Aiming at the development of new ideas and proposals to face the challenges of shipping the 23rd Navigator 2024 – The Shipping Decision Makers Forum successfully concluded on March 13, 2024, at Grand Hyatt in Athens, Greece. Navigator Assembly, happening for the fourth consecutive year, stood out as the singular platform where over 20 leading shipping organizations converged, spearheading discussions on specialized solutions crucial for the industry's evolution. Among them, prominent academic clusters and universities lent their expertise, adding depth to the dialogue.
Amidst the backdrop of prevailing geopolitical complexities and global uncertainties, the Navigator Assembly emerged as a beacon of candid exchanges and visionary initiatives. Over 200 distinguished shipping professionals and international delegates representing 165 ship owning and service companies convened under the theme #ForgeTheFuture. Their collective determination to navigate through turbulent waters and fortify the industry's resilience resonated throughout the forum.
The Assembly witnessed the participation of members from the whole shipping community engaging in roundtable discussions covering five thematic topics: Decarbonization, Human Element, Smart Shipping, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and Maritime Supply Chain. These discussions were instrumental in identifying actionable steps to drive sustainable progress and shape the future trajectory of the Greek Maritime Cluster.
Danae Bezantakou, CEO of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS, welcomed the participants and stressed that, in the dynamic realm of shipping, amidst constant geopolitical challenges and global uncertainties, it becomes profoundly evident that addressing pressing issues and pioneering solutions are paramount. She also highlighted the belief in the power of synergy fuels collaborative efforts to overcome obstacles and contribute to the industry's resilience involving stakeholders from politics and academia, and rest sectors of the shipping community.
The forum commenced with welcoming remarks by Captain Dimitris Bezantakos, President of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions. Captain Dimitris emphasized the pivotal role of synergies in the maritime domain, noting their significance in driving progress and innovation. He also acknowledged the esteemed presence of the President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, whose contributions enriched the gathering, and stressed the significance of empowering and educating the younger generation in shaping the industry's future.
In his welcoming remarks, George Pateras, President of the HELLENIC CHAMBER OF SHIPPING, underscored the urgent need for decarbonization and lamented the persistent postponement of environmental issues. He emphasized the importance of collective dialogue, as industry stakeholders, to address these challenges, recognizing that we are the drivers of change in the market.
Overall, the sentiment of fostering dialogue and supporting initiatives such as YES Forum was echoed, aimed at integrating young talent into the shipping industry. 
Looking ahead, the outcomes of the Assembly will be presented at the 23rd NAVIGATOR 2024 – THE SHIPPING DECISION MAKERS FORUM, scheduled to take place in Chios & Oinousses from September 20 to 22, 2024. The forum will bring together industry leaders and stakeholders to exchange viewpoints, share knowledge, and shape the future of maritime.
Following the conclusion of the roundtable discussions, Danae Bezantakou, in her closing remarks, underscored the paramount importance of education in addressing the challenges facing the shipping industry. She emphasized the need for universities to play a pivotal role in preparing students for these challenges and ensuring alignment with the concerns and obstacles articulated by ship owning companies.
To further delve into this topic, esteemed professors from various universities were invited to share their insights:

• Vicky Apostolopoulou, Business Development Executive, School of Maritime Studies Metropolitan College
• Seraphim Kapros, Professor - UNIVERSITY OF THE AEGEAN
• Dimitrios Koubogiannis, Associate Professor - DEPARTMENT OF NAVAL ARCHITECTURE/SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING/UNIVERSITY OF WEST ATTICA
• Manolis Kavussanos, Director MSc in International Shipping, Finance and Management – AUEB
• Dimitrios Lyridis, Assoc. Professor - NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS
• Angelos Pantouvakis, Dean and Professor & UNIVERSITY OF PIRAEUS

The success of the Navigator Assembly 2024 underscores the commitment of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS and its partners to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and promote sustainability in the maritime industry.

