Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a significant contract by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to supply integrated technology packages for nine new Dynamic Positioning (DP) Shuttle Tankers.  

The vessels are being constructed for Greek shipowner Tsakos Group and will be a bare-boat charter by Brazilian energy logistics company Transpetro, supporting offshore operations in Brazil’s pre-salt oil fields.

Each of the nine vessels will be equipped with a comprehensive suite of Kongsberg Maritime systems, reflecting the complex operational profile of shuttle tankers operating far from shore.

The scope of supply includes the K-Pos DP2 system ensuring precise station-keeping capabilities in dynamic offshore conditions. Kongsberg Maritime will also deliver its K-IMS Information Management System and the K-Chief Integrated Automation System, providing centralised control and monitoring of vessel operations.

To support propulsion and power management, the vessels will feature the AutoChief 600 propulsion control system, while the K-Gauge (CLS) tank level gauging system will ensure accurate and reliable cargo monitoring.  

A complete single Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) shaftline with an 8.6m propeller is also part of the Kongsberg Maritime delivery.

Together, these systems form a fully integrated solution designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental performance across the fleet.

“This contract highlights the strength of our integrated technology offering and our ability to support complex offshore operations with reliable, efficient, and future-ready solutions,” said Tommy Andree Hove, Sales Director - Advanced Offshore Units, Kongsberg Maritime. “We are proud to collaborate with SHI, Tsakos, and Transpetro on this strategically important project.”

Construction of the vessels will take place at SHI’s shipyard in South Korea, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.  
Image: Kongsberg Maritime will supply integrated technology packages for nine new DP Shuttle Tankers for the Tsakos Group

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The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of PPA S.A. was held in full compliance with all applicable procedures and with a quorum of 83.56%. 

During the Annual General Meeting, shareholders were thoroughly informed on all agenda items and on the tangible results stemming from the implementation of PPA S.A.’s strategy.

It is noted that all items on the agenda were approved by a broad majority, including the Annual Financial Statements and the Distribution of Dividend to the shareholders of the Company for the fiscal year 2024 (from 01.01.2024 to 31.12.2024). The dividend amount, as proposed by the Board of Directors, was set at a gross amount of €1.92 per share, marking an increase of 43.7% compared to the year 2023.

Specifically, the key figures of the Annual Financial Report for the year 2024 are as follows:
Total revenue for the year amounted to €230.9 million, representing an increase of €11.1 million or 5.0% compared to the previous year (€219.8 million in 2023). Profit before tax amounted to €112.9 million, compared to €96.2 million in 2023, marking an increase of 17.4%, while profit after tax reached €87.5 million, up by 30.8% compared to €66.8 million in 2023.

The above financial results represent the highest performance in the history of PPA S.A., both in terms of revenue and profitability, confirming the Company’s continued growth trajectory for the fourth consecutive year.

The Chairman of PPA S.A., Mr. LIN Ji, who presided over the General Meeting, expressed his appreciation to the shareholders for their trust, as well as to the Management and staff for their continuous dedication and contribution.
In his statement, he noted: “The consistently upward trajectory of PPA S.A., as reflected in the financial results of recent years, highlights the success of our strategy for the substantial upgrade of the Port of Piraeus. Our targeted decisions regarding the port’s operation and management continue to strengthen Piraeus’ role as a key transshipment and commercial hub in the Mediterranean and Europe. With a focus on quality, reliability and efficiency, we are steadily investing in modern port infrastructure and integrated services, shaping a competitive environment that meets the evolving needs of the market. At the same time, our commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development remains unwavering. We invest in actions that generate a positive impact for society, the environment and local development—laying the foundation for a resilient port with consistency and long-term vision for future generations.”

Following the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting, the Company’s Management presented awards to, Mr. Yiannis Moralis, Mayor of Piraeus, and Mr. Nikos Arvanitis, in recognition of their valuable and long-standing contribution as members of the Board of Directors to Piraeus Port Authority.

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Chalkis Shipyards S.A., a leading player in ship repair and refit services, has officially received ISO 14001:2015 certification from Bureau Veritas, recognizing its robust Environmental Management System.

