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Greek Branch hosted its annual Vassilopita Cutting Event on Monday, 9 February 2026, at the premises of V.Ships, welcoming Members, shipping professionals and distinguished guests for an evening combining timely insight with tradition and networking. The event was also live streamed, attracting more than 500 members and professionals from around the world, underlining its strong international reach.

Prior to the traditional Vassilopita cutting, the ICS Greek Branch organized a seminar focusing on geopolitical developments and their impact on global shipping and trade. The seminar featured an esteemed panel of speakers who provided in-depth perspectives on the evolving geopolitical landscape and its direct implications for maritime transport, global supply chains and commercial decision-making within the shipping industry.

The panel included: Professor Athanasios Platias, Professor of Strategy, University of Piraeus, Mr. Vasilis Mouyis, Co-founder & Director, Doric Shipbrokers S.A., Mr. Punit Oza, FICS, President, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.

The speakers shared valuable insights into how geopolitical uncertainty continues to reshape global commerce, emphasizing the importance of strategic awareness, adaptability and informed leadership for shipping professionals operating in today’s complex international environment.

Following the seminar, members and guests enjoyed a warm cocktail reception, offering the opportunity for meaningful networking and exchange of views among industry peers. The evening concluded with the much-anticipated Vassilopita Cutting, during which the lucky winners of the traditional coins received special gifts.

The ICS Greek Branch would like to warmly thank the companies and members who generously contributed these wonderful gifts: AEGEAN Airlines, ELIES RESORTS SIFNOS, Euphoria Retreat (Mystras), Hellenic Management Centre, B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation, Guerlain Spa – One & Only Athens (Glyfada), and

Seaorama: World of Shipping. 

Heartfelt thanks are also extended to V.Ships and our Fellow Member, Mr. Dimitris Patrikios, Managing Director of V.Ships Greece, for their generous hospitality in hosting the event at their auditorium and facilities.

The ICS Greek Branch extends its sincere gratitude to the speakers, attendees and supporters for contributing to an engaging and successful evening. The Branch remains committed to promoting knowledge-sharing, professional development and constructive dialogue within the shipping community and looks forward to welcoming its members to future events.

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Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) recently launched its Gas Center of Excellence in Doha, Qatar, strengthening its commitment to supporting the continued growth of LNG and gas projects worldwide. The centre brings together BV’s expertise in gas carrier operations, classification, and regulatory compliance to deliver integrated, future-ready support across the gas value chain.

Staffed by a dedicated team of gas specialists with extensive experience in gas carrier operations, both for new building phases and for vessels in service, the Center combines strong regional know-how with Bureau Veritas’ global technical network. Based in Doha, the centre is designed to provide responsive, high-level support to stakeholders in Qatar, across the Middle East, and internationally, reflecting the scale of gas investment and fleet expansion in the region and beyond.

The Gas Center of Excellence builds on BV’s long-standing marine and offshore presence in the Middle East, with operations across 13 offices and with around 120 specialists. So far in the region, BV has classed more than 1250 ships and provides continued marine classification, surveys, audits, and inspections across the full vessel lifecycle, supporting clients throughout the maritime and energy ecosystem.

Today, 50% of the world’s leading energy companies work with BV. Its fleet of gas carriers in service totals 344 vessels, including 153 LNG carriers. In the LNG shipping segment, BV holds a leading position, with 21% of LNG carriers currently on order and 19% of LNG vessels in operation sailing under its class, as of the end of 2025. BV is also a market leader in membrane cargo containment systems and dual-fuel propulsion certification and holds around 30% market share in LNG bunkering vessel classification across newbuilds and vessels in service, and classes more than one-third of the world’s floating LNG units, including FLNGs, FSRUs, and LNG-FSUs.

In recent years, BV has supported major LNG projects for leading energy players, including QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies, Petronas, and Cheniere, providing classification and technical services for next-generation LNG carriers delivered between 2022 – 2025. This experience is reflected in its involvement in QatarEnergy’s LNG carrier newbuilding programs with 174 000 m³ and 271 000 m³ capacity LNG carriers, the largest shipbuilding project in modern history, as well as a condition Assessment Program (CAP) with Nakilat covering more than 22 LNG carriers currently in service.

