Effective 15th January 2026, Baseblue Ltd will change name to KPI OceanConnect (Cyprus) Ltd, thereby completing the integration into one organisation under KPI OceanConnect.

The two organisations have decided to join forces to streamline operations and better align regional teams.

As part of this strategic integration, expected to increase the group’s market share in the East Mediterranean, all customer and supply agreements will continue unchanged under KPI OceanConnect, ensuring a seamless transition.
Dorthe Bendtsen, CEO of KPI OceanConnect, will continue to lead the organisation, supported by the existing regional and local management structure. The integrated team will continue to deliver a broad range of services, expertise and bespoke solutions to the shipping industry.

“This strategic integration will strengthen our international presence and unlock synergies to deliver broader services and greater value to our customers,” says Dorthe Bendtsen, CEO of KPI OceanConnect.

About KPI OceanConnect

KPI OceanConnect is one of the world’s largest and most experienced independent marine energy service and solutions providers. For more than 50 years, KPI OceanConnect has been fuelling global trade through its partnership approach, innovative solutions, and ability to expertly guide its clients through new and evolving challenges.
By combining the expertise of its global workforce with market-leading technology, innovation, and financial strength, KPI OceanConnect creates long-term value for its partners and is a trusted leader in the transition to low carbon energy.
KPI OceanConnect’s teams of experienced professionals deliver trusted expert counsel from offices in Athens, Doha, Hong Kong, Houston, Istanbul, Jakarta, London, Miami, New York, Seattle, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo.

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For Crossworld Marine Services, the Philippines is not just a key crewing market—it is a strategic, human partnership built over decades. Filipino seafarers form the backbone of global shipping, and their welfare, safety, and professional dignity are deeply embedded in how we operate.

That philosophy was reaffirmed on 15 January 2026, when Crossworld participated in a high-level maritime labor meeting in Makati City, organized by the Greek Embassy in the Philippines in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers.

A Long-Term Commitment, Not a One-Off Discussion

The meeting brought together government officials and Greek maritime stakeholders to align on a shared priority:
the welfare, safety, and protection of Filipino seafarers serving aboard Greek-managed vessels.
For Crossworld, this discussion directly reflects our corporate culture and mission. As one of the most established crew management organizations active in the Philippines, we believe that responsible maritime operations begin—and end—with people.

Key areas of discussion closely mirror Crossworld’s day-to-day practices:

Fair and transparent employment conditions

Strong compliance with international maritime labor standards

Continuous improvement of safety and wellbeing frameworks

Ethical recruitment and long-term career support for seafarers

Crossworld’s Role in the Filipino Maritime Workforce

With a substantial Filipino seafarer pool under management, Crossworld has long invested in:

Seafarer welfare programs, both onboard and ashore

Safety-first crewing standards, aligned with global best practices

Sustainable employment relationships, not transactional placements

Seafarer careers, not simply a job placement

Our presence at this high-level meeting was not symbolic. It reflects our belief that industry leaders must actively engage with institutions shaping maritime labor policy, particularly in markets as critical as the Philippines.
Leadership Participation That Reflects Company Values

Crossworld was represented by Group CEO, Simos Varias and Capt Levy Capayas, President of Crossworld Marine, whose participation underscored the company’s hands-on leadership approach in matters of crew welfare and safety.
At Crossworld, leadership involvement in such forums is deliberate. Decisions affecting seafarers’ lives and careers deserve direct accountability at the highest level.

Looking Ahead: Shared Responsibility, Shared Future

The Philippines remains the world’s leading supplier of maritime professionals. Greece controls the world’s largest merchant fleet. The intersection of these two realities creates both opportunity and responsibility.

Crossworld remains committed to:

Strengthening cooperation with Philippine institutions

Supporting initiatives that protect and empower seafarers

Advancing a maritime industry where welfare and performance are not competing priorities—but complementary ones
This is not new ground for Crossworld. It is simply who they are.

