We are experiencing very interesting times in the fields of technological developments and energy transition in shipping therefore it is essential to ensure collaboration to find the appropriate strategies optimal solutions and achieve operational sustainability.
As we enter in a decarbonization era we need to prepare ourselves how to handle new technologies and new fuels. The above messages were sent by the speakers and the managing director of SAFETY4SEA Mr Apostolos Belokas at GREEN4SEA Athens Forum.
The 1st panel of the forum examined the following topics: How EU legislation challenges the maritime industry, The EU ETS scheme: Understanding the regulatory framework
EU MRV: Application & timeline and its relation to the EU ETS, Key requirements of FuelEU and other emissions regulations, Why accurate and transparent reporting matters.
The panel included the following speakers: Andreas Philippou, CEO, Dromon Bureau of Shipping, Dr. John Kokarakis, Technical Director, SEEBA Zone, Bureau Veritas, Konstantinos Vlachos, Chief Technical Operations Officer, Castor Ships S.A., Stylianos Psillakis, Technical Director, Columbia Shipmanagement Ltd.
The 2nd panel addressed the uncertainties in the decarbonization journey, Emerging technologies & innovation, Industry’s needs to facilitate the transition to low-carbon shipping, Long-term goals for decarbonizing the shipping industry.
Panel’s speakers as follows: Nikos Kakalis, Global Bulk Carriers Segment Director, Lloyd’s Register Dr. Harilaos Psaraftis, Professor Emeritus, Technical University of Denmark Dimitris Tsoulos, BLUE CONNECT Sales Director, ERMA FIRST Capt. Konstantinos G. Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club.
The 3rd panel addressed the issues of safety challenges, Bunkering & latest revision of ISO 8217 standard, assessing availability & readiness, Incentives and regulatory mechanisms for the uptake of alternative fuels. The issues were discussed by Bill Stamatopoulos, Global Business Development Director, VeriFuel, Panos Zachariadis, Technical Director, Atlantic Bulk Carriers Management Ltd, Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director, IBIA.
Panel #4 examined Best practices for Ship Performance, How to enhance vessel performance, Environmentally friendly sustainable solutions, Focus on modern propulsion schemes, Flexibility and capability towards IMO 2030/2050.
The following speakers commented on the above topics: Tom Evensen, Regional Category Manager Hull Performance, Jotun, Philippos Sfiris, Head of Go-to-Market Strategy and Vessel Performance, GIT Coatings, Philippos Giannakos, Senior Sales Manager, Shipping Solutions, South Europe, Middle East and Africa, NAPA, Mats Nyfors, General Manager, Decarbonization & Cooperation, Wärtsilä.
The 5th panel discussed the Circular economy for sustainable shipping, how to ensure a profitable circular economy within ports, ship recycling challenges and regularoty update, how to modernize waste management in shipping and key consideration for industry’s transition to a circular economy.
Panel speakers were Vincent Favier, CEO, ECOSLOPS S.A., Dr. Konstantinos Galanis, Chairman, International Ship Recycling Association & Georgios Plevrakis, Group CEO, HEC Group.
A focus presentation followed with the theme of the Decarbonization Footpath – We need to be realistic made by John N. Cotzias, Projects & Finance, Xclusiv Shipbrokers.
The Panel #6, The Green Transition from Ship Managers’ perspective was moderated by Apostolos Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA.
The following topics was included: How collaboration supports industry’s green transition, Achieving a just and equitable transition towards net zero, Addressing the human factors: New skills & training methods, Green shipping initiatives for a sustainable future.
Panel speakers were Takis Koutris, Managing Director, Roxana Shipping S.A., George Souravlas, Founder & CEO, Load Line Marine S.A, Basil Sakellis, CEO, Alassia NewShips Management Inc., Dimitris Patrikios, Advisor to the Managing Director, V.Ships Greece Ltd. and John N. Cotzias, Projects & Finance, Xclusiv Shipbrokers.
The speakers noted that we have to be prepared for the unknown. Therefore new ships must be ready to accept retrofit projects. If shipowners wait for the last moment they must be prepared to pay a huge conversion cost.
In particular Mr. Sakellis said that he is proud for his participation in the decarbonization journey.
Imagine that in 30 years we will say to our grandchildren about all these black dirty things the ships used to burn.
Mr. Patrikios also mentioned: “I didn’t see a shipping company to be bankrupt by the regulations. Therefore, I am not afraid of the great cost that the regulations will bring to the operation of our ships”.
Concluding, the speakers agreed that the teamwork and the involvement of all shipping stake holders is essential to find the ways to adapt to the energy transition.
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