On September 30, 2025, following the conclusion of the 11th ShipIT Conference held at the Wyndham Grand Athens, Ammitec, the Association of IT Managers in Shipping, successfully conducted its General Assembly and elections for the new Board of Directors.

The Assembly was conducted in a hybrid format, allowing both physical and remote participation. AMMITEC members cast their votes securely through the ZEUS electronic voting platform, demonstrating once again their strong engagement and commitment to the association’s mission.

The newly elected Board of Directors is as follows:

Mr. Matthew Maheras – President, CIO, Metrostar Management Corp.

Mrs. Anna Vazintari – Vice President, CTO / CISO, Eurobulk Ltd.

Mr. Michalis Michaloliakos – Treasurer, Head of ICT & Cyber Security, TMS

Mrs. Theofano Somaripa – Secretary, CIO, Newport S.A.

Mr. Themistoklis Sardis – Member, Head of IT, Costamare

Mr. Konstantinos Sakellakos – Member, IT Manager, Navarone S.A.

Mr. Ioannis Rizos – Member, Head of ICT Infrastructure, Dynagas Ltd.

Mr. Michalis Kantartzoglou – Alternate Member, CIO, Eletson

Mr. Stavros Mystegniotis – Alternate Member, ICT Coordinator, Liquimar Tankers Management

In recognition of their longstanding contribution and many years of dedicated service on the Board of Directors, AMMITEC honored with commemorative plaques:

Mrs. Katerina Raptaki, IT Manager, Navios Group

Mr. Stelios Sabanis, Head of ICT, GasLog Ltd.

Mr. Dimitris Makris, IT Manager, Andriaki Shipping Co.

Mr. Tasos Makris, Adjunct Lecturer, Hellenic American College (HAC)

Ammitec remains committed to digital transformation, cybersecurity, and promoting modern technologies in shipping. The association looks forward to continuing its role as the trusted voice of maritime ICT professionals, fostering innovation and collaboration across the industry.

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UMAR Shipping Services Ltd, part of the UW Group, is proud to announce that it has been awarded with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Best Practices Award (Medium Enterprises category) at the 4th CSR Best Practices Awards, organized by CSR Cyprus. This distinction honors the company’s flagship initiative, UW Galaxy, developed through the Life Jacket Foundation. The event took place during the 17th Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility Conference, on September 25^th, 2025, at Zena Palace in Nicosia.

About UW Galaxy

UW Galaxy was created to reduce single-use plastic bags while raising funds to support children in need. The campaign introduced reusable, foldable shopping bags, available in four unique marine-inspired designs — turtle, octopus, whale, and seahorse.

Each bag carried the message: “The expression of our love for the sea and its creatures. A medium to help children in need and nurture the next generation of seafarers.”

The bags were sold for just €3, with 100% of proceeds dedicated to supporting children with financial, medical, and educational needs. Through UW Galaxy, all the funds raised were donated directly to schools and child welfare organizations.

A Collective Effort

The initiative was embraced wholeheartedly by UW Group’s people, partners, and the wider community. Beyond fundraising, UW Galaxy raised awareness about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and fostering a culture of sustainability linked to the maritime industry.

Recognition
Accepting the award on behalf of the company, UW Group COO, Vangelis Tsangarides stated:
“UMAR Shipping Services, as a key pillar of UW Group, proves that true success is not measured only in financial terms, but also in society impact. Through the Life Jacket Foundation we support children and childcare organizations in Cyprus. With the UW Galaxy campaign we cultivate ecological awareness and contribute to reducing the use of plastic bags. Every bag purchased, every child who smiles, is proof that when we join forces, we can shape a better tomorrow”.

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A night of celebration and appreciation unfolded under the starlit sky. T&T Salvage orchestrated a memorable cocktail reception at the Barbarossa World Restaurant in the enchanting Athens Riviera, warmly welcoming 250 guests. 

In the realm of Greek Shipping, a formidable global presence, T&T Salvage have steadfastly supported this industry for numerous years. Shipowners, Underwriters, Insurance Brokers, Average Adjusters, legal professionals, and Greek salvage counterparts converged for a delightful networking soirée. 

Special mention during the night to the Hellas team, Ms. Anna Shipilli who celebrated her birthday amongst friends and associates and to Mr. Elias Psyllos, the first Greek American President (elect) of the American Salvage Association, taking the helm on 2 December 2025. 

