In today’s volatile and unpredictable environment, the long term and trusted relationships are more important than ever especially in the shipbroking sector.
At these challenging times the 9th global Symposium organised by the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association gave the opportunity to discuss the latest developments and share experiences within the shipping industry on the new regulatory and geopolitical developments.
The event took place at the Piraeus’ “Peace and Friendship” Stadium and was addressed by John N. Cotzias, President Hellenic Shipbrokers Association, Vasilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy and Mark Jackson, CEO Baltic Exchange.
The session 1 examined the following topics: Adapting to new realities in Shipping, Unlocking Value in an Unstable World. MODERATOR was Mr. Matthew Cox, Head of Benchmark Production Baltic Exchange with the following panelists: Angelica Kemene, Head of Market, Climate & ESG Strategy, Optima Shipping Services, Νicholaos Zannikos, Shipping Analyst AXSMarine, Vassilis Mouyis, Founder Doric Shipbrokers S.A., Yiannis Parganas, Director of Research Department Intermodal Shipbrokers.
The speakers commented on Geopolitical Shifts. They said: “All stakeholders in shipping require transparency and integrity as Geopolitical and tariff uncertainty and regulatory changes create an environment of confusion.
Regional and global regulations must be aligned giving the chance to invest in retrofit and new technologies which require considerable amount of capitol building ships equipped for the future. After all Uncertainty is the only certainty in shipping. In this landscape trade will find ways to facilitate the needs of the community.
New opportunities arise investing on new efficient ships”.
The 2nd panel of speakers discussed the following topics From Boom to Balance: Recalibrating the Bulk Carrier Sector, Aligning Supply, Demand, while finding Strength in Efficiency Adaptability & Innovation. The discussion was moderated by Theodore Vokos, Managing Director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. with PANELISTS Dr. Konstantinos (Kostas) Rokkos, Chairman & CEO TST International S.A., Alex Angelopoulos, CEO ACA Shipping Corp., Basil Sakellis, CEO Alassia NewShips Management Inc., Evangelos Chatzigiannis, Trader GMS Leadership & Lila Global Ltd., George Ousantzopoulos, COO NAVITAS Compania Maritima S.A., Nathan Roberts, Chartering Manager Range Shipping Ltd.
The speakers remarked: “We have to modernize our fleet and optimise operations as well as to train our crew on new technologies and regulatory requirements.
In fact, shipping in general have met the 2030 IMO goals in the sense that the fleet has almost doubled since 2008 and the emissions have remained at the same level. Regarding alternative fuels the speakers are not optimistic that they become a reality very soon.
However, some stock listed shipping companies have invested in research and development of alternative fuels not because they believe in them but rather because they have to be at the forefront of the innovation.
AI is starting to play a major role in shipping providing all the information for well structured decisions”.
In the session 3 the speakers referred to the future-Proofing Tanker Trade, Strategies for a Shifting Energy Landscape and Adapting Tanker Operations to a Changing World.
The discussion was moderated by George Xiradakis, Founder of XRTC BUSINESS CONSULTANTS with panelists Dimitris Koukas, President of the Association of Greek Shipping Shipbroking Companies Association, Konstantinos Koronakis, President of the Manufacturing Department at the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and CEO of D. KORONAKIS S.A., Pankaj Khanna, CEO Heidmar, Valentios (Eddie) Valentis, CEO PYXIS MARITIME CORP.
Commenting on the tanker market fundamentals the speakers said that we experience a driven geopolitical market. All tanker companies have amazing cash reserves because of the geopolitical implications and look forward to change and modernise their fleet to
face the future challenges. However, the oil demand is expected to incline in the 6-12 months therefore tanker companies should consider how to proceed to the immediate future.
Moreover, the clearance of the old tankers will be a very challenging task when the time comes creating a huge bottleneck as well as financial and logistic problems.
In terms of financing the companies have easier access to various sources of capital therefore for the newcomers in shipping that have a healthy and sustainable project it’s more convenient to enter the market.
At the same time the operational conditions of ships are changing so shipping companies are taking more risks than before. The last panel of speakers discussed the topic “Implication of increased environmental regulation on shipping and the market, Balancing Compliance, Competitiveness, and Cost” moderated by Martin Crawford – Brunt, Baltic Exchange Carbon Lead with panelists Angeliki Malathrona, Country Manager Redshaw Advisors Ltd., Carola Yannouli, General Manager OCEANKING S.A., Lefteris Koukoulopoulos, Regional Decarbonization Specialist DNV, Stefanos Fragkos, CEO Allied Shipbroking Ltd.
The speakers referred to the early adopters of new technologies, regarding the advantages and the pitfalls to lead the market in adopting green technologies. Better financing incentives and validating performance are some of the benefits. On the contrary a corporate model is needed and the commercial value of those technologies are not yet appreciated and supported by the charterers.
Gala Dinner
The following evening, on Friday, July 4th, the celebrations culminated in a truly memorable Gala Dinner, welcoming close to 2,000 distinguished guests from across the global maritime industry. Hosted at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, the Gala was a masterfully organized evening of elegance and hospitality — showcasing Greece’s renowned “Filoxenia” at its best.
A highlight of the evening was the historical rollback of the past 50years, and the commemoration of all past Presidents and Board Members of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association, as a tribute to their invaluable contributions to the profession and to the Association’s journey over the past five decades. Special plaques of appreciation were awarded to three distinguished former Presidents: Michael Kokkinis (1989–1991), Captain Nick Pentheroudakis (1991–2005), Giannis Pachoulis (2005–2013). Their vision and leadership helped shape the legacy that HSA proudly upholds today.
That same evening, the public recognition and warm appreciation of the shipping community were directed toward Commander Giorgos Lykousas, Security Officer at EUNAVFOR ASPIDES OPERATION, for the important contribution of both himself and his team—demonstrated with professionalism and integrity—in safeguarding the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Red Sea, amid the unfortunately ongoing threats posed by the Houthis.
The evening culminated with the powerful live performance by KLAVDIA, the talented Greek performer and Eurovision Song Contest representative, who moved the audience with her interpretive ability and emotional rendition of “Asteromata”, as well as in a plethora of songs from Greek and international repertoire — adding a unique cultural highlight to a night already rich with pride, celebration, and maritime camaraderie.
From precise planning to warm execution, the event was universally praised as a benchmark in industry gatherings — a clear reflection of the dedication of the HSA Board, its members, and supporting partners.
As “Pireas” continues its legacy since 1995 as the premier gathering of global shipbrokers and maritime leaders, Pireas 2025 reaffirmed the vital role of Piraeus as a global maritime and shipbroking hub — resilient, forward-looking, and firmly anchored in excellence.
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