Panel Moderator

Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

Apo is the Founder & CEO of SQE Group (www.sqegroup.com), including SQE MARINE, SQE ACADEMY, SAFETY4SEA and RISK4SEA educated as a Mechanical Engineer (B.Eng & MSc (Eng), MBA) specializing in Energy & Environment. He is a 30 year veteran with roles as Engineering Superintendent, Maritime Safety, Quality & Environmental Expert, Consultant, Trainer and Project Manager and his track record includes a wide range of QHSE projects including 250+ management system projects (ISM/ISPS/ISO 9001-14001-18001/TMSA/MLC/DryBMS), 500 vessel and office audits to various standards, regulatory development and a record of more than 10,000 people trained in a wide variety of QHSE and Shipping related subjects.  He has chaired more than 90 Forums and moderated more than 400 panels in Safety, Green and Smart related issues. Apo is the founder and Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA that hosts the leading safety4sea.com, (300k visitors monthly) producing monthly magazines & tailored publications (100k p.a. circ. onboard & ashore) & Industry Surveys  delivering more than 15 major forums and awards events across the globe every year.

 

Speakers (Listed in Alphabetical Order)

Jean-Philippe Arseneau, Special Adviser, ZESTAs

With over two decades of international experience in economic affairs and policy-making, Jean-Philippe Arseneau has advised high-profile leaders, including Prime Ministers, Ministers, Ambassadors, CEOs, and board members. His expertise spans both the public and private sectors, with a focus on industries such as space, energy, and transportation—including maritime, aviation, and rail. A former diplomat in New York City, Jean-Philippe studied international and public affairs at Columbia University, economics at Copenhagen Business School, and business administration at HEC Montreal. Now based in the United Kingdom with his wife and three children, he applies his expertise as a Special Advisor to ZESTAs, advancing the deployment of absolute zero-emissions shipping technology.

 

John N. Cotzias, Co-founder, Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc

John N. Cotzias, currently acting as the President of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association a position he holds for 4th term since 2013. John has 33 years of experience in Shipping business and his family has been the oldest Shipbroking family in Greece, active in both Sale and Purchase and Chartering of ships since 1893 as John represents the 4th Generation of continuity. In Nov 2017, John Cotzias co-founded Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc, a leading shipbroker outfit for Sale and Purchase, Projects and Finance deals. He is presently Maritime Advisor for NATO’s TGOS and AMSCC and he has been a maritime advisor for a number of Greek and International Shipping companies, educational institutions and financial organisations. He has appeared in various forums and conferences as a moderator, panelist and guest speaker in both Greece and abroad and was the producer and co-host of first weekly Shipping Program aired live on Greek National Television. Mr. Cotzias has completed a vast number of sale and purchase transactions, while he has put together many complex projects, involving financing and long period employment. John N. Cotzias is married to Dr. Maria-Evgenia Kosmopoulou (PhD in Classical Archaeology), has two daughters and holds an MSc degree in Shipping Trade and Finance from City University Cass Business School (UK) and also holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Buckingham.

 

Diane Gilpin, Founder & CEO, Smart Green Shipping Alliance

Diane Gilpin is Founder and CEO of Smart Green Shipping (SGS), a purpose-driven for-profit systems design house working to drive immediate, scalable, positive change in the global shipping fleet. SGS focus is on wind-assist. It works collaboratively across the shipping eco-system and brings-in adjacent technologies and industries to accelerate product development. SGS has raised ~£10m to build, in Scotland, 21st century data-enabled wingsails, FastRigTM, to support global shipping’s urgent need to decarbonise in line with climate science. The prototype wingsail was unveiled in Spring 2024 and a full scale demonstrator was sea trialled in Autumn. In 2018/19 SGS led an InnovateUK supported collaborative feasibility analysis quantifying the benefits of retrofitting its FastRigTM wingsails onto a panamax ship chartered by Drax importing biomass into the UK from the US. Fuel and GHG emissions savings were verified as saving at least 20% per annum by the University of Southampton. Simultaneously, with European Space Agency support, SGS has developed its own wind-assisted weather routing App, FastRouteTM which quantifies the value of the wind on any ship on any route – a key enabler to drive rapid market adoption of wind-assist technology; and provides route optimisation for FastRig-enabled ships. Diane sits on UK Department for Transport Clean Maritime Council; was a ‘Green Shipping Expert’ for EU Waterborne Transport Platform; a BBC ‘Woman of Power’ 2020; a recipient of InnovateUK’s ‘Women in Innovation’ Award; won the Holyrood Climate Award for Technology and Innovation in 2024 and was winner of the 2021 International Windship Association’s ‘Outstanding Contribution’ Award.