This achievement highlights the shipyard’s ongoing dedication to reducing its environmental impact through structured waste management, pollution prevention, and energy-efficient practices. It also complements Chalkis Shipyards’ existing certifications in ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety), reflecting a well-rounded commitment to operational excellence.

With this latest certification, Chalkis Shipyards strengthens its position as a responsible and forward-looking partner in the maritime industry, integrating sustainable practices across all aspects of its operations.

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ABB has signed a 15-year service agreement with Royal Caribbean Group, a vacation industry leader with a global fleet of 67 ships across its five brands traveling to all seven continents, deepening the long-standing partnership to support the company’s ship performance goals. Covering 33 existing ships, the comprehensive agreement includes preventive maintenance and digital solutions to support and optimize propulsion operations, improve vessel safety, maximize fleet availability, and ensure fast turnaround times for planned Azipod® propulsion servicing. Financial terms were not disclosed. 

“Our collaboration with Royal Caribbean Group spans nearly three decades, beginning with the installation of Azipod® propulsion on one of the world’s largest cruise ships at the time,” said Juha Koskela, President of ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “Since then, we’ve partnered on numerous pioneering projects. This service agreement marks an important milestone in our journey together and highlights the critical role of ABB’s solutions in modernizing and maintaining the performance of one of the world’s most innovative cruise fleets.”  

“This agreement exemplifies how a shared commitment to innovation can unlock new opportunities to improve progress toward ship performance goals,” said Palle Laursen, Royal Caribbean Group EVP and Head of Marine. 

From its creation over three decades ago to its leading position in shipping today, Azipod® propulsion has revolutionized marine transport by delivering unparalleled gains for performance, efficiency, sustainability and reliability. The gearless, steerable propulsion system, with the electric drive motor in a pod outside the ship’s hull, can rotate 360 degrees to increase vessel maneuverability and efficiency, while cutting fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared to conventional shaftline systems. Since the first installation on a cruise ship over 25 years ago, Azipod® technology has saved more than one million tons of fuel in the cruise segment alone.  

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and more than 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com 

ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner.

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Tototheo Global, one of the leading provider of advanced connectivity and technology solutions for the maritime and enterprise sectors, has announced the expansion of its long-standing partnership with global content and connectivity service provider SES. Under a new four-year agreement, Tototheo will enhance its capacity to deliver scalable, high-speed VSAT services worldwide by leveraging SES’s Commercial Maritime Service and advanced high-throughput GEO satellite infrastructure.

This renewed collaboration reinforces Tototheo’s ability to meet the accelerating digital demands of modern shipping operations. By integrating SES’s infrastructure into Tototheo’s proprietary TM Flex Suite – which offers dynamic traffic management, link bonding, and hybrid connectivity -customers will benefit from intelligent, flexible, and resilient communications across global trade routes.

Access to the powerful GEO HTS and widebeam network of SES’s Commercial Maritime service ensures consistent service delivery around the world. This agreement supports both standalone and pooled service models, enabling fleet operators to manage bandwidth allocation more efficiently, with greater scalability, and cost control.
This partnership aligns with Tototheo’s broader strategy to offer hybrid connectivity across all orbital layers, GEO, MEO, and LEO, providing the agility needed to navigate today’s complex operational, regulatory, and cybersecurity environments. As the maritime sector continues its digital transformation, Tototheo remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering high-availability, future-ready connectivity.

Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, co-CEO of Tototheo Global, commented: “At Tototheo Global, our mission is to deliver reliable, adaptable and future-proof connectivity. I’m proud to share the extension of our long-standing partnership with SES through a new multi-year agreement. This collaboration enables us to further enhance our global service offering, giving our customers even greater reach, performance, and flexibility. With SES’ advanced satellite capabilities, we reaffirm our commitment to quality, innovation, and the evolving needs of the maritime industry.”
Nadine Allen, Global Head of Enterprise & Cloud of SES, welcomed the expanded partnership: “We are delighted to extend our cooperation with Tototheo Global through this new agreement. It enables Tototheo to benefit from SES’s high-performance, flexible VSAT connectivity to support their global customers. SES’s Commercial Maritime service combines GEO HTS and widebeam satellites with scalable capacity, delivering reliable service across major shipping routes.”
The agreement marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Tototheo Global and SES and underscores their shared commitment to delivering next-generation connectivity that enables smarter, more efficient, and more connected fleets.