Together Always Ahead.

Image: Mr. Simos Varias (Crossworld Marine Group CEO), Mr. Ioannis Pediotis (Ambassador of Greece in Manila), Mr. Hans Leo J. Cacdac (Secretary of Department of Migrant Workers), and Capt. Levy Capayas (Crossworld Marine Inc. President)

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Mintra, a global leader in digital learning and workforce management solutions for the maritime and energy industries has appointed Vassilios Demetriades as Global Ambassador, with a strategic focus on the Greek market. The appointment follows Mintra’s recent acquisition of SQLearn and marks a key step in strengthening SQLearn’s position within the Mintra group and in the global maritime training landscape.

The integration of SQLearn into Mintra brings together two established digital learning providers, combining Mintra’s global scale and technology platform with SQLearn’s strong reputation and deep-rooted presence in the Greek maritime market. This strengthens SQLearn’s ability to operate within the Mintra group while extending Mintra’s reach in one of the world’s most influential shipping regions.

In his role, Mr Demetriades will support the international growth of SQLearn’s solutions under the Mintra brand. Working closely with shipowners, operators, training institutions, and industry stakeholders, he will promote advanced digital learning, competence, and compliance solutions tailored to the needs of the Greek market and the global shipping community.

Mr Demetriades brings 27 years of experience in global shipping, including service as Deputy Minister of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus, where he was actively involved in maritime policy, regulatory affairs, and international shipping relations at both the EU and global levels. His appointment underscores Mintra’s commitment to combining strong technology platforms with deep industry and regulatory expertise.

“The acquisition of SQLearn represents a significant expansion of Mintra’s capabilities,” said Kevin Short, CEO of Mintra. “By appointing Vassilios Demetriades as Global Ambassador, we are further strengthening SQLearn’s role within the group and ensuring closer alignment with the Greek maritime market.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Demetriades said: “The integration of SQLearn into Mintra creates a stronger, more comprehensive digital learning platform for the maritime industry. I am pleased to support this next phase of development by helping deepen engagement with the Greek shipping community and reinforcing SQLearn’s value as part of the Mintra group.”

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With the aim of providing comprehensive shipmanagement services for various types of dry cargo vessels, Capital - Executive Ship Management Corp. has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with SPV Axis Management Corp.

The new venture, Capital Axis Maritime Corp., will provide in-house commercial and technical management services to a fleet of twenty (20) dry bulk carriers, consisting of two (2) Newcastlemax, four (4) Capesize, and seven (7) Kamsarmax and Panamax vessels currently on the water, as well as seven (7) newbuilding Capesize bulk carriers scheduled for delivery in 2027. The fleet has a total carrying capacity of approximately 3.0 million deadweight tons and an average age of 8 years.

Mr. Nicholas E. Madias, on behalf of SPV Axis and in his capacity as President and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Axis Maritime Corp., commented: “We are delighted to partner with a well-established and reputable organization like Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp. We are confident that this synergy will create long-term value for its stakeholders through both cost savings and revenue growth. By combining Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp. strengths with our deep expertise in the dry sector, built over 25 years of experience in ownership and hands-on management of dry bulk assets, we are optimistic that this collaboration will unlock significant potential.”

About Capital Axis Maritime Corp.

Capital Axis Maritime Corp. is dedicated to delivering best-in-class commercial and technical management services for dry bulk vessels. Currently it controls a fleet of twenty (20) dry bulk vessels. With a strong focus on operational excellence and sustainability, the company aims to set new standards in the global dry bulk shipping industry.

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Minerva Gas Inc., a leading LNG ship management company has signed a comprehensive Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA) with HD HYUNDAI MARINE SOLUTION, a global leader in integrated marine solutions.

Under the agreement, five LNG carriers equipped with HiMSEN auxiliary engines will receive long-term maintenance and technical support, reinforcing Minerva Gas' commitment to operational excellence, reliability, and fleet performance.

