METIS Cyberspace Technology has signed a formal agreement with global data, analytics, and technology company DTN®, to integrate its Vessel Routing API into METIS Augmented Routing Optimization, in a new demonstration of the way weather-enhanced decision-making and AI-based analytics deliver measurable gains to ship performance.
Rather than aiming to avoid adverse weather completely, weather-optimized routing helps find the most efficient route available to plan and maintain safe navigation, with the officer of the watch updated with actionable insights and alerts throughout the voyage. 
Based on the unique characteristics and specifications of individual ships and their cargoes, both METIS Augmented Routing Optimization and the DTN Vessel Routing API continuously optimize for speed, cost, fuel consumption and emissions. Powered by AI, the integrated analytics cover not only the efficiency of the ship but its changing operating environment: routing optimization can adapt to conditions and to the relationships between different performance parameters. 
Integrating weather-optimized decisions with Augmented Routing Optimization delivers a comprehensive analysis of ship performance in real time, so that vessels can respond to the needs of ETA, contracted speeds, bunker consumption or emissions reporting. Onshore, managers can calculate and recalculate routes to optimize schedules, propose route adjustments, and better evaluate voyage performance against charter party expectations.
“Formalising the agreement with DTN is highly significant, because integrating weather-optimized routing functionality with Augmented Routing Optimization changes what is achievable for ship performance,” said Andreas Symeonidis, Marketing & Partner Relations Manager, METIS Cyberspace Technology. “Just as METIS analytics optimize performance for machinery, hull fouling and damages, maintenance and repairs, fuel oil and crew skills on each and every vessel, Augmented Routing Optimization can now adapt to weather conditions.” 
Including all variables in a single interface to choose the ‘best route’ is highly beneficial to ship safety, as well as for efficiency and emissions, Symeonidis emphasised.
“With every ship needing to report efficiency and emissions on an individual basis under the International Maritime Organization’s new EEXI and CII regimes, owners, managers and charterers have already entered a new era of accountability,” said Eleni Polychronopoulou, CEO, METIS. “Rather than simply avoiding ‘unwanted weather’ in a generalised way, this integration of weather-optimized routing from DTN means Augmented Routing Optimization helps ensure the safety of the ship, its crew and its cargo while simultaneously basing routing decisions on optimized performance

Image 1: Eleni Polychronopoulou, CEO, METIS
Image 2: METIS Augmented Routing Optimization

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Marine-Fields Holding Ltd, has acquired BM Bergmann Marine GmbH at a transaction, which was completed in Hamburg on 27^th of January 2023 reflecting the formal validation of the close and successful cooperation between the two companies over the past few years. The two innovative organisations join forces  to create a leading team of marine services and solutions.
The acquisition is a further step in the growth of Marine-Fields Holding, part of the Tototheo Maritime Group of companies which brings together the expertise and resources of BM Bergmann Marine, a well-established provider of maritime consultancy and advisory service, and Marine-Fields Holding, a leader in maritime consultancy, digital solutions and training. Under the same umbrella BM Bergmann Marine and Marine-Fields, will offer a comprehensive range of services and products to customers in the maritime industry, including ship owners, and operators, ports, coastal administrations and hinterland logistics.
Bringing BM Bergmann Marine in the Marine-Fields family will significantly enhance the companies' ability to meet the growing demand for marine services and solutions, while also creating new opportunities for growth and expansion. The combined companies will have a strong presence in key markets around the world and will be well-positioned to take advantage of emerging trends and opportunities in the maritime industry, especially as it relates to digitalization, data sharing and collaborative decision making as well as port and related supply chain optimization.
"We are excited to join forces with Marine-Fields and to build on the strengths of both companies," said Michael Bergmann, MD of BM Bergmann Marine. "Together, we will be able to offer an even broader range of services and solutions, to our customers and we look forward to mutual growth and serving the needs of the maritime industry in the challenging times of digitalization."
Andreas Chrysostomou CEO of Marine-Fields Holding and Chief Strategy Officer at Tototheo Maritime stated: “The addition of BM Bergmann Marine GmbH to the Marine-Fields Holding portfolio comes at a crucial time as the maritime industry is at the crossroad of decarbonisation and digitalisation.  Marine-Fields has been offering services to the industry since 2017 as an independent provider of maritime related services and now is expanding those services to include the knowledge and expertise of BM Bergman Marine.  We look forward to new achievements by this new setup.’
For further information about the services provided by Marine-Fields Holding, please visit www.marine-fields.com.

