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Ilias Tsakiris, CEO of Hellenic Hull and General Manager of the American Club Europe, has been named among the Top 10 in Marine Insurance 2025 by Lloyd’s List, the globally respected provider of shipping intelligence since 1734. Mr. Tsakiris also serves as current Chair of the Ocean Hull Committee of the International Union of Marine insurance.

This distinction marks the second time Mr. Tsakiris has been included in Lloyd’s List’s annual ranking, following his first recognition in 2020. Being named again five years later highlights a period of steady leadership and continued contribution during years of significant change for the marine insurance sector.

Over this period, Mr. Tsakiris has strengthened Hellenic Hull’s international underwriting presence, built on technical depth, disciplined underwriting and close, long-standing relationships with Greek and Cypriot shipowners. Under his leadership, the company has consistently delivered results above those of the wider hull market, supported by a strong risk culture and hands-on understanding of shipping operations.

With a background at sea, Mr. Tsakiris brings a practical perspective to marine insurance, placing equal emphasis on technical accuracy, responsibility and trust. These principles have shaped both his leadership style and the way Hellenic Hull works with clients, brokers and partners across the industry.

Alongside his executive role, Mr. Tsakiris has been actively involved in industry dialogue at an international level. As Chair of the IUMI’s Ocean Hull Committee, he has contributed to discussions on market cycles, reinsurance pressures, sanctions, compliance and the growing need for technical capacity. He has also played a key role in expanding IUMI’s educational initiatives, including the development of the IUMI Hull Masterclass, aimed at supporting the next generation of marine insurance professionals.

Mr. Tsakiris is also recognised for his early and consistent support of ESG principles in the marine insurance sector, promoting transparency, data-driven decision-making and climate-aligned frameworks as the industry responds to the challenges of the energy transition.

“I’m honoured to be named once again by Lloyd’s List among the Top 10 in Marine Insurance for 2025. When I was first included in 2020, I saw it as recognition, but also as a responsibility. Being named again five years later carries a deeper meaning, especially in an industry that has faced constant change, pressure, and uncertainty during this period”, said Mr. Tsakiris.

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On December 9th, 2025, the U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle made a visit aboard the historic museum ship Hellas Liberty at the Port of Piraeus.

The Hellas Liberty stands as a living monument to maritime history and the enduring ties between Greece and the United States. Currently, the ship remains closed to the public due to ongoing works for the creation of the Underwater Antiquities Museum.

A brief historical note: In 1943, the American shipbuilding industry produced one Liberty Ship every two days to meet wartime needs. These vessels played a decisive role in defeating Nazism and, after the war, many were sold at preferential prices to Greek shipowners. This marked the beginning of the Greek-owned fleet, which grew to dominate global shipping and remains a world leader today.

During a recent meeting between the Friends of Liberty Association and the Minister of Shipping, Mr. Vassilis Kikilias, a commitment was made to enable the temporary relocation of Hellas Liberty so it can once again be accessible to the public— a significant step toward preserving and sharing this unique piece of history.

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Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) convened the 39th Hellenic Marine Technical Committee meeting in Athens on December 3, bringing together leading stakeholders of the Greek maritime community to discuss evolving regulations, technological advances, and strategic considerations for the fleet of tomorrow.

The meeting opened with a welcome address and the election of new members by George Sarris, Chairman of the Committee and President of Enterprises Shipping & Trading S.A., who emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration and knowledge-sharing as the industry navigates regulatory complexity. George Andreadis, Marine Chief Executive for Greece at BV, welcomed participants and reaffirmed BV’s commitment to supporting the Greek shipping community through technical expertise and forward-looking guidance.

The technical program commenced with Julien Boulland, Sustainability Strategy Leader at BV, presenting key regulatory updates following the MEPC 2nd Extraordinary Session and ISWG-20 GHG review. His analysis provided clarity on near- and mid-term priorities for shipowners responding to new decarbonization requirements. Vassilios Dimoulas, Technology & Innovation Director for EMA, followed with an overview of on-board carbon capture technologies, reviewing regulatory considerations, technological maturity, and pathways for the treatment of captured CO₂. The session concluded with Bill Stamatopoulos, Global Business Development Director at Verifuel, who delivered insights on bio-blended fuel stability and performance as well as fuel sampling and mass flow meters in ARA region.

