Mark O'Neil leaves Columbia on extremely good terms and as per the group’s succession planning,
Andreas Hadjipetrou has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Group while Demetris Chrysostomou, CEO Asia, has been appointed Deputy CEO, thus ensuring the strengthening of Columbia’s presence in Asia and enhancing the group’s leadership.

“My job at Columbia was to bring about transformational change and that task has now been completed. It is time to hand over the reins and to seek fresh challenges. I know I leave Columbia in very safe hands and in a very good shape,” Mark said.

Heinrich Schoeller, Chairman of Schoeller Holdings, owner of The Columbia Group, expressed his thanks to Mr O’Neil for his exceptional leadership and contribution during his tenure, and wished him all the best for the future, stressing that the two will remain firm friends going forward.

Andreas Hadjipetrou is a highly experienced and longstanding member of the organisation. He has been with the company for nearly 30 years and brings deep operational knowledge, strong leadership and continuity to the business.

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LALIZAS Charter Summit 2026 was held from April 14–16 at LaLiBay Resort & Spa on the island of Aegina.

The event brought together selected charter companies from across Greece for three days of high-level discussions, knowledge exchange and meaningful collaborations.

During the Summit, participants had the opportunity to further explore our manufacturing brands, product portfolio and latest developments, while gaining valuable insights into current market trends.

The sessions enabled an in-depth exchange on evolving market needs, allowing for open discussion around key challenges, while paving the way for targeted solutions and future opportunities.

Iasonas Lalizas, Marketing & Communications Director, gave a presentation on the entire group, while Vasilis Nikolopoulos, Greek Wholesale Supervisor, discussed our engagement with charter companies in particular. Additionally, George Papoutsis, Technical Manager of Lofrans & MAX POWER, provided more insights into our strong collaboration with boat builders.

The audience was actually impressed by the LALIZAS Group’s offerings and our overall operations and manufacturing capabilities.

The company also welcomed Capt. George Parisis as a guest speaker, who enriched the event with his extensive industry experience, focusing on the transformation of chartering into an experience-driven offering.

Key discussions also focused on critical industry challenges, including attracting the next generation to yachting.

Beyond the conference sessions, the Summit fostered strong connections through dedicated one-to-one meetings and informal networking moments in a relaxed setting, including a welcome reception, seaside lunch and evening BBQ.

We would like to sincerely thank all participants for their trust, engagement and valuable contributions. Their active involvement was instrumental in making this Summit a true success and we look forward to building on these insights and partnerships in the upcoming season.

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Tototheo Global, a leading provider of advanced connectivity and technology solutions for the maritime, enterprise and government sectors, has expanded into Singapore, strengthening its international footprint and deepening its presence in one of the world’s most important hubs for maritime, trade and technology.

The expansion reflects the company’s continued growth and strategic focus on markets where demand for advanced connectivity, digital infrastructure and operational resilience is increasing. With Singapore playing a central role in global shipping and regional decision-making, Tototheo Global is now even better positioned to support customers and partners across Asia with greater proximity, responsiveness, and market insight.

This move builds on the company’s broader international trajectory as it continues to grow its presence in key markets and broaden its role as a provider of integrated, mission-critical technology solutions. With four decades of expertise, Tototheo Global supports customers through a comprehensive portfolio that includes satellite communications, navigation, cybersecurity, digital transformation and AI and IoT-enabled services.

Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, co-CEO of Tototheo Global, said: “Singapore is one of the most important maritime markets in the world and a natural step in our growth journey. Expanding our presence there strengthens our ability to support customers more closely, develop our regional partnerships further and respond to market needs with greater speed and focus. It reflects both the scale of the opportunity in Asia and our confidence in the direction of the business.”

Tototheo Global’s presence in Singapore coincides with increased engagement across the region. The company participated in Asia Pacific Maritime 2026, held in Singapore from 25 to 27 March, using the event to strengthen visibility, deepen industry connections and support its commercial outreach in Asia.

With this expansion, Tototheo Global continues to build on its maritime heritage while extending its reach across a wider technology ecosystem, supporting customers with the expertise, infrastructure and partnerships required in an increasingly connected and demanding operating environment.

About Tototheo Global: Tototheo Global is a leading provider of advanced connectivity and technology solutions, supporting organisations operating in demanding and mission-critical environments across the maritime, enterprise, and government sectors. The company integrates satellite and terrestrial networks, navigation systems, cybersecurity, and digital solutions to enable safe, efficient, and resilient operations. Leveraging four decades of experience, Tototheo Global delivers tailored, future-focused solutions that enhance performance and support long-term operational excellence.

