Top Ships, owned by shipowner Evangelos Pistiolis, has acquired another megayacht, after expanding into the luxury yacht market last year.

In its annual report for 2024, the shipping company reports the conclusion of an agreement for the acquisition of a second large yacht, from its main shareholder and CEO Mr. Pistiolis. The vessel will be built at the Sanlorenzo shipyards and will be delivered in the second quarter of 2027.

Its cost will amount to 27 million dollars, while the company has already paid the shipowner 5.3 million dollars.

The 60-meter megayacht will be able to accommodate 12 guests and 15 crew members.

The US-listed company’s first foray into yachts came last summer, when it acquired the megayacht Para Bellum from a subsidiary owned by its CEO for $20 million.

The 47-meter megayacht was built in 2023 at the Sanlorenzo shipyards and can accommodate 12 guests and a crew of 10. The company says it “may enter into additional newbuilding contracts in the future.”

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Andriaki Shipping updated its partnership with Arbor Day which started in 2021. The partnership planted so far a total of 1 million native trees throughout the alluvial plain area that occupies parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Over the past year, Andriaki Shipping and Arbor Day Carbon  - a wholly owned subsidiary of the Arbor Day Foundation — partnered to support verified carbon credit and large-scale tree planting in the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley.  
Andriaki Shipping Co. Ltd. was established in Greece in 1953. Since that time it has provided marine transportation services, on behalf of its clients, by managing over 100 vessels of various types and sizes. The company is able to offer a range of ship management and marine transportation services to their clients, including day to day operational functions. Andriaki currently operates a modern fleet of Tankers, all flying the Greek Flag and classed with major IACS Classification Societies. "Quality through Tradition".

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Energean's CEO, Mathios Rigas, spoke to the members of the Propeller Club Piraeus about the path towards a just energy transition in the Eastern Mediterranean region amid developments in international markets.
In his speech, Mr. Rigas suggested that the Greek government should follow Israel's example in energy production and in particular in the extraction of hydrocarbons.

He mentioned that Israel 20 years ago was dependent on Egypt for energy and within 20 years discovered the deposits in Leviathan and others, and today the opposite is happening.

Following the example of Israel, Greece could achieve energy self-sufficiency with a stable policy, as long as there is determination and a plan.

Mr. Rigas spoke about the establishment of Energean in 2007, which took the risk of buying the field in Prinos by investing 1 million euros and with careful moves attracted various private and institutional investment funds by expanding its activity in Israel by undertaking the extraction of natural gas in the Karim field.

Gradually, the company entered the main market of the London Stock Exchange and built an FPSO unit in Singapore, which it installed in Israel, supplying 60% of the gas market.

It is worth noting that the company currently has a market capitalization of $2 billion.

Mr. Rigas referred to the company's future plans such as the expansion in West Africa, the oil extraction in the west of Corfu and the creation of a storage area of 3 million tons of CO2 per year in Prinos.

He also described the challenges of geopolitical developments such as the war in the Middle East and the path towards decarbonization.
Mr. Rigas was declared an honorary member of Propeller Piraeus while the Association of Shipping Financial Executives was also awarded for its contribution to shipping.

The award was received by the president George Xiradakis.

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The 163rd ABS Annual Members Meeting highlighted that ABS has never been stronger, with substantial growth and industry-leading safety performance reported.

ABS continued to perform strongly in 2024, with the fleet growing to 300 million gross tons. The company also maintained the number one position among class organizations in global new order share with 22 percent. Across the industry, ABS held leading positions with both shipbuilders and shipowners.
ABS has also maintained its leadership position in the global offshore market and expanded its support for governments while continuing to be in the forefront in digital and sustainability services.

Members also heard ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki announce that he will step down as Chairman and CEO and retire at the end of 2025, after 14 years at the helm of ABS.

After thanking the ABS Board of Directors, the employees and his family for their support, Wiernicki said: “We have faced many challenges during my tenure, including the pandemic, the marine and offshore industry downturn and unprecedented, and disruptive technology and regulatory driven change. In spite of these events, we were able to move forward with a number of strategic investments that have allowed us to become an industry recognized technology and safety leader.”

In the culmination of a well-planned succession process, the leadership of ABS, upon election by the Board of Directors, is expected to pass to the current ABS President and Chief Operating Officer John McDonald, who will become Chairman and CEO from January 1, 2026. 

