Returning in 2023 after the success of last year’s conference, Maritime Cyprus 2023 will take place in Limassol from 08 – 11 October at a new venue.
Themed “Shipping in action: An Agenda for Change”, the conference – this time at the Parklane Resort and Spa - will host keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops designed to accelerate maritime’s progress within areas including decarbonization, ship financing, digitalization, and shipbuilding. This year also sees the introduction of a session on the cruise sector.
Over 1000 delegates are expected to attend from across the globe, including a diverse range of influential shipping industry actors. As is typical of the conference’s long-standing format, all speakers have been invited solely on merit, ensuring that every session is interesting and impactful. Most panel discussions will take place during the morning of each day – with afternoons dedicated mainly to meetings and networking.
Many shipping industry leaders feature in the line-up of speakers and panelists, including Kitack Lim, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO); Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General Elect of the International Maritime Organization (IMO); Andreas Hadjiyiannis, President, Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Dr Gaby Bornheim, President, German Shipowners’ Association, Philippos Philis, President of  European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA); Emanuele Grimaldi, President and Managing Director of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS); Nikolaus Schües, President, BIMCO, and many more.
A hallmark of the Maritime Cyprus Conference, shipowners and charterers themselves feature heavily in the speaker line-up, including George Procopiou, Chairman, Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd, Thanassis Martinos, Managing Director, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd, Suzanna Laskaridis, Director, Laskaridis Shipping Company Ltd, Semiramis Paliou, CEO, Diana Shipping Inc, Polys Hajioannou, CEO & Chairman, Safe Bulkers Inc, Nicole Mylona, CEO, Transmed Shipping Co Ltd, Jan Dieleman, President Cargill Ocean Transportation, Cargill International SA, Sebastian Landerretche, Head, Freight Platform, Louis Dreyfus Company, Chris-Alexander Korfiatis, Vice President, Marine Operations, Royal Caribbean and others.
Keynote speaker Anne Katrine Bjerregaard, Head of Strategy, Sustainability & ESG, at Maersk McKinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, will take the stage on Tuesday, 10 October at 11h20 EEST, with a presentation entitled: “The time to act is now – radically transforming maritime by 2050”.
Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Marina Hadjimanolis, commented: “I have entered my term as Shipping Deputy Minister at a time of great change, challenge and opportunity, in the industry. What always sets the Maritime Cyprus Conference apart is the speaker line up. The focus remains on the shipowners, operators, and charterers themselves who speak alongside regulators, financiers and innovators. The timing of Maritime Cyprus, ahead of much incoming international and European legislation, enables shipping to gather and collaborate to make essential progress towards our future sustainability – in every sense. We are ready and willing to support the industry in taking positive action.”
The conference, opened by Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, will be held in Limassol, at the Parklane Resort and Spa, between 9th and 11th October 2023. 
Find the latest speaker list and program here. To register your place at this year’s conference, visit the Maritime Cyprus website.

Image: Left to right: Mr George Mouskas, Vice President, Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Mr George Procopiou, Chairman, Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd, Mr Andreas Hadjiyiannis, President, Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Mr Polys V. Hajioannou, CEO & Chairman, Safe Bulkers, Inc