About Tototheo Global: Tototheo Global is a leading provider of advanced connectivity and technology solutions, dedicated to optimizing performance across various sectors, including maritime and land enterprises. The company’s services include satellite communications, navigation systems, digital transformation services, AI, IoT, and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. Leveraging decades of experience, Tototheo Global delivers innovative, efficient, and tailored solutions for a diverse clientele.

Sustainability and reliability are at the forefront of Tototheo Global’s mission. The company advances digital transformation through state-of-the-art technology and robust connectivity. By integrating AI and IoT, it enhances operational efficiency, offering intelligent insights for smarter decision-making.

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Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) convened the 38th Hellenic Marine Technical Committee meeting in Athens on June 24, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Greek shipping community in navigating the complex challenges of decarbonization, innovation, and regulatory compliance.

The meeting opened with a welcome address from George Sarris, Chairman of the Committee and President of Enterprises Shipping & Trading S.A., who underscored the enduring importance of knowledge-sharing and collaborative action in an evolving regulatory landscape. George Andreadis, Marine Chief Executive for Greece at BV, welcomed participants and emphasized BV’s continued dedication to providing strategic and technical guidance for the maritime sector in Greece.

The first session of the meeting began with Dr. John Kokarakis, Technical Director for the SEEBA Zone, presenting key regulatory updates from MEPC 83 and beyond, offering attendees a forward-looking view on upcoming compliance priorities. Maria Lambardaki, Project Developer for the SEEBA Zone, followed with an impact study on the IMO’s net-zero framework, analyzing the implications of long-term carbon reduction targets for shipowners and operators.
Bill Stamatopoulos, Global Business Development Director at Verifuel, addressed the role of biofuels as a transitional energy source, highlighting both technical potential and implementation challenges in the context of 2035 emission goals.

The second session spotlighted the future of propulsion and fuel technologies. Julien Boulland, Sustainability Strategy Leader, introduced advancements in wind-assisted propulsion systems, while Vassilios Dimoulas, Technology & Innovation Director for the EMA, presented a comparative analysis of ammonia versus LPG as fuel in dedicated carriers.
The event concluded with an open discussion moderated by Vassilios, focusing on energy efficiency in current ship operations, encouraging exchange on best practices, technologies, and performance metrics shaping the operational fleet today.

George Andreadis, Marine Chief Executive for Greece at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “The 38th Hellenic Marine Technical Committee meeting once again demonstrated the strength and resilience of the Greek maritime community. As the industry navigates toward 2030 and beyond, collaboration on technical innovation and clear regulatory pathways will be key. Bureau Veritas remains committed to enabling this transition by offering deep expertise, local insight, and global solutions.”

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Investing in Excellence and Innovation, SYN-ENOSIS, the social contribution vehicle of the Union of Greek Shipowners, offered a record number of 130 scholarships for the 2025-6 academic period, continuing the program from 2023, plus 100 scholarships for postgraduate studies in Greece and abroad.

With the judging committee is constituted by John Xylas, Konstantinos Karoussis, Nikolaos Veniamis and Alexandros Papas, with the contribution of academic personalities.

SYN-ENOSIS offered 130 scholarships this year to young graduates who continue their studies in the field that have chosen to make a career, taking advantage of the Union of Greek Shipowners’ scholarship program.

Ms. Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture, praised the initiative of social responsibility which has a multiplying effect, emphasizing that the program does not only concern maritime and economic studies but a very wide range such as culture, health, etc.

In her speech, Ms. Melina Travlos pointed out that SYNENOSIS has contributed 130 million euros to social responsibility actions over the last 10 years.

This year's scholarship program granted 130 scholarships with a total offering of 5 million euros sponsored by 67 donors, a fact that makes it the largest in Greece.

The scholars come from 21 regions of Greece and will study in Greece and 10 foreign countries, 6 Greek and 45 universities all over the world.