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The recent Capital Link forum in Athens addressed crucial challenges in the maritime sector, spotlighting the push for net-zero emissions. Discussions emphasized the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence and digitalization in enhancing shipping sustainability and efficiency. Key takeaways stressed that achieving decarbonization requires immediate operational improvements alongside the adoption of future fuels and new technologies.

Welcome remarks made by Mr. Nicolas Bornozis, President – Capital Link, Inc. Ms. Olga Stavropoulou, Director General – HELMEPA.

OPENING KEYNOTE REMARKS presented by Mr. Christopher J. Wiernicki Chairman and CEO ABS.

CELEBRATING STRONG U.S.-GREECE MARITIME TIES FROM THE UNITED STATES

Mr. Joshua Huck Chargé d’ Affaires U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece in his address focused on the Revitalisation of US maritime sector with the partnership of Greece a leading maritime nation. Mr. Vasilis Kikilias expressed his pride in representing Greek shipping a dominant trade power in the world and E.U. controlling 20% of tonnage worldwide and 61% of EU fleet.

A debate on net zero- Navigating between the ambition and reality was moderated by Mr. Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman and CEO – ABS with Panelists Mr. Roel Hoenders, Head of Climate Action and Clean Air, Marine Environment Division – IMO, Mr. Philippos Philis, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer – Lemissoler Navigation Co. Ltd; President – ECSA European Shipowners (2022-2024), Ms. Ioanna Procopiou, Managing Director – Prominence Maritime; President Designate – BIMCO; Member of the Board – Union of Greek Shipowners, Ms. Charis Plakantonaki, Chief Strategy Officer – Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: SBLK) . Long term planning is needed in shipping and for the time being there is no infrastructure for alternative fuels even LNG cannot be bunkered worldwide said Mrs Prokopiou. Investments in the green require a great amount of capital therefore generous incentives are needed to be provided to move forward, remarked Mrs Plakantonaki. The levy proposal is a more affordable solution by the shipping industry, pointed out Mr. Phillis.

The next panel discussed the issue of artificial intelligence & maritime transformation and Moderated by Mr. Spyridon Zolotas, Vice President, South Europe, Marine – RINA Panelists: • Mr. Gary Lloyd, Chief of Architecture and Strategy – 90 Percent of Everything (90POE) • Mr. Alex Hadjipateras, COO – Dorian LPG Ltd. (NYSE: LPG) • Ms. Eleni Polychronopoulou, President – ERMA TECH GROUP; BoD Member – HELMEPA • Mr. Tim Ponath, CEO – NSB Group • Mr. Theo G. Baltatzis, General Manager – Technomar Shipping.

Dorian has embraced AI in the maintenance and daily operations of its fleet and looking to the future AI will be installed in new building, said Mr. Hadjipateras.

Technomar is putting emphasis on the Performance data analysis and regulatory compliance, remarked Mr. Baltatzis.

Mrs Polychropoulou referred to the role of AI in monitoring air emissions and data collection and pointed out that AI is an essential tool in all spectrum of the company’s operations optimising the performance and efficiency of all tasks. Mr. Ponath focused on the decarbonisation process and other aspects like crew training looking this tool as an opportunity to develop. Digitalisation moves very fast therefore you need partnerships to develop integrated systems covering the needs of your clients emphasised Mrs Polychronopoulou.

AI tools are also necessary in improving safety, transparency avoiding legal implications added Mr. Hadjipateras.

The theme of the 3rd panel was: CHARTING A COURSE FOR OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE BALANCING SAFETY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND EFFICIENCY.

It was moderated by Mr. Leonidas Karystios, Regional Business Development Manager – DNV Maritime with Panelists: • Mr. Stylianos Psillakis, Technical Director – Columbia Shipmanagement Greece • Mr. Dimitris Vastarouchas, Chief Operating Officer & Vice President – Danaos Corporation (NYSE: DAC) • Mr. Evangelos Sfakiotakis, Chief Operating Officer – Diana Shipping Services S.A. • Mr. Dimitris Patrikios, Managing Director – V.Ships Greece.

The speakers elaborated on the issues of decarbonisation and sustainability and the need to sustain a constructive dialogue and channels of collaboration to share data and knowledge.