 

Capt. Konstantinos G Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club

Kostas is a Greek Master Mariner with significant seagoing experience on-board Bulk Carriers and Cruise Ships. Prior to joining Thomas Miller’s Hellas office in December, 2019 he worked as Claims Manager for a local hull insurer, garnering more than 10 years of experience within the marine insurance industry. Kostas is certified by Lloyds Register of Shipping as an ISM and ISPS Internal Auditor. He deals with Loss Prevention related matters and operational enquiries for local Members, and he also conducts crew seminars.

 

Dr. John Kokarakis, Technical Director, SEEBA Zone, Bureau Veritas

Dr Kokarakis a 1979 graduate of National Technical University of Athens, holds PhD (1986) and Masters degrees in Naval Architecture (1983) and Mechanical Engineering (1984) from the University of Michigan. His doctoral dissertation was in the area of deep-water drilling and the study of nonlinear riser dynamics. He worked in the USA as a consultant undertaking technical problems worldwide. His specialization was in the area of technical investigation of marine accidents. In that capacity he participated in the technical investigation of the grounding of Exxon Valdez, the explosion of Space Shuttle Challenger, the capsize of drillship Sea-Crest, the fire and explosion of Piper Alpha platform, the foundering of Aleutian Enterprise in Alaska as well as many other accidents of less notoriety. For over twenty years, he works in Greece, in the area of classification. He is currently the Technical Director of Bureau Veritas in the Hellenic and Black Sea & Adriatic Zone. In his duties Dr. Kokarakis is responsible for the smooth technical operation in the Zone. He is a member of SNAME since 1976 and a Fellow of the Society. He is the Chairman of the Greek Section since 2014.

 

Costas Th. Kontes . Chief Commercial Officer – Navilands Management Holdings S.A

Costas Kontes is a 3rd party management expert with more than 24 years of experience on this sector. He joined Navilands in 2025 with the role of the Chief Commercial Officer responsible for the Business Growth of the Group. He served as a Managing Director of the Med Cluster for V Group since 2016 while he previously worked since 2008 as Business Development Director for the same Group. Under his direct command both offices of Greece and Cyprus have been successfully operating a fleet of over 150 vessels of all types under full technical management. Previously he served the Cruise / Leisure sector, working for Iberojet Cruceros. Being responsible for the Marine and Technical operations, Costas has set up the technical and operations in Madrid for the company later on to expand from 1 to 4 owned ships. He has a BSc, MSc in Marine Engineering from Newcastle University Upon Tyne and an MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance from City University Business School. He is currently holding the title of the Chartered Engineer from the British Engineering Council. Costas has served 8 years at The International Propeller Club Port of Piraeus as a governor out of which 2 years served as Secretary General and 4 years Vice President of the Club.

 

Panos A. Kourkountis, Technical Director, Sea Traders S.A

Mr Panos Kourkountis is an experienced Technical Director in the shipping industry. He studied Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineering in the National Technical University of Athens. From 1994 until 2018 he worked in Andriaki Shipping Co. Ltd, as Superintendent, Site manager of new building projects, Technical Manager and Technical Director. In January 2018 he joined G.Procopiou Group of companies as Technical Director of Sea Traders SA. He is a member of Hellenic Technical Chamber (TEE), Technical Committee of Union Greek Shipowners, ABS Europe Technical Committee, Lloyd’s Register Hellenic Technical Committee, DNV Greek Technical Committee, RINA Technical Committee, BV Technical Committee, Technical committee of Intercargo, Marine Technical Managers Association (MAR.TEC.MA), Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers SNAME, Naval Architects Association of Greece, Mechanical Engineers’ Association of Greece, Hellenic Institute of Marine Technology (ELINT).

 

Takis Koutris, Managing Director, Roxana Shipping S.A.