In her closing, Ms. Travlos called on the scholars to make positive changes in their lives and to open new paths for a better country by honoring the value of excellence and the ΑΙΕΝ ΑΡΙΣΤΕΥΕΙΝ.

It should be emphasized that the event took place at the Columns of Olympian Zeus at the landmark of ancient Athens in a climate of emotion and pride.

Good luck!

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ABS opened the doors on its latest training center, the Hellenic Ship Safety Center in Athens, harnessing the power of new immersive training techniques, game-based learning and virtual reality environments for the Greek shipping community.

Greek shipping leaders joined ABS executives at the opening celebration for the new facility that features computer simulation stations, collaboration areas and a training room for virtual reality and game-based scenarios and interaction.

ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki said: “The ABS Hellenic Ship Safety Center is expressly designed to equip our people with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to operate safely in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape. This center will pioneer immersive learning techniques, using virtual and augmented reality to create powerful, hands-on training experiences. Through simulated environments, learners can walk through a ship, interact with systems, and practice procedures, all before ever stepping on board.”

Among the honored guests was Dimitrios Fafalios, President of Fafalios Shipping S.A., who said: “Shipping is the daily management of change, and shipping is facing many challenges with new technologies and alternative fuels. It falls to our seafarers to be trained to overcome these challenges and this is why the ABS Hellenic Ship Safety Centre (HSSC) is so important.”

The Athens location is the latest in a family of dedicated centers from ABS, others are in Doha and Singapore, that are designed to prepare seafarers to handle a multi-dimensional industry with alternative fuels and emerging technologies.

The training facilities also feature the new ABS MetaSHIP Fleet: the ABS Spirit, the ABS Eagle, and the ABS Integrity, are highly realistic virtual vessels, built to scale from actual ship drawings. They allow learners to conduct virtual field trips, select vessel types and ages, and perform inspections, surveys, and documentation—all in a safe, controlled environment.

“With MetaSHIP, a trainee can spend hours on the deck plate of a vessel—inspecting equipment, reviewing certificates, and documenting findings—before ever setting foot on a gangplank. This is the future of maritime training, and it’s happening right here in Athens,” said Wiernicki.

The Athens center, which has the support of the Hellenic Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Union of Greek Shipowners, will address critical emerging safety issues such as handling dynamic fuels, risks generated by cyber-enabled systems, hybrid battery propulsion and other technological driven changes onboard.

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Key personalities from government, shipping, and education, gathered together at the Yacht Club of Greece to celebrate a decade of purpose and to honor a movement for youth empowerment and ‘brain gain’.

On June 25, 2025, Project Connect became the epicenter of maritime education and youth empowerment as it celebrated its 10-Years Anniversary, at the emblematic Yacht Club of Greece, highlighting a decade of initiatives that have built bridges between students and the shipping industry and have created an entire movement since its inception.

Over 250 guests, including many members of Project Connect were welcomed with a multimedia display showcasing Project Connect’s journey from youth employment placements, skills training to international expansion and partnering with 800 primary and secondary schools engaged with 418 captains of vessels at sea. The evening began symbolically with the sound of a ship horn, signaling the new voyage for the organization.

The program was opened by Dr. Yanna Darilis, Master of Ceremonies, and the special milestones video.  

Ms. Darilis stated, “On May 27th, 2015, Project Connect was launched by a group of visionary professionals led by Irene Notias, with one bold and clear mission: to bridge the gap between the maritime industry and the next generation. What began as an inspired idea has grown into a national and international initiative, transforming youth engagement, redefining maritime education, and reshaping the future of Greek shipping. A Movement grounded in a commitment to social responsibility, industry sustainability and youth empowerment.”

She continued: “In just ten years, Project Connect has managed with little resources to become a pioneer in youth employability, serving as Greece’s first Human Resource hub for the Greek shipping industry, encouraging companies to open their doors to interns and entry-level professionals, building reciprocal trust, and nurturing new talent. From professional seminars and student placement support to building bridges between universities and maritime companies, the ripple effect has been powerful and continues growing strong.”