FROM DATA TO DECISIONS: THE ROLE OF INTELLIGENT SOFTWARE IN MARITIME OPERATIONS Presented By: Ms. Staci Satterwhite, Chief Executive Officer – ABS Wavesight

A KEYNOTE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION Moderated: Mr. Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman and CEO – ABS. The following Panelists discussed the issues of decarbonisation and sustainability: Mr. Paolo d' Amico, Chairman – INTERTANKO (2018-2024); Chairman – d' Amico International Shipping S.A. (BIT:DIS; OTCQX: DMCOF) • Mr. Dimitrios Fafalios, Chairman – INTERCARGO (2019-2024); President / Director – Fafalios Shipping S.A.; Secretary of the Board of Directors – Union of Greek Shipowners • Ms. Karrie Trauth, Executive Vice President Shipping and Maritime – Shell plc; Vice President – UK Chamber of Shipping. Mr. Fafalios underlined that we must decarbonise our industry with respect to the basic values and principles of the shipping practices. He also pointed out that shipping is highly efficient mean of transportation and he expressed his belief that will be absolutely ready to meet 2050 targets.

Mr. D’ amico told that the regulators must regulate the technology which is advancing and not that one that does not exist. He also explained the crucial role of the maritime training in creating a more sustainable environment. Mr. Fafalios also pointed out that if nuclear power is used onboard then we need to train steam engineers an old fashioned shipping profession.

THE “2025 CAPITAL LINK MARITIME SUSTAINABILITY AWARD” was Presented to both Mr. Paolo d'Amico, Chairman – INTERTANKO (2018-2024); Chairman – d'Amico International Shipping S.A. (BIT:DIS; OTCQX: DMCOF) • Mr. Dimitrios Fafalios, Chairman – INTERCARGO (2019-2024); President / Director – Fafalios Shipping S.A.; Secretary of the Board of Directors – Union of Greek Shipowners. Mr D’ amico was Introduced by Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, Founder & CEO – TEN Ltd. (NYSE: TEN); Chairman – INTERTANKO (2014-2018). He said that he was the most successful president of Intertanko following at the same time the traditional and well established values of the shipping industry. The award for Mr. Fafalios was introduced by Mr. John Xylas, Chairman – INTERCARGO; President and CEO – Ariston Navigation Corp.; Member of the Board – Union of Greek Shipowners. He said that Mr. Fafalios continues a long family tradition in shipping from Vrontados in Chios. He has studied naval architect and served as Intertanko’s president from 2020-2024 putting emphasis in the safety matters and decarbonisation process of the shipping industry. Mr. Fafalios accepting the award underlined that safety and sustainability must go hand in hand.

A very interesting panel discussion was conducted by Ms. Elina Papageorgiou, Global Strategic Growth Director & Vice President, Greece & Cyprus – Lloyd's Register with panelists: • Dr. George D. Pateras, Deputy Chairman – Contships Management Inc; Former President – Hellenic Chamber of Shipping (2016-2025) • Mr. Marcos C. Vassilikos, Managing Director – Eurobulk • Mr. Georgios Plevrakis, Senior Advisor – Head of Business Development Strategy and Market Development Europe – Hanwha Ocean • Dr. Loukas Barmparis, President – Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE: SB) • Mr. George Saroglou, President & Chief Operating Officer – TEN Ltd. (NYSE: TEN).

The speakers discussed almost all challenges of shipping like energy security, geopolitic developments, regulations, decarbonisation, crew training on alternative fuels and new technologies including fleet renewal strategies.

A presentation under the title SHAPING THE FUTURE: NEXT-GEN SHIPS AND POWER OF MARITIME INNOVATION DRIVEN BY DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION was delivered by Dr. Toshiro Arima, Executive Director, Executive Vice President – ClassNK.

Last but not least the following panel discussion took place that attracted the audience’s interest to the end of the afternoon:

- SECURING THE MARITIME WORKFORCE OF TODAY & TOMORROW: STRATEGIES FOR RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, TRAINING & WELLBEING

Moderator: Mr. Michalis Pantazopoulos, Senior Vice-President – Liberian Registry (LISCR Hellas) Panelists: • Capt. Panagiotis Drosos, Managing Director – Capital Ship Management Corp. • Ms. Amalia Marcou, Crewing Director – Enesel • Ms. Metaxia Psalti, COO – Neda Maritime Agency Co. Ltd.; Vice Chair – INTERCARGO • Mr. Marinos Kokkinis, Managing Director – OneCare Group.