Sponsors: ABB, ABC MARITIME, AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS, BENEFIT, COOL DYNAMIC, CROSSWORLD, CYGNUS, DNV, EDIT AUTOMATION, EY, EMBASSY OF PANAMA, FORTUNE TECHNOLOGIES, FRANMAN, GOLDEN CARGO, HILL DICKINSON, IMEQ, INMARTEK, KATRADIS, MARICHEM MARIGASES, MARINETRAFFIC (KPLER), METROPOLITAN COLLEGE, MOORE, NAPA, OCEANKING, ORIANI, PALAU INTERNATIONAL SHIP REGISTRY, POLFORCE, RIDGE GLOBAL EUROPE, SHIPGLIDE AIR LUBRICATION SYSTEMS, SEABRIGHT, SEKAVIN, THE AMERICAN P&I CLUB, THE MARSHALL ISLANDS REGISTRY, Port of Thessaloniki (ThPA S.A.), TOTOTHEO MARITIME, UK P&I, VSHIPS.

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Chair of IUMI’s Ocean Hull Committee highlights need for resilience and innovation amid supply chain threats and energy transition

A leading underwriter has called on marine insurers to adopt a dynamic, flexible and contingency-based approach to their business if they are to safely navigate a new, volatile landscape where disruption of supply chains is becoming a norm.
According to Ilias Tsakiris, Chair of the Ocean Hull Committee of the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI), the marine insurance sector needs to shore up its resilience and embrace innovation in the face of a host of new and developing risks.
Speaking at Marine Insurance London 2024, Mr. Tsakiris cited the Covid-19 epidemic as a wake-up call for the business world to recognise the fragility of supply chains and the reality that “storms can come out of nowhere.” Since then, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the ensuing sanctions, and other geopolitical upheavals have only reinforced the lesson that for a transportation industry that has grown used to a just-in-time mind-set, it is now imperative to have “just-in-case” strategies.
“Our traditional trade routes are not safe anymore and the supply chains will face challenges bigger than the ones faced during the pandemic,” he told the conference. “The bottom line is that risks are abundant, and the transformation to the just-in-case model is the only option for companies, including insurers, seeking to operate in this environment.”
As trust and reliability gradually assume greater importance, supply chain management practices are already adapting with many major manufacturers friendly-shoring, near-shoring or re-shoring operations. Such strategies held significant implications for global seaborne transportation, Mr. Tsakiris argued.
At the same time, it is essential for insurers to keep abreast of the shifts happening in the industry’s energy transition as shipping strives to meet the target of emitting zero greenhouse gases by 2050, said Mr. Tsakiris. There is a need for innovative infrastructure and regulatory incentives to facilitate this transition that will have a significant impact on operational logistics and cost structures within the industry.
Mr. Tsakiris identified a plethora of different risk areas facing insurers in the sector, with challenges ranging from increased idle time and route diversions to cybersecurity vulnerabilities and regulatory compliance complexities. Attention to digital solutions, sustainable initiatives and strategic diversification were all necessary to effectively mitigate the array of risks, he argued.
“The path forward” for marine underwriters was developing a holistic approach integrating technological adeptness, client-centric innovation, a proactive policy towards emerging needs and a commitment to sustainability. According to Mr. Tsakiris, the value of continuous learning, adaptability and cooperation cannot be overstated. “In a world where established assumptions are being continuously challenged and new technological advances promise to revolutionise industries, standing still is not an option,” he said.