Beyond marine and offshore, the Center is also backed by Bureau Veritas Group’s broader global testing, inspection and certification capabilities across the entire gas value chain – from upstream production and midstream transport to terminals, storage, distribution networks and LNG facilities. This is further strengthened by BV’s Future Shipping Team, a global cross-disciplinary network of experts driving collaboration, research and innovation to support sustainable, technology-driven progress across the maritime and energy sectors.

Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President, Industrials & Commodities at Bureau Veritas, said: “The expansion of gas infrastructure is a full value-chain challenge, not only a maritime one. With our Gas Center of Excellence in Doha, Bureau Veritas is combining classification with our broader testing, inspection and certification expertise to support stakeholders from production and liquefaction to transport, terminals and distribution networks, helping them manage complexity, ensure asset integrity, and improve performance safely and sustainably across the entire supply chain.”

Alex Gregg-Smith, President, Marine & Offshore at Bureau Veritas, concluded: “Shipping sits at the core of global gas trade, and LNG carriers, bunkering vessels and floating units are becoming ever more sophisticated. BV’s new Gas Center of Excellence strengthens Bureau Veritas’ ability to support ship-owners, operators and shipyards with deep operational expertise, from newbuildings to vessels in service, helping clients manage risk, meet evolving regulations and adopt advanced technologies while improving safety, performance and sustainability across their fleets.”

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The Marine Club of Piraeus recently hosted the 25th International P&I Conference, a landmark event gathering the "who’s who" of the Greek and international P&I shipping community.

Mr. Paris C. Xanalatos - Director of Tide Line Inc. - Chairman of the BoD of the PMC opened the event & Ms. Maria Prevezanou - Director of Evmar Marine Services Ltd. - Treasurer of the BoD of the PMC / Organiser of the Conference thanked the sponsors for their support and trust.

Chaired by Mr. Lou Kollakis, President of Chartworld Shipping Corp, the conference addressed the volatile intersection of geopolitical shifts, green energy transitions, and the evolving risk landscape. From the complexities of "Green" disputes to the sustainability of the International Group’s (IG) reinsurance, the day’s debates highlighted a common theme: the industry must balance traditional shipping pragmatism with an increasingly digital and regulated future.

1. The Green Transition: A Boon for FD&D Disputes?

Motion: Will new fuels and regulations lead to a surge in Freight, Demurrage & Defense (FD&D) claims?

• • The Case "For": Ms. Alexandra Davison (NorthStandard) noted a 10% increase in disputes linked to ESG issues, specifically BIMCO’s EU ETS clauses and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulations. The argument is that technical complexity naturally breeds legal friction.
• • The Case "Against": Mr. Konstantinos Samaritis (Britannia P&I) argued that existing Charter Party frameworks are robust enough to handle these shifts. He emphasized that the industry has always adapted to disruptions—from Red Sea transits to new fuel sampling—and that mediation and owner-charterer cooperation remain the best tools for resolution.

2. Major Casualties and Reinsurance Stability

Focus: The impact of mega-claims like the X-PRESS PEARL and MSC ELSA 3.

Moderated by Ms. Ismini Panagiotidi (Pavimar SA), this session raised alarms regarding the rising costs of maritime accidents. Panelists including Mr. Ian Barr (The London P&I Club) and Mr. Alan Mackinnon (UK P&I Club) stressed the need for the International Group to work closer with coastal states. The goal is to ensure compensation remains fact-based and proportionate, warning that unchecked costs could eventually threaten the sustainability of the Group’s commercial reinsurance programs.

3. Financial Health: Underwriting vs. Investment Income

Motion: Are P&I Clubs too reliant on volatile investment markets to cover underwriting losses?