-FROM CADET TO CAPTAIN – REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE THE SEAFARERS’ PERSPECTIVE

Moderator: Mr. Andreas Zarnavelis, Designated Person Ashore & HSQ-Manager – Tsakos Group Panelists: • Capt. Konstantinos Dimanis, Captain – Tsakos Group • Capt. Konstantina Giannaraki, Captain – Tsakos Group • Mr. Nikolaos Markou, Chief Engineer – Tsakos Group • Mr. Michail Petrou, Deck Cadet – Senior Student – Tsakos Group • Ms. Fani Chatzidiamanti, Engine Cadet – First Year Student – TEENS Merchant Marine Academy • Mr. Georgios-Ioannis Pantechakis, ETO Cadet – First Year Student – TEENS Merchant Marine Academy.

-PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER - SHIPOWNERS’ ROUNDTABLE COMPETITIVENESS & OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Moderator: Ms. Paillette Palaiologou, Senior Vice President M&O East Europe, Mediterranean Sea, Middle East, Africa & India (EMA) – Bureau Veritas Panelists: • Mr. Antonis Kanellakis, Executive Director – Alpha Bulkers, Pantheon Tankers, & Alpha Gas; Member of the Board – Union of Greek Shipowners • Ms. Semiramis Paliou, Chief Executive Officer – Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX); Chairperson – HELMEPA & INTERMEPA; Member of the Board – Union of Greek Shipowners • Mr. Paolo Enoizi, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer – GasLog • Mr. Thomas Lister, Chief Executive Officer – Global Ship Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GSL).

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The Maritime Cyprus 2025 conference which will be taking place from 06 to 08 October in Limassol, will explore a wide range of key issues affecting the maritime sector. Topics will include regulatory developments, energy transition, digital transformation, financing strategies, marine insurance, crew welfare.

At the Press Conference held on 30^th September, the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis said: “As a Government, we are particularly proud of this conference, an institution with a history of 36 years, which has now established itself among the world's leading shipping conferences.
This year's conference, with the central theme "Unlocking the Future... of Shipping', will take place at a time of both challenges and opportunities for shipping, and we aspire during the conference to 'unlock the future of shipping'.

Our efforts at the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, from the first day of my assumption of duties, are focused on ensuring a competitive Registry and shipping complex, based on the modern era and values such as immediacy, quality and modernization, thus laying solid foundations for an auspicious future of Cypriot shipping”.

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ABS Athens office organized and informative seminar and presented the new ABS Wavesight advantage. 

Staci Satterwhite, ABS Wavesight CEO and Dr. Loukas Barmparis, President of Safe Bulkers discussed the role of the digital transformation in the daily ship operations.

Mr. Barmparis referred to EU MRV and IMO DSC reporting systems and explained how digitalisation can result in significant cost and time savings and compliance.

Digitalization can achieve better reliability, increased performance and predictive maintenance as well as real time measurement and data collection. Digitalization can achieve more reliability, improved performance as well as real time measurement and data collection. 

In general digitalization helps ship operators to take proactive action and minimize down time.

ABSWavesight Advantage Launch

Mr. Christopher Wiernicki, Chairman and CEO of ABS, referred to the role of digitalization in shipping and explained the possibilities of ABSWavesight Advantage in emissions bench marking and pooling.

He said: “We are entering the era of Maritime 5.0, a new industrial revolution where intelligent software is the invisible engine. It is not simply enabling change, it is driving a new language of shipping, setting new boundary conditions, and powering a new model of risk versus risk decision-making.  In this environment, software is no longer a support function. It is the system architecture that underpins technical, commercial, and compliance decision making.

Artificial Intelligence is powering this transformation, modeling complex scenarios, anticipating outcomes and recommending optimal actions. It acts as a simulator, continuously learning from vast datasets to anticipate outcomes and recommend actions. This predictive capability is not just about efficiency, it’s about resilience, safety and strategic foresight. It doesn’t just support decision-making, it elevates it. Software platforms are already essential for compliance with frameworks such as FuelEU Maritime and upcoming IMO regulations. These systems have evolved beyond monitoring. They now enable predictive modeling, real-time decision support, and strategic scenario planning. This is not just about meeting regulatory thresholds; it is about building operational resilience and agility.

The Advantage Platform from ABS Wavesight has been developed in response to these needs. It is designed to support integrated decision-making across fleet operations, regulatory compliance, and commercial strategy. It connects data sources across the vessel and shore-side teams, enabling horizontal collaboration and eliminating silos.

In an industry where every ton and every ton-mile counts, ABS Wavesight Advantage puts the Power of One in your corner.