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The Cruise Division of the MSC Group, made up of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, revealed details on its Greek cruise season 2024.
MSC Cruises will have six different ships calling to Greek shores making over 400 calls to nine different island and mainland destinations around the country, including a ship homeporting in Piraeus.
Not only this, but MSC Cruises will homeport a ship in Greece for a whole winter season for the first time in 2024-25 thus extending the cruise season in line with the country’s wider five-year tourism development plan to extend the core visitor season. MSC Sinfonia will sail from her home port in Piraeus on seven-night itineraries, including Corfu.
This year, MSC Cruises’ ships will begin calling Greek ports in March, marking the start of year-round operation.
The new season also sees increased calls to certain ports including Cefalonia, Katakolon, Zakynthos and Corfu, reducing pressure on destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos.
Meanwhile Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, will call to 21 Greek ports in 2024, with many of EXPLORA I’s journeys offering convenient embarkation and disembarkation in Piraeus. The brand’s first luxury ship offers a truly transformative travel experience with 461 ocean facing suites and a guest to host ratio of 1:1.25. Ports of call for EXPLORA I in Greece include Katapola (Amorgos), Paros, Patmos and Corfu.
This traffic will also support wider tourism and economic impact in the region thanks to the ships’ embarkation ports in Greece, which will see a large percentage of guests flying into Greek airports from all over the world, with many extending their holiday at sea with stays pre or post-cruise ashore in Greek resorts and cities.
Supporting this land-based economic benefit are the shore excursions taken by guests sailing in the region. MSC Cruises offers over 40 different shore excursions across all Greek destinations, using entirely local suppliers, and incorporating tours, tickets and visits to local Greek businesses. These excursions not only support local economies, but encourage guests to immerse themselves in Greek culture, taste Greek cuisine and learn about Greek history.
It might be that guests choose to visit the organic farm near Katakolon to savor the ouzo and learn about soap production or taste local wine and spectacular fresh olives just outside of Zakynthos, in each destination MSC Cruises offers guests a range of excursions to help stimulate local economies and showcase Greek culture.

About MSC Cruises
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Southern Africa, with a strong and growing presence in North America and the Far East.
The MSC Cruises fleet consists of 22 modern ships with three new vessels due to be launched in 2025, 2026, and 2027. The Company operates in more than 100 countries around the world, offering cruises across five continents, calling at more than 300 destinations and welcoming more than 180 different nationalities on board.
MSC Cruises is firmly committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its marine operations by 2050.

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The American Club has reported relatively moderate drops from the year-on-year renewal results, which reflects overall stability within the context of recent challenges as well as its de-risking strategy.
Gross tonnage for the Club’s Class I (mutual P&I) entries stands at 22.5 million, down by approximately 2.5 million compared to inception one year earlier, with a relative premium income drop of 6.5% over the period. Its Class II (mutual FD&D) portfolio followed a similar shift, while its Class III (charterers’ liability) business is poised to increase by about 5% in 2024 by comparison with the previous twelve months. Initial combined loss ratio for the 2023/2024 policy year is tracking at 103% as of December 31, 2023 with an improving trajectory.
Eagle Ocean Marine, the Club’s fixed premium facility, which serves the operators of smaller vessels in local and regional trades, continues to benefit the mutual membership, with its overall historical net loss ratio now standing at 85% with the 22/23 and 23/24 facility year running below 70%, while the current 23/24 facility year relatively benign but still in an active period of development.
The Club’s Board had mandated an overall target increase in expiring premium of 7.5% for the 2024 policy year. As the overall combined loss ratio of renewing tonnage has continued to improve, the cash rise year on year on renewing business achieved was 4.2%, net of the downward adjustment in the IG reinsurance program cost for 2024 passed on to the Members in the usual manner. Augmenting the premium position were terms changes calculated to have a value of another 1% against net premium resulting in an overall increase of 5.2% on renewing premium. In terms of the average premium dollar per gross ton from expiry of the 2023 policy year to inception of the 2024 policy year, this increased by 6.4%.
Speaking in New York earlier today, Tom Hamilton, the Chief Underwriting Officer of SCB, Inc., the Managers of the American Club, said: “The 2024 renewal campaign for the American Club built on the successes of recent renewals, focusing on rate adequacy and continued refinement of its portfolio and evidenced the support of its core, loyal membership. This is highlighted by a high retention rate amidst challenging times. We are grateful for the support of members and brokers around the world. The American Club commences the 2024 policy year in a solid position with premium income for P&I, FD&D and charterers’ liability classes, along with the contribution from Eagle Ocean Marine, in excess of $130 million and we are encouraged by the expectation for growth across all classes over the course of 2024/2025.
Dorothea Ioannou, the Chief Executive Officer of SCB, Inc., also commented on the Club’s recent results: “While the growth of the two preceding renewals has slightly retreated, this was partly deliberate through de-risking strategies, and partly natural as a result of S&P’s downgrade. The Club’s premium and tonnage volume remains at historically high levels, reflecting 30% more in premium and 20% more in tonnage as compared to the 2021 policy year, with consistently improving combined loss ratio results. Furthermore, the high retention levels of renewing tonnage, in the face of extraordinary disruption, is a testament to the strength of relationships within the Membership and acknowledgment of the American Club’s service. The Club represents a significant and important voice in the industry, and in the International Group. We have and will continue to ensure that it is heard.”
The American Club
American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the American Club) was established in New York in 1917. It is the only mutual Protection and Indemnity Club domiciled in the entire Americas and its headquarters are in New York, USA. The American Club has been successful in recent years in building on its US heritage to create a truly international insurer with a global reach second-to-none in the industry. Day to day management of the American Club is provided by Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc. also headquartered in New York.
The Club is able to provide local service for its members across all time zones, communicating in eleven languages, and has subsidiary offices located in London, Piraeus, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Houston, plus a worldwide network of correspondents. The Club is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs, a collective of thirteen mutual which together provide Protection and Indemnity insurance for some 90% of all world shipping.
The American Club also operates a fixed premium facility, Eagle Ocean Marine (EOM), aimed at the operators of smaller vessels in local and regional trades. Since it commenced underwriting in 2011, EOM has enjoyed considerable success in building a growing footprint in this specialist market and generating strong profitability for the Club.
P&I Insurance
Protection and Indemnity insurance (commonly referred to as "P&I") provides cover to shipowners and charterers against third-party liabilities encountered in their commercial operations; typical exposures include damage to cargo, pollution, death/injury or illness of passengers or crew or damage to docks and other installations.
Running in parallel with a ship's hull and machinery cover, traditional P&I cover distinguishes itself from usual forms of marine insurance by being based on the not-for-profit principle of mutuality where Members of the Club are both the insurers and the assureds.