This latest contract builds on a successful partnership established in 2022, when Minerva Gas first entered into a Long-Term Service Agreement with HD Hyundai Marine Solutions covering three LNG carriers. Through professional management, continuous monitoring, and advanced technical support, these vessels have demonstrated stable and reliable operation over the past years. The new agreement extends coverage for the existing three vessels and incorporates two newly built LNG carriers, expanding the LTSA to a total of five ships.
HD Hyundai Marine Solutions operates as a global total service provider, delivering cutting-edge marine solutions through advanced data analytics, including condition monitoring, alarm management, and performance analysis. By leveraging technical expertise and real-time operational data, the company provides optimized, vessel-specific service solutions that enhance reliability and efficiency across marine operations.
As part of the contract, Minerva Gas will benefit from a secure and continuous supply of critical spare parts through 2031, ensuring long-term operational stability. The agreement also includes dedicated technical support from HD Hyundai Marine Solutions’ expert engineers, who will deliver ongoing maintenance services to ensure seamless and efficient operation of the LNG fleet.

The renewal and expansion of the Long-Term Service Agreements for the generator engines reflect a strong and trusted partnership between Minerva Gas and HD Hyundai Marine Solutions, founded on shared values of safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Continuous engine monitoring, remote troubleshooting, and direct technical support will help reduce the risk of unplanned downtime, while enhanced spare-parts planning and service coordination improve cost predictability and supply-chain efficiency.

Together, these efforts support safer operations, optimized lifecycle management, and long-term fleet performance.
image: Signing Ceremony: Mr. Hayden (Hyeokdong) Kim, Head of the Athens Office, HD HYUNDAI MARINE SOLUTION, signing the agreement with Mr. Sokratis Dimakopoulos, Chief Operating Officer, Minerva Gas Inc.

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The Woodside Jirrubakura has completed her first port call at Pluto LNG Facility in Western Australia’s north-west, marking an important milestone in GasLog’s ongoing mission to deliver reliable, lower-emissions LNG shipping solutions for the global energy transition.

Built in South Korea, as Woodside’s first LNG carrier to bear an Indigenous name, given in the Pilbara by local Ngarluma custodians. Jirrubakura—meaning crayfish— recognizes the region’s marine life and reflects Woodside’s respect for local culture and heritage.

In keeping with maritime tradition, Master Captain Ioannis Tsapelas was presented with a framed boomerang crafted from local snake wood (Marruwa), symbolizing the departure and return journeys the vessel will make.

Equipped with world-leading LNG carrier technology, Woodside Jirrubakura and her sister vessel Woodside Barrumbara embody GasLog’s vision of high-efficiency operations and reduced environmental impact. As the Scarborough project approaches completion, the vessel is already supporting LNG deliveries from other Woodside-operated facilities, ahead of first LNG cargo on the Scarborough Energy Project, targeted for the second half of 2026.

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On Wednesday, January 14^th, Project Connect welcomed the New Year by uniting its vibrant community of pupils, educators, maritime professionals, and supporters for its annual Kick‑Start 2026 event—an energizing gathering built around the guiding principle Knowledge + Clarity = Progress.

The morning event set an optimistic tone for the year ahead, encouraging students to embrace learning, ask bold questions, and make thoughtful decisions that shape their personal and academic journeys. With an atmosphere full of curiosity and purpose, participants explored how clarity of direction and informed choices can drive meaningful progress in 2026.