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Natech is a leading Core Banking System provider to small & midsize financial institutions, providing an end-to-end, real-time, and competitive offering specially structured and designed to target underserved financial institutions and benefit from the gradual shift to BaaS. Natech’s solutions benefit from a simplified system integration (up to 10x more effective on delivery times), compelling and proven product offering covering retail and SMEs banking requirements (including AML/KYC, risk and regulatory reporting tools), real time 24/7 core banking system with a clear cost advantage and simplification of operations with omni-channel experience.
Accordingly, Natech has built a demonstrable track record of delivering sustainable and profitable growth, underpinned by sticky customer base and long-term contractual relationships.
This new funding will finance the strategic Joint Venture with Piraeus Bank in order to build the #1 Greek digital bank. It will allow Natech to start offering BaaS products for financial related entities across Europe. Piraeus Bank had announced in April 2022 the launch of a new online-only independent bank for customers in Greece and Europe, which will enable the company to address the booming BaaS market in EU regions.
This private convertible bond was oversubscribed and was led by Orasis Fund alongside George Moundreas Family Office, with Codrus Capital and existing shareholders also participating. In addition, Natech is also planning to raise new equity to secure its path towards scaling operations, technology and product offering as well as accelerating its growth in Europe and abroad. 
Thanasis Navrozoglou, Natech’s CEO: “We are thrilled to announce the successful closing of a €10m funding round for Natech, working diligently towards accelerating our expansion in Europe and the development of our BaaS offering. This investment will enable us to finance the launch of our Digital Bank in partnership with Piraeus Bank and enhance our platform and delivery capabilities. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our investors for their support and belief in our vision. With this funding, we are excited to continue leading the way in Banking technology and delivering world-class financial solutions to our customers empowering the future of Banking.”
BNP Paribas is acting as sole financial advisor to Natech in this fundraising process.
About Natech
Natech is a Greek Fintech that provides banking technology services and SaaS products to small & midsize financial institutions benefiting from its highly streamlined end-to-end offering and lean implementation processes. Leveraging its historical activities in financial software, the Company has developed a full core banking system technology in the last 20 years. Natech is launching a Joint Venture with Piraeus Bank to create the #1 Greek digital bank allowing the company to start offering BaaS products for non-financial lenders across Europe.  

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Technology company ZeroNorth has appointed Mike Konstantinidis as Managing Director of Vessel Optimisation and Head of ZeroNorth's Athens Office. In this role, Mike will head up a new business area focused on bringing high frequency data captured by on-board sensors to the ZeroNorth platform. This will enrich the platform’s data analysis capabilities and give further training data input for existing data models.
There are a myriad of difficult decisions to be made in shipping, with endless variables such as route, weather conditions, and vessel specifics like different hull and propeller fouling. These variables combine to create barriers to optimisation and the efficiencies that the industry needs on its sustainability journey.
Decision-makers need to be equipped with the most accurate, up-to-date information to choose the optimal route or vessel to be as competitive, profitable, and environmentally conscious as possible. With Mike taking the helm at a new sensor-focused business unit, ZeroNorth will double down on sensor-derived data by incorporating it more closely into the company’s data analysis capabilities.
This new high frequency data will further enrich ZeroNorth’s data ecosystem and provide extra insight to customers by enhancing their decision-making, their commerciality and sustainability. The new sensor-based input will also continually train and improve ZeroNorth’s existing data models.
Commenting on his appointment, Mike Konstantinidis, Managing Director of Vessel Optimisation and Head of ZeroNorth's Athens Office, said: “ZeroNorth is doing a great job in helping its customers navigate digitalisation and decarbonisation in this new era of shipping. I am delighted to join the company to broaden its data to include high frequency sensor data analysis.
"The industry is on a journey of digital transformation. In my role at ZeroNorth, I am excited to provide the analysis of even more data sources to our customers, helping them to optimise decision-making for profit and planet.”
Mike has worked in the technology space for more than 35 years, joining the shipping industry just over 6 years ago. He has a wealth of experience in software, systems integration and in his last role as Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at METIS Cyberspace Technology SA, Mike was powering the digital transformation of maritime through artificial intelligence. He brings this knowledge and expertise to his new role at ZeroNorth.
Commenting on Mike joining the company, Søren Meyer, CEO at ZeroNorth, said: “I am incredibly excited for Mike to join the ZeroNorth team, bringing his expertise in high frequency data to enrich our data analysis and fuel modelling capabilities. His experience in both the maritime and technology industries will deepen our knowledge and ability to help customers navigate their digital transformation as the industry embraces more high frequency data to drive the green transition.”

Image: Mike Konstantinidis, Managing Director of Vessel Optimisation and Head of ZeroNorth's Athens Office

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Theano Kalapothatakou, Co-publisher & Editor of ELNAVI magazine attended the Ocean Conference PANAMA 23 as honored guest of Mrs Julie Lymberopulos Ambassador of Panama in Greece and had the opportunity to meet with distinguished members of the Panamanian government to discuss the latest shipping developments.
In addition she attended the handover ceremony to the Greek delegation as Greece will host the conference in 2024.

Ocean Panama 2023 conference, created a space for collaborative dialogue between heads of state, the private sector, civil society, and academic institutions to discuss how people can save their marine resources, promote sustainable use, and educate the public about ocean. Most importantly, brought attention to the critical importance of the implementation of well-connected systems of effective area-based management measures, including Marine Protected Areas, the development of the global blue economy and proposing innovative solutions to address marine pollution. This conference was held at a time when Climate Change, Marine pollution and the devastation of marine life has reached increasingly alarming levels due to the detrimental actions of mankind. The Conference was built around the commitment of different governments, businesses, and civil society to urge action that may enact policies that will promote and protect ocean’s health. Commitments are voluntary, measurable, impactful actions with a clear timeframe toward a clean, healthy, and productive ocean.

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Laskaridis Shipping was a proud participant of “Our Ocean 2023” conference held in Panama on 2^nd and 3^rd of March 2023. A global leading conference to promote sustainability in oceans by mobilizing voluntary commitments from governments, private sector and society to protect aquatic environment from illegal fishing, marine pollution and the effects of climate change.
On the occasion of “Our Ocean 2023”, Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama (ARAP) and LAVINIA CORPORATION/LASKARIDIS SHIPPING CO.LTD signed a Joint Declaration of Affirmative Actions in the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported or Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.
That declaration recognizes the high operational level of the Crew and Management of Laskaridis Shipping which operates the Group’s reefer vessel fleet to the highest environmental and safety standards for more than 40 years.
It serves also as a commitment for the future, to continue the efforts for compliance with ARAP and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RMFMOs) requirements to guarantee fisheries sustainability.
The bilateral agreement was signed by Flor Torrijos, General Administrator of ARAP, Honorary witnessed by Augusto Valderamma, Minister of Agricultural Development and on behalf of LAVINIA CORPORATION/LASKARIDIS SHIPPING by Catherine Prifti, DPA and HSQE Director.

image: H.E. Mrs. Yavel Francis - Ambassador of Panama to the Kingdom of Belgium, H.E. Mrs. Julie Lymberopulos - Ambassador and General Consul of Panama in Greece,  Ms Catherine Prifti - Laskaridis Shipping Co Ltd.,  Honorable Mrs. Flor Torrijos - General Administrator of the Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama,  H.E. Mr. Augusto Valderrama, Minister of Agricultural Development of Panama,  H.E. Mr. Vladimir Franco Sousa - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama

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Long-term collaboration steps up a gear to ensure easy access to new capabilities and high reliability of innovative new antenna technology
Navarino, one of the maritime industry’s most advanced communications and connectivity companies and Cobham Satcom, the leading provider of radio and satellite communication (satcom) solutions to the global maritime and land mobile sectors have extended their strategic partnership based on integration of next generation SAILOR XTR antennas with Navarino’s global connectivity services.
Navarino, the world’s largest Inmarsat Fleet Xpress Value Added Reseller, also offers a full portfolio of Ku-Band solutions leveraging networks from Intelsat and SES. With Cobham Satcom as a strategic partner, Navarino’s ability to deliver the most advanced technology solutions to the merchant maritime fleets it serves worldwide will be boosted with access to both Ka- and Ku-band antennas from the expanding SAILOR XTR portfolio.
 “The new strategic partnership with Cobham Satcom includes a significant commitment to delivering new capabilities only possible with the SAILOR XTR technology platform, which will help us to strengthen our network diversity and meet the market’s need for cost-effective connectivity solutions with integral flexibility for the future. The timing is just right as the space segment continues to evolve with major new constellations and services available now or on the horizon, which will unlock opportunities and choices for our clients in the coming years,” said Andreas Dimitriadis, Director Strategic Relations, Navarino.
“We have partnered with Cobham Satcom for many years and in addition to transforming the maritime industry through new technology, our experience of their global service network is that they are able to address issues quickly and cost effectively, which is absolutely essential to ensure that our clients experience maximum up time wherever they are operating,” adds Dimitriadis.
 “Formalizing our existing work with Navarino in a strategic agreement is a very positive step” said Erik Nieuwmeijer, Sales Director, EMEA. “For Cobham Satcom we are able to work closely with an innovative and technology-leading satellite service provider, while the flexible nature of SAILOR XTR allows them to deliver the agility required for their customers to easily migrate to new services in their portfolio without having the expense and downtime of installing new VSAT antennas.”

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HEMEXPO – Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters – a leading suppliers and exporters association for the international shipping sector, has welcomed ERGOMATIC as its 33^rd member company. The move adds a new area of expertise to the broad cross-section of Greek equipment manufacturers and technology specialists already represented on HEMEXPO’s list of members.
Headquartered in Athens, ERGOMATIC supplies high-quality components and integrated automation solutions, such as valves and piping, electrical automation systems, measurement and control instrumentation and pneumatic and hydraulic equipment to marine and industrial customers. The company also provides a range of services including integrated system design, class approval, repairs and round-the-clock technical support. Its solutions and services are certified by ABS Quality Evaluations in line with ISO 9001:2015.
“ERGOMATIC is a welcome addition to our growing members list, bringing new expertise in critical maritime equipment alongside a comprehensive offering of dedicated services,” commented Eleni Polychronopoulou, HEMEXPO President. “We look forward to working with ERGOMATIC as we help the company to seize opportunities in new and existing markets and drive business growth.”
Representing Greek maritime technology specialists on the international stage, HEMEXPO maintains close relationships with shipowners, classification societies and shipyards to understand the issues facing the industry and provide the best technical solutions. HEMEXPO members are on the approved-suppliers lists of over 50 shipyards worldwide, with ERGOMATIC the latest company to gain access to this extensive network.
“Membership of HEMEXPO brings a multitude of benefits including greater market access, opportunities to collaborate and build relationships across the shipping supply chain and to enhance insights into industry developments,” said Lykourgos Kontakos ERGOMATIC Managing Director. “We are therefore delighted to join HEMEXPO and look forward to reaping the many rewards on offer.”
With the International Maritime Organization targeting a 50% reduction in marine greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 compared with 2008, HEMEXPO is committed to delivering sustainable solutions and services to support shipping’s green transition. Several of the association’s member companies specialise in sustainable technology – such as friction-reducing hull coatings, shore connection facilities and carbon capture systems.