Members also heard Rear Admiral Wayne R. Arguin, Jr., U.S. Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, provide an update on the latest U.S. Coast Guard safety initiatives and policies, commenting: “Safety and security are paramount to a robust and resilient U.S. maritime industry. ABS has been a steadfast partner over the years, supporting the development of technical safety standards and advancing technology and innovation in shipping”.
ABS, a global leader in classification services, is focused on delivering a safer, cleaner future for the marine and offshore industries. For over 160 years, ABS has been setting standards for safety and excellence and continues to innovate in the fields of clean technology, digitalization and artificial intelligence, providing industry-leading technical advisory services. With a global network of surveyors, engineers, technology specialists and support staff, ABS works with industry leaders including its members and clients around the world to improve safety in operational performance and efficiency with innovative solutions for the complete life cycle of marine and offshore assets.

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Project Connect, committed to offering opportunities of work experience in the shipping industry to Greece's youth, held its 10th youth empowerment professional self-development workshop called WORK-SHIP, a full-day event at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens, Greece, on Saturday, April 26th. Over 100 youth, aged 17 to 29, attended, eager to learn how to gain work experience and what to expect from it.
"WORK-SHIP" is a professional readiness workshop for aspiring young shipping industry professionals for sea and shore jobs, geared towards helping Generation-Z and Millennials cover their greatest concern — obtaining an entry-level job and gaining work experience at a time when HR officers prefer candidates with at least two years of it. It also bridges the gap between future seafarers and shore personnel, fostering mutual support.
The workshop’s main theme was instilling key fundamentals of office and ship working culture — preparing young professionals to thrive in multicultural, high-responsibility, 24/7 environments both at sea and ashore.
Ms. Irene Notias, founder and director of Project Connect, invited renowned motivational speaker, Culture Architect, and expert in Anthropocentric Training, Dr. John Kalogerakis, to lead this inspiring workshop — a live demonstration of what JMK Anthropocentric Seminars are all about — offering young maritime students and graduates practical answers to their professional dilemmas.

Dr. John Kalogerakis (www.jmk.gr), acclaimed business coach and motivator known to the Shipping Industry, Multi-nationals, and Educational Institutions, once again “wowed” his audience. His solution-based, common-sense approach energized the youth, encouraging active participation, collaboration, empathy, and positive thinking — essential traits in today’s demanding professional environment.

The participants learned:  Real insights into maritime sector expectations

- Essential employability skills and the right mindset

- Teamwork, communication, and workplace ethics

- Networking with industry mentors and bridging ship and shore experiences at an early age

Attendees came from prominent institutions such as Athens University of Economics and Business, University of Piraeus, University of the Aegean, National and Kapodistrian University, National Technical University of Athens, School of Pedagogical and Technological Education, Mediterranean College, Metropolitan College, New York College, Aegean College, AEN (Aspropyrgou, Kymis) and EPAL schools (Piraeus, Iliou, Ag.Paraskevi).

Opening remarks were given by Mr. Aris Koropoulis (co-Director, Astra Ship Management) and Ministry of Shipping Commander Ms. Panagiota Katsalouli, encouraging the youth to embrace the opportunities ahead. 

Ms. Notias, the event’s MC,  also introduced the tools Project Connect offers to enhance youth employability, including the CONNECT CV Platform, the owiwi game, and the My Shipping Career Office Support Toolkit.
Participants took a 3D virtual tour inside a fictional 8-story shipping company, Evdokia Maritime (symbolic for "good things to come"), introducing them to real office structures, departments, and job roles — a project created by Ms. Notias and Seaven Group Co-CEO Mr. Nikolas Tsalamanios during the pandemic to continue hands-on learning remotely.
Interactive discussions followed:

• ·Captain Paris Loumos (Operator/Marine Superintendent) and Spyros Chatzianastasiades (Operations and Environmental Officer) of Lotus Shipping Company shared real-life office work experiences and the realities of managing 24/7 responsibilities.
• ·Mrs. Maria Yiassa (Marketing Executive, The Swedish Club, and Project Connect Mentor) awarded 10 "Seaorama" shipping management games to active participants and shared her own career journey.
  ·Mr. Nikos Marmatsouris (Commercial Partner, NEXT Maritime) spoke on persistence being the key to career entry and success.
  ·Ms. Irene Notias (Marine Fuel Broker Business owner, Prime Petroleum & Bunkersplus) shared secrets to success and together with
• ·Sophia Piha described the procedures of the CONNECT CV-HR Platform which has recently placed over 25  candidates and is viewed by 95-member shipping and maritime service companies, for interviews.