Takis Koutris is Naval Architect & Marine and Mechanical Engineer M.Sc. In October 1980, he graduated from the National Technical University of Athens, where he studied Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering. After his graduation, he was employed in Alfa Laval (1983-1984) and then in Avin International SA (1984-2000) and Athenian Tankers (2000-2001). Since 2001, he is Managing Director in ROKS Maritime Inc – Roxana Shipping SA

 

Dimitris Mytilinis, Senior Performance Engineer, Latsco Marine Management Inc.

Dimitris Mytilinis is a Senior Performance Engineer in the Operational Technology and Energy Management department at Latsco. He holds a Diploma in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from NTUA. He began his career as a Superintendent Engineer at Danaos before transitioning to Latsco’s Newbuildings department. Over the past four years, he has focused on digitalization initiatives, performance monitoring, and environmental compliance.

 

George  Souravlas, Founder & CEO, Load Line Marine S.A

George Souravlas is qualified in both Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineering (BSc) from the University of Sunderland (UK). His academic background includes studies at the PhD level in Mechanical Engineering (Heat Transfer) and lecturing at the Universities of Sunderland and Newcastle for 4 years. He is a member of the Greek Committees of the Japanese Classification Society (Class NK) and of the Korean Register (KR). He is also a member of the Greek Technical Committees of ClassNK, Det Norske Veritas & Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL) and the Italian Classification Society (RINA). Furthermore, he was elected twice, as a member at the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping (HCS), and twice as Vice President at the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA). He is also appointed member of BIMCO’s Advisory Panel. Mr Souravlas, with over 15 years of experience in senior ship management, co-founded ‘Elmira Shipping and Trading S A’ in 1997 and had held the position of the Technical Director until 2009. During his tenure at Elmira, the company had ordered and taken delivery of several new building Bulk Carriers in Japan and had managed on a worldwide basis, a fleet comprising of Dry Bulk Carriers (18), Reefer vessels (4), RO ROs (6), Crude Oil Chemical and Product tankers (11) and Multi-Purpose heavy lifters (5). Additionally, he had been responsible for the successful execution of 5 scientific expeditions with the Indian Government to the Antarctic, on a specialised ice-classed vessel. During that period, the company realised an IRR of 55% (levered) in operating returns and capital gains over two shipping cycles. George Souravlas had also been invited to speak on several occasions at International Conferences on various operational aspects of Ship Management. He also chaired ACI’s 4th Optimising Ship maintenance Conference that was held in Rotterdam in January 2011. Mr Souravlas is a member of the prestigious ‘’Who is Who’’ Society in Greece, as well as of the International ‘’Who’s Who’’ Society of Professionals. Furthermore, in 2016 he was accepted as a member in the exclusive ‘’Athens Club’’ and in the same year, he became a founding member of the NPO, Axion Hellas – Supporting Society. In September 2009, he founded ‘Load Line MarineS A’, a company that manages a fleet of 17 Handy size, Supramax & Ultramax high quality Bulk Carriers that trade worldwide. The company has contracted 3 Bulkers in well known Korean and Chinese Shipyards. Load Line Marine S A, is a value-driven company which seeks to achieve high performance in order to ensure consistently top standards in a financially, socially and environmentally sustainable manner, while being a company with environmental responsibility as a core part of its business strategy. Load Line Marine was the Winner of the prestigious Safety Award at 2022 Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards.

 

Bill Stamatopoulos, Global Business Development Director, VeriFuel

Bill Stamatopoulos holds a Bachelor and an MBA with specialization in Total Quality Management from the University of Leicester. He joined Det Norske Veritas (DNV) in 1991 and in 2010 Bill became the Regional Manager of DNV Petroleum Services for Europe, responsible for sales, lab operations, technical, surveys and consultancy. Since 2004 he has been appointed at the Hellenic Organization for Standardization (ELOT), Committee 66 for Petroleum Products, by the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping. Bill is a co-Author of ‘Marine Fuels’, a specialized book in shipping, published in 2008 and the main author of the book’s latest editions published in 2018 and 2021 on marine fuels and lubricants. During the last 25 years, Bill has given several presentations and training courses on all fuel related issues and has also been involved in numerous quality disputes and bunker claims as a fuel expert. He is a member of advisory panels and working groups such as Intertanko Bunker Sub Committee, IMO MSC (Fuel Oil Safety) and the leader of the Greek CIMAC NMA – WG 7 for fuels. On October 1st, 2015, Bill joined Bureau Veritas and is currently the Global Business Development Director for the organization’s Marine Fuel Services brand, VeriFuel.