• • The Pro-Balance View: Mr. Bjornar Andresen (Gard) argued for strong buffers that reflect solvency rules, suggesting investment strategies must align with the sound performance of the balance sheet.
• • The Technical View: Mr. Marius Vitas (West of England) and Mr. Dimitris Batalis (Shipowners Club) focused on sustainable technical underwriting. While Batalis acknowledged that claims volatility has led to premium increases, he maintained that Club balance sheets remain resilient enough to withstand financial market uncertainty.

4. Cyber Risk: Reality or Hype?

Motion: Does the IT community exaggerate cyber-exposure for the average shipowner?

The consensus leaned heavily toward the reality of the threat. Mr. Daniel A. Tadros (American Club) cited specific instances of government-backed hacking and phishing causing massive financial loss. Mr. Ludvig Nyhlen (The Swedish Club) and Mr. George (Margetis Maritime) emphasized that because P&I Clubs often cannot cover these specific risks, the defense must be internal: rigorous audits, staff training, and "cyber-hygiene" for both seafarers and office personnel.

Closing Remarks: Mr. Lou Kollakis closed the proceedings by calling for continued collaboration across the sector, noting that while the industry is in a period of transition, its ability to adapt to new fuels and frameworks is proven. The community will reconvene for the next international P&I event in 2027.

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Aegean Protective Coatings S.A., a representative of PPG in Greece, completed a high-performance coating project during the dry docking of the passenger vessel Fior Di Levante of Levante Ferries Maritime Co. at OLP Perama Ship Repair Zone in October 2025.

During the dry docking, the hull of Fior Di Levante was coated with PPG SIGMAGLIDE 2390, a biocide-free fouling release product for optimum efficiency.

This project marked another milestone in Aegean Protective Coatings’ ongoing effort to introduce sustainable and innovative coating technologies to the Greek shipping industry with the use of ESTA technology.

By providing on-site technical oversight and guaranteeing the best possible application of the coating system, the Field Technical Service Teams of Aegean and PPG were instrumental in the project's successful completion. The project was executed in collaboration with OLP Perama Repair Yard & Coral Piraeus Ship Repair, whose skilled staff made the project run smoothly and effectively.

PPG SIGMAGLIDE 2390 represents a real breakthrough in fouling release technology and is the latest addition to the renowned PPG SIGMAGLIDE range that has been widely used by many vessel owners and operators worldwide for more than 30 years.

This durable and extremely long-lasting biocide free, fouling release coating will help vessels achieve instant power savings of up to 20% with a speed loss performance of less than 1%. It does this whilst also allowing operators to profit from a considerable reduction in long-term maintenance costs. By lowering vessel emissions by up to 35%, PPG SIGMAGLIDE 2390 makes it significantly easier to meet IMO GHG targets, EEXI and EEDI ratings, and CII compliance. Higher speed flexibility becomes effortless to maintain.

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.

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. www.ppgpmc.com

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LALIZAS recently hosted representatives of the Panhellenic Marine-Pilots Association at their local production facilities in Piraeus for a constructive discussion on Embarkation & Pilot Ladders.

During the visit, the pilots shared valuable insights from their daily operations, highlighting the challenges encountered in demanding maritime conditions. The discussion underlined that safety equipment such as Pilot Ladders and Lifejackets are lifesaving appliances, whose effectiveness depends heavily on correct use, proper handling and maintenance. Particular emphasis was placed on the mandatory wearing of lifejackets during boarding and disembarkation operations, reinforcing the importance of strict adherence to established safety protocols.

Clear communication from manufacturers regarding proper use, installation, product lifespan, and limitations was identified as essential in reducing risks. The meeting also highlighted the importance of ship-owner and ship-management companies trusting experienced manufacturers who prioritise certified raw materials, high-quality manufacturing standards, and regulatory compliance. Proper storage and care on board are key factors that contribute significantly to product effectiveness and operational safety.

Direct dialogue with marine pilots provides critical real-world feedback on performance, durability, and ergonomics. This enables LALIZAS to reinforce their ongoing effort to enhance safety through continuous improvement and close cooperation with the maritime industry.