Behind the scenes, the event production team — Sophia Piha, Elisavet Statira, Marina Anagnostopoulou, and Foteini Keramari, led by Irene Notias — dedicated months of effort to deliver this outstanding experience.
Project Connect applauds Dr. Kalogerakis,  Astra Shipmanagement, the Sponsor of the Workshop and the Students from "Adopt a Ship" programs, Merchant Navy schools,  business and maritime universities spent their Saturday investing in their future — absorbing practical knowledge and real-world advice.

All left empowered, inspired, and better prepared to apply for their first job in Greek Shipping!
If you believe the future of Greek Shipping depends on empowering our youth with the right skills and mindset — and you want to be part of this movement — join Project Connect in shaping a new generation of professionals. Reach out today and become part of this vital transformation!

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The issue of maritime education was the major topic of this year’s agenda of Metropolitan College international conference.
Professor Dinos Arkoumanis Chairman of the Academic Council of Metropolitan opened the conference and presented the speakers.

Keynote speaker was Capt George Vassilakis who explained why mental health is important. He pointed out that mental health helps seafarers functioning properly.

The culture in shipping must change and seafarers have to talk about mental health issues.
Healthier and happier seafarers run safer ships.

The panel included the following speakers Capt Panagiotis Nikita’s HSQE Manager of Maran Dry, Capt Socrates Tigkos crew manager Safebulkers, Thanos Mytilineos HR Manager Piraeus port Authority, Capt Spyros Kyriakopoulos Training manager Danaos Shipping and moderated by Ms Katerina Kokkini deputy CEO of KMK Marine consultants.
The panel discussed the topic of empowering human element in shipping.

The speakers said that despite the technological innovations and artificial intelligence, human factor will remain at the core of shipping operations. In these uncharted waters of globalization and geopolitical uncertainty that Shipping experiences the human element will be the critical factor in this demanding world.

To handle different mentalities and conditions in shipping seafarers and shipping executives must be equipped not only by technical expertise and technological knowledge but also by a set of soft skills to follow up the new requirements and regulations and adapt to the changing environment. Resilience is also needed for high stress situations.

The speakers referred to the necessity to re-skill and up-skill the company’s employees and explained how they motivate people with different backgrounds and mentalities.

Finally, the speakers remarked that new professions and roles will emerge in the years to come and creativity and adaptability will definetly drive the future.

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The International Maritime Organization (IMO) succeeded to approve the medium-term measures aimed at reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from ships, following months of intense negotiations.

There are serious concerns about the feasibility of the targets set, especially since this agreement was passed by a narrow majority of 63 Member-States, with several countries expressing reservations.

Due to conflicting interests and different priorities of groups of Member-States and in an effort to reconcile them, the international agreement reached comprises both positive and problematic elements.

In this context the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Ms. Melina Travlos, states: “We welcome, among other, the recognition of the “polluter pays” principle and the transfer of the compliance costs to the commercial operator of the ship.

However, the fact that the agreement does not acknowledge the vital role of transitional fuels, such as LNG, and treats them in an unfair way, undermines pertinent investments and the industry’s efforts to decarbonise.
Despite these challenges, Greek shipping remains fully committed to being at the forefront in the industry’s transition to decarbonisation, through viable, fit-for-purpose, but realistic global solutions”.

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DryDel’s technical team witnessed the unforgettable launch of its 64,000 DWT dry bulk vessel – Hull No: SS364 – at Tsuneishi Shipbuilding!

From the first cut of steel to the smooth entry into the water, the vessel reflects top-tier Japanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge design.

Highlights:
– Built by Tsuneishi Group, one of the world’s leading shipbuilders

– Features the Aeroline hull design for enhanced fuel efficiency

– Scrubber-fitted, aligned with DryDel’s commitment to sustainability

– Delivery expected end of May 2025

This marks DryDel’s first collaboration with Tsuneishi and it certainly won’t be the last. More newbuildings are on the way!

The company expressed a heartfelt thank you to the outstanding teams at Tsuneishi Shipbuilding & its Technical Team for making this milestone possible.

Trusted to deliver. Driven to perform.

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7312416843120443394

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Sustainable shipping and successes in diversity took centre stage at the inaugural WISTA India ExCo Conference in Mumbai, which coincided with the first WISTA International Mid-Term Meeting to take place in India.