The meeting also focused on innovation and future-proof ship technologies. Olivier Cartier, Vice President Technical at BV, outlined recent developments in BV innovation and advanced research, showcasing emerging solutions supporting vessel efficiency and environmental performance. Dr. John Kokarakis, Technical Director for the SEEBA Zone at BV, presented “The Shaft Generator Story,” describing its role in enabling eco-friendliness and operational ultra-efficiency. The session concluded with an open discussion moderated by Vassilios Dimoulas on future-proofing newbuilding investments in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment, addressing how shipowners can evaluate and select the most appropriate technical solutions when placing orders today.

George Andreadis, Marine Chief Executive for Greece at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “The 39th Hellenic Marine Technical Committee once again highlighted the strength, resilience, and forward-looking mindset of the Greek maritime community. As the industry moves toward 2030 and beyond, clear regulatory direction and innovative technical solutions are essential. Bureau Veritas remains committed to supporting our partners with deep expertise, practical insight, and global capabilities.”

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The 22nd GREEK SHIPPING LLOYD’S LIST AWARDS was a resounding success, honouring the achievements and future potential of the Hellenic maritime community. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Andriana Paraskevopoulou and Nigel Lowry, the ceremony was attended by a prominent audience eager to acknowledge the industry’s leaders.

Greek Minister of Shipping & Island Policy Vasilis Kikilias underscored the deep roots of Greek shipping heritage and praised the new generation for successfully expanding the industry's influence on the global maritime scene. The event sponsor was Neptune maritime leasing, and the welcome drinks sponsor was Allegiant Shipping.

The evening saw several major companies and individuals recognized. NEPTUNE LINES secured the Dry Cargo Company award sponsored by Marichem-Marigases, with Melina Travlos dedicating the win to her late father Nikolaos Travlos.

SEAVEN TANKER MANAGEMENT received the Tanker Company title sponsored by Bureau Veritas. The fleet of Seaven is comprised of medium sized Greek flag modern oil / chemical tankers, double-hulled and equipped with upmost technologically advanced equipment.

MINOAN LINES was awarded as the top Passenger Line. In finance, CREDIA BANK was recognized as the leading Ship Financier.

Shipbroker of the year was INTERMODAL SHIPBROKERS. The award was received by Kyriakos Dermatis who outlined the excellent 41-year course in the sector of shipbroking.

Innovation was highlighted with the Technical Achievement award (sponsored by DNV) going to ARISTON NAVIGATION for an innovative bow duct device called Pertoduct.

The prestigious Ship of the year award was given to the CO2 Carrier “ACTIVE” OF CAPITAL GAS, a vessel hailed as a state-of-the-art pioneer in CO2 transportation. The award was sponsored by ABS.

Lloyd’s List intelligence Big Data sponsored by Zygos Maritime was given to NEREUS DIGITAL BUNKERS.

The Piraeus International Centre sponsored by Class NK won the HELLENIC SHORTSEA SHIPOWNERS ASSOCIATION. The award received by Haralambos Simantonis

The Safety Award sponsored by Seajets went to MEGA TUGS. Paul Xiradakis received the award who referred to the salvage of the tanker vessel “Sounion” that Mega tugs was involved in 2024 at the Red Sea region.

On the people front, Capt. DIONYSIOS ARKALIS from Costamare was named Seafarer of the year for a heroic salvage operation (sponsored by SAFE BULKERS INC.), while MARIELENA PROKOPIOU OF DELOS NAVIGATION & AKROTIRI TANKERS received the Next Generation Shipping Award, sponsored by Marshall Islands Registry.

The Achievement in Education sponsored by Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus was received by NAUTICAL ACADEMY OF ASPROPYRGOS which celebrates 70 years of maritime service developing captains and ships engineers.

The sustainability award sponsored by Lloyd’s Register took ATLANTIC BULKCARRIERS for the company’s efforts to minimize the environmental impact and improve vessels efficiency. The award was received by Michalis Charalambous.

The Deal of the year sponsored by Timagenis Law Firm was delivered by TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION for ordering nine shuttle tanker vessels creating one of largest and younger fleet in the world. The award was received by George Saroglou & Panos N. Tsakos who thanked all people involved in this spectacular project and especially the crew and the company’s technical team.

Greek Shipping Newsmaker sponsored by LPC was SEMIRAMIS PALIOU. The award received by Marina Christina Tsemani.