Dr. Darilis introduced the Founder & Director Irene Notias who shared her inspiring story—rooted in family values, a response to Greece’s ‘brain drain’, and a passion for creating opportunity. “We educate, we empower, we connect,” she said, reflecting on the organization’s mission.

His Excellency, Dr. Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, representing  H.E. Prime Minister of Greece Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis congratulated Ms Notias on her passion and achievement and affirmed his interest to cooperate in the near future regarding youth orientation towards maritime vocations at sea and shore, creating a National Maritime Week for Schools, and more support for effective tools like Adopt a Ship.

Mr. Nicholas Tsalamanios, Chairman & Main Benefactor of Project Connect and Co-CEO of Seaven Tankers & Dry shared his pride in investing in Project Connect, for its efficient programs such as Adopt a Ship which up to now has educated 20,000 young people about maritime life from an early age and connects them with the industry through structured, professional processes. 

Mr. John Xylas, CEO, Ariston Navigation, Treasurer and Representative of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Chairman of Intercargo and Project Connect’s  first Founder Member, expressed his support for the initiative from the beginning as it bridged a big gap between educational institutions and the shipping companies.  He emphasized the empowering benefits for crew who participate in the Adopt a Ship program, as they give back to the younger generation, who bridge the shipping industry to their families, gaining maritime awareness and the future vocational possibilities for their children’s future. Supporting Organization of the educational program Adopt a Ship is the Union of Greek Shipowners.

Presentation of the “Adopt a Ship” program

Dr. Adamantia Spanaka, Educational Consultant for the Adopt a Ship program at Project Connect, presented a slide show about the efficacy of the “Adopt a Ship” program and its benefits for the teachers, students and their families. Pointing out that half of the pupils surveyed aspire to join the industry due to their ‘all-school-year-long’ activities and letter exchanges with their adopted vessel’s captain.

The program featured pupils from Athens College (Olina Anagnostopoulou & Stefanos Delikostopoulos) reading a real letter exchange between a Davlia grade school class and the captain of their adopted vessel, M/T Maran Dione, of Maran Tanker Management. 

There were touching remarks from Event Sponsors:

• Her Excellency Mrs. Julie Lymberopoulou Karnakis, Ambassador of Panama firmly supporting the educational component and a future cooperation.
• Mr. Theofanis Theofanous, Managing Director, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Hellas), a PROJECT CONNECT Member stated that they use the CV Platform to recruit young talent and are happily enrolling their vessels in the Adopt a Ship program, for a while now.

Encouragement from Government Auspices and Officials.

• Mr. George Alexandratos, President, Hellenic Chamber of Shipping focused on the importance of such initiatives and stressed they will expand their support.
• Ms. Katerina Monogiou, a Member of the Hellenic Parliament, chairing the Education committee, and representing the Cyclade Islands where the Adopt a Ship is thriving, pledged support for incorporating Adopt a Ship into The National Maritime Week, proposed in synergy with relative Ministries.
• Mr. Lou Raptakis, U.S. State Senator, a supporter from the very beginning of its inception and first to declare that initiatives like Project Connect are necessary for sustainability. Together with his wife, Dr Donna Raptakis recommended the program to Hellenic Charter Plato Academy schools, in Florida.
• Mr. Dimitris Avramopoulos, former European Commissioner, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense, Member of Parliament sent salutation and stated that “Greek shipping, a pillar of our national economy with global reach, needs the new generation. And the new generation needs initiatives like Project Connect to be inspired and to chart its own course in this unique world.”
• Ms. Sofia Zacharaki, Minister of Education sent Salutation through written statement that  “the fact that the program is integrated into the Skills Labs and supported by approved material from the Institute of Educational Policy (IEP) further enhances its educational value.  I extend my warmest thanks to the educators who, with enthusiasm and dedication, implement the program and serve as the vital link between the classroom and the world of shipping. Their contribution is truly invaluable.”

Both Salutations were read by the Adopt a Ship Coordinator, Mrs. Effie Kotika.

Celebrating the Adopt a Ship Pioneers

The original “Lucky 7” vessels, and captains, came from six shipping companies. They and the teachers who participated in the Adopt a Ship Pilot during school semester, January to June 2019 were mentioned and the companies honored: ARISTON NAVIGATION, ASTRA SHIPMANAGEMENT, EUROBULK, MEDFERRY, PHOENIX, and STARBULK.