What does that mean in practice? One percent of fuel savings through software-driven performance efficiencies delivers payback 5 times faster than retrofits. Reducing emissions by just one metric ton of CO2 equivalent per voyage can save more than €200 in carbon penalties. Avoiding just one day of idle time can unlock $40,000 in potential earnings.

You put this together and one metric ton of CO₂ saved per day combined with one day of increased utilization = real impact, real fast.

This is the kind of transformation software makes possible, not in theory, but in practice, every single day.

The Advantage Platform is built to support this paradigm. It is not a standalone product; it is a foundational layer for future-ready maritime operations. It enables operators to manage complexity, optimize performance, and maintain strategic control in a data-intensive environment.

As the industry moves toward more complex decarbonization pathways, the ability to manage, analyze, and act on information will be a key differentiator. This is not a trend, it is a tipping point. The companies that understand this will lead. The ones that don’t will fall behind, fast.

There is no path to a low-carbon future without software. There is no future-proof fleet without software. And there is no leadership in tomorrow’s maritime economy without bold, decisive investment in software today.

This is the Power of One in action. One platform. One source of truth. One decision that unlocks measurable impact - faster, smarter, and more resilient. In a world of complexity, simplicity is a strategic advantage. And software is how we get there.

The industry’s next disruption won’t come from the engine room; it will come from the algorithm”.

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The IMO strategy for net zero emissions presents a huge challenge.

One of its key elements is the time constraints: although we have ample time to reach the net zero status, time is of essence and we have to start reducing our emissions as soon as possible.

During this ample time, it is very possible that new solutions – not known today, may develop, which makes it very risky to commit to solutions which we will adopt and apply for the next 25 years.

Furthermore, decarbonization is a global challenge and not only of shipping. The rate of increase of energy consumption is high, and security of energy supply will be a major concern for many years.

Mr. Antonis Trakakis from RINA at SNAMEs monthly meeting presented its own perspective to reach to net zero and explained the advantages and disadvantages of each possible way to reduce GHG emissions.
The purpose of the presentation was to propose a solution which meets the above “boundary” conditions.

This solution has at its core the possibility to decarbonize a hydrocarbon fuel, by producing hydrogen – which is the dream fuel of decarbonization, from LNG. The production of hydrogen is possible on board, on demand.

LNG offers the much-needed immediate reduction of GHG emissions.

The engine technology for the combustion of hydrogen is already available, and this same engine ensures that can be used for any other fuel that future may bring.

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PPA S.A. announced its financial results for the first half of 2025, reporting an increase in revenue and profitability, in a period that continues to be challenging for shipping and global trade.

Total revenue amounted to €122.8 million, representing a 14.7% increase compared to €107.1 million in the same period of 2024. The increase mainly came from the container and cruise sectors and the concession of piers II & III, while declines were recorded in the car terminal, ship repair and coastal shipping segments, with the decrease in coastal shipping attributed to the 50% reduction of port dues effective from May 2025.

Net profit after tax reached €46.7 million, compared to €40.4 million in the first half of 2024, an increase of 15.3%. During the same period, the company carried out investments of €48.1 million in infrastructure projects and equipment, while paying off its bank debt through the early repayment of two loans. Total assets amounted to €682.4 million, up 3.0% compared to year-end 2024.

PPA S.A.’s CEO, Mr. Su Xudong, stated: “The results for the first half of 2025 demonstrate the stability and capacity of the Port of Piraeus to operate effectively in an international environment marked by challenges. Our development is closely linked to the green transition strategy we are implementing, with targeted investments and initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint and strengthen sustainable operations. The consistent recognition of PPA as one of the most sustainable companies in Greece, along with our actions within the ESG framework, confirm our commitment to balanced economic and social development. Our goal is to continue investing steadily in the modernization of the port and the improvement of services, while contributing to the economy, society and the environment.”

The management of PPA S.A. remains committed to the implementation of its strategic development plan for the Port of Piraeus, focusing on infrastructure enhancement, sustainable growth and the continuous upgrading of services, ensuring that Piraeus maintains its position among the most important ports in the Mediterranean and Europe.

Piraeus Port Authority SA is an Athens Stock Exchange listed company engaged in the management and operation of Piraeus port, Greece’s largest port and one of the largest integrated harbours in Europe, providing a complete range of services. Some of the company’s activities involve cruise, coastal (ferry/passenger), container and car terminal services, as well as general cargo, ship repair, logistic and free zone services. The main shareholder of Piraeus Port Authority S.A., with a stake of 67 percent, is COSCO SHIPPING, one of the largest maritime companies in the world.