The major individual honours were claimed by MARIA ANGELICOUSSIS as Greek Shipping Personality, sponsored by Eurobank and CHRISTOPHER J. WIERNICKI as International Personality of the year, sponsored by Capital Clean Energy Carriers. The evening concluded with a tribute to the long and distinguished career of ANTHONY COMNINOS, who was presented with the Propeller Club Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Franman.

The annual awards recognise achievement and meritorious activity in the Greek shipping industry and promote Greece as a maritime centre. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges representing a broad cross-section of the Greek shipping industry and this year were the following distinguished shipping personalities:

George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping

Haralambos Fafalios, Chairman of the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee

Dorothea Ioannou, CEO of the American P&I Club

Dimitris Koukas, President of the Greek Shipping-Shipbroking Companies Association

Panos Kourkountis, President of Martecma

Dr Nikolaos Liapis, President of ELINT

Nigel Lowry, Athens Correspondent, Lloyd’s List

Capt Eleni Papadopoulou, General Secretary of the Masters & Mates Union

Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International

George Xiradakis, President of the Association of Banking & Shipping Finance Executives of Hellenic Shipping

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For  21st consecutive year, the New York Stock Exchange in cooperation with Capital Link organized a special ceremony, titled «GREEK AMERICAN ISSUER DAY» at the New York Stock Exchange - NYSE", honoring Greece and Celebrating the Close Ties between the US, the Greek American and the Greek Business Communities, during which Greek & Greek American companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange, together with Greek Government representatives participating in the 27th Annual Capital Link Invest In Greece Forum, rang the “Closing Bell” at the New York Stock Exchange.

The «GREEK AMERICAN ISSUER DAY» was organized within the context of the 27th Annual Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum titled "Building on Success: Unlocking Greece’s Investment Potential " that took place the previous day. The Forum was held with great success, on Monday, December 8, 2025 in New York, in cooperation with the New York Stock Exchange, the Athens Exchange Group (ATHEX Group), and major Global Investment Banks & Organizations. It attracted over 1,000 delegates.

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) flew the Greek flag on Wall Street along side the US flag, which was a moment of pride for the Greek Government Delegation and high-level executives representing shipping and other companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as representatives of companies that participated in the Invest in Greece Forum the previous day, on December 8.

The active support and participation of NYSE, the world's largest stock exchange, enhances the prestige and the visibility of Greece to a wider international investment audience. It also shows the stable support of NYSE to Greece, the Greek companies, the Greek shipping industry and the Greek American Diaspora. The US Capital Markets are a major source of capital for a growing number of companies of Greek interest and the New York Stock Exchange is playing a leading role in this.

Mr. Chris Taylor, Chief Development Officer at NYSE, welcomed the Greek Delegation and the NYSE listed companies. She highlighted the long-standing relationship between the New York Stock Exchange and the Greek and Greek American business communities, and also pointed out that NYSE’s commitment to the Greek American diaspora, the Greek shipping and business community and the listed companies, remains strong.

H.E. Aghi Balta, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN, and Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, Founder, President & CEO, TEN Ltd. (NYSE: TEN), delivered brief remarks in honor of the day.

They referred to the increasing attractiveness of Greece as a business and investment destination, the internationalization of Greek businesses, the close relations between the United States and Greece across the board and also thanked the New York Stock Exchange for the long-standing cooperation and support and for hosting today’s event.

Dr. Tsakos highlighted the 23+-year journey of TEN as a NYSE listed company and emphasized the critical role of Greek shipping in global commerce and trade and the global supply chain, and especially at the present stage when Greece is becoming a strategic energy gateway for Europe and the southeastern Mediterranean.

Prior to the closing bell ceremony, an exchange of commemorative gifts took place between Mr. Chris Taylor, Chief Development Officer - NYSE, H.E. Aghi Balta, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN, and Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, Founder, President & CEO, TEN Ltd. (NYSE: TEN).

 

CAPITAL LINK COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE TO NYSE WITH THE OCCASION OF THE 21st GREEK-AMERICAN ISSUER DAY AT NYSE

Mr. Nicolas Bornozis, President of Capital Link presented to Mr. Chris Taylor a special commemorative plaque in appreciation and recognition of NYSE’s more than two decades of support to Greece, Greek Entrepreneurs, the Greek Maritime Community and the Greek-American Diaspora, fostering growth, collaboration and friendship.

This special ceremony, “GREEK AMERICAN ISSUER DAY” AT NYSE has been taking place for 21 years in a row.