 

Stergios Stergiou, Green Shippping & Sustainability Director, Capital Group

Mr Stergios Stergiou was appointed as Green Shipping & Sustainability Director at Capital Group, in 2023. Mr Stergiou holds 21 years of experience in Shipping Decarbonization, Finance and the Banking industry. He has previously served as member of Decarbonization Working Group and Finance Executive in Attica Group, one of the 5 largest worldwide Ferry companies, and in Eurobank EFG as business analyst participating in large scale operations projects in South Eastern Europe. He has studied applied Mathematics in National Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a Master’s Degree in Finance from ALBA Graduate Business School.

 

Antonis Trakakis, Chairman, CIMAC Greece

Antonios Trakakis graduated from the Mechanical Engineering Dept of National Technical University of Athens in 1989 and carried out graduate studies at von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics in the field of Turbomachinery. He started his professional career as Cadet Engineer in 1989 and continued in 1993 as 3rd Engineer. He worked as spare parts operator and Assistant Superintendent Engineer in ANEK Lines from 1994 to 1997 when he joined Superfast Ferries. He became Technical and Environmental Manager in 2000, and in 2006 he joined Kristen Marine and afterwards the newly established Soloi. In 2008 he moved to Hellenic Seaways and in 2010 to Arista Shipping, an emerging company in the bulk carrier sector. In October 2020 he joined RINA as Technical Director, Marine Greece, while his current position is Director of Marine Energy Transition Solutions. Antonios has extensive experience with the regular and irregular matters involved with the technical operations of a shipping company, as well as with new building projects, sea trials and factory testing of engines. He has studied extensively the challenges and benefits associated with the application of natural gas as fuel.

 

Dr. Anastasios Tsalavoutas, Energy Efficiency Manager, Argo Navis

Anastasios has built a distinguished career in energy efficiency evaluation and improvement across various sectors, including air and marine transportation. His expertise spans roles such as a researcher at academic institutions, a senior performance and analytical engineer in the aviation industry, and an environmental & performance manager in the shipping industry, all of which have shaped his deep understanding of energy optimization. Over the past four years, Anastasios has taken on pivotal responsibilities, serving as the senior energy efficiency consultant for ARGO NAVIS engineers and as a specialist engineer for data collection projects at VELA ELECTRIC. His diverse and comprehensive experience positions him as a key player in driving effective and efficient energy management for assets and projects across industries.

 

Nikos Xydas, Technical Director, WLGA – The World Liquid Gas Association

Nikos Xydas is the Technical Director of WLPGA, the World LPG Association in Paris and of AEGPL, the European LPG Association in Brussels. Holding an M.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Scotland, he started his professional career with ABB in Switzerland, before moving to Shell in Greece and then abroad, to cover international positions in Technical, Operations, HSSE and Strategy, in the sectors of LPG, Retail and Lubricants. Mr Xydas holds a double Greek / French  nationality and he lives in Paris.

 

Andreas Zontanos, Managing Partner, Argo Navis

Andreas is an experienced professional in naval architecture and marine engineering, with a robust background in consulting and leadership across multiple engineering firms. Over the past 15 years, he has been actively involved in various partnerships and shareholding ventures, helping to establish several companies, including ARGO NAVIS ENGINEERS, OCEAN PRO MARINE ENGINEERS, VELA ELECTRIC, SEA CROSS ENGINEERING, and most recently, the ENOSEAS Group. ENOSEAS Group consolidates the enterprises that began with ARGO NAVIS, driving forward energy transition and environmental initiatives.

LEAD SPONSORS

JOTUN

– Jotun protects property-

Jotun is one of the world’s leading paints and coatings manufacturers, combining the best quality with constant innovation and creativity. For almost a century, Jotun has protected all types of property – from iconic buildings to beautiful homes. The Jotun Group has 39 production facilities, 67 companies and is represented in more than 100 countries and operates in four segments: Decorative Paints, Marine Coatings, Protective Coatings, and Powder Coatings. Jotun is the market leader in high-performance coatings for the maritime industry, delivering high-quality coatings for seastock, newbuilding, tanks, cargo holds, and drydocking projects.

www.jotun.com

 