Over the last decade the company has experienced a remarkable growth in all port activities, which is still underway, largely contributing to the country’s economy, while driven by green development and increased digitalization, alongside a people-first approach and a spirit of giving back to society.

PPA holds the ''ECO PORT'' PERS status, is included in the Athens Stock Exchange ESG index and is one of the “Most Sustainable Companies in Greece 2024”.

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On Friday, 26 September, the Cruise Division of MSC Group - MSC Cruises and luxury brand Explora Journeys - hosted an event aboard EXPLORA I in Piraeus, marking the ship’s final call of 2025, following previous events in Thessaloniki, Kavala, and Syros.

The event was attended by representatives of Local Government, PPA/COSCO, the Coast Guard and institutional stakeholders from the shipping and tourism sectors. Specifically, the following honored the event with their presence and greetings:

The Captain of Explora I, Diego Michellozzi, who welcomed the attendees and expressed his joy at the presence of Explora in Greece, one of the most luxurious and beautiful cruise ships in the market.

Mr. Stavros Voidonikolas, Deputy Regional Governor of Piraeus, representing the Regional Governor of Attica, Mr. Nikos Hardalias, stated: “I would like to express our belief that today’s event will lead to important conclusions, which will bring benefits to the city, our great port and the local community. As a retired Coast Guard officer, having served for twenty years at the cruise port, I know both the problems and the huge opportunities for development that arise. Opportunities that become reality thanks to the efforts of all of you, who, with vision, planning and hard work, are working for the future of cruise tourism. The development of a national cruise strategy is of vital importance for tourism, for the benefits it will bring to the Greek economy and, above all, for strengthening our local communities.”

Mr. Giannis Moralis, Mayor of Piraeus, noted: “Cruising obviously concerns not only Piraeus, but the entire country. I am pleased to say that lately we have seen an increase in homeporting, which means that tourists now stay one or two nights. This way, they manage to visit both Athens and Piraeus, boosting our local economy. We are open to fruitful dialogue, we try and expect to listen, because we always want to be part of the national cruise planning discussion.”

Mr. Beiyan Jin, Vice President of PPA, emphasized that this discussion is of particular importance, given the strategic potential of the sector, which continues to grow and plays a decisive role in the country’s economy and local communities. “I would also like to express my sincere satisfaction with the long-standing cooperation between MSC Cruises and the Piraeus Port Authority. We greatly value this cooperation and look forward to its continuation, with mutual progress and success in the coming years. The Piraeus Port Authority will continue to support Cruise and Tourism, investing in infrastructure upgrades and service improvements, in order to further promote Piraeus and Greece as unique destinations.”

On behalf of the Chief of the Coast Guard, the Central Port Authority of Piraeus, Rear Admiral CD Grammateas Angelos.

The Cruise Division, represented by Mrs. Elisabetta De Nardo, Senior Vice President of Global Port Partnerships & Commercial Operations, and Mr. Kyriakos Anastasiadis, Senior Advisor, highlighted the increasing presence of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys in the Greek market.

In the first part of the presentation, Mrs. Elisabetta De Nardo presented MSC Cruises, which today operates a fleet of 23 modern ships, with four new vessels scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2030. She also highlighted Explora Journeys, the Cruise Division’s luxury brand, which launched in 2023 and is expanding its fleet to six luxury ships by 2028.

She emphasized that MSC Cruises is currently the No. 1 cruise line in calls to Greece, while more than 70% of the fleet visiting Greece consists of small and medium-sized ships, proving a balanced and destination-sensitive strategy.

- In winter 2024-2025, MSC Cruises launched weekly departures from Piraeus with MSC Sinfonia, operating seven-day cruises including Greece, Italy and Turkey.

- From December 2027 onwards, Explora plans to introduce calls in late autumn and winter — an important step towards year-round presence and support for local tourism during shoulder and off-peak seasons.

Mr. Kyriakos Anastasiadis then highlighted the need for a national cruise strategy, emphasizing long-term investment not only in port infrastructure but also in destinations themselves, sustainability through the adoption of Smart Traffic Management systems, and digital berth allocation systems, for optimal access to ports as well as transparency in the use and allocation of resources. He stressed that close and effective cooperation between the State and the private sector is the key to success for the future.