Ringing the Closing Bell

H.E. Aghi Balta, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN, and Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, Founder & CEO of TEN Ltd. (NYSE:TEN), rang  the “Closing Bell”, closing the trading session on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, of the NYSE-New York Stock Exchange, accompanied by:  Mr. Chris Taylor, Chief Development Officer - NYSE, representatives of the Greek Government,  Mrs. Iphigenia Kanara, ConsulGeneral of Greece In New York and representatives of the following  NYSE listed companies: Mr. Panayiotis Peter Contis, Vice President Ameresco Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), Mr. Dimitri Moshovitis, Co-Founder of CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE: CAVA), Mrs. Katerina Eleftheriou, Member of the Board of Costamare Bulkers Holdings Ltd., Mr. Peter Hadjipateras, Chief Information, Security and Sustainability Officer- Dorian LPG (NYSE: LPG), Mr. Fred Gordon, SVP, Corporate Affairs of NAVIOS MARITIME PARTNERS (NYSE: NMM),  Mr. Harrys Kosmatos, Co-Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Dimitrios Bertolis, CIO of TEN (NYSE: TEN), Ms. Elisavet Tsakos, Ms. Daphne Mitsotakis, as well as the organizers of the Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum, Ms. Olga Bornozi, Managing Director – Capital Link, and Mr. Nicolas Bornozis, President  - Capital Link.

The event was broadcasted live on major news stations in the United States and abroad to an estimated audience of 150 million viewers worldwide.

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Held by the Embassy and General Consulate of Panama in Greece, the first Athens International Conference focused on the theme “Panama: A Strategic Hub to the World of Maritime Services.” This international event served to officially promote Panama’s International Ship Registry and its inherent advantages. Furthermore, the conference underscored the nation's critical role as a global strategic center for the maritime industry, detailing its integrated logistics platform and outlining lucrative investment opportunities.

The conference which took place in Grand Hyatt Athens, was presided by H.E. Mrs. Julie Lymberopulos Karnakis, Ambassador and General Consul of the Republic of Panama to the Hellenic Republic and with the participation of shipowners and members of the maritime industry from Greece, Italy and Cyprus.

The symposium featured valuable insights from distinguished representatives, including Mr. Salvatore Bacile, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, and Mr. Evangelos Siannis, Manager of the Integrated Operations Control Center at the Panama Canal Authority. Additional contributions came from Mr. Javier Suárez Pinzón, Administrator of the Panama Pacifico Agency, and Mr. Ramón Franco, Director General of the Merchant Marine at the Panama Maritime Authority.

This successful event clearly reflected the presence of Panama’s International Ship Registry within the Greek maritime industry, the importance of promoting foreign investment, and the valuable cooperation between the nations of Panama and Greece.

In a special address Ambassador Lymberopulos Karnakis noted: “'I genuinely hope this conference not only offers valuable perspectives but also brings our nations even closer together. With my Greek heritage, it is especially meaningful to witness the strengthening relationship between Greek and Panamanian industries. I am confident that today’s exchange will open the door to even greater cooperation and mutual growth in the years ahead.”

During their speeches, Mr. Bacile and Mr. Siannis, shared the future of the Panama Canal, mentioning the plans for the development of a gas pipeline – energy corridor, the development of port terminals and for the route to extends their functions as a specialized interoceanic dry canal, promoting Panama as a logistic platform.

Mr. Javier Suárez Pinzón, Administrator of the Panama Pacifico Agency highlighted Panama as a multimodal and industrially integrated hub that provides a competitive legal framework and nurtures emerging talent, fostering collaboration and synergy among companies to promote innovation and growth within its economic clusters.

Lastly, Mr. Ramón Franco, General Director of Merchant Marine, highlighted the recent initiatives undertaken by the Panama Ship Registry, noting the Registry’s renewed emphasis on quality over quantity. He shared that these measures have already contributed to a significant reduction in accident rates, strengthening Panama’s commitment to safety and operational excellence. He also underscored the importance of Panama’s successful completion of the IMSAS (IMO Member State Audit Scheme), a milestone that reflects the country’s strong regulatory performance and adherence to international maritime standards. These advancements, he noted, further enhance Panama’s position as a trusted and forward-looking partner for the global maritime community, including Greece.

Following the official program, guests were invited to a luncheon, that encouraged dialogue, networking, and the strengthening of professional and cultural ties between countries.