Watch the relevant video here.

About LALIZAS

LALIZAS is a family owned company, whose vision is to produce high quality products that ensure safety at sea, and distribute them in international markets through its well‐established distribution network. It was founded in Piraeus, Greece, in 1982. Its product range includes lifejackets (foam-filled and inflatable) ISO and SOLAS meeting all regulations under any flag, life rafts, MOB devices and navigation lights, immersion suits, safety harnesses, IMO signs and many other marine products. All items are being manufactured and distributed at competitive prices to maritime companies, ship suppliers, chandleries, marine stores, shipyards and boat builders around the world, always taking into consideration the market’s feedback. Τhe genuine care for their customers and the indispensable input of their employees, who are considered as #thelalizasforce, has resulted in the company's growth and will continue to contribute positively to the continuous development of LALIZAS.

For LALIZAS ‘Safety is not just a product, it is an ongoing process!’

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Signal Ocean proceeded to a strategic acquisition of AXSMarine, a recognized leader in the maritime freight and commodities tracking space.
The move reflects Signal's commitment to advancing technology, innovation, and collaboration across the global shipping ecosystem.
Signal Ocean has long held deep respect for the market structure and dynamics of the Shipping industry, as well as for the many companies contributing to its continued evolution. AXSMarine has built an outstanding suite of products with amazing market adoption.
This investment underscores a shared belief in the partnership’s long-term potential and the value it will deliver to our industry. "We have immense respect for AXSMarine’ s achievements - both in the strength of its products, like AXSDry and Alphaliner, and its position in the market" said Ioannis Martinos, CEO of Signal Ocean.

"This investment and partnership is rooted in a shared vision: to build technology and provide quality data that enhance the way our industry operates. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of innovation, deepen collaboration across market participants, and deliver solutions that truly serve the community across prefixing, postfixing and commodities tracking. For our clients, this will mean more robust data and faster feature development". The combined product portfolio extends beyond the primary offerings to also include AXSMarine affiliate Next Voyage Maritime Pte. and Signal Ocean affiliate Shiplex S.A., who develop voyage and ship management ERP solutions. Together, the group now supports a community of more than 1,500 clients. Signal Ocean also reaffirmed the importance of its broader network of partnerships, including its valued relationship with BRS, a leading shipbroking group which remains a long-term satisfied client of both the Signal Ocean and AXSMarine solutions.

The companies will continue developing and strengthening their partnership to create greater alignment and improve efficiency for users across the sector. "Signal Ocean 's investment is a strong endorsement of our mission." said Gilbert Walter, CEO of BRS Group. "We are pleased with our decision to transfer the destiny of AXSMarine to Signal Ocean, a company that truly understands shipping, comes from within the industry, and has consistently demonstrated deep respect for its people and its evolution. Reflecting BRS Group’s confidence in this union, we have decided to invest in Signal Ocean and participate in its board." "I'm very proud of what we've achieved so far, and as we look toward the future of our combined forces, I'm excited to be part of this next chapter in our journey." said Jacques Goudchaux, AXSMarine CEO.

