Mr. George Teriakidis, Regional Manager for Southeast Europe – DNV Maritime and Mr. Nicolas Bornozis, President – Capital Link, Inc. opened the proceedings of the forum.
SHIPPING & TRADE IN A SHIFTING WORLD- CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
In this session Moderator was Mr. Michalis Pantazopoulos, Senior Vice-President – Liberian Registry (LISCR Hellas) and Panelists were Mr. Elias Triantafyllidis, Regional Bulk Carrier Segment Director, South East Europe Region – DNV Maritime, Dr. Gaby Bornheim, President – German Shipowners' Association (VDR); Managing Director – Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG, Mr. Tim Wilkins, Managing Director – INTERTANKO • Mr. Gordon Robertson, Head of Greece – NorthStandard, Mr. Joe Kramek, President & CEO – World Shipping Council.
FUEL & FLEET STRATEGIES: DRIVING THE SHIPPING ENERGY TRANSITION
Moderator was Mr. Ezekiel Davis, Vice President, Regional Business Development, Europe – ABS and Panelists: Mr. Mark O'Neil, President & CEO – Columbia Group; Former President – InterManager, Mr. Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director – ESL Shipping Ltd.; Vice President – European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), Mr. Polys Hajioannou, CEO – Safe Bulkers Inc. (NYSE: SB); Vice President – Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Mr. Hing Chao, Executive Chairman – Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings; Co-Founder & Chairman – Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping.
Mr O’ Neil told that ESG narrative changes every day because of the Tramp election and we have to formulate our strategy to that new reality. We must be flexible and very much open to any solution that might reduce the carbon emissions.
Mr Hajioannou told that Safebulkers started the decarbonization process earlier than other companies as US listed company ordering new ships and installing energy saving equipment.
The company has also ordered Dual fuel methanol kamsarmax vessels but for the first 2-3 we don’t think that they will have a better employment.
As president of Cyprus Shipowners we are trying to ensure that the taxation ETS and FUEL-EU not burden on our shoulders but they mus be charged to the commercial operators and the charterers.
Mr Chao stressed that build competencies for alternative fuels was a crucial task and achieving optimization of existing ships.
Mikki Koskinen agreed we must retaain the eu shipping competitiveness.
BANK FINANCE PANEL
Moderator was Mr. Jasel Chauhan, Partner, Head of International Finance – Hill Dickinson LLP and Panelists were Mr. Philipp Wünschmann, Head of Shipping – Berenberg, Mr. Chris Conway, Managing Director, Global Head of Transportation – Export Agency Finance – Citi, Mr. Christos Tsakonas, Global Head of Shipping – DNB, Mr. Evan Cohen, Managing Director & Group Head of Maritime Finance – First Citizens Bank.
The speakers told tha regarding sanctions and geopolitical risks the name of the game for banks is compliance and follow a proactive approach. Tariffs is also a very concerning topic for banks as can influence negatively the volume of the seaborne trade. As for the energy transition issue the banks have designed special lending services and products to facilitate their clients demands.
MARKET UPDATE: FUELEU
Moderator was Mr. Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director – International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA).
Panelists: Mr. Theo Kourmpelis, Strategic Business Partner – Lloyd’s Register, Mr. Ralf Garrn, Managing Director – OceanScore
The speaker told that FUELEU is one the most typical topics to promote the uptake of the alternatives fuels offering a lot of incentives and rewards.Vessels that do not comply will be less attractive.
If you have a surplus you can also sell it in a pool of vessels. It’s a hugely complex regulation and you can make money from FUEL-EU.
The alternative fuel order book is booming and this is going to be intensified.
ALTERNATIVE FINANCE PANEL
Moderator: Mr. Chris Vartzis, Partner, Head of Maritime Finance, Greece – Stephenson Harwood
Panelists: Mr. Nicholas M. Petrakakos, Partner & Managing Director, Maritime & Offshore Investment Banking – Alantra, Mr. George Fikaris, Managing Director – EnTrust Global.
Mr. Kevin Kou, Director of Europe and America Department (Shipping) – ICBC Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., Mr. Iraklis Tsirigotis, Director of Origination – Neptune Maritime Leasing Ltd.
The speakers marked that alternative finance is open to smaller groups however it’s more difficult for them to comply with the new environmental regulations and this should be take into consideration. In any case the track of a shipowner matters a lot and the quality of the assets as well.
The speakers are very concerned with the impact of the geopolitical events in the shipping market. However they don’t see any default scenarios as most of the companies have earned a lot of money during the last few years from the favorable conditions in the market.
NAVIGATING OPPORTUNITIES – INVESTMENT PERSPECTIVES IN THE MARITIME SECTOR
Moderator was Ms. Alexia Hatzimichalis, Partner, Athens Office Head – Watson Farley & Williams and Panelists: Mr. Christian Rychly, Head of Shipping – MPC Capital; COO – MPC Container Ships, Mr. Tobias Backer, Executive Director – Pelagic Capital,
Mr. Nicolas Tirogalas, Chief Investment Officer – Tufton Investment Management.
The speakers commented on the unpredictable situation that the shipping industry is experiencing today and the evaluation of investments in this capital intensive industry.
A good investment opportunity of today is the listed shipping companies with well corporate structure.
In his keanote speech H.E. Christos Stylianides Minister of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy Hellenic Republic said that Greece is a great supporter of the environmental rules in the framework of IMO. We have to overcome regional measures and European Commission have to cooperate with IMO to incentivize the reduction of emissions by imposing a levy on shipping. We should support by providing the necessary means for compliance following a holistic approach to decarbonize the shipping sector.