MacGregor

MacGregor is a family of innovators. By offering engineering solutions and services for handling marine cargoes and offshore loads we make the sea more accessible, safe and reliable for those whose livelihood depends on the changing conditions of the sea. To enable that we have a variety of strong product brands and committed experts with a passion for solving challenges – and the power of the sea is sure to provide those.

www.macgregor.com

 

SQEMARINE

SQE Marine is a leading provider of Safety, Quality and Environmental Solutions providing Consulting, Training and Information products in these areas. We have been successfully providing a product and service range to more than 1,200 clients (based in 75+ countries) over the last 20 years, operating a DNVGL Certified Training Center and a LR ISO 9001 certified management system. Strong enough to provide immediate response and feedback to all client queries and needs, we provide a range of competitively priced services and timeliness for product / service delivery; we provide foolproof products and services to ensure full after sales support for as long as necessary. Last but not least, technical competence is the core of our management system & operations. Our vision is to be a leading world class corporation that provides reliable maritime solutions in the areas of Quality, Health, Safety, Environmental, Crisis, Security, and Risk Management. Our mission, therefore, is to provide real life, effective and efficient maritime solutions range including Consulting, Training and Information provision in order to maximize client benefit and minimize risk.

www.sqemarine.com

 

SPONSORS

ARCADIA SHIPMANAGEMENT CO. LTD

Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. LTD was established in Athens in 1998 with a clear strategic goal – “the safe transportation of cargoes worldwide with respect to the environment”. Initially the Company assumed the management of two different types of vessels (dry and wet) but at a later stage ARCADIA, realizing the increased demands and responsibilities of the current times, focused its activities on tanker management. Following the Company’s establishment in 1998, an ambitious investment program began with the construction of high specification aframax and suezmax tankers, in South Korean Yards, on behalf of Companies that had entrusted the management of their vessels to ARCADIA.

www.arcadiasm.gr

 

Blue Planet Shipping Ltd

Blue Planet Shipping Ltd (BPS) was established and based at Piraeus since 1996, to manage 8 Dry Bulk Carriers. In 1998, BPS split into two separate companies. BPS retained its root name and Third Millenium Shipping Ltd (TMS) was set up to manage vessels for different owners. BPS managed 7 out of the 8 vessels; (AKMI – ARIS – EVMAR – COSMAR – ALMAVITA – AFROS & ALKIMOS) and the management of the ASTROMAR was undertaken by TMS. In 2002, clients of the company placed an order for 6 New Building Supramax vessels in China, of which 5 were delivered in 2003 and 1 in 2004. The new vessels (APOLLON – APEX – AKMI – EVNIA – NICOLAOS A and AVRA) were registered under Cyprus and Greek Flags. With the company by then managing a total of 14 vessels, it began recruiting different nationalities to man the ships, focusing mainly on Greek, Ukrainian, Burmese and Moroccan crews.

www.blueplanetshipping.gr

 

Bureau Veritas

Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas, a world leader in laboratory testing, inspection and certification services, employs approximately 75,000 employees located in more than 1,500 offices and laboratories around the globe. Within Marine & Offshore, Bureau Veritas works to provide our clients with the support and in-depth knowledge they need to protect their people, ships and offshore structures, making us go beyond the scope of individual projects to find new ways to anticipate and manage risk across the industry, promoting health and safety, and protecting the marine environment.

www.group.bureauveritas.com/

 

Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp.

Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp. (‘Capital-Executive’) currently operates a fleet of 40 vessels including 36 container carriers and 4 modern bulk carriers with a total dwt of 2,915,834 tons and total teu of 180,363 approx. The fleet under management includes vessels of Nasdaq-listed Capital Product Partners L.P. The Capital-Executive team has extensive experience in managing various vessel types and sizes. The Company offers comprehensive services in every aspect of ship management including: safety and technical management, claims & insurance, bunkering, risk assessment, newbuilding design and supervision, IT services, accounting, financial management and other administrative functions, as well as in-house human resources management, such as crewing and personnel training with state-of-the-art technology.

www.capital-executive.gr

 

Capital Gas Ship Management Corp.

Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. (“Capital Gas”) is a ship management service provider, currently operating a fleet of 14 modern LNG Carriers with a total carrying capacity of approximately 2.44 million cubic meters and a total dwt of 1.14 Tons. Our Team consists of highly skilled personnel with extensive experience in the LNG Sector from initial design and newbuilding supervision to LNGCs operations and technical management. Capital Gas Ship Management is a member of SIