Shipping’s largest awards event, the Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards, is celebrating the 20^th anniversary of its establishment back in 2004. Once again, the event will aim to put the spotlight on some of the industry’s leading individuals and companies as the achievements of Greek shipping and the Greek maritime cluster are celebrated at the traditional end-of-year awards presentation dinner In Athens.
Yearly since 2004, the Greek Shipping Awards has attracted capacity audiences of hundreds of guests and the 20th edition of the awards is expected to be no different.
Strong support for this year’s Awards is led by Erma First sponsoring the welcome drinks reception and a roster of prestigious Greek and international sponsors of the individual awards. Nominations are coming in as the deadline for entries for the 2023 awards nears. Nominations must be received by the organisers before midnight, Greek time, on Friday 13 October in order to be accepted.
Once again, a prestigious and highly knowledgeable panel of judges from across the industry will assess all nominations and will decide the winners of this year’s Awards.
The panel, broadly representing the Greek shipping industry, will be tasked with choosing ‘the best of the best’ in a range of categories that span the full gamut of Greece’s shipping industry – from the dry cargo, tanker and passenger line sectors - to achievements in safety, sustainability, technology, shipbroking, finance and more. There will be excitement, too, in learning the judging panel’s choice of winners for prestigious individual awards such as Personality of the Year, Seafarer of the Year, the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Next Generation Award.
For the anniversary edition of the world’s best-supported maritime awards event, the regular 18 award categories have been expanded to 20 with the addition of two special awards for 2023 only.
The ‘Deal of the Decade’ Award will focus on outstanding transactions during the period 2014 to 2023. A Deal of the Decade award was last given in 2013 and covered the first decade of the Greek Shipping Awards. It was won by Angeliki Frangou for her acquisition of Navios in 2005.
The second new award is the ‘20 Years Achievement Award (2004-2023)’ that will recognise the greatest individual or collective success, or the most transformative achievement, in Greek shipping in the last 20 years. There are plenty of strong candidates to choose from.
Neither of the two special awards is subject to a formal nomination process, but we welcome suggestions from the shipping public as to who would be worthy winners.
All the 2023 award-winners will be unveiled at the 2023 gala awards dinner on Friday, December 1 in Athens. Bookings for the dinner are already open.

2023 Award Categories & Sponsors
Welcome Drinks Reception
Sponsored by Erma First
Dry Cargo Company of the Year
Sponsored by Marichem Marigases
Tanker Company of the Year
Sponsored by Bureau Veritas
Passenger Line of the Year
Sponsored by SWS
Shipbroker of the Year
Sponsored by the Tsakos Group
Shipping Financier of the Year
Sponsored by Tototheo Maritime
Piraeus International Centre Award
Sponsored by ClassNK
Technical Achievement Award
Sponsored by DNV
The Safety Award
Sponsored by Seajets
International Personality of the Year
Sponsored by Capital Ship Management Corp.
Ship of the Year
Sponsored by ABS
Award for Achievement in Education or Training
Sponsored by Shipping Deputy Ministry, Republic of Cyprus
The Sustainability Award
Sponsored by Lloyd’s Register
The Next Generation Shipping Award
Sponsored by IRI / The Marshall Islands Registry
Lloyd’s List Intelligence Big Data Award
Sponsored by Panama Maritime Authority
Lloyd’s List / Propeller Club Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by Franman
Greek Shipping Personality of the Year
Sponsored by Eurobank
AWARDS NOT DECIDED BY THE PANEL AND NOT OPEN TO OUTSIDE NOMINATIONS
Seafarer of the Year
Sponsored by Safe Bulkers, Inc.
Greek Shipping Newsmaker of the Year
Sponsored by ExxonMobil Marine
Deal of the Decade (2014-2023)*
Sponsored by Timagenis Law Office
20 Years Achievement Award (2004-2023)*
Sponsored by LPC S.A.

* Denotes special awards for 2023 only. We welcome all suggestions of worthy winners for these two awards.

