A business trip that reflects the extroversion and cooperative spirit of Greek ship-repairing, trading and manufacturing of ship equipment
With the aim to share technical experience and maritime culture the Hellenic Maritime Club of Hamburg organised a one-day workshop on the challenges of shipping.
In his opening speech the president of HMCH Capt. Dimokratis Tatanis referred to the scope of the Club which is to strengthening the bonds between Greeks that work in the maritime cluster of Hamburg.
Danaos Diaplous Uteco and WIMA were the sponsors of the event.
In his presentation the managing director of Danaos Management Dimitris Theodosiou presented the issue of “The Challenge of AI in Shipping ERP". He told that AI Danaos platform can provide email automation, AI assistance, large language models incorporating with the company’s documentation.
The system can dictate employees if they achieve the goals of the company.
It must be noticed that Danaos is 39 years in shipping with 12 offices around the world and 650 customers worldwide. The strategy is to achieve integration using big data analytics and performance models developing numerous modules that cover all spectrum of maritime operations like crew management technical support training and other activities.
Diaplous’ Angelos Lazaridis and Nikos Georgopoulos discussed the topic of "Key Take away from Experience in the Middle East Region". They commented on Houthi’s’ attacks in the Red Sea and the ability to continue the terrorist activity in the future. The capabilities are still there and Houthis will probably continue to threaten the maritime trade in the region.
Next presentation was made by Psyctotherm’s Stamatis Zissis who referred to the topic of "Refrigerants in Shipping: F-Gas Regulations and Future Alternatives / Waste Heat Recovery with Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC): Maximizing Fuel Efficiency & IMO Compliance".
The speaker elaborated on ORC technology and presented the benefits of the system such as energy efficiency and cost savings. He also referred to the history of refrigeration in shipping.
SQ Learn’s Thanassis Bourlios referred to the issue of "Choosing the Right Training for Regulatory Compliance". The speaker said that for SQ Learn compliance means safety, sustainability and operational excellence.
The company has an extensive online library based on STCW standards providing training solutions for any kind of vessel. He also referred to tailored training for vetting preparation and Rightship inspections.
More specifically Mr Bourlios presented the Vetti app. an innovative software for vetting inspections and CaptAIn a revolutionary learning aid to optimize training and skills development in the maritime sector.
Concluding focused on SqLearn’s strengths such as internationally approved by most flags, training available onboard 24/7, support via emails and chats and many others.
Uteco’s George Paradisis presented the topic of “Sensors - Cables - Automation / Technical Solution Partners Network". Uteco is involved in marine automation for more than 50 years and is a market leader in Greece in all kind of sensors and instrumentation for various types of vessels. The speaker presented a great variety of sensors measuring flow temperature level pressure etc.
Uteco represents an extensive range of brands in marine instrumentation covering a wide range of applications. Finally, Uteco is also involved in electrification and renewable energy.
The event was concluded with WIMA’s "Overview of its Members Companies", address of Elias Hajiefremidis president of WIMA and introduction of all WIMA members.
He said that WIMA reflects the strength of cooperation between a network of certified companies that cover all the needs of a shipping company from the acquisition, maintenance and the demolition of ship.
Finally he referred to WIMA’s milestones especially to various joint projects that were delivered during the last years such as the refits of passenger vessel “Amet majesty”, Ropax vessels “Pantokrator” “Elysian” “Sunny” “Corse” and many more.
The event took place at The Westin Hamburg and on the 2nd day of the business trip in Hamburg the members of WIMA had the chance to visit two shipyards Emden shipyard and dock GmbH and Fassmer GmbH & Co. KG. which are located 2:30-3 hours far from Hamburg.
Emden Shipyard
It is one of the largest shipyards in Germany for the construction of warships and the repair of merchant ships. Until 2005 it was robust employing more than 6,000 workers but faced significant financial difficulties and for a period of time it ceased operations.
It should be noted that it has built the world's largest dreger vessel.
Today it operates under the regime of leasing its premises and facilities with 150 permanent employees and is engaged in the conversion of warships, the construction of docks, the construction of wind generators and piers for canals and other special projects. For 2025 it is fully booked and operates one Drydock and two floating docks.
Meyer Werft
This shipyard is impressive. Three large cruise ships are being built and it is fully booked until 2034 booked. It also builds warships and special mission vessels as well as oil platforms.
This shipyard faced serious financial problems due to covid pandemic, however it was subsidized by the state and today operates successfully, looking to the future with optimism.
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