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The prolonged war between Ukraine and Russia has notably impacted the shipping industry with substantial disruptions in maritime trade routes, leading to an alteration in shipping patterns and fluctuations in shipping companies' earnings.
Black Sea and its strategic importance
The Black Sea is of considerable significance in international trade, serving as a crucial waterway for ships transporting goods between Europe and Asia. The Ukraine-Russia conflict has elevated the geopolitical importance of this region, causing intensified scrutiny and ugmented military presence, thereby impacting the freedom of navigation and escalating operational risks for shipping companies.
Alteration in Trade Routes
The increased tensions have necessitated the rerouting of ships, leading to extended transit times and elevated operational costs. This change has placed additional financial burdens on shipping companies, impacting their profitability.
Impact on Commodity Markets and vessels employment
This geopolitical unrest has caused disruptions in the supply of essential commodities like grain and oil. Ukraine is a major producer-exporter of grain via Black Sea, and any impediment in its shipping corridors lead to significant supply-chain disruptions and price volatility in global commodity markets, affecting both producers and consumers. Last July Russia suspended – not for the first time - an agreed U.N brokered deal for Ukrainian grain exports as Russian commercial ships in the grain corridors have been hit by Ukrainian drones, as well as a minesweeping ship, jeopardizing thus even further Ukrainian grain exports. To understand the gravity of this it’s worth to mention that according to the European Commission, Ukraine accounts for 10% of the world’s wheat market, 15% of the corn market, and 13% of the barley market. With more than 50% of world trade, it is also the main player on the sunflower oil market. A major exporter like Ukraine dropping out can have serious implications for global food security. The three main grain importers of Ukrainian grain were in 2020: Egypt (US$ 5.2 billion), China (US$ 3,4 billion) and Turkey (US$ 2,4 billion). Other grain, corn, and barley importers – as per the most recent OEC figures available - were ‘till 2020: Corn top importers Mexico ($3.14 billion), Japan ($2.94 billion), South Korea ($1.92 billion), Vietnam ($1.85 billion), and Spain ($1.72 billion). Major buyers of corn from Ukraine included the Netherlands, Spain, and China. Leading barley-importing countries in 2020 included China ($1.77 billion), Saudi Arabia ($1.38 billion), the Netherlands ($512 million), Belgium ($369 million), and Germany ($307 million). China was the largest buyer of Ukrainian barley. Trade disruption in Ukrainian agriproducts exports cause Shipping companies earnings to be seriously affected.
Marine War Insurance and Operational Costs
The precariousness in the region has elevated the risk profile of shipping operations, resulting in increased war risk insurance premiums for vessels operating in or passing through the Black Sea. The elevated operational risks and insurance costs are substantial considerations for shipping companies when estimating a vessel’s hire or freight. The Insurers have received half a billion dollars in claims for up to 60 commercial ships which were stuck/blocked in Ukraine a year after the start of the war with Russia, industry sources said (Reuters information on 24th February 2022) and as per marine insurance policies, ship owners can claim a total loss for vessel(s) stuck for a year, from their insurers, subject they have maintained cover and policy in force by paying the insurance premium, which have soared due to the war. With the Black Sea already listed as a high risk zone by the London insurance market, additional war risk insurance premiums of tens of thousands of dollars a day are common costs now alongside bunkers and freight. 
International Sanctions and Insurance
The imposition of international sanctions on Russia has further complicated the situation. Sanctions targeting sectors like energy, finance, and defense have led to constraints in trade with Russia, impacting the volume of goods transported, and subsequently, the revenues of shipping companies, marine insurance underwriters and brokers alike. The sanctions bureaucratic formalities have added an extra layer of complexity and economic burden, to the aforesaid parties.  Admittedly, ensuring compliance with these sanctions is paramount to avoid legal repercussions, and insurers are meticulously scrutinizing the vessels, their ownership structures, and the nature of cargoes to avoid breaching sanctions, leading to rigorous underwriting processes and selective policy approvals. The increased risks and operational disruptions in the region have resulted in an escalation in insurance claims, impacting the loss ratios of marine underwriters who are revisiting their loss adjustment practices and claim management strategies to effectively address the surge in claims and maintain financial stability which is essential for maintaining good status and credibility.
Strategic Responses
Shipping companies are increasingly relying on strategic intelligence and risk management practices to navigate through the unstable geopolitical landscapes and safeguard their operations and revenues from the uncertainties brought about by the conflict, by being proactive, armoring their finances with tailor made, well thought and structured marine insurance policies. And let’s not forget that where is conflict there can be an opportunity, subject of good preparation and the reward of course is worth to take the risk.
Conclusion
The Ukraine-Russia conflict underscores the deeply intertwined nature of geopolitics and the marine insurance industry. As the situation evolves, marine insurers need to remain agile, continuously re-evaluating risk profiles, adjusting premiums, and taking risks, enabling sea trade in the area. Collaboration with shipowners, clear communication, and proactive risk management strategies will be crucial in navigating these uncertain waters. In parallel, politicians and diplomats must work hard in finding diplomatic solutions to stop the war otherwise, the world is facing the biggest food crisis in decades as the United Nations Organisation had warned.  
* Marasco Marine Ltd, was founded in 1991, by Mr Anastasios Maraslis. Marasco is specialising in Managing Marine Risks and Risk Prevention Planning, serving the last 32 years, Ship Owners, Ship Managers and Ship Operators, with his experienced marine/ claims insurance team and the company’s Board of Advisors, Internationally Acknowledged. More about Marasco Marine at: www.marasco-marine.com