Image: Dorothea Ioannou, CEO of Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., Managers of American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association, Inc.

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RINA, a leader in marine engineering and consultancy, has been awarded by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) a contract to carry out a comprehensive Global Investment Plan Study aimed at steering the cruise sector towards a sustainable future. The research will provide a worldwide scenario focused on the cruise sector, mapping real-time energy needs, infrastructure and regulations with foresight scenarios extending to 2050.
The cruise sector is recognised as one of the most active in driving the shipping industry towards greater sustainability. Today, there are 55 cruise ships on order, representing an investment of €33.9 billion ($37.1 billion) globally for the next five years. Of these new ships, 36 will be LNG powered and 7 will be methanol ready or methanol capable. By 2028, more than 70% of the CLIA-member cruise line fleet will have shoreside power capability.
The study, commissioned by CLIA, represents a major step in the cruise industry’s commitment to align with the IMO 2030 and 2050 environmental goals. CLIA, representing 95% of the global cruise ship fleet, plays a pivotal role in this movement, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices within the maritime community.
The study will cover all areas of the world outside Europe and will focus on a holistic view of the cruise industry’s infrastructure and regulatory needs worldwide. It aims to provide clarity on the current status and future developments in fuel infrastructure and deployment over the next 5-10 years. A significant emphasis will be placed on the impact of itineraries and operations of cruise ships, considering various energy carriers both in navigation and at port.
RINA’s expertise in the marine and industrial sectors positions it uniquely to undertake this study, which will include:
- Analysis of global cruise market itineraries, fuel choices, and propulsion options.
- Evaluation of worldwide fuel, bunkering, and onshore power infrastructure.
- Study of international and local GHG regulatory frameworks and their impact on ship design and operations.
- Estimation of the volume of energy carriers required to meet decarbonisation targets.
- Estimation of locations and sizes of infrastructure to support cruise itineraries and technologies, considering global funding and investment opportunities.
The outcomes of this study are expected to shape the cruise industry’s approach to sustainability for decades to come, setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship in the maritime sector.