Program Highlights

• Hosted by the American Community Schools in Chalandri, Greece, the opening welcome by Dr. Peggy Pelonis, President of ACS, set the tone with an inspiring introduction on the power of knowledge and clarity before welcoming Project Connect Founder Ms. Irene Notias.
• Ms. Notias, also the Director of Project Connect moderated and created the Kick‑Start Concept during the 2020 pandemic to give hope, provide home entertainment and a sense of belonging to all the Project Connect membership stuck at home.  Ms. Notias presented Project Connect’s expanding educational initiatives in the maritime sector, illuminating the Adopt a Ship and Niata Psila youth‑empowerment programs.
• Adopt a Ship Pupils Students shared heartfelt letters exchanged with their captains, offering a glimpse into the transformative impact of maritime mentorship.
• Keynote Address: Former Ambassador George Tsunis captivated the audience with his personal journey in America, encouraging students to broaden their horizons through global exploration and programs like Adopt a Ship.
• Spotlight Talk: “Opinion and Knowledge” Life Coach Michalis Fragkiadakis of FOS Breakthrough delivered an engaging session on critical thinking and self‑awareness, followed by an interactive Q&A with pupils.
• Pupils’ New Year’s Resolutions students shared thoughtful resolutions, reinforcing the event’s central message of clarity, intention, and forward momentum.
• Closing Remarks Ms. Notias and Dr. Pelonis expressed gratitude to speakers, students, partners, and ACS, and highlighted upcoming follow‑up activities that will continue the year’s momentum.

Why This Matters

The Annual Kick Start event acts as a springboard for young people to begin the year with purpose, clarity, and achievable goals. By nurturing curiosity and linking education with real‑world maritime experiences, Project Connect continues to empower the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and global citizens. This year, schools from across Greece and abroad watched the program online, while pupils from Elinogermaniki Agogi and Pierce participating in Adopt a Ship attended in person, adding vibrant energy to the event.

Project Connect has also expanded its impact with the launch of the Only Good News Youth Podcast and a formal proposal to the Ministry of Education for a National Maritime Week in Schools, supported by a full program designed by Academic Dr. Adamantia Spanaka, Project Connect’s Educator Consultant.

Project Connect welcomes new members to join its network of prestigious shipping companies, united in strengthening maritime awareness and professional readiness in today’s youth through deep‑rooted, authorized programs such as Adopt a Ship.

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At the dawn of 2026 Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. took delivery of a new Kamsarmax vessel on behalf of its Principals at the Nantong Cosco KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) shipyard in Nantong, China. It was the first vessel to be delivered at the shipyard for 2026.

The delivery and naming ceremony was held on 6 January 2026 and the Cypriot-flagged vessel was named Hispania Graeca II.

María Paz de Hoz García-Bellido, Professor of Philology at the Complutense University of Madrid specialized in Greek epigraphy served as Godmother of the vessel. During her speech Professor De Hoz Garcia-Bellido highlighted the ancient trade bonds between Greeks and Iberians, which ultimately led to the establishment of Greek colonies in the Iberian Peninsula such as Rhode (Rosas), Emporion (present-day Ampurias), Hemeroscopeion and Mainake (Málaga).

The name of the vessel was inspired by the book “Hispania Graeca” (Greek Spain) written by the renowned Spanish scholar Antonio García y Bellido, who was the grandfather of the vessel’s Godmother.

Speaking about the name, the Godmother stated: “It is a particular source of pride for me — almost as great as it would undoubtedly have been for him — to know that this name will serve as an ambassador, a symbolon, of the millennia-old relationship between Greece and Spain”.

Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. was represented by Mr. Evangelos El. Angelakos, joined by our Marine Manager Capt. Georgios Lampros and our Purchasing Manager Mrs. Maria Makrykosta, along with the company’s dedicated site team of naval architects, engineers and seafarers led by Project Manager Mr. Panayiotis Makris, as well as the vessel’s Master, officers, and crew. Vessel’s Master, Capt. Adolfo Jr. Guinmapang, was entrusted to deliver the speech on behalf of Capt. Stephanos E. Angelakos, during the ceremony, in recognition of his outstanding performance, dedication, and loyalty to the company.

The shipyard’s leadership was represented by Mr. Junji Maeda, Senior Vice President, along with senior executives.
Also present were partners of Angelakos (Hellas) S.A., including makers, suppliers, agents.
We thank everyone who joined us on this special occasion.