This transition will require a blend of financing instruments.
Green transition should not jeopardize the dominance of Greek shipping in Europe and globally.
In conclusion we must keep our competitiveness in the shipping sector especially in Europe and retain a unified regulatory framework globally under the guidance of IMO.
AWARD CEREMONY
The KEYNOTE SPEAKER Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas Commissioner European Commission for Sustainable Transport & Tourism (VIA Webcast) marked that shipping is one of the most dynamic industries employing almost 2 million people and the European Commission works with members state for more competitive and sustainable solutions like hybrid vessels, adoption of AI, research institutions, green technologies, supply of sustainable fuels.
EU also aims at strengthening the competitiveness of the shipbuilding sector. In this difficult way towards energy transition shipping is not alone as will be financed by the EU funds for more environmental
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS also made by Ms. Elissavet Vozemberg– Vrionidi Chair, Committee on Transport and Tourism European Parliament.
CAPITAL LINK GREEK SHIPPING LEADERSHIP AWARD
The shipping leadership award of 2025 presented to Mr. Thanasis Martinos Managing Director Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited and introduced by Mr. George M. Foustanos Maritime Historian & Founder Greek Shipping Miracle & Mr. George Prokopiou Founder Dynacom Tankers Management; Dynagas Ltd. (DLNG) / Sea Traders.
Mr Martinos is not only a successful businessman but he has also a huge philanthropic contribution.
He started with his mother Nounou purchasing a ship in 1964. He was inspired by his love in shipping. He was educated in Athens and London. He loved shipping because of his independent and competitive nature. He is also a keen supporter of the social solidarity supporting religious, health, cultural and educational projects.
In 1974 with his brothers Dinos and Andreas founded Thenamaris increasing its fleet to over 50 ships. In 1991 he founded his own company Eastern Mediterranean following an impressive course.
Thanassis Martinos is one Greatest philanthropists and benefactors of Greece.
His friend George Prokopiou referred to the ecclesiastic contributions of Thanassis Martinos and his wife Marina and their friendship from the early years of their lives.
Mr Martinos completes 60 years in shipping and deserves many more awards.
In his address Th. Martinos thanked Mr Foustanos and G Prokopiou for their presentations and told that shipping is in DNA of Greeks and it flows in our veins.
With Mr Foustanos shares his love for maritime history and G Prokopiou was instrumental to his career in shipping.
Mr Martinos made also a review of the current shipping developments and focused on the beneficial course of the tanker sector after the Russian invasion into Ukraine.
He commented that if tariffs will be imposed in China, they will have a negative effect on the shipping market. Finally, he marked that AI cannot predict the future adventure of Greek shipowners.
KEYNOTE REGULATORY ROUNDTABLE
Moderator in this interesting topic was Mr. George Teriakidis, Regional Manager for Southeast Europe – DNV Maritime with panelists Dr. Dorota Lost-Sieminska Director, Legal Affairs & External Relations Division International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Ms. Fotini Ioannidou Director, DG for Mobility & Transport European Commission.
Dr Sieminska referred to the most concerning issues of IMO which are the decarbonization process, criminalization of seafarers, fake flag states, attacks in the Red Sea and AI role in shipping.
Ms Ioannidou highlighted on the geopolitical situation, welfare of seafarers are some issues of concern. When it comes to decarbonization is a great challenge for E.C.and has a very bold framework making sure that these efforts will benefit the EU shipping competitiveness.
EC has FUELEU ETS and a legislation covering the infrastructure to support all involved in this process achieving targets in the less possibly cost for shipping. We stand with IMO and we have a constructive partnership.
Dr Sieminska reminded that although shipping contributes less than 3% of GHG emissions and carries more than 90% of global goods IMO has taken a lot of measures like EEXI IMO sulphur cap special emission areas GHG emissions by 40% in 2030.
Regarding the biggest challenges of decarbonization the speakers referred to the availability and price of new fuels however EC will scale up the production supporting with financing tools to develop the necessary infrastructure.
Other challenges include training of seafarers to deal with new technologies, safety and global consensus.
KEYNOTE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE STEERING THE COURSE - DRIVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD
Moderator was Mr. Nicholas Brown, Corporate Affairs Director, Marine & Offshore – Bureau Veritas and Panelists: Mr. Nikolaus Schües, President & Chairperson of the Board – BIMCO; CEO – Reederei F. Laeisz, Mr. John Xylas, Chairman – INTERCARGO; President & CEO – Ariston Navigation Corp,
Mr. Guy Platten, Secretary General – International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, Chairman – INTERTANKO (2014-2018); Founder & CEO – TEN Ltd.
Mr Schües referred to the phrase drill baby drill which a stupid one as will let China to become leader in the decarbonization process.
Nicholas Tsakos marked that shipping likes open borders and free trade without tariffs.
Mr. Xylas told that shipping has made a significant progress by applying practical solutions route optimization and energy saving equipment.
Mr. Tsakos agreed that the industry has made a significant progress and especially tankers follow the common rules of IMO in any given period. We have proved that we have scored when ever it was needed to adopt more environmental measures reinventing ourselves.
The speakers also told that the vast majority of sea pollution is caused by shore industries and not from shipping. Plastics and other wastes are coming mainly from the rivers and other sources. We should realize that we must take a responsible action before regulators as Helmepa did 42 years ago. Shipping supports clean up initiatives and other environmental projects because all are involved love the sea.
According to Mr Tsakos another great challenge in shipping is the lack of seafarers to find people who love the sea.
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