Special recognition was given to:

• Effie Kotika, Adopt a Ship coordinator, for voluntarily matching ships with schools for seven consecutive years.
• George Tsavliris, Honorary Chairman of Project Connect who was instrumental in advising Ms.Notias about bringing Adopt a Ship to Greece.
• Alex Josephides, Chairman, Cyprus Chamber of Shipping & Michael Ierides, Secretary General, CYMEPA for providing the Adopt a Ship materials and allowing Ms Notias free reign to develop the Adopt a Ship program, in Greece.

A special surprise by Dr. John Kalogerakis Honorary Project Connect Member performing a Cretan tradition of commemoration. He created and sang a Cretan song (mandinada) about the character and achievements of Ms. Notias. 

The festive cocktail evening reinforced maritime camaraderie, graced by the soprano Ms. Anastasia Zannis’ live performance and added to the event’s success.

The Event was sponsored by the Chairman, Nicholas Tsalamanios and the following companies who are members and friends:  Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, Columbia Shipmanagement Greece,   Cormorant Maritime Projects LLC,    Cross Roads Agencies S.A.,    Danaos Shipping Co. Ltd,     Doric Shipbrokers S.A.,      Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd,      Embassy and Consulate of Panama,     Eurobulk Ltd.,    GANMAR Shipping,     Island Oil Hellas Ltd.,     J. G. Roussos,     John Naslas,     Katradis Marine Ropes Industry,    Konkar Shipping Agencies S.A.,    Lotus Shipping Company Limited,    Marine Tours S.A.,    Pleiades Shipping Agents S.A.,    Sea Pioneer Shipping Corporation,  Seaven Tankers & Dry Management, Inc.,  Star Bulk Management Inc.,    SteelShips LLC,    Technomar Shipping Inc., The American P&I Club,   Tsavliris Salvage Ltd, and   V.Ships.

The Project Connect team dedicated this celebration event which fell on Seafarers Day to the captains and crew of the Adopt a Ship  program.

A Decade of Achievements

PROJECT CONNECT’s key initiatives include:

• Adopt a Ship: Connecting grade and high schools with ship captains via e-mail letters engagement, the program has expanded from Greece to the United States.
• 11 UN SDG Contributions: addresses sustainability goals from quality education to mental well-being.
• “Youth Empowerment - Niata Psila” Seminars: Offering professional readiness and soft skills training, and personal empowerment.
• 3-D Virtual Tour of a modern Shipping company’s departments and positions
• CONNECT CV-HR Platform: A digital recruiting tool that connects young talent with shipping companies using a fun, psychometric skills tool, ‘owiwi’.

MEDIA SUPPORT: All About Shipping, Alpha News, Elnavi, ERT,  Kathimerini, Lloyds, Maritime Economies, maritimes.gr, Nafsgreen Shipping News Portal, National Herald, Naftemporiki, New Greek TV,  Portal Piraeus, Proto Thema, Ta Nea, The National Herald, The SeaNation, Tradewinds and Vima.

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On June 23, 2025, the signing ceremony of the agreement between ONEX Elefsis Shipyards and the classification society Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) took place at the historic Sailing Club of Greece in Piraeus, one of the most emblematic places in the Greek shipping sector. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Mr. Gikas, the Secretary General for Fisheries and Ports, the Secretary General for Research and Development, as well as prominent representatives of the Greek shipping community and the maritime press.

The agreement concerns the construction of 20 newbuilding tugboats of the RAstar 2800 Tugboat type at ONEX's shipyards in Elefsina, marking the official revival of newbuilding activity in Greece. The agreement was signed by Mr. Panos Xenokostas, President and CEO of ONEX Group and President of the Union of Greek

Shipyards, and Ms. Paillette Palaiologou, Senior Vice President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Division, East Europe, Mediterranean Sea, Middle East, Africa, and India (EMA).