Specifically, Mr. Anastasiadis noted: Cruise passenger tax: MSC Cruises welcomes the transparent reinvestment of passenger and port fees in infrastructure development, while stressing that Greece must remain competitive.

Transparency and planning in revenue allocation are particularly critical. He noted: “if we do not know which infrastructure projects (in the port or the destination itself) will be funded in the coming years and what the overall plan is, it is impossible to plan the development of new destinations, given that cruising requires at least two years of planning before introducing a new port of call.”

Economic Contribution of Cruising: In 2023, cruising contributed nearly €2 billion to the Greek economy, supporting more than 22,000 jobs. Passengers spend an average of €253 per visit, while 40% later return for longer holidays. Extending the season into autumn and winter months can further boost local revenues.

Environmental Commitment: The Cruise Division aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. Already, 80% of the fleet is shore-power ready, while new technologies such as LNG, bio-LNG fuels and advanced waste management systems position the company at the forefront of sustainable cruising.

The event was attended by: MP of New Democracy in Piraeus B, Mr. Dimitris Markopoulos, CEO of Elefsina Port Authority & President of Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME), Mr. Apostolos Kamarinakis, Chairman of the Board of Lavrio Port Authority, Mr. Nikolaos Giampanas, President of Corfu Port Authority (OLKE) & President of MedCruise, Mrs. Theodora Riga, CEO of Lavrio Port Authority, Mr. Georgios Vakondios, CEO of Volos Port Authority & General Secretary of ELIME, Mr. Socratis Anagnostou, Deputy Director of the Secretariat for Board, Public and Investment Relations of PPA SA, Mr. Nektarios Demenopoulos, Honorary President of Hellenic Cruise Ship Owners & Associated Members (EEKFN) & Director of Majestic International Cruises INC., Mr. Theodoros Kontes, Executive Director of Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME), Mr. Vasilis Mamalis, Business Advisory Manager at the Athens Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Nikos Mavrikos, Eastern Mediterranean Director of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Mrs. Maria Deligianni, and MSC’s General Manager in Greece, Mr. Ilias Tsoukalas.

The event concluded with a tour of the luxurious Explora I, offering guests a unique experience of discovering MSC Group’s new luxury cruise brand.

The Cruise Division of MSC Group, the privately-owned world leader in transportation is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland with two distinct brands - MSC Cruises, covering the contemporary and premium segments and Explora Journeys dedicated to the luxury segment.

MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America. A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 300 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality.

Explora Journeys, launched in 2023, is the luxury ocean travel brand redefining the experience for a new generation of discerning travellers. The fleet, currently comprising two ships and expanding to six by 2028, offers effortless yet refined luxury. Guests embark on transformative journeys, connecting with the sea through exceptional itineraries that inspire discovery in all its forms.

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The operation took place at CHI Shanghai’s shipyard terminal, where the COSCO Shipping Libra safely bunkered 2,100 tons of methanol fuel within 10 hours. Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore (BVS), a technical advisory arm of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), provided expert risk assessment and technical support, ensuring the safe and efficient execution of the project.

The successful bunkering provides a replicable model for future methanol dual-fuel conversions and supply projects while showcasing CHI Shanghai’s ability to deliver end-to-end solutions across repair, conversion, and bunkering. This capability further accelerates the shift from conventional fuels to greener alternatives.
In preparation for the operation, CHI Shanghai worked closely with multiple stakeholders. Technical reviews were held to verify the feasibility, safety, and compliance for bunkering 20,000 TEU dual-fuel container ships. The shipyard also organized methanol-specific training programs, tabletop emergency exercises, and safety management initiatives to ensure robust risk controls were applied across the process and surrounding environment.

Throughout the project, BVS provided support by conducting comprehensive HAZID (Hazard Identification) and HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) risk assessments across five key stages: truck-to-ship inerting, bunkering vessel berthing, ship-to-ship transfer, post-bunkering purging, and vessel departure. These measures established a strong and reliable safety framework for the operation.

Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President, Industrials and Commodities at Bureau Veritas, said, “By working closely with COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Shanghai), we have shown how collaboration, preparation, and rigorous risk management can make methanol bunkering both safe and practical. This operation sets a new benchmark for China’s alternative fuel adoption, and Bureau Veritas is committed to supporting the industry as it accelerates its transition to cleaner energy.”

Image: COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Shanghai) completes China’s first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering operation at a shipyard’s berth

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