(Data sources: Cruise Industry News, CLIA)

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In a significant decision for the Republic of Panama, which undoubtedly has positive effects to the country’s economy, the Commission of the European Union has announced the removal of Panama from the European Union’s high-risk list countries for strategic deficiencies in the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.
Subsequent to reviewing the progress made by the country in preventing money laundering and combating the terrorism financing to rectify the strategic deficiencies in this area, the Commission welcomed the significant progress presented by Panama’s technical team in improving its anti-money laundering and terrorism financing regime.
Among them, it was noted that not only did the country strengthen the legal and regulatory framework to comply with the commitments of the strategic action plan of deficiencies identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), but also implemented important mechanisms that demonstrated the effectiveness of the measures adopted.
The country’s exclusion from this list follows a process initiated in October 2020, in which important measures have been implemented to combat these issues. The announcement made by the European Commission, by which it amends, by annex, the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675, will be effective twenty days after its publication in the Official European Union Journal enabling the country to take an important step in the face of international transparency.
On October 27, 2023, Panama was excluded from the FATF gray list, so that today it is not currently under the enhanced monitoring process by the FATF in the context of its current global process of compliance in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. In this matter, Panama has reiterated that it will continue working with the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America (GAFILAT) to further strengthen its regime and remain at the forefront in terms of the sustainability evidenced as a result of compliance with the action plan.
As part of the actions deployed for the exclusion from this list, the following stand out: the modification of the AML/CFT (Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) regulation, the adoption of the Unique Registry of Beneficial Owners, by Law 129 of 2020 and the Beneficial Owners Guide issued, which has strengthened the knowledge of the obligated parties.
The recognition of action plan by the internationals organizations of the actions implemented by Panama, has a positive impact on multiple aspects of the panamanian economy, since it improves the international image of the country and recognizes the application of high standards in transparency, facilitating the international economic and financial relations.
With the removal from these lists, Panama not only demonstrates its leadership in the national and international commitment to the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, but also maintains the effective and timely development of tangible actions that allow the jurisdiction to maintain a competitive position in the international financial community.
This accomplishment is the result of the joint work between the National Coordination of Panama in the prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism, led by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), together with the competent authorities, the private sector and the international community.
The Panama´s Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Héctor Alexander, the director of International Financial and Tax Strategy of the MEF, Panama's AML/CFT national coordinator and technical secretary of the National Commission against Money Laundering, Financing of Terrorism and Financing the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (CNBC), Isabel Vecchio Arófulo, and Panama’s ambassador to the European Union Yavel Francis, participated in technical meetings with the team of the General Directorate of Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, the European Commission Department responsible for EU policy on financial services, resulting in this important accomplishment.

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Elias Psyllos, VP of T&T Salvage was recently appointed as Vice President of the American Salvage Association executive committee, making him the first Greek American to hold this position.
The American Salvage Association was originally founded as an association of professional salvors in order to provide an identity and assist in professionalizing the United States marine salvage and firefighting response capability. By doing so, the ASA helped to improve marine casualty response in North American coastal and inland waters. Since then, the ASA has expanded its reach and strives to ensure open communication and cooperation with regulatory authorities that result in prompt, effective response, meeting regularly with various federal and state agencies to exchange views on the improvement of salvage and firefighting response throughout North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean Sea.
The ASA educates government, industry and the general public about the role of the marine salvor in protecting life, the environment, and property from the consequences of maritime transportation incidents and natural disasters.