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In the framework of the European Shipping Summit in Brussels, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), Ms. Melina Travlos, and members of the UGS Board of Directors, Mr. D. J. Fafalios, Ms. Marily Fragkista and Mr. V. Papagiannopoulos held a series of important meetings.
These deliberations served to fortify the bonds between the Greek shipping sector and its European counterparts, enhancing its impact on both European and global maritime affairs.
Throughout the summit, speakers underscored the imperative for the European Union to recognize the shipping industry as a pivotal, strategic ally, being the cornerstone of the EU's security and prosperity. Furthermore, they articulated shipping's integral role in bolstering Europe's economic stature. There was general agreement that prioritizing the competitiveness of European shipping must ascend to the forefront of the EU's agenda, safeguarding its prosperity, resilience, and sustainability, as well as ensuring energy and food sufficiency.
Ms. Melina Travlos, President of the UGS, engaged in a series of productive discussions with prominent figures in European governance and in the shipping sector. Noteworthy encounters included discussions with the Vice President of the European Commission, Mr. Margaritis Schinas; Chair of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Mr. Emanuele Grimaldi; President of the German Shipowners Association (VDR), Ms. Gaby Bornheim; Director General of European Commission’s DG MOVE, Ms. Magda Kopczynska; President of BIMCO, Mr. Niko Schües; and the former President of the European Commission (2004 - 2014) and Keynote Speaker of the 2023 European Shipping Summit, Mr. José Manuel Barroso.
Furthermore, Ms. Adina Valean, EU Commissioner for Transport, met with Ms. Melina Travlos and Messrs. D. J. Fafalios and V. Papagiannopoulos. Their discussion revolved around the pivotal role of European shipping for the EU and the necessity to uphold and elevate its global competitiveness. What was emphasized as imperative is for EU shipping to maintain its status as a preeminent global force and a strategic partner for the EU, thereby safeguarding Europe's prosperity through its leading role.
At the grand banquet of the European Shipping Summit, Mr. Margaritis Schinas, Vice President of the European Commission, accentuated the manifold and substantial contributions of the shipping industry. He emphasized, "The shipping sector has a central and strategic role in ensuring Europe's security and prosperity, connecting our continent with the rest of the world and promoting the rules-based global order that is a core European value and interest. I want to stress that not only do we appreciate the contribution of the maritime sector to the Union’s response to climate change, but that we take seriously the threat to its competitiveness."
Keynote Speaker at the European Maritime Summit and former President of the European Commission, Mr. José Manuel Barroso, wondered about the degree of awareness amongst European citizens regarding European shipping's commanding share of 40% in the global fleet. He emphasized, "Shipping is a strategic pillar for Europe's security. It is the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport that safeguards free trade, which is a key factor for the prosperity of citizens. I would like to congratulate European shipping on its active support for the EU's decarbonisation targets. It is our duty to ensure that economic and financial support is provided for the green and digital transition of shipping. European shipping faces a significant threat due to the increasing competition with East Asian countries, which has created new standards in the sector. Ensuring a level playing field with China is a strict priority. Striking the right balance between the climate agenda and sector competitiveness is a major issue for the EU. We do not have a strategy for our competitiveness yet, and we must urgently adopt one at the European level."
UGS Secretary, Mr. Dimitrios Fafalios, contributed to the central round table discussion of the European Shipping Summit. He emphasized, "'In this complex geopolitical situation we are experiencing, our industry has the flexibility and the capacity to respond immediately to evolving challenges by shielding the interests of the EU. However, our sector, and SMEs in particular, face a serious competitive disadvantage, particularly in relation to East Asian countries whose national policies include the shipping sector as an integral part of its strategies."
In the European Shipping Summit context, Ms. Melina Travlos stated, "'The strategic importance of shipping for EU’s energy and food security as well as the robustness and prosperity of its economy is undeniable. However, we need strong political will and continuous commitment from decision-makers to enhance the international competitiveness of European shipping and to ensure both the viability of the sector and the energy autonomy of the EU."

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From September 26–28, 2023, the 97th Annual Convention and Conference as well as the Elections of the International Propeller Club were held in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, with the participation of 75 Propeller Clubs and delegates from the U.S. and international shipping industries.
During the Elections that took place on Thursday, September 28, Costis Frangoulis, the President of the Propeller Club of Piraeus, was elected 1st Vice President, while Governor Dorothea Ioannou was elected 2nd Vice President.
Having served two successful terms as 3rd and 2nd Vice President from 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, respectively, Costis Frangoulis is now the next favorite for the Presidency in September 2025. This would make him the first non-American President and, of course, the first Greek in the centennial history of the International Propeller organization.
The Greek distinctions, however, did not end there. Daniel Tadros and Stas Margaronis were elected at Large Directors, while Michalis Dalacouras is serving his second term as Regional Vice President, responsible for Southern Europe and Africa.
This large representation highlights the leading position held by Greece and our Club, in the global network of the International Propeller.
The new Board of IPCUS is now formed as follows:
International Officers
Executive Committee
President, Maria Conatser, PC Nashville
1st Vice President, Costis Frangoulis, PC Piraeus
2nd Vice President, Dorothea Ioannou, PC Piraeus
3rd Vice President, Bill Kusmick, PC Tampa
Treasurer, Stuart Smith, PC Galveston
Secretary, Pat Patrick, PC New Orleans

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Aiming at further growth and value for its clients, ABS Hellenic has built a reputation as the leading classification society in Greece. The office of ABS in Piraeus has a track record of success for more than three quarters of a century through investments in Greece and Greek talent.
To highlight on the latest developments of ABS the senior executives of the Greek office organised a media event hosted at the Intercontinental Athens Hotel.
Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development welcomed the guests and pointed out that ABS works on various projects to develop alternative fuels leading in the field of non-carbon economics.
Mr. Kroustallis said that: “What is clear today is that, if our industry is to meet its sustainability objectives, the engine driving us there cannot be achieved without the contribution of Greek shipping. It will be Greek owners supporting pioneering projects on Greek vessels delivered by world-class Greek talent. Greece is the beating heart of our industry’s green energy transition. ABS is proud to be a key partner to Greek shipping and I believe that together we can forge a new, more sustainable shipping industry”.
Elias Kariambas, ABS Vice President, Regional Business Development Greece focused on the 70-year presence of ABS in the Greek shipping market and described the mission of the different departments in ABS Hellenic i.e. Global Sustainability Centre, Performance & Efficiency, Global Ship systems and Technical Committee.
Stamatis Fradelos, ABS Vice President Global Sustainability explained the aims of decarbonisation towards 2030-40-50.
Pantelis Skinitis, ABS Director Global Sustainability referred to the fuel mix towards 2050 and noted that not a solution fits in all vessels.
Finally, Chris Leontopoulos, ABS President Global Ship Systems Centre presented the future of maritime technology and the EU funded projects from ABS with the aim to develop innovative technical solutions for the smooth operation of the vessel and the maintenance adopting condition based approach in shipping. After the event a buffet dinner was offered at terrace area of the hotel. 

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Returning in 2023 after the success of last year’s conference, Maritime Cyprus 2023 will take place in Limassol from 08 – 11 October at a new venue.
Themed “Shipping in action: An Agenda for Change”, the conference – this time at the Parklane Resort and Spa - will host keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops designed to accelerate maritime’s progress within areas including decarbonization, ship financing, digitalization, and shipbuilding. This year also sees the introduction of a session on the cruise sector.
Over 1000 delegates are expected to attend from across the globe, including a diverse range of influential shipping industry actors. As is typical of the conference’s long-standing format, all speakers have been invited solely on merit, ensuring that every session is interesting and impactful. Most panel discussions will take place during the morning of each day – with afternoons dedicated mainly to meetings and networking.
Many shipping industry leaders feature in the line-up of speakers and panelists, including Kitack Lim, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO); Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General Elect of the International Maritime Organization (IMO); Andreas Hadjiyiannis, President, Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Dr Gaby Bornheim, President, German Shipowners’ Association, Philippos Philis, President of  European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA); Emanuele Grimaldi, President and Managing Director of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS); Nikolaus Schües, President, BIMCO, and many more.
A hallmark of the Maritime Cyprus Conference, shipowners and charterers themselves feature heavily in the speaker line-up, including George Procopiou, Chairman, Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd, Thanassis Martinos, Managing Director, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd, Suzanna Laskaridis, Director, Laskaridis Shipping Company Ltd, Semiramis Paliou, CEO, Diana Shipping Inc, Polys Hajioannou, CEO & Chairman, Safe Bulkers Inc, Nicole Mylona, CEO, Transmed Shipping Co Ltd, Jan Dieleman, President Cargill Ocean Transportation, Cargill International SA, Sebastian Landerretche, Head, Freight Platform, Louis Dreyfus Company, Chris-Alexander Korfiatis, Vice President, Marine Operations, Royal Caribbean and others.
Keynote speaker Anne Katrine Bjerregaard, Head of Strategy, Sustainability & ESG, at Maersk McKinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, will take the stage on Tuesday, 10 October at 11h20 EEST, with a presentation entitled: “The time to act is now – radically transforming maritime by 2050”.
Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Marina Hadjimanolis, commented: “I have entered my term as Shipping Deputy Minister at a time of great change, challenge and opportunity, in the industry. What always sets the Maritime Cyprus Conference apart is the speaker line up. The focus remains on the shipowners, operators, and charterers themselves who speak alongside regulators, financiers and innovators. The timing of Maritime Cyprus, ahead of much incoming international and European legislation, enables shipping to gather and collaborate to make essential progress towards our future sustainability – in every sense. We are ready and willing to support the industry in taking positive action.”
The conference, opened by Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, will be held in Limassol, at the Parklane Resort and Spa, between 9th and 11th October 2023. 
Find the latest speaker list and program here. To register your place at this year’s conference, visit the Maritime Cyprus website.