Mr. Xenokostas stressed the importance of this historic step for the Greek shipbuilding industry: "Since 2018, even in the darkest times for the shipbuilding industry, we have dreamed, envisioned, planned, and implemented this project.

Today, we can see the shipyards in operation, providing thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and over 720 vessels have been repaired in Syros and Elefsina.”

Referring to the strategic decision to start with tugs for newbuildings, he pointed out: “We decided to start with tugs because they represent a controlled, manageable investment. This enabled us to achieve our goals for preparing the yard, partnering with major industries, and collaborating with leading companies such as Robert Allan Naval Architects, MAN Energy Solutions SE and SCHOTTEL GmbH to design a state-of-the-art tugboat."

The tugs will feature the latest generation of engines and will be adaptable to LNG and LPG environments. They will also be able to operate with versatility in a variety of roles, including firefighting and cleaning up oil spills.

Mr. Xenokostas also announced that “In the coming weeks, we will sign our first contract with a Greek company for 2 + 2 tugs. In 2026, we plan to further expand our production line with an additional 20 tugs. Our production line is secure, and the first steel will be cut in November 2025. We also offer companies in Greece and abroad complete solutions through financing packages such as the Performance Based Logistics model."

In closing his address, Mr. Xenokostas thanked all customers, Greek shipowners, employees, and executives for their trust, as well as the Greek government for their practical and continuous support since 2019. He stated: “The revival of the shipyards is not the work of one or two people. It is a game that, in order to win, we must play as a team. Our vision for a strong Greek shipbuilding industry is becoming a reality today."

Ms. Paillette Palaiologou, Senior Vice President of Eastern Europe, Mediterranean Sea, Middle East, India and Africa (EMA), Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, spoke about BV’s deep connection with the Greek shipping industry, a beacon for the whole world, stressing the historical importance of the agreement: “We have seen ships being built and sailing, becoming part of world history with the seal of safety and completeness from our organization. Our commitment to Greek shipping and local maritime activity goes beyond a business relationship. It is a deep emotional bond based on mutual trust and a shared vision for progress and development. We are here today to celebrate the reawakening of shipbuilding in our country.

Shipbuilding is integrally linked to our identity and has always nurtured our nation's love for the sea."

She highlighted the strategic importance of the project: “The construction of 20 newbuild RAstar 2800 tugboats is a very important project for the shipyards, BV, Greece, and the global tugboat industry,” she said, underlining that BV holds a 27% share of the global tugboat classification market.

Referring to the technical characteristics of the tugboats, she pointed out: 'This new fleet of tugs will be extremely versatile. It will be equipped with high-level propulsion systems, allowing it to operate as an escort tug. They will also have fire-fighting capabilities and equipment for oil recovery operations in the event of pollution.'

"Today's agreement also marks the beginning of a strong cooperation between our company and a shipyard group known for its commitment to quality, but also for its vision for a great Greek shipbuilding industry," said Ms Paleologou, underlining that "We support this vision with our full commitment, as we strongly believe in the dynamics and potential of the local shipbuilding industry."

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, Deputy Minister Mr. Gikas described the day as a historic one for the Greek shipbuilding industry. “Today, we are witnessing the rebirth of the Greek shipbuilding industry. This was an objective established by our Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, from the moment our government was elected in 2019." He emphasized the dual importance of tugs: " These tugboats will serve critical national and international ports, playing a vital role in our country’s maritime strategy."

In closing, the Deputy Minister, as a Naval Officer himself, said: “It is in our DNA to build ships; we are a country with a long naval tradition. I am very optimistic that, with the regeneration of our shipyards, we will soon see both our warships and those of the Coast Guard being built by Greek hands."

Finally, Mr. Tasos Gaitanis, Secretary General for Research and Innovation of the Ministry of Development, referred to the government's interest in the domestic shipbuilding industry, which offers significant economic potential and new jobs, explaining that: “At the Ministry of Development, our desire and priority is to strengthen the economy through applied research and innovative products and  services, including the maritime sector and maritime technology, which are important areas linked to our rich maritime tradition."

Today's signature marks a significant milestone for the Greek shipping and shipbuilding industries and demonstrates the commitment of all stakeholders to reviving and developing domestic shipbuilding activity.

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