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During the country’s first formal meeting with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) new Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, The Bahamas was pleased to not only present its annual IMO member state assessment payment but also to present a gift of a painting by renowned Bahamian artist, Dion Lewis.
The painting depicts a sloop sailing regatta scene set in the Family Islands of The Bahamas and conjures up the colour and heritage of this Caribbean Island state.
The Bahamas has long held the tradition of being one of the first states to pay its IMO member state assessment fee, and this year’s contribution, which amounted to 3.42% of the total IMO annual budget for 2024, was made by The Bahamas Ambassador to the IMO, H.E. Paul Rolle, and Managing Director and CEO of The Bahamas Maritime Authority, Captain Dwain Hutchinson.
In addition to discussing the goals of the new Secretary General, the meeting was an opportunity for all participants to share their concerns about the ongoing threat to ships sailing through the Red Sea. Both Ambassador Rolle and Captain Hutchinson affirmed their support for the Secretary General’s call for collective action to protect the seafarers sailing on ships worldwide, particularly those travelling in areas of conflict.
Captain Hutchinson said: “We would like to welcome Mr. Dominguez to his new role and reiterate our commitment as an IMO Member State and Council Member to the work of the IMO.  We especially appreciate the adoption of the IMO 2023 Green House Gas (GHG) strategy as climate change remains a key foreign policy for The Bahamas as an archipelagic nation and small island developing state.” 

Image1: Capt Dwain Hutchinson, Managing Director and CEO of The BMA, (left) and The Bahamas Ambassador to the IMO, H.E. Paul Rolle, (centre) present a gift of a painting by renowned Bahamian artist, Dion Lewis, to IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez.
Image 2: The Bahamas Ambassador to the IMO, H.E. Paul Rolle, (left) and Capt Dwain Hutchinson, Managing Director and CEO of The BMA, (right) present The Bahamas annual IMO member state assessment payment to Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez

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Accelleron has been chosen to supply turbochargers for Japanese engine builder Makita’s first small-bore two-stroke marine engine featuring exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The step follows a successful matching test in which Accelleron’s A255-L turbocharger demonstrated high efficiency, supporting both low NOx emissions and overall fuel consumption on the Makita-built MAN B&W 6G45ME-C9.7-EGRBP engine.
The Makita engine, 6G45ME-C9.7-EGRBP, will be the first of its type worldwide to feature EGR bypass, which allows the engine to match EGR operation to engine load to deliver the required NOx emissions reduction. EGR bypass relies on good turbocharger efficiency and the A255-L enabled the engine to reach Tier III NOx emissions limits with a relatively low power demand, contributing to better fuel consumption and therefore lower greenhouse gas emissions.
An official from Makita said: “With the matching test of the new 6G45ME-C9.7EGRBP engine, we have confidence that Accelleron’s A255-L turbochargers have the performance and efficiency we need to deliver outstanding engines.”
The first Makita MAN-MITSUI-B&W 6G45ME-C9.7-EGRBP engine with Accelleron’s A255-L turbocharger will be deployed on a 40,000 DWT bulk carrier for Japanese shipyard.
The first A255-L was introduced in 2019 as an extension to the A200-L series, which now has more than 220 units delivered on two-stroke engines. The highly reliable unit features with a turbocharger efficiency of up to 75%.
Accelleron Head of Sales Medium and Low-Speed OEM Asia, Alexandros Karamitsos said: “The use of Accelleron turbochargers on this new engine is a great statement of faith from Makita and MAN Energy Solutions. We pride ourselves on delivering turbochargers with outstanding performance and there is no better testament to our success than being selected for innovative engines from high-quality customers.”
Accelleron is a global leader in turbocharging technologies and optimization solutions for 0.5 to 80+ MW engines, helping to provide sustainable, efficient and reliable power to the marine, energy, rail, and off-highway sectors. Through its innovative product offerings and research leadership, the company accelerates the decarbonization of the industries it operates in. Accelleron has an installed base of approximately 180,000 turbochargers and a network of more than 100 service stations across 50 countries worldwide (www.accelleron-industries.com).