"In this next phase, my goal is to ensure our values stay at the core of every decision, and that we continue creating meaningful impact for our customers, partners, and each other. Our alignment and shared vision will improve and accelerate our ability to serve our markets together for the benefit of our clients". As quality data and technology continue being essential to the global freight and commodities tracking space, this partnership represents a collective step forward - combining deep domain expertise with a forward-thinking approach to innovation. BRS has been advised by:
● Amala Partners as exclusive financial advisor
● ASEMLEX as legal advisor
● CMS France as tax advisor
● CMS UK as UK legal advisor
● Forvis Mazars as financial vendor due diligence provider Signal has been advised by:
● Bredin Prat as legal and tax advisor
● Kerameus & Partners as legal advisor
● Latham & Watkins as UK legal advisor
● PWC France as legal, financial and tax advisor About Signal Ocean - Signal Ocean is the technology arm of The Signal Group and the creator of the Signal Ocean Platform.
The platform enables charterers, brokers, and shipowners to securely process, combine, and analyze a complex array of private and public data on shipping and commodities. Powered by a rich set of machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies, Signal Ocean processes available data to deliver customized, exclusive insights for smarter, faster, and more informed decision-making. Established in 2014 with offices in London, Athens, and Singapore, The Signal Group is a diversified shipping services organization supported by a world-class mix of commercial shipping professionals, product managers, data scientists, and engineers.
The wider group operates Signal Maritime Services, which combines best-in-class commercial ship management with in-anger use of advanced analytics to run a leading Aframax tanker pool, and Signal Ventures, a strategic investment arm focused on incubating, accelerating and investing in next-generation shipping software and technology. About AXSMarine - AXSMarine offers a complete suite of interactive, web-based tools and databases to support all commercial ship chartering activities. These integrated solutions enable shipbrokers, operators, owners, charterers, research firms, and financial institutions to streamline complex chartering processes across the Dry Bulk, Tanker, Gas, Liner, and Containership markets. By maintaining the most up-to-date databases in the industry, AXSMarine converts an overwhelming amount of raw data into accessible, searchable, and actionable insights for swift and precise decision-making.
Founded in 2000, AXSMarine is a global provider of sophisticated software solutions serving the international shipping industry, earning the trust of over 18,000 users worldwide. The company delivers unparalleled efficiency through its specialized Ship Chartering & Freight Solutions and deep Commodity Flows & Maritime Data Insights, reflecting a dedication to security, speed, and reliability in every tool designed.

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The Government of the Republic of Palau has contracted Palau Ship Registry to operate the nation’s official shipping registry under a new governance framework.

The appointment follows a period during which the Government considered how the registry should operate going forward, with a focus on accountability, transparency, and alignment with international maritime standards.

In December, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries assumed responsibility for operating the Ship Registry to ensure uninterrupted service to vessels flying the Palau Flag. Throughout this period, registry services continued without disruption while the Government evaluated the future operating framework.

Under the new arrangement, Palau Ship Registry has commenced operations and has assumed responsibility for day-to-day registry operations in accordance with its contract with the Government of the Republic of Palau.

The Government of the Republic of Palau confirms that all marine regulations, circulars, notices, and statutory documents, including vessel and seafarer certificates and Seafarer Identify and Record Books, issued on behalf of the Republic of Palau prior to the commencement of the new operating arrangement, remain valid and in full force and effect, subject to verification through online or QR code.

Commenting on the appointment, the Honorable Charles Obichang, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries, said: “The Palau Ship Registry now operates under a structure approved by the Government of Palau. Our focus is on providing a clear and robust framework that supports safe, responsible and compliant shipping while ensuring continuity and confidence for vessels flying the Palau Flag. The Government has confidence in entrusting Mr. Panos Kirnidis, who will lead this new chapter of Palau Ship Registry.”

Mr. Kirnidis said: “I am honoured to continue working with the Government of Palau in support of the Palau Ship Registry. Our clear objective is to provide reliable and professional service to shipowners, managers, and seafarers, combining effective digital tools with experienced and responsive support.”

The Government of the Republic of Palau confirmed that the operating framework provides clarity and stability for shipowners, operators, and international partners. It also ensures that the Palau Flag continues to meet the expectations of regulators, classification societies and the wider maritime community.

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Columbia Group has selected Prevention at Sea (PaS) as its strategic compliance partner and will deploy the MORSE digital compliance platform across its entire managed fleet.
The partnership between Columbia Group and PaS will strengthen digital capabilities by linking electronic logbooks with standardised, end-to-end compliance processes. MORSE will give the company real-time visibility of reporting activity, improve data quality, and cut administrative work for crews on board.
The move will improve operational efficiency onboard and removes the burden of time-consuming administrative jobs for crew members.
PaS will also act as the auditing arm of CSM’s compliance framework and deliver its Behavioural Competency Assessment & Verification (BCAV) program to help reinforce a strong compliance culture across the fleet.
The move reflects Columbia Group’s focus on efficiency and future-ready compliance systems.
Mark O’ Neil, President and CEO of Columbia Group, said: “Digitalising our compliance processes allows crews to spend less time on manual administration and more time on critical operational tasks. MORSE gives us the transparency, accuracy and audit trails we need as regulatory demands continue to rise across the industry.”
Petros Achtypis, CEO, Prevention at Sea, added: “We are proud to partner with Columbia Shipmanagement to support their vision of a digitally empowered compliance culture,” added Petros Achtypis, CEO of Prevention at Sea. “By integrating our MORSE compliance platform across their fleet and acting as their compliance auditing arm, we aim to enhance operational transparency and ultimately contribute to safer and more efficient vessel operations. This recognition comes with great responsibility, and it strengthens our commitment toward a zero-harm industry. We are excited for the journey ahead.”

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Posidonia to include exhibition, conferences, networking, social and sporting events over 3-week period to welcome thousands of exhibitors and visitors from some 140 countries

The world’s most prestigious shipping exhibition is now also set to become the longest in duration shipping event, as Posidonia 2026 prepares to engage the global maritime community over a three-week period filled with conferences, networking, social and sporting events. Activities will begin in early-May and culminate during Posidonia Week, which officially takes place from 1–5 June.

With 50,000 square metres of exhibition space at the Metropolitan Expo sold out months in advance, thousands of exhibitors and visitors from 140 countries will once again converge on Athens. Posidonia 2026 is eagerly anticipated across a broad spectrum of the local economy, including hotels, catering and restaurants, transport and mobility providers, entertainment and sporting venues and stand builders, amongst others. The event is expected to contribute over €100m to the economy of Attica and neighbouring tourism destinations.

Theodore Vokos, Managing Director of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., said: “The economic and business impact of Posidonia now begins nearly three weeks before the official opening, as conferences, business meetings, industry gatherings and sporting events are increasingly scheduled ahead of the traditionally crowded Posidonia Week. With many events staged during the preceding 15-day period, the overall Posidonia timeframe has expanded significantly. This extended activity cycle is expected to deliver even greater benefits to the local economy, with hotel and event-space bookings already exceeding 2024 levels.”

He added: “Posidonia is returning with greater strength and scale than ever before, driven by the industry’s renewed momentum and a shared commitment to maintaining the exhibition’s status as an unmissable biennial meeting point for the global maritime community — a place to connect, exchange ideas and collaborate now and into the future. No other shipping event attracts as many Shipping Ministers, presidents of international organisations, Greek and international shipowners and senior shipping executives.”

As the home show of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) - the world’s largest and most influential shipowners’ association - Posidonia has long served as a magnet for not only for shipyards and maritime equipment and service providers, but also for the finance, insurance and technology sectors, reflecting the UGS’s collective strength and expanding orderbook. In 2025, Greek shipowners placed 250 newbuilding orders. Greek shipowners also rank second worldwide in second-hand vessel acquisitions, with around 260 purchases concluding last year, surpassed only by China*.

Germany and Italy will return with National Pavilions after prolonged absence, with their ship equipment manufacturers and services providers showcasing their offering. To accommodate strong demand, the organisers utilized all available space to welcome some 40 new and returning exhibitors, including start-ups, technology innovators and shipyards from the Far East and Australia.

With shipping facing plenty of headwinds at the moment in a challenging international environment, a lot is to be debated at Posidonia. According to the head of research and valuations of Cass Technava, Eva Tzima: “Topics to be discussed will include geopolitics, environmental regulatory requirements, and of course technological advancements and the possible benefits the use of AI could offer to shipping. It goes without saying that while all these areas are of high interest to the industry, geopolitical developments are expected to dominate discussions, not only because they continue to shape market supply and demand dynamics, but also because their impact has been extending across other areas of interest, as evidenced by the delay in IMO’s net zero framework adoption voted last year, following intensive lobbying from the U.S. administration.”

The Posidonia 2026 Conference Programme is already taking shape. The Marine Insurance Greece and RightShip conferences will open proceedings in early May with a focus on risk management and maritime risk and security. The TradeWinds Shipowners Forum 2026 will take place on the first day of the exhibition, bringing together leading shipowners to debate the industry’s most pressing challenges, followed by the HELMEPA Conference, which will address environmental and sustainability issues. Among the highlights will be the SNAME Conference, titled “The Greek Shipyard Renaissance: Rebuilding Capacity, Restoring Leadership”, which will explore the future of Greece’s resurgent shipyard sector.

The Posidonia Games continue to expand into a major sporting and social platform and create their own maritime ecosystem, now comprising a full Posidonia sports weekend ahead of the exhibition. A new addition for 2026 is the Posidonia Tour, a challenging cycling event that will take participants along one of the world’s most scenic routes, from Syntagma Square in central Athens to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Around 300 cyclists are expected to take part. Established sailing, football, golf, 3x3 basketball and running events will also return, drawing more than 4,000 shipping professionals.

Posidonia 2026 is 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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In an uncertain geopolitical environment of various conflicts and numerous sanctioned areas the world, is becoming more apparent and essential to guarantee the safety of all seafarers’ lives.

On the occasion of the New Year traditional vasilopita reception, Mr. Haralambos Fafalios President of Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, commented on the latest geopolitical developments and shared his views regarding the green transition of shipping.

He said that: “Geopolitically, with an unpredictable U.S. domestic and foreign policy, it is impossible to guess between tariffs and possible military hotspots how this will affect our industry, whether positively or negatively.

The takeover of Greenland and Taiwan seem to be lurking in the wings. The dissolution of NATO is also a possibility. At this point, global trade flows are relatively similar, and have not really affected individual ship types too drastically.

We still have a vigorous movement of bulk, liquid and unitized cargoes around the world. All sectors are being supplied by a growing number of brand new and ever larger size ships”.

In the last 12 months, the container market has been very positive, the tanker sector has seen some very profitable moments and the gas markets have also recovered significantly.

The RoRo and car carrier sector have been less bullish than a year ago. Finally, the dry bulk sector has seen a slight improvement towards the final months of the year.

There is sufficient optimism to have filled most shipyards capacity beyond 2028 and into 2029. Large numbers of large container ships, tankers, gas carriers and bulk carriers are on order predominantly in China, with the rest being built in South Korea and Japan. In China in particular, new yards such as Hengli are building up huge order books, and in Japan Imabari is further consolidating the Japanese shipbuilding sector.

Of these new ships a certain proportion are being built to be multi-fuel suitable but without knowing if there will be sufficient green fuels available to supply them. Supply of green fuels to shipping will only be available after shore-based demand is satisfied!

Outside of the fossil fuel and biofuel solutions, including LNG and LPG, other fuels, such as ammonia, are not tried and tested or safe for that matter for the entire global fleet.

Shipping needs global solutions and tramp shipping in particular, which encompasses the largest part of the world shipping fleet, cannot rely on haphazard solutions which are not yet there in terms of reliability and more importantly, in terms of safety.

The carbon-free solution is still not around and will not be so for the next 10-20 years and therefore levying more taxes will not encourage a cleaner world. Those who are levying these taxes should be responsible for finding the real solutions.

No member of the environmental lobby has come up with a workable solution for our future fuel needs.

“Greek shipping companies represent the largest individual shipping nation comprising a substantial global trading fleet with the greatest number of low-carbon newbuildings. As a result of this order book, the Greek fleet continues to get younger and to provide ever more versatile solutions to marine transport needs”.

Concluding Mr. Fafalios emphasizes on the role of GSCC and the importance of Hellenic Coast Guard.

The GSCC itself, being based in London since 1935, has played a significant role in being a conduit between the Greek shipping industry and the various UK-based organizations representing our industry.

We also wish to stress the importance of the Hellenic Coast Guard for Greece.

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