The Embassy and General Consulate of Panama expressed great pride in welcoming esteemed representatives from the industry and speakers from the Panama Canal Authority, the Panama Maritime Authority, and the Panama Pacifico Agency. Their expertise, vision, and commitment offered valuable perspectives on how Panama continues to shape the future of global maritime logistics, trade, and technological innovation.

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The American P&I Club hosted its annual Market Presentation for Greek members and partners on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at The Piraeus Marine Club in Athens. The event served as a platform to present the Club's greatest achievements and key financial figures for the year.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Joanna Koukouli, Co-Global Claims Director - S.V.P./Managing Director of the American Club, underscored the Club’s fundamental commitment: "The Club’s main goal is to deliver transparency, stability, and excellent service."

Dorothea Ioannou, CEO of the American Club, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Club's progress and strategic adjustments. Key areas of focus include:

  • •  An evolving, adaptive underwriting model,
  • • Robust due diligence processes resulting in a greater alignment,
  • • While claims and reinsurance costs were high in 2024, significant changes in risk approach and proactive loss prevention initiatives have led to a "drastically dropped" and "alleviating course" for current claims.

The Club also reported strong financial results, with investment performance reaching 7.97%, providing sufficient income. These reforms have also driven a favorable shift in key metrics:

  • • The development of the net loss ratio became risk sustainable.
  • • The Club achieved a lower combined ratio, illustrating a sustainable financial landscape.

The primary client base continues to be shipowners of dry cargo and tanker vessels, and small crafts from Europe and North East Asia.

Ms. Ioannou concluded by outlining the Club’s unwavering strategy: one of dynamic alignment with evolving risk landscape, slow yet steady positive development, and representing a significant voice in the industry, loyalty is valued and and performance highly respected, providing solutions, accessibility, flexibility and transparency, partnership with members.

The Club is committed to its membership, maintaining its ethos, with its people recognized as its "most valuable asset." 

Special Recognition for Heroic Salvage Operation

The event also featured a special ceremony to honor the management, personnel and the crews involved in a recent maritime incident. The American Club honoured the crew of the vessels “Aigaion Pelagos” and “Panormitis” for their successful salvage operation of the tanker vessel “Sounion,” which had been struck by Houthi rebels at Red Sea region.

The award was accepted by Mr. Paul Xiradakis, Managing Director of Mega Tugs. Mr. Xiradakis graciously dedicated the honor to Captain Dimitris Flouris and the crew of the tug.

Photo Capture: COO Mr. Daniel Tandros presented the rescue and salvage award to Mr. Xiradakis, Managing Director of Mega Tugs.

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A decade of commitment to quality, environmental excellence & sustainable maritime progress

On the occasion of completing 10 years at the helm of the Green Award Foundation, Capt. Dimitrios Matthaiou, President, Green Award Foundation & CEO – Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. Ltd | Aegean Bulk Co. Inc. stated: “This month marks 10 years since I had the privilege of assuming the role of Chairman of the Green Award Foundation — a decade dedicated to promoting sustainability, safety, and high-quality shipping across the global maritime community.

Today, I am humbled to stand as the longest-serving Chairman of the modern era of this distinguished environmental organization. These ten years have been a journey of collaboration, innovation and shared commitment to a safer, greener and more responsible maritime industry.

Over the last decade, the Green Award Foundation has expanded its global footprint, strengthened its certification programs, and deepened its cooperation with ports, terminals and service providers worldwide. Our mission remains clear: to reward quality and environmentally responsible shipping.

Why join the Green Award Program — Benefits in Brief

Benefits for Certificate Holders:

Participation in the Green Award Program offers a range of strategic advantages, including port fee discounts, operational savings, enhanced ESG recognition, strengthened corporate reputation, and a clear competitive advantage in the maritime market. Certified companies demonstrate measurable commitment to safety, sustainability and environmental excellence — values increasingly sought by charterers, financiers and stakeholders.

Benefits for Incentive Providers:

Ports, terminals and service providers joining the Green Award network benefit through the attraction of responsible and high-performing tonnage, the enhancement of their environmental profile, alignment with international ESG frameworks, increased global visibility within the GA network, and meaningful contribution to cleaner, safer and more sustainable port environments. Participation also strengthens stakeholder trust and showcases leadership in supporting quality shipping.

A message for the future

As we look ahead, my message is simple:

Now, more than ever, the maritime industry needs strong alliances for a greener future.