Image: Left to right: Mr George Mouskas, Vice President, Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Mr George Procopiou, Chairman, Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd, Mr Andreas Hadjiyiannis, President, Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Mr Polys V. Hajioannou, CEO & Chairman, Safe Bulkers, Inc

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The prolonged war between Ukraine and Russia has notably impacted the shipping industry with substantial disruptions in maritime trade routes, leading to an alteration in shipping patterns and fluctuations in shipping companies' earnings.
Black Sea and its strategic importance
The Black Sea is of considerable significance in international trade, serving as a crucial waterway for ships transporting goods between Europe and Asia. The Ukraine-Russia conflict has elevated the geopolitical importance of this region, causing intensified scrutiny and ugmented military presence, thereby impacting the freedom of navigation and escalating operational risks for shipping companies.
Alteration in Trade Routes
The increased tensions have necessitated the rerouting of ships, leading to extended transit times and elevated operational costs. This change has placed additional financial burdens on shipping companies, impacting their profitability.
Impact on Commodity Markets and vessels employment
This geopolitical unrest has caused disruptions in the supply of essential commodities like grain and oil. Ukraine is a major producer-exporter of grain via Black Sea, and any impediment in its shipping corridors lead to significant supply-chain disruptions and price volatility in global commodity markets, affecting both producers and consumers. Last July Russia suspended – not for the first time - an agreed U.N brokered deal for Ukrainian grain exports as Russian commercial ships in the grain corridors have been hit by Ukrainian drones, as well as a minesweeping ship, jeopardizing thus even further Ukrainian grain exports. To understand the gravity of this it’s worth to mention that according to the European Commission, Ukraine accounts for 10% of the world’s wheat market, 15% of the corn market, and 13% of the barley market. With more than 50% of world trade, it is also the main player on the sunflower oil market. A major exporter like Ukraine dropping out can have serious implications for global food security. The three main grain importers of Ukrainian grain were in 2020: Egypt (US$ 5.2 billion), China (US$ 3,4 billion) and Turkey (US$ 2,4 billion). Other grain, corn, and barley importers – as per the most recent OEC figures available - were ‘till 2020: Corn top importers Mexico ($3.14 billion), Japan ($2.94 billion), South Korea ($1.92 billion), Vietnam ($1.85 billion), and Spain ($1.72 billion). Major buyers of corn from Ukraine included the Netherlands, Spain, and China. Leading barley-importing countries in 2020 included China ($1.77 billion), Saudi Arabia ($1.38 billion), the Netherlands ($512 million), Belgium ($369 million), and Germany ($307 million). China was the largest buyer of Ukrainian barley. Trade disruption in Ukrainian agriproducts exports cause Shipping companies earnings to be seriously affected.
Marine War Insurance and Operational Costs
The precariousness in the region has elevated the risk profile of shipping operations, resulting in increased war risk insurance premiums for vessels operating in or passing through the Black Sea. The elevated operational risks and insurance costs are substantial considerations for shipping companies when estimating a vessel’s hire or freight. The Insurers have received half a billion dollars in claims for up to 60 commercial ships which were stuck/blocked in Ukraine a year after the start of the war with Russia, industry sources said (Reuters information on 24th February 2022) and as per marine insurance policies, ship owners can claim a total loss for vessel(s) stuck for a year, from their insurers, subject they have maintained cover and policy in force by paying the insurance premium, which have soared due to the war. With the Black Sea already listed as a high risk zone by the London insurance market, additional war risk insurance premiums of tens of thousands of dollars a day are common costs now alongside bunkers and freight. 
International Sanctions and Insurance