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On 27 February The Bahamas continued its long-held tradition of making its annual member state assessment payment to the International Maritime Organisation in full and well in advance of the payment deadline.
The contribution for 2023 was presented to IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim by The Bahamas Minister of Transport and Housing, JoBeth Coleby-Davis MP, and The Bahamas’ newly-appointed Ambassador to the IMO, Paul Rolle, who attended the IMO with The BMA Board’s Deputy Chairman, Peter John Goulandris, and BMA Managing Director and CEO, Capt Dwain Hutchinson. 
As one of the world’s leading Ship Registers, The Bahamas’ annual assessed contribution represents just under 4% of the IMO’s overall 2023 budget at 3.58%, making The Bahamas one of the largest financial contributors to the organisation. 
The Bahamas is a long-standing Council member of the IMO and has a history of taking a leading role in areas relating to safety, security, environment and human element within the IMO committees, sub-committees, working and correspondence groups. It also actively participates at meetings of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Mobile Satellite Organisation (IMSO), International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Funds and regionally within the Caribbean Port State Control Committee.
Capt Hutchinson said: “We are particularly pleased this year to have our Minister and IMO Ambassador with us for the presentation of our member state assessment contribution to the IMO. As a Small Island Developing State Council member which nonetheless has one of the world’s largest ship registries, we are committed to upholding the IMO’s stance on the UN sustainable development goals and, as such, we are proud to be among the first IMO Member States every year to pay their contribution in full.”

Image: Pictured left to right: Ghulam Hussain (BMA Deputy Director-Maritime Affairs), Captain Hutchinson, Peter John Goulandris (Deputy Chairman of the BMA Board), Minister Coleby-Davis MP, Secretary General Kitack Lim, Ambassador Paul Rolle and his wife Mrs Rolle, Gaynell Rolle (Under Secretary to Ministry of Transport & Housing),Bernis Pinder (Bahamas Maritime Attaché)

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Aiming to the enhancement of the business relationships between Greece and Hong Kong the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) and Invest HK organised an event for the investing opportunities in Hong Kong.
Ms Vicky Makrigianni (Director, International Relations & Regional Policy, SEV), opened the event and Mr. Tassos Iossiphides (Member of Board of Directors, ACCI) in his speech told that Hong Kong has access to a diverse market of commercial activities in Asia offering outstanding business opportunities and a friendly tax regime.
As Greece expands its exporting capacity Hong Kong can be considered a great partner for increasing the business relationships between the two countries.
Mr. Henry Tsoi (Deputy Representative, Hong Kong Economic and Trade office in Brussels) said that Hong Kong is a major financial centre offering an excellent business friendly environment. Doing business from Hong Kong can be proved a very beneficial investment for Greek enterprises from all economic segments.
Ms Paula Kant (Head, Investment Promotion, invest in Hong Kong) presented the objectives of Invest HK organization. It maintains in 31 country offices covering all promising business areas. HK has fully reopened from Covid-19 lockdown to mainland China and all over the world. The economy has recovered and GDP is expected to grow 3% in 2023. Financial services sectors showing robust growth. HK has a competitive and simple tax system of 8.25% for the first HK2$M if profits.
HK is involved in top business sectors fin tech, ecommerce, technology, education and consultancy services.
Ms. Paula Kant referred to the recent success story of EMISIA SA a spin-off company of the Aristotelion University in Thessaloniki which has carried out several environmental projects in Hong Kong.
Another example is Levant a Greek Cypriot food company which was assisted by Hong Kong to expand in the Asian market. As well as Spirit World Group which is involved in shipping and forwarding company. It has been in Hong Kong since 2006 and is active in Shenzhen, Ningbo, Xiamen and Xingang, etc.
Ms. Eleni Almpanti (Exportgate, i-Services, Eurobank) presented HK’s market insight and the main economic indicators.
Mr. Panagiotis Drosos (Director, Global Business Development at KORRES), Mr. Ilias Katsogiannis (Manager, International New Business Generation, VIANEX), Mr. Stelios Pourzitakis (Co-founder, Greek Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong) and Co-ordinator Mr. Panayiotis Hassapis (Executive Vice-President SEVE) referred to their companies success stories in doing business in Hong Kong, motivating more exporters to join Hong Kong Business Centre.

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