I warmly invite more shipping companies, ports, terminals and service providers to join the Green Award community and become part of a global movement that supports quality, safety and environmental leadership.

Together, we can shape a safer, cleaner and more sustainable maritime world for the generations to come.

Thank you for your trust and support throughout these ten years.

The journey continues”.

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Mintra, a global leader in digital learning and workforce management solutions for the maritime and energy sectors, has completed the acquisition of SQLearn, a leading Greek provider of online maritime training solutions. This strategic acquisition marks the next phase in Mintra’s commitment to support the maritime industry’s digital transformation, with a special focus on Greece and beyond.

With decades of international experience in learning, HR and crew-management solutions, Mintra brings to the table a comprehensive suite of software and services, enabling global workforce optimisation, learning delivery, compliance management and more. Its flagship platforms, Trainingportal and OCS HR, have earned a strong reputation across the maritime sector.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Piraeus, SQLearn has become the most trusted name in Greek-based maritime e-learning. Its offerings include an in-house developed learning management system, a rich library of STCW-approved online courses (covering safety, security, environmental compliance, soft skills, vetting readiness, and more), and advanced training delivery tools compatible with onboard and ashore use. SQLearn supports more than 1,000 vessels, 50,000 seafarers and 150 shipping companies worldwide.

This acquisition brings together two market leaders with a shared vision - combining Mintra’s global reach, with SQLearn’s strong Greek heritage, specialised content development, and deep understanding of local maritime training needs. The result is a powerful value proposition that will accelerate digital learning adoption in Greece, while making advanced maritime technologies accessible to Mintra’s global customer base.

I am excited about the opportunities this acquisition creates for SQLearn. With Mintra powering our Greek-developed products while offering international reach through Mintra’s global presence, we foresee enormous benefits for shipowners and seafarers alike,” said Spyros Goumas, CEO of SQLearn.

From Mintra’s side, the acquisition reflects a strong commitment to invest in the Greek maritime industry, leveraging SQLearn’s established commercial network and stellar reputation. “We are proud and excited to welcome SQLearn into the Mintra family,” said Kevin Short, CEO of Mintra. “We believe that their proven products and local expertise will help us deliver greater value in Greece and beyond, supporting the maritime industry’s urgent need for digital transformation through high-impact training and technology.”

Both SQLearn and Mintra would like to extend their appreciation to Advokatfirmaet CLP DA, KBVL Law Firm, Deloitte Advisory, and Nordea Bank for their valuable support throughout the transaction.

Together, Mintra and SQLearn will continue to deliver accredited, high-quality courses, training-management tools, and crew competency solutions, helping shipping companies meet regulatory demands, enhance safety and sustainability, and manage crews efficiently across global fleets.

About Mintra: 

Mintra is a leading provider of digital learning and human capital management systems for safety-critical industries worldwide. Mintra develops and deploys software solutions that enable its clients to develop and deploy their people, readily demonstrate compliance and maximise operational efficiency.

Mintra’s Trainingportal learning and competency management system is certified to the ST-0595 Training Platform standard and plays a vital role in supporting 2.8 million workers and 4,000 companies. Mintra offers an extensive portfolio of training courses tailored to the maritime and energy sectors, encompassing over 2,600 titles and, as a multi-approved training provider, issues certificates for the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA), OPITO, DNV, ECITB, IOSH, ClassNK and The Nautical Institute. For more than four decades, OCS HR, Mintra's crew management system, has streamlined the planning and administration of seafarers worldwide. 

Originating in Oslo in 1997, Mintra’s strategic growth has seen the incorporation of OnSoft Computer Systems (OCS) in 2016, Atlas Knowledge in 2018, Safebridge in 2021, Seably in 2023 and Moxie Media in 2025. Mintra’s skilled team exceeds 200 specialists in consulting, design, development, and support, operates from their headquarters in Bergen, with offices spanning Oslo, Stavanger, Aberdeen, Gothenburg, Limassol and New Orleans. This geographic distribution ideally positions Mintra to address the training, HR, payroll, and workforce management requirements of the maritime and energy sectors on a global scale. The Maritime sector has become a significant focus, currently serving close to 15,000 vessels through Mintra's solutions.