The imposition of international sanctions on Russia has further complicated the situation. Sanctions targeting sectors like energy, finance, and defense have led to constraints in trade with Russia, impacting the volume of goods transported, and subsequently, the revenues of shipping companies, marine insurance underwriters and brokers alike. The sanctions bureaucratic formalities have added an extra layer of complexity and economic burden, to the aforesaid parties.  Admittedly, ensuring compliance with these sanctions is paramount to avoid legal repercussions, and insurers are meticulously scrutinizing the vessels, their ownership structures, and the nature of cargoes to avoid breaching sanctions, leading to rigorous underwriting processes and selective policy approvals. The increased risks and operational disruptions in the region have resulted in an escalation in insurance claims, impacting the loss ratios of marine underwriters who are revisiting their loss adjustment practices and claim management strategies to effectively address the surge in claims and maintain financial stability which is essential for maintaining good status and credibility.
Strategic Responses
Shipping companies are increasingly relying on strategic intelligence and risk management practices to navigate through the unstable geopolitical landscapes and safeguard their operations and revenues from the uncertainties brought about by the conflict, by being proactive, armoring their finances with tailor made, well thought and structured marine insurance policies. And let’s not forget that where is conflict there can be an opportunity, subject of good preparation and the reward of course is worth to take the risk.
Conclusion
The Ukraine-Russia conflict underscores the deeply intertwined nature of geopolitics and the marine insurance industry. As the situation evolves, marine insurers need to remain agile, continuously re-evaluating risk profiles, adjusting premiums, and taking risks, enabling sea trade in the area. Collaboration with shipowners, clear communication, and proactive risk management strategies will be crucial in navigating these uncertain waters. In parallel, politicians and diplomats must work hard in finding diplomatic solutions to stop the war otherwise, the world is facing the biggest food crisis in decades as the United Nations Organisation had warned.  
* Marasco Marine Ltd, was founded in 1991, by Mr Anastasios Maraslis. Marasco is specialising in Managing Marine Risks and Risk Prevention Planning, serving the last 32 years, Ship Owners, Ship Managers and Ship Operators, with his experienced marine/ claims insurance team and the company’s Board of Advisors, Internationally Acknowledged. More about Marasco Marine at: www.marasco-marine.com

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Accelleron has signed a strategic partnership with METIS Cyberspace Technology that will expand the number of marine installations and power generation facilities that can use data analytics to improve turbocharger operation and maintenance.
METIS develops data-collecting hardware and IoT solutions that can be easily deployed in vessels and facilities to achieve automated, real-time data availability. Under the cooperation, METIS will provide onboard and cloud-based data infrastructure to Accelleron customers, enabling the data collection that underpins Accelleron’s range of Smartly Enabled Service Agreements.
With many marine and power generation assets built before the advent of modern digital solutions, the cooperation will support operators in establishing the connectivity needed for real-time data collection and transfer. This capability is a pre-requisite for Accelleron’s digital solutions including Tekomar XPERT and Turbo Insight, and its service agreements Turbo MarineCare and Turbo SmartCare.
The marine class-approved data acquisition system from METIS can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of operators’ facilities. By partnering with METIS, Accelleron is broadening the number of customers that can benefit from the real-time insights and efficiency gains offered by its digital solutions.
Eleni Polychronopoulou, CEO, METIS, said: “State-of-the-art information technologies are increasingly available and affordable, which means that the value data offers to unlock greater ship safety, efficiency and sustainability can be made more widely accessible wherever assets are operating. We are delighted to team up with Accelleron to drive the uptake of these essential optimization capabilities in sectors that may have previously considered them out of reach.”
Roland Schwarz, Division President Service, Accelleron, added: “Digital solutions and data-enhanced services are increasingly understood as the keys to significant and cost-effective efficiency improvements in shipping and power generation. Accelleron has already invested in developing the tools and service agreements that enable customers to tap into these benefits. Our partnership with METIS will ensure we can extend those advantages to users that may otherwise have been unable to access them”.
Image: L-R: Konstantinos Stampedakis, Managing Director, ERMA FIRST ESK, Daniel Bischofberger, CEO Accelleron, Andreas Symeonidis, Marketing & Partner Relations Manager, METIS, Eleni Polychronopoulou, CEO, METIS, Roland Schwarz, Division President Service, Accelleron