We warmly welcome Hispania Graeca II under our management and wish her and her crew fair winds and clear skies!

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The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Greek Branch has launched the ICS Company Membership Scheme, a new initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Greek shipping industry and the world’s leading professional body for commercial shipping.

Founded in 1911 and awarded a Royal Charter in 1920, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is the only internationally recognised professional body for shipping professionals, with 27 branches worldwide. Since 2005, the ICS Greek Branch has grown to become the largest ICS branch globally, playing a leading role in

professional shipping education and industry engagement in Greece through high-profile conferences, seminars, and networking events.

The ICS Company Membership Scheme enables companies to formally affiliate with ICS and join its global professional network, reinforcing their commitment to professionalism, education, and excellence in shipping.

Who Can Apply

Shipmanagement companies, shipbroking offices, and key service providers to the shipping industry, including shipping law firms, technical and management offices, suppliers, consultants, and maritime service providers, having at least one Fellow of the Institute (FICS) in a senior management role, can apply for the ICS Company Membership.

Why Join ICS Company Membership

Company Membership offers formal affiliation with one of the most respected and long-established professional organisations in global shipping. With over a century of history and an extensive international network, ICS provides member companies with enhanced credibility, global visibility, and direct access to a worldwide maritime community. The scheme has been designed to support companies in addressing today’s key industry challenges, including talent development, recruitment, regulatory awareness, business development, and continuous professional growth.

Key benefits

ICS Company Membership offers global recognition and credibility through official affiliation with a Royal Charter body and use of the ICS Company Member logo. Member companies gain enhanced visibility via inclusion in the ICS International Directory and direct access to maritime talent, including ICS-qualified students, graduates, and professionals.

Membership also provides preferential access to CPD, specialised training, and seminars, including complimentary ESG, leadership, and soft-skills programmes. In addition, companies benefit from industry intelligence, regulatory updates, and priority access to ICS events, supporting networking and thought leadership within the global shipping community.

Strengthening the Greek Maritime Cluster

Through this initiative, the ICS Greek Branch seeks to strengthen the connection between professional standards and business practice, supporting companies in talent development, corporate growth, and international connectivity. The scheme is designed to enhance networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across the Greek and global maritime community, while reinforcing Greece’s position as a leading global maritime centre and upholding the highest international professional standards.

Join the ICS Company Membership Scheme

Companies interested in joining the scheme or learning more are encouraged to contact the ICS Greek Branch: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and +30 210 4125945.

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Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (PPA S.A.) inaugurated the 2026 cruise season with the arrival of the first cruise ships of the year, marking the beginning of a new dynamic period for cruise activity at the Port of Piraeus.

More specifically, representatives of PPA S.A. welcomed at Passenger Terminal A “Miaoulis” the Viking Vesta, the newest vessel of Viking Cruises, which is scheduled to call at the Port of Piraeus a total of 12 more times during 2026, further strengthening the company’s long-standing cooperation with Greece’s largest port.

In addition, executives of PPA S.A. also visited the cruise ship MSC Lirica, which is expected to call at the Port of Piraeus 13 times during 2026, performing partial passenger disembarkation. This confirms the continuous presence and cooperation of leading international cruise companies with the Port of Piraeus.

During 2025, the Port of Piraeus welcomed 863 cruise ships, while the total number of cruise passengers reached approximately 1.85 million, a new milestone that highlights the steadily strengthening position of Piraeus as a leading cruise destination in the Eastern Mediterranean.

On the occasion of the launch of the 2026 cruise season, the CEO of Piraeus Port Authority S.A., Mr. Su Xudong, underlined the steadily increasing momentum of cruise activity in Piraeus, noting that the port’s strategic geographical location, combined with ongoing investments and the systematic upgrading of infrastructure and services, contributes substantially to the sustainable development of the sector.

Piraeus Port Authority continues to invest consistently in the upgrading of its infrastructure and services, further enhancing the port’s position as a strategic cruise hub at both national and international level.

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