Mintra is a DNV-ST-0029 approved Maritime Training Provider and certified by DNV to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).  Associate member of Intertanko, Mintra holds a range of prestigious memberships, including OEUK (Offshore Energies UK), the Maritime Safety Forum and Step Change In Safety in the UK, WISTA (Women's International Shipping & Trading Association) in the UK and Norway and YoungShip in Cyprus and Norway. Mintra is pre-qualified for buyers by SEQual, Magnet JQS and both Achilles Oil & Gas Europe Community and Utilities Nordic & Central Europe (UNCE)

About SQLearn

SQLearn, founded in 2006 and based in Piraeus, stands as the most prominent Greek company for online maritime training. It specialises in providing integrated solutions for the shipping industry, encompassing consulting, technical support, installation, and configuration of an online training system and offering certified online courses that cover a wide array of topics, from safety, health and hygiene, and security to soft skills, vetting inspections, and more. Supporting over 1,000 vessels, 50,000 seafarers, and 150 shipping companies globally, SQLearn’s training solutions emphasize safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Certified by ABS and recognized by the Cyprus, Palau and Panama Maritime Authorities, SQLearn also adheres to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2013 standards. SQLearn is an approved RightShip Zero Harm Innovation Partner and a Green Award Incentive Provider and proud members of prestigious Maritime Organizations, including Intertanko, Intercargo, WIMA, HELMEPA, HEMEXPO and AMMITEC.

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Where Substance, Leadership, and Collaboration Illuminate Shipping

The room was filled with smiles, handshakes, and discussions rich in substance. The WISTA Hellas Gala Dinner 2025 was not just a night of recognition – it was a celebration of genuine action, leadership that serves consistently, and collaboration that builds bridges in a demanding industry. WISTA Hellas confirmed once again that everything it does is targeted and meaningful, not for show. Every choice, every initiative, and every award reflect the real impact on the professional community and the empowerment of women in shipping. WISTA Hellas Leadership Award 2025 This year's Leadership Award was presented to Metaxia Psaltis, Chief Operating Officer of Neda Maritime Agency Co. Ltd., a WISTA Hellas member since 2007 and the first woman elected Vice President of INTERCARGO.

Metaxia Psaltis’ journey is an example of leadership founded on hard work, collaboration, and ongoing support for other women, paving the way for professional advancement and sustainable growth in the sector. In her speech, Ms. Psaltis emphasized that leadership is not a theory but action. Every decision, every project, and every challenge is met with integrity, determination, and respect for those around her. She underscored that success is the result of collective effort and trust and warmly thanked her team, partners, and family for their support. The President of WISTA Hellas highlighted that the Leadership Award is preserved with strict, clear, and unchanging criteria, to spotlight professionals who truly excel in leadership, excellence, and enhancing inclusion in the workplace. Every action of the association serves substance, meritocracy, and the strategic promotion of professional development for its members and women in shipping.

Special Recognition Awards

One of the most moving moments of the evening was the presentation of the Special Recognition Awards to two officers of the Coast Guard. This award, established by WISTA Hellas a few years ago, is not merely a formal recognition. For the association, these awards express a deeper obligation: to highlight the real, often quiet contributions of women in the Coast Guard, who serve with dedication, professionalism, and selflessness in a particularly demanding field. In an era where social norms are often shaped by superficial images rather than substantive role models, WISTA Hellas sees it as its duty to shine a light on the genuine contributions, courage, and effectiveness of women safeguarding human life at sea. These particular awards remind us that shipping is not only found in offices but also on the front lines – where a moment's decision can save lives. This year’s honorees were: - Lieutenant Anastasia Abraham, for her long-standing contribution to the training of personnel and the promotion of human rights. - Ensign Athanasia Vrekou, for her outstanding contribution to search and rescue operations and the protection of human life at sea. The awards were presented by the Chief of the Coast Guard – Hellenic Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Tryfonas Kontizas, who, in his speech, warmly thanked WISTA Hellas for the initiative, highlighting the importance of recognizing women in the Coast Guard and the significant impact of the association’s actions. The evening flowed with constructive discussions, exchange of experiences, and cooperative bridges, showcasing the strength of the WISTA Hellas community, its unity, and its influence in the industry. WISTA Hellas warmly thanks its sponsors: Bureau Veritas Group, Hill Dickinson LLP, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp., Lockton P.L. Ferrari, UK P&I Club, UK Defence Club, International Registries, Inc., DAC Beachcroft, for their ongoing support that makes such meaningful initiatives possible and strengthens the association's efforts to support and empower women in shipping.

ELNAVI Newsletter  
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