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Accelleron has signed a strategic partnership with METIS Cyberspace Technology that will expand the number of marine installations and power generation facilities that can use data analytics to improve turbocharger operation and maintenance.
METIS develops data-collecting hardware and IoT solutions that can be easily deployed in vessels and facilities to achieve automated, real-time data availability. Under the cooperation, METIS will provide onboard and cloud-based data infrastructure to Accelleron customers, enabling the data collection that underpins Accelleron’s range of Smartly Enabled Service Agreements.
With many marine and power generation assets built before the advent of modern digital solutions, the cooperation will support operators in establishing the connectivity needed for real-time data collection and transfer. This capability is a pre-requisite for Accelleron’s digital solutions including Tekomar XPERT and Turbo Insight, and its service agreements Turbo MarineCare and Turbo SmartCare.
The marine class-approved data acquisition system from METIS can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of operators’ facilities. By partnering with METIS, Accelleron is broadening the number of customers that can benefit from the real-time insights and efficiency gains offered by its digital solutions.
Eleni Polychronopoulou, CEO, METIS, said: “State-of-the-art information technologies are increasingly available and affordable, which means that the value data offers to unlock greater ship safety, efficiency and sustainability can be made more widely accessible wherever assets are operating. We are delighted to team up with Accelleron to drive the uptake of these essential optimization capabilities in sectors that may have previously considered them out of reach.”
Roland Schwarz, Division President Service, Accelleron, added: “Digital solutions and data-enhanced services are increasingly understood as the keys to significant and cost-effective efficiency improvements in shipping and power generation. Accelleron has already invested in developing the tools and service agreements that enable customers to tap into these benefits. Our partnership with METIS will ensure we can extend those advantages to users that may otherwise have been unable to access them”.
Image: L-R: Konstantinos Stampedakis, Managing Director, ERMA FIRST ESK, Daniel Bischofberger, CEO Accelleron, Andreas Symeonidis, Marketing & Partner Relations Manager, METIS, Eleni Polychronopoulou, CEO, METIS, Roland Schwarz, Division President Service, Accelleron

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Encounter the unique experience of shipping through the game Seaorama: World of Shipping and live an innovative and immersive learning adventure based on real data.
Shipping impacts every aspect of our lives, from the coffee we enjoy to the smartphones we use, the clothes we wear, and even the chocolate we savor. However, many people struggle to grasp the significance of shipping and its vital role in our society. This is particularly true for younger generations who will shape the future of the industry.
Recognizing the urgent need to educate and prepare individuals in this rapidly evolving field, Seaorama, a Greek video game made by a start-up named Seaorama P.C, emerged. Driven by a vision and armed with extensive experience in the maritime domain, Seaorama: World of Shipping aims to capture and present the shipping industry in an engaging and educational manner.
Imagine a video game that bridges the gap in maritime knowledge, enlightens players about shipping's societal impact and global sustainability, and provides insights into potential career paths within the sector. In "Seaorama: World of Shipping," players assume the role of a young entrepreneur striving to build the world's largest and most successful shipping company from scratch.
This captivating game immerses players in the world of shipping companies, enabling them to develop their own managerial style through risk and opportunity management.
Within the competitive international landscape of the shipping industry, players face numerous challenges and demands, requiring strategic thinking and effective business tactics to thrive. As the game reflects real-world developments, players are encouraged to implement sustainable practices that meet the evolving operational demands of today's business reality.
Choose between container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers to create your fleet, but be aware that various factors in the game may influence the expansion or investment in different types of vessels.
By incorporating real shipping data, the game creates its own economy, generating diverse scenarios for players to navigate. From port congestion and piracy to extreme weather events, mechanical failures, and crew accidents, the game encompasses the challenges faced in the shipping industry.
Seaorama: World of Shipping stands out globally as no other video game currently offers a similarly immersive experience in the shipping industry. Prepare to embark on a unique journey that will expand your horizons, knowledge, and experiences of shipping, inspire sustainable practices and unveil to you the exciting career opportunities within this dynamic sector.
Seaorama: World of Shipping is expected to be released by the end of 2023. Companies from both the shipping industry and others in the maritime cluster are invited to explore the promotional opportunities offered through the video game (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
You can find and add Seaorama: World of Shipping to your Steam Wishlist https://store.steampowered.com/app/2002570/SeaOrama_World_of_Shipping/