Image: The Makita engine, 6G45ME-C9.7-EGRBP (picture left) was matched with Accelleron’s A255-L turbochargers

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A few Norwegians in Athens are always good for the booming Greek tourism economy, but what happens when more than a dozen carefully selected Norwegian maritime technologists come to Athens to share insights, connect with the customers, and participate in some insightful panel discussions? That happened just a few days ago in a unique location for a maritime technology conference.
Oriani Hellas organized, curated, and hosted the event Navigating Excellence: The Norwegian – Greek Maritime Innovation Summit, held on March 13th & 14th at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens Greece. The event, supported by a grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA Grants Greece 2014-2021, in the frame of the Innovation, Business Development and SMEs program, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to explore digital and technological solutions that are and will transform the maritime landscape.
A dynamic mix of startups and global leading companies took center stage, showcasing the diversity and depth of Norway's maritime technology landscape. From promising startups with fresh perspectives, to established industry players, the presence of these innovative entities led to a fruitful exchange of ideas and expertise.
As Her Excellency Ms. Lajla Brandt Jakhelln, Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Athens, pointed out opening the event...
“The strong advantage for European economies has always been our ability to innovate and we must not forget this advantage in order to take the European shipping industry to the next level. Competition from Asia is fierce.
Finding the right technology is crucial. These technologies again need the support of digitization and big data...” Shipping is going through a period of MASSIVE change, at a much faster rate than ever before. Technology is being developed rapidly and while other industries are changing and adopting these tools, shipping is still traditional, and needs to catch up fast to ensure they remain competitive. We need technology, not only from a business perspective, where processes / people can become more efficient and more productive, but also to increase safety, to take better care of our crews, and to do everything we can to help save the planet.
Regarding the “unique location” which was the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens, Philip Nielsen the Co-founder of ORIANI HELLAS, mentioned: “...This building (the museum) has the aroma of the sea, of the Aegean Sea where Greek shipping began thousands of years ago. The Cycladic civilization placed human beings at its center. This same heritage, these same principles and same values are carried by the successful Greek shipping of TODAY, where human is still at the center for everything, we do...”
Outcomes of the event
Day 1:
Session #1 focused on "Vessel Performance", moderated by George Teriakidis, Area Manager at DNV Maritime. Topics discussed:

• • Hull Maintenance and its Role in Performance Optimization – Age Hojmark | CEO of Shipshave highlighted the critical importance of hull maintenance strategies in enhancing vessel performance, advocating for proactive approaches to achieve operational flexibility, cost reduction, and emission mitigation.
• • Smarter Hull Management - a Proactive Approach - Manolis Levantis | Global Data Science Team Leader at Jotun, presented the benefits of proactive approach in hull management, fouling prediction algorithm and Jotun’s proactive solutions.
• • “Practical Approach to Digital performance management” - Darri Gunnarsson | General Manager at Ascenz Marorka presented the value of performance monitoring, including real-life case studies and an overview of Ascenz Marorka’s solution.

Session #2, "Fuel Optimization," moderated by Mike Konstantinidis, Managing Director at ZeroNorth A/S, continued the discourse on maximizing fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Topics addressed:

• • “Hydrogen Fuel Cells - a feasible pathway to zero emission ship operations” - Cristian Skajem | Head of Communications, Teco 2030 presented the core technology of TECO 2030’s Hydrogen Fuel Cells and ongoing projects, plans and prospects of the company.
• • “Quantifying Environmental Impact” - Tonje Sellevoll Imafidon | Commercial Director at Ecoxy AS presented the necessity for shipping companies to address their environmental impact, offering a solution to provide reliable emissions measurements data crucial for emissions reduction efforts.
• • “FuelOpt Solution”- Richard Engelhart Bjercke | CCO at Manta Marine Technologies focused on FuelOpt, an on-board hardware solution to optimize fuel consumption based on vessel data from multiple sources, by fixing the speed and consumption settig and taking out continuous user changes.