With WISTA International membership exceeding 6,000 this month, the Executive Committee (ExCo) met over two days to discuss topics that included the professional training programmes available to members and the upcoming report following the IMO/WISTA Women in Maritime Survey. Priority was also given to regional reports, while an in-depth review of the equity fund examined strategies to support National WISTA Associations (NWAs) in need.

Entitled Navigating Change: The Future of Sustainable Shipping, the WISTA India ExCo Conference brought together local industry, consulates, maritime leaders and professionals to share insights on how to drive the industry towards greener, more resilient maritime operations.

Addressing the conference, WISTA International President, Elpi Petraki, highlighted the way collaboration and greater diversity could help overcome industry challenges and create a more sustainable future for global shipping.

“A collaborative spirit is essential to make the most of the opportunities that arise from the challenges we face,” said Petraki.

“Shipping brings together people from all around the world and has always included a wide range of cultures, nationalities and ethnicities. Diverse and global by nature, it demands versatility and collaboration every working day. It has taken thousands of years of collaboration to create the global maritime community we enjoy today. Even during trying times, therefore, we must not lose sight of the fact that it will be by working together that women will be most effective in driving the positive changes that benefit our global community.”

WISTA India, Sanjam Gupta, said: “It was an honour to host the first WISTA India ExCo Conference and the WISTA International Executive Committee in Mumbai. The conference provided an excellent opportunity to discuss key elements of the industry’s green transition while also showcasing India’s position as a sustainable shipping leader and many of the women who are driving change and contributing to the country’s swift transition to greener shipping operations.”

In a direct engagement with a key maritime stakeholder in India, the WISTA International ExCo visited the Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy to discuss the programmes it has in place to support and attract more females to the seafaring profession. In touring the academy’s facilities, delegates made full use of opportunities to speak to many of the female cadets enrolled.

“As a major maritime hub, significant steps have been taken in India to educate the seafaring community about the importance of creating an inclusive and safe working environment onboard,” added Petraki.

“Over 450 cadets graduate from the Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy each year, and in the last year, the number of female cadets studying there has increased, showing the effort that is being made to create a more diverse and inclusive seafaring profession”.

Image 1: WISTA International Executive Committee and WISTA India

Image 2: WISTA India ExCo Conference

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Theodora Riga, President of MedCruise and President of the Corfu Port Authority, delivered the Trends in the Med keynote presentation on April 8 during this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami.

MedCruise - Trends in the Med Presentation at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 Theodora Riga, President of MedCruise and President of the Corfu Port Authority, delivered the Trends in the Med keynote presentation on April 8 during this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami. Her presentation offered a comprehensive overview of the latest developments shaping the cruise industry, with a focus on global, Mediterranean, and MedCruise-specific trends.

A standout insight from the presentation was that MedCruise ports account for 21.6% of all global cruise sailings. Additionally, it was revealed that 52% of cruise ships scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2036 will be powered by alternative fuels — a strong indicator of the industry’s commitment to sustainability.

Turning to the Mediterranean region, The President noted that out of the 461 cruise ships expected to operate worldwide in 2025, 183 will be sailing in the Mediterranean — an increase of 11 ships from 2024.

MedCruise ports, in particular, have experienced a notable rise in activity. Cruise passenger movements grew by 9.23% from 2023 to 2024 and by 15.5% compared to 2019. Cruise calls also saw an upward trend, increasing 7.94% from 2023 to 2024 and 16.37% over the five-year period since 2019.

The President also shared detailed data on regional and national trends within the MedCruise network, highlighting the West Med as the top-performing region in both passenger numbers and cruise calls.

In addition, she outlined MedCruise’s strategic initiatives since the beginning of her mandate in September 2024. These include two upcoming General Assemblies — one in Cartagena, Spain this June, and another in Šibenik, Croatia in September. She also introduced projects such as the MedCruise Insider and highlighted the association’s growing visibility through increased communication efforts in international media and on social media, as well as MedCruise’s active participation in major cruise industry events.

The presentation concluded with a heartfelt thanks to the previous Board of Directors, Secretariat and former President for their contributions to MedCruise’s continued success.

About MedCruise: The Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports.

The mission of MedCruise is to promote the cruise industry in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas. The Association assists its members in benefiting from the growth of the cruise industry by providing networking, promotional, as well as professional development opportunities.

Established in Rome on the 11th of June 1996, by a collaborative agreement between 16 ports in seven different countries, the MedCruise membership spreads today in 22 countries and is located in three different continents, Africa, Asia and Europe. MedCruise represents more than 158 ports and 51 associate members.

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