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Accelleron has signed a strategic partnership with METIS Cyberspace Technology that will expand the number of marine installations and power generation facilities that can use data analytics to improve turbocharger operation and maintenance.
METIS develops data-collecting hardware and IoT solutions that can be easily deployed in vessels and facilities to achieve automated, real-time data availability. Under the cooperation, METIS will provide onboard and cloud-based data infrastructure to Accelleron customers, enabling the data collection that underpins Accelleron’s range of Smartly Enabled Service Agreements.
With many marine and power generation assets built before the advent of modern digital solutions, the cooperation will support operators in establishing the connectivity needed for real-time data collection and transfer. This capability is a pre-requisite for Accelleron’s digital solutions including Tekomar XPERT and Turbo Insight, and its service agreements Turbo MarineCare and Turbo SmartCare.
The marine class-approved data acquisition system from METIS can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of operators’ facilities. By partnering with METIS, Accelleron is broadening the number of customers that can benefit from the real-time insights and efficiency gains offered by its digital solutions.
Eleni Polychronopoulou, CEO, METIS, said: “State-of-the-art information technologies are increasingly available and affordable, which means that the value data offers to unlock greater ship safety, efficiency and sustainability can be made more widely accessible wherever assets are operating. We are delighted to team up with Accelleron to drive the uptake of these essential optimization capabilities in sectors that may have previously considered them out of reach.”
Roland Schwarz, Division President Service, Accelleron, added: “Digital solutions and data-enhanced services are increasingly understood as the keys to significant and cost-effective efficiency improvements in shipping and power generation. Accelleron has already invested in developing the tools and service agreements that enable customers to tap into these benefits. Our partnership with METIS will ensure we can extend those advantages to users that may otherwise have been unable to access them”.
Image: L-R: Konstantinos Stampedakis, Managing Director, ERMA FIRST ESK, Daniel Bischofberger, CEO Accelleron, Andreas Symeonidis, Marketing & Partner Relations Manager, METIS, Eleni Polychronopoulou, CEO, METIS, Roland Schwarz, Division President Service, Accelleron

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Accelleron has signed a strategic partnership with METIS Cyberspace Technology that will expand the number of marine installations and power generation facilities that can use data analytics to improve turbocharger operation and maintenance.
METIS develops data-collecting hardware and IoT solutions that can be easily deployed in vessels and facilities to achieve automated, real-time data availability. Under the cooperation, METIS will provide onboard and cloud-based data infrastructure to Accelleron customers, enabling the data collection that underpins Accelleron’s range of Smartly Enabled Service Agreements.
With many marine and power generation assets built before the advent of modern digital solutions, the cooperation will support operators in establishing the connectivity needed for real-time data collection and transfer. This capability is a pre-requisite for Accelleron’s digital solutions including Tekomar XPERT and Turbo Insight, and its service agreements Turbo MarineCare and Turbo SmartCare.
The marine class-approved data acquisition system from METIS can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of operators’ facilities. By partnering with METIS, Accelleron is broadening the number of customers that can benefit from the real-time insights and efficiency gains offered by its digital solutions.
Eleni Polychronopoulou, CEO, METIS, said: “State-of-the-art information technologies are increasingly available and affordable, which means that the value data offers to unlock greater ship safety, efficiency and sustainability can be made more widely accessible wherever assets are operating. We are delighted to team up with Accelleron to drive the uptake of these essential optimization capabilities in sectors that may have previously considered them out of reach.”
Roland Schwarz, Division President Service, Accelleron, added: “Digital solutions and data-enhanced services are increasingly understood as the keys to significant and cost-effective efficiency improvements in shipping and power generation. Accelleron has already invested in developing the tools and service agreements that enable customers to tap into these benefits. Our partnership with METIS will ensure we can extend those advantages to users that may otherwise have been unable to access them”.
Image: L-R: Konstantinos Stampedakis, Managing Director, ERMA FIRST ESK, Daniel Bischofberger, CEO Accelleron, Andreas Symeonidis, Marketing & Partner Relations Manager, METIS, Eleni Polychronopoulou, CEO, METIS, Roland Schwarz, Division President Service, Accelleron