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During the European Shipping Summit 2023, the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) in collaboration with the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) successfully hosted a joint event in Brussels, on Tuesday the 19^th of September, with the presence of their Presidents, Ms. Melina Travlos and Ms. Gaby Bornheim, respectively.
Ms. Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, stated, in the context of the event: “Greek and German Shipowners' Associations have joined forces to highlight the strategic role of shipping for the stability, prosperity and energy security of Europe and its people.
Holding a joint event with the German Shipowners Association (VDR) as part of the European Shipping Summit 2023 in Brussels is an initiative that results from our common view of the challenges facing our sector and a like-minded approach to addressing them.
Our cooperation aims to draw attention to the strategic role that shipping plays as a key enabler of the European economy and as a major contributor to securing Europeans’ quality of life.
As the UGS our mission is to safeguard the future not only of Greek shipping but also of European shipping. It is of the utmost importance that the vital role played by European shipping is recognised by key European institutions as well as by the wider public. It is a fact that shipping contributes in countless ways to the smooth functioning of European society as well as supporting communities across the world, even at times of crisis such as those experienced in recent years.”
The event stressed the strategic importance of shipping for the EU. Key officials from the European Commission and industry experts had the opportunity to exchange their views on how Europe can preserve and enhance its EU shipping status. The event highlighted the indispensable role of shipping to the EU’s food security and energy autonomy, as the vast majority of basic food and energy imports are transported by vessels.
Mr Ioannis Vrailas, the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Greece to the European Union, in his keynote speech, stated: “the EU is called to not only safeguard but guarantee the global competitiveness and long-term sustainability of this strategic sector. This is a challenge which we must all address successfully for the benefit of Europe and European citizens”.
Ms Fotini Ioannidou, Acting Director of Waterborne Transport and Head of the Maritime Safety Unit of DG MOVE, pointed out that: “Shipping is an essential pillar of the European economy. Nobody can doubt its strategic importance for the security of our supply of energy and other essential materials and goods. We need a European shipping industry and maritime clusters that are green, competitive and resilient so that they can successfully navigate the challenges ahead”.
 “Shipping is a resilient pillar of support for the EU during challenging times such as the current energy crisis, ensuring Europe's stability. The sector contributes to the decarbonisation of Europe through the transportation of low or no-carbon fuels. It is important for the sector to safeguard regulatory certainty and predictability in the EU legislation”, said Mr Hans Van Steen, Principal Adviser of DG ENER. 
On behalf of UGS, Mr Dimitrios J. Fafalios, Secretary of the UGS Board of Directors and President/Director of Fafalios Shipping S.A., stated that “Shipping has proven to be a resilient pillar of support during challenging times, ensuring Europe's sustainability in various crises, while also being the most environmentally friendly transport mode. The EU should recognise shipping as a strategic partner in its policies, aiming at preserving and enhancing its global competitiveness”.
Last, on behalf of VDR, Mr Lucius Bunk, Founder and Managing Partner at Auerbach Shipping, Member of the VDR Board of Directors, pointed out that “Shipping urgently needs regulatory certainty due to its heterogeneity. Otherwise, the risk of mis investment is simply too high and weakens the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in particular”.
The proceedings of the event concluded that shipping is a strategic asset and, as such, a cornerstone for the security and prosperity of Europe. A clear message was hopefully sent to the EU institutions about the importance of preserving EU shipping global competitiveness and the absolute need to enhance it with concrete and fit for purpose policies.

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