The day concluded with Session #3 on "Big Data," moderated by Dr. Ioannis Lagoudis, Associate Professor at UNIPI, exploring the transformative potential of big data in maritime operations. Panel topics:

• • “Using Data to improve efficiency: Drydocking and beyond” - John Wills | VP - Product Management at Shipnet, presented the untapped value of data in improving efficiency for the maritime industry and as an example, showed the audience the value of data management in optimizing their Dry-Docking procedure.
• • “Simplify, Improve and Optimize your IT Solutions.” - Where Rolf Nøstdah | Sales Manager at The Ship AS, presented their solution for improved data registration and information access from various systems in a simpler and more streamlined way, with a focus on the difficult to track area of in-port operations.
• • “How to build a solid digital strategy by leveraging your fleet’s data.”- Where Dionysis Asimakopoulos | Growth Manager at Kongsberg Digital, presented the crucial role of data collection in establishing a digital strategy for a shipping company, enabling enhanced safety, flexibility, and long-term viability. One important element discussed during the event was that of collaboration, not only between vendors and clients but also among different vendors themselves. As John Vandoros, the General Manager of ORIANI, said regarding how digitalization with take-off in Greece; “The answer is through developing relations and getting people face to face to discuss the real issues of the end user...”. Meaning that, the most effective way to understand and resolve today’s complex maritime issues is by cultivating relationships and enabling a comprehensive understanding of the shipping companies’ requirements. As he also pointed out: “Frank discussions and realistic promises by the software companies (to their clients) will build trust and allow time for them to deliver the right solution”. In other words, by fostering a culture of transparency and realistic expectations, software companies can build strong relationships with shipping companies. This will allow them the necessary time and space to develop and deliver solutions that are truly tailored to today's market needs.

Day 2:
Session #4 on "Crew & Training" with moderator Katerina Skourtanioti, Managing Director at VENLYS, emphasizing the importance of human capital in maritime operations and its efficient training. Notable presentations included insights on:

• • “Next Generation Safety Culture Program” - Didrik Svendsen | CEO, Sayfr presented how SAYFR has developed a state-of-the-art platform to cultivate behaviors - all based in science. He discussed the importance of data-driven interventions and how Value Propositions for the Culture Change Processes have changed dramatically over the last few decades.
• • “Gamification Training for the Industry.” - Felix Gorbatsevich | CEO of PaleBlue explored the application of gaming engagement principles to workforce training and development, emphasizing the importance of enjoyable, interactive, and effective eLearning methods amongst a variety of digital training options, including Digital Interactive Training and Virtual Reality.
• • “Data in action: optimized decision making in crewing” - Agapitos Diakogiannis | CEO & Co-founder of Seafair presented his solution and the value of digital approach to crew management, emphasizing how systems should serve humans and not the opposite.

And closing, Session #5 "Crew Health & Safety" with moderator Constantinos Triantafyllou, the Head of Strategy & Development at HELMEPA, outlined the importance of our seafarers’ safety and healthcare in efficient maritime operations.

• • “Enhancing Maritime Safety with Dimeq Solutions” - Øystein Bondal | CEO of Dimeq presented his wearable sensor that connects to a smart platform with Man Overboard detection, location communication and a safety system that could lead to the transition to “smart vessels”.
• • “Digital Management of ships medicine chest”- Geir Østrem | CEO of ShipMed AS, addressed the challenge of ensuring vessels always maintain adequate and compliant medical supplies and equipment onboard, regardless of flag, voyage, or crew size. ShipMed’s solution can proactively manage and document compliance, keeping vessels ahead of existing regulatory requirements.
• • “Pioneering Maritime Healthcare with Data-Driven Innovation” - Laura Benzonana, PhD| CEO at Health4Crew, explained how shipping companies can take a proactive rather than a reactive approach to crew health and wellbeing, and how by choosing the right systems, you are able to access and analyze crew health data quickly in the event of a medical emergency.

As the experienced Capt. Dimitris Aslanoglou from Eletson Corporation wisely pointed out at the event’s closing remarks “...happier crews are safer crews...”.
To conclude, this gathering was not only about Norwegian companies showcasing maritime digital solutions. The summit provided Norwegian representatives the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the intricacies of the Greek shipping industry. Likewise, Greek shipping executives had the chance to gain insights from Norwegian maritime solutions and operations through case studies and new technologies. An environment was created where both could engage in constructive dialogue and gain a deeper understanding of each other's operational dynamics.

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