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Encounter the unique experience of shipping through the game Seaorama: World of Shipping and live an innovative and immersive learning adventure based on real data.
Shipping impacts every aspect of our lives, from the coffee we enjoy to the smartphones we use, the clothes we wear, and even the chocolate we savor. However, many people struggle to grasp the significance of shipping and its vital role in our society. This is particularly true for younger generations who will shape the future of the industry.
Recognizing the urgent need to educate and prepare individuals in this rapidly evolving field, Seaorama, a Greek video game made by a start-up named Seaorama P.C, emerged. Driven by a vision and armed with extensive experience in the maritime domain, Seaorama: World of Shipping aims to capture and present the shipping industry in an engaging and educational manner.
Imagine a video game that bridges the gap in maritime knowledge, enlightens players about shipping's societal impact and global sustainability, and provides insights into potential career paths within the sector. In "Seaorama: World of Shipping," players assume the role of a young entrepreneur striving to build the world's largest and most successful shipping company from scratch.
This captivating game immerses players in the world of shipping companies, enabling them to develop their own managerial style through risk and opportunity management.
Within the competitive international landscape of the shipping industry, players face numerous challenges and demands, requiring strategic thinking and effective business tactics to thrive. As the game reflects real-world developments, players are encouraged to implement sustainable practices that meet the evolving operational demands of today's business reality.
Choose between container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers to create your fleet, but be aware that various factors in the game may influence the expansion or investment in different types of vessels.
By incorporating real shipping data, the game creates its own economy, generating diverse scenarios for players to navigate. From port congestion and piracy to extreme weather events, mechanical failures, and crew accidents, the game encompasses the challenges faced in the shipping industry.
Seaorama: World of Shipping stands out globally as no other video game currently offers a similarly immersive experience in the shipping industry. Prepare to embark on a unique journey that will expand your horizons, knowledge, and experiences of shipping, inspire sustainable practices and unveil to you the exciting career opportunities within this dynamic sector.
Seaorama: World of Shipping is expected to be released by the end of 2023. Companies from both the shipping industry and others in the maritime cluster are invited to explore the promotional opportunities offered through the video game (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
You can find and add Seaorama: World of Shipping to your Steam Wishlist https://store.steampowered.com/app/2002570/SeaOrama_World_of_Shipping/

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During the European Shipping Summit 2023, the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) in collaboration with the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) successfully hosted a joint event in Brussels, on Tuesday the 19^th of September, with the presence of their Presidents, Ms. Melina Travlos and Ms. Gaby Bornheim, respectively.
Ms. Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, stated, in the context of the event: “Greek and German Shipowners' Associations have joined forces to highlight the strategic role of shipping for the stability, prosperity and energy security of Europe and its people.
Holding a joint event with the German Shipowners Association (VDR) as part of the European Shipping Summit 2023 in Brussels is an initiative that results from our common view of the challenges facing our sector and a like-minded approach to addressing them.
Our cooperation aims to draw attention to the strategic role that shipping plays as a key enabler of the European economy and as a major contributor to securing Europeans’ quality of life.
As the UGS our mission is to safeguard the future not only of Greek shipping but also of European shipping. It is of the utmost importance that the vital role played by European shipping is recognised by key European institutions as well as by the wider public. It is a fact that shipping contributes in countless ways to the smooth functioning of European society as well as supporting communities across the world, even at times of crisis such as those experienced in recent years.”
The event stressed the strategic importance of shipping for the EU. Key officials from the European Commission and industry experts had the opportunity to exchange their views on how Europe can preserve and enhance its EU shipping status. The event highlighted the indispensable role of shipping to the EU’s food security and energy autonomy, as the vast majority of basic food and energy imports are transported by vessels.
Mr Ioannis Vrailas, the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Greece to the European Union, in his keynote speech, stated: “the EU is called to not only safeguard but guarantee the global competitiveness and long-term sustainability of this strategic sector. This is a challenge which we must all address successfully for the benefit of Europe and European citizens”.
Ms Fotini Ioannidou, Acting Director of Waterborne Transport and Head of the Maritime Safety Unit of DG MOVE, pointed out that: “Shipping is an essential pillar of the European economy. Nobody can doubt its strategic importance for the security of our supply of energy and other essential materials and goods. We need a European shipping industry and maritime clusters that are green, competitive and resilient so that they can successfully navigate the challenges ahead”.
 “Shipping is a resilient pillar of support for the EU during challenging times such as the current energy crisis, ensuring Europe's stability. The sector contributes to the decarbonisation of Europe through the transportation of low or no-carbon fuels. It is important for the sector to safeguard regulatory certainty and predictability in the EU legislation”, said Mr Hans Van Steen, Principal Adviser of DG ENER. 
On behalf of UGS, Mr Dimitrios J. Fafalios, Secretary of the UGS Board of Directors and President/Director of Fafalios Shipping S.A., stated that “Shipping has proven to be a resilient pillar of support during challenging times, ensuring Europe's sustainability in various crises, while also being the most environmentally friendly transport mode. The EU should recognise shipping as a strategic partner in its policies, aiming at preserving and enhancing its global competitiveness”.
Last, on behalf of VDR, Mr Lucius Bunk, Founder and Managing Partner at Auerbach Shipping, Member of the VDR Board of Directors, pointed out that “Shipping urgently needs regulatory certainty due to its heterogeneity. Otherwise, the risk of mis investment is simply too high and weakens the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in particular”.
The proceedings of the event concluded that shipping is a strategic asset and, as such, a cornerstone for the security and prosperity of Europe. A clear message was hopefully sent to the EU institutions about the importance of preserving EU shipping global competitiveness and the absolute need to enhance it with concrete and fit for purpose policies.

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Four state-of-the-art tankers which they use as fuel liquefied natural gas-LNG was delivered at Hyundai shipyards in Korea by the NYSE listed Tsakos Energy Navigation led by Dr. Nikos Tsakos. All four vessels raised the Greek flag and are the first of this technology to be included in the Greek registry.
The Aframax type tankers has a capacity of 116,000 dwt each and are already time chartered for 10 years, with the possibility of extending the duration of the contract, to the Norwegian energy company Equinor with which TEN has had a stable and constructive cooperation for 15 years.
Dr. Nikos Tsakos from Korea with his son Panagiotis Tsakos commented: “All four newly built aframax tankers fly the Greek flag and are ready to use liquefied natural gas-LNG.
We continue the effort to create a 100% “green fleet” until 2030 with ships of new state-of-the-art technology.
It is the first time we take delivery of ships after the death of my co-founder and beloved mother, Dr. Irene Tsakou, who loved Korea.
“I want to thank everyone for the great job you did. This is the second time in a year that we are here to deliver high-tech ships. We are big supporters of the Korean shipbuilding industry and Korea”.

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Following a policy of continuous fleet growth, Seaven Tanker & Dry Management has added to its fleet the 5.695dwt chemical tanker built in 2005.
The ship raised the Greek flag and is equipped with the latest safety and navigational systems.
Seaven is the new company name of Evia Petrol Group, which was established in 2003. Seaven features the company’s scope and speaks to its vessels’ potential of traveling across the Seven Seas, all over the globe. The fleet of Seaven is comprised of medium sized Greek flag modern oil/ chemical tankers, double-hulled and equipped with upmost technologically advanced equipment. The fleet of Seaven is trading between Mediterranean, Black Sea and North Europe ports and is chartered by demanding and well respected companies in the market, with oil majors and known oil traders being among them. Seaven has under its management self-discharging cement carrier vessels, which are mainly trading within Mediterranean ports and chartered by first class cement major companies and cement traders. Seaven maintains a Safety, Security, Quality and Environmental Management system under the standards and certification of ISM and ISPS Codes, by the Classification Societies of Bureau Veritas for Hellenic Flag vessels and RINA for Panama Flag Vessels, and under the standards and certification of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 26000, ISO/ IEC 27001 and ISO 45001. Seaven is certified by ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 26000, ISO 27000 and ISO 45001. Seaven is a Member of Intertanko, Bimco, Helmepa and EENMA (Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association) In November 2018, Seaven became the first company in the world, with vessels under 10,000 DWT, to be certified by Green Award Foundation. Seaven aims to continue its expansion and growth in the years to come, offering the best quality service possible to operate safely and efficiently in a demanding trade.

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Jotun Hellas introduced its groundbreaking Aerial Drone Inspection Service. This cutting-edge service involves certified and experienced Jotun Coating Advisors utilizing state-of-the-art aerial drones to conduct comprehensive outdoor and indoor inspections of vessels. With the capability to access even the most challenging areas, including decks, accommodation, funnels, lifeboats, cranes, cargo holds, hatch covers, and the external hull above the waterline, this service ensures the most thorough assessment possible.
The Aerial Drone Inspection Service empowers ship operators with accurate and detailed information about the state of their vessels. The service analyses the vessel's paints and coatings condition, documented with high-resolution photos and videos, enabling data-driven decisions for maintenance and repair works. The inspection material, including a complete Drone Inspection Paint Condition Report, is prepared by Jotun Coating Advisors having assessed each inspected area, ensuring that every aspect is considered, and every detail reported.
The advantages are numerous. Ship operators may now benefit from enhanced accuracy in budgeting and efficient scheduling of maintenance and repair works, resulting in cost efficiency and timely maintenance. By identifying and addressing corrosion at an early stage, drone inspections support the prevention of deterioration and enable data-driven decision-making for safety on board. With access to reliable inspection information, ship operators can proceed with confidence in their improvement initiatives.
Jotun Hellas remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that optimize vessel performance and safety. The Aerial Drone Inspection Service represents a significant step forward in the maritime industry, offering ship operators unparalleled insight and control over their vessels' maintenance and safety.
About Jotun Hellas
Jotun Hellas - a branch of Jotun Group in Greece - has been a leading marine coatings solutions provider in the Greek maritime industry for 50 years. With its solid commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Jotun Hellas continues to redefine industry standards and support its partners' success worldwide.

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By Mr Harilaos Petrakakos, Director - Senior Surveyor of P&P Marine Consultants Inc., Member of Marasco Marine Ltd, Advisors’ Board

Ships play a crucial role in global trade, transportation, and exploration. However, their operations are inherently exposed to various risks, ranging from maritime accidents to piracy, war and environmental hazards. Implementing effective risk prevention strategies is essential to ensure the safety of hull & machinery, crew, cargo, and the marine environment. This essay will discuss key risk prevention strategies that can be employed on ships to minimize potential hazards and ensure safe and smooth sailing.

1. Competency and Crew Training. 

The foundation of any risk prevention strategy begins with a well-trained and competent crew. Proper training ensures that seafarers possess the necessary knowledge and skills to handle emergencies effectively. Regular drills, exercises, and simulations help them respond promptly to potential risks, such as fires, collisions, machinery and cargo handling equipment damages, or man-overboard situations. Continuous education and certification updates also keep the crew up-to-date with the latest safety regulations and best practices.

2. International Regulations and Compliance:

Adherence to international maritime regulations, such as the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) conventions and guidelines, is vital for risk prevention. Compliance ensures that ships are equipped with necessary safety equipment, maintain proper operational standards, and follow safety protocols. Compliance also extends to environmental regulations to minimize the impact of ship operations on marine ecosystems.

3. Risk Assessment and Management:

Conducting thorough risk assessments is essential to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities on ships. This involves analyzing the ship's design, her hull & machinery condition, operational procedures, cargo handling, and navigational routes. With this information, ship operators can develop comprehensive risk management plans that include preventive measures, contingency plans, and response protocols for various scenarios.

4. Use of Advanced Navigational Aids:

Equipping ships with modern navigational aids enhances their ability to navigate safely through challenging waters. Global Positioning Systems (GPS), radar systems, Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), and Automatic Identification System (AIS) improve situational awareness, thereby reducing the risk of collisions and groundings.

5. Safety Equipment and Maintenance:

Regular maintenance and inspection of safety equipment, including lifeboats, fire-fighting systems, and communication devices, are imperative for their optimal functionality during emergencies. Ensuring that safety equipment is properly maintained can make a significant difference in handling critical situations effectively.

6. How about Cybersecurity:

With the increasing digitization and automation on ships, cybersecurity becomes a crucial aspect of risk prevention. Protecting onboard systems from cyber threats is essential to prevent unauthorized access or interference that could lead to accidents or operational disruptions.

7. Security Measures against Piracy and Terrorism:

Ships traveling through high-risk areas must implement security measures to deter piracy and protect vessel, crew and cargo. Hiring onboard security personnel, adopting Best Management Practices (BMP), and adhering to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code are essential components of a comprehensive security strategy.

In conclusion, risk prevention strategies on ships are paramount to ensure safe and efficient maritime operations. A well-trained crew, compliance with international regulations, risk assessments, advanced navigational aids, proper maintenance of Hull & Machinery and safety equipment, cybersecurity, and security measures against piracy are all integral components of an effective risk prevention plan which is always well appreciated and evaluated by Marine insurance Underwriters, prior to undertaking a new Marine risk and premium calculation. By implementing these strategies, ship operators can mitigate potential hazards, protect hull & machinery, crew and cargo, and preserve the marine environment for sustainable shipping practices in the future.

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