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Leading health and wellbeing provider OneCare Group is working closely with shipping companies to support seafarers impacted by the escalating war situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime transit has been severely disrupted amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The continued disruption, driven by heightened regional tensions and security threats, has created a prolonged period of uncertainty for crews operating in one of the world’s most strategically critical maritime corridors. With vessels being effectively immobilised since February, seafarers have been facing extended tours of duty, restricted movement, and growing concerns over both their personal safety and the wellbeing of their families back home. Despite a fragile ceasefire and ongoing international efforts to stabilise the region, conditions for commercial shipping remain highly uncertain.

OneCare Group is actively supporting multiple companies who have raised concerns regarding the sustained psychological and operational strain on crew members across affected vessels.

Marinos Kokkinis, CEO of OneCare Group, said: “Our foremost priority is the safety and welfare of seafarers. What we are seeing now is not a short-term disruption, but a prolonged situation where crews are effectively isolated at sea under heightened threat conditions. This significantly increases both physical risk exposure and mental fatigue. Our role is to ensure that no seafarer feels unsupported during this period.”
In response, OneCare Group has further strengthened its support framework. This includes expanded 24/7 telemedical assistance, intensified welfare outreach, and structured wellbeing monitoring for crews remaining onboard beyond standard contract periods, as well as support to seafarers’ families.

Through its member company Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS), OneCare has increased the frequency of proactive wellbeing check-ins and is providing immediate access to confidential counselling services for seafarers experiencing stress, anxiety, or fatigue. Dedicated support pathways are also in place for crew members who have been repatriated, ensuring continuity of care beyond disembarkation.

MHSS has already identified and is supporting seafarers experiencing elevated stress levels directly linked to the ongoing war situation, with structured follow-up and clinical oversight in place.

Mariana Charalambous, Managing Director of MHSS, said: “Extended periods at sea under uncertainty can have a cumulative psychological impact. Many seafarers are not only dealing with heightened war concerns, but also the emotional strain of prolonged separation and worry for their families. Early intervention and continuous access to professional support are essential to safeguarding long-term mental health.”
OneCare Group is also working closely with onshore management teams to maintain clear, consistent communication with vessels, helping reduce uncertainty and reinforce trust during this critical period.
The organisation continues to collaborate with shipowners, operators, insurers to deliver a coordinated response that addresses both immediate risks and the longer-term human impact of operating in high-risk environments.
OneCare Group reaffirmed its commitment to standing alongside the global maritime community in protecting the wellbeing of those who keep international trade moving.

Image 1:  Marinos Kokkinis, CEO, OneCare Group

Image 2: Mariana Charalambous, Managing Director of MHSS

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Focus on trust, safety, and the ship-to-shore connection

In an increasingly complex maritime environment, success comes down to one thing: how effectively we communicate, coordinate, and work together. At the core of it all lies trust.

Guided by this principle, Tsakos Group hosted the Tsakos Greek Officers Forum 2026 on April 2–3 in Athens, bringing together approximately 150 officers alongside its shore-based teams.

The participation and active involvement of Capt. Panagiotis N. Tsakos and Dr Nikos Tsakos reaffirmed the company’s commitment to its people and to a strong ship-shore connection is driven from the very top.
Discussions focused on safety, operational excellence, compliance, training, and the growing role of new technologies and cybersecurity in shaping modern shipping. The interactive workshops further emphasised practical thinking, experience sharing, and continuous improvement.

The company welcomed Thodoris Vlachos, Head Coach of the Hellenic Men’s National Water Polo Team, who shared powerful insights on Leadership & Team cohesion highlighting the foundations of building high-performance teams, a mindset that strongly reflects the Group’s own culture.

The Forum concluded with the Annual Vessel & Officer Awards, paying tribute to the officers who exemplified outstanding performance, professionalism, and commitment.

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Capital Tankers Corp. took delivery the M/T Ataraktos (156,727 DWT, scrubber-fitted crude oil tanker, HD Hyundai Samho Co., Ltd., S. Korea (“HD Hyundai Samho”) and of the M/T Aristoklis (155,374 DWT, Dual Fuel LNG capable and scrubber-fitted, New Times Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., China (“New Times SB”)). Both vessels are expected to trade in the spot market. The delivery of M/T Ataraktos was financed with cash on hand and a new debt facility of $62.0 million, repayable in 20 equal quarterly instalments of $0.9 million, and a balloon payment of $45.0 million, due together with the last instalment.

The delivery of M/T Aristoklis was financed with a new debt facility of $64.5 million, repayable in 28 equal quarterly instalments of $0.9 million, and a balloon payment of $40.0 million, due together with the last instalment.

Since listing on the Euronext Growth Oslo on March 17, 2026, the company has made significant progress across fleet deliveries, financing and vessel employment. As of April 14, 2026, the fleet consists of nine tankers in the water, including one Very Large Crude Carrier (“VLCC”) vessel, four Suezmax crude oil tankers, two Aframax crude oil tankers and two Long Range 2 (“LR2”) oil product/crude oil tankers.

Capital Tankers expects an additional two crude oil Dual Fuel LNG-capable Aframax tankers to be added to the fleet within the next 10 days.

The company’s fleet will grow to 17 vessels by November 2026, and will include one VLCC, eight Suezmax tankers, four Aframax tankers and four LR2s. An additional seven vessels are expected to be added during 2027 and another six by mid-2028, resulting in a fully delivered fleet of 30 tankers.

The Company has continued to make progress on the financing of its sailing fleet and vessels under construction. On April 7, 2026, the Company entered into a new financing arrangement for each of four Suezmaxes, namely the M/T Alkinoos (155,352 DWT, scrubber-fitted, super-eco vessel, built 2025, New Times Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., China), the M/T Amor, the M/T Aristoklis and the M/T Ayrton (all 155,500 DWT, scrubber-fitted, super-eco tankers, LNG-capable, delivery/expected delivery 2026, New Times SB, China). The expected financing amount is $64.5 million per vessel, repayable in 28 quarterly installments of $0.9 million, and a $40.0 million balloon payment together with the last quarterly instalment. On April 14, 2026, the Company drew $64.5 million for each of the M/T Alkinoos and the M/T Aristoklis.

Including the drawdowns for the financing of M/T Ataraktos and M/T Aristoklis, CAPT has drawn a total of $328.0 million of new debt. In addition, the Company has $129.0 million of secured and undrawn debt financing for our newbuilding program and $235.1 million of financing that is subject to long form documentation.

Mr. Jerry Kalogiratos, Chief Executive Officer of CAPT, commented: “Capital Tankers has hit the ground running as a listed company, in the middle of an extraordinarily volatile market. We are focused on delivering on our business plan, fast-tracking where possible our newbuilding deliveries and securing financing at competitive terms. On the employment front, we have secured a one-year time charter at $100,000 per day for our VLCC in the water, while our remaining fleet of high specification Suezmaxes and Aframaxes trading in the spot market are capturing robust freight rates, supported by strong market fundamentals and short-term geopolitical dislocations. Indicatively, we have booked so far a total of 233 days across our spot fleet since our IPO at an estimated Time Charter Equivalent (“TCE”)4 rate of approximately $175,000 per day on a round voyage basis.”

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Maran Gas Maritime of the Angelicoussis Group is further strengthening its fleet in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport sector, with the delivery of two more modern vessels from the Hanwha Ocean shipyards.

DANUTA SIEDZIKÓWNA – INKA and ROTMISTRZ WITOLD PILECKI are the fifth and sixth vessels of a series of thirteen LNG carriers ordered by Angelicoussis Group’s Maran Gas Maritime to Hanwha Ocean, with slated deliveries within April 2026. With a cargo capacity of 174,000 cubic meters, these vessels represent the highest standard in modern LNG carrier design and construction.

Built for maximum efficiency, reliability, and operational flexibility with a minimum emissions footprint, this latest design includes a hull form optimized for a wider range of trading speeds, an efficient ME-GI propulsion plant, shaft generators for onboard power generation, and an Air Lubrication System to further enhance vessels’ performance. This specification has significant advantages over currently competing designs, including lower consumptions and negligible level of methane slip which yield to the lowest environmental footprint among all LNG vessels currently in the market.

These two vessels are delivered as new buildings to Poland’s Orlen under long-term charters. Maran Gas Maritime is proud to be Orlen’s growth partner and is looking forward to delivering best-in-class LNG shipping services in the years to come.

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PROJECT CONNECT will host their complimentary νιάτα ψηλά (Elevated Youth) selfawareness and career readiness seminar entitled “My Shipping Success Story: How Project Connect Helps Me Navigate It” on 29 April 2026 17:00-20:00 at Metropolitan College.

The seminar is designed for shipping and business students, as well as collegeattending children (aged 18–25) of shipping industry professionals, with a central focus on developing growth mindset and agility as essential capabilities for entering and sustaining a long-term successful career in today’s shipping industry.

Bringing together global context, industry perspective, and personal development, the seminar highlights adaptability, critical thinking, growth mindset, and professional readiness in today’s rapidly evolving maritime environment. Featured speakers include Dr. Louise Tumchewicz, Dr. Elias Gourgouris, Dr. Yiannis Kallogerakis, and Irene Notias, each contributing insight from their respective fields to underline the importance of learning  to navigate in uncertainty, which is the only thing that is certain.

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Written by Gregory Spourdalakis, Managing Director of CSM Greece

Shipping companies are being pushed to reassess their cyber resilience after Greece’s National Cybersecurity Authority issued a high-priority advisory urging critical sectors to scan systems for potential threats, says Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) Greece.

The alert follows recent international incidents that have been linked to Iran-aligned cyber activity, reinforcing concerns that geopolitical tensions are increasingly playing out in the digital domain. While no major breaches have been confirmed in Greece, the move has already triggered precautionary checks across parts of the maritime sector.

Gregory Spourdalakis, Managing Director of CSM Greece, said: “Shipping is far more exposed than it was even a few years ago. The volume of data moving between vessels and shore has increased significantly, and that creates more entry points for potential threats.

“Resilience today is not about a single system or solution. It comes down to how well organisations monitor activity, how quickly information is shared internally, and whether people know how to respond when something doesn’t look right. Crew and shore-based staff are the first line of defence. If awareness is not there, the risk increases, regardless of how advanced the systems are.”

Mark O’Neil, CEO of Columbia Group, added: “Cyber risk is no longer isolated or theoretical. It is evolving alongside geopolitical developments and becoming more relevant to day-to-day operations. For shipping, that means treating cyber resilience in the same way as any other operational risk. It is about preparedness, discipline and consistency.

“The absence of a major incident does not mean the threat is not there. In many cases, activity is happening in the background, testing systems and probing for weaknesses.”

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With growing demand for navigation and integrated bridge solutions, German-based navigation company Anschütz is strengthening its presence in the Eastern Mediterranean to better support shipyards, owners, and operators in Greece and Cyprus. Central to this development is the appointment of Antonios Vatikiotis as Business Development Manager – Eastern Mediterranean, reinforcing the company’s commitment to direct engagement and local accessibility.

At the core of Anschütz’s offering is SYNAPSIS, the company’s advanced integrated navigation system. Designed for demanding commercial operations, SYNAPSIS combines navigation applications, sensors, and data sources into a type‑approved, harmonized system (MSC.252(83) / IEC 61924‑2).

The modern and intuitive human–machine interface provides a clear and consistent situational picture, enabling navigators to make faster, safer, and more informed decisions. By reducing complexity on the bridge and ensuring reliable, high‑quality information, SYNAPSIS improves navigational efficiency, enhances safety, and supports compliance with international standards.

Beyond integrated bridge systems, Anschütz offers a broad and continuously evolving portfolio of high‑performance navigation and bridge solutions, including:

• Gyro compasses (the Standard NX mechanical gyro and maintenance‑free gyros)
• Autopilots designed to optimize fuel consumption and reduce emissions
• Manual steering gear control systems engineered for redundancy and safety
• Solid-state radars for navigation and surveillance tasks
• Radar, ECDIS and conning applications (multifunctional bridge workstations)

More than 20,000 ships worldwide rely on Anschütz navigation technologies, including vessels from over 50 navies. The company supports these fleets through a global network of more than 200 service stations and customer-support hubs in locations such as Singapore, China, Panama, and the United States.

In his new role, Vatikiotis will work closely with regional partners and ship operators to shorten response times, streamline technical support, and strengthen the availability of Anschütz expertise. His focus includes both newbuild opportunities and retrofit programs that help shipowners improve vessel performance, safety, and efficiency.

With its expanded presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, Anschütz ensures that shipyards and operators in Greece and Cyprus benefit from faster access to proven, future‑ready navigation solutions - for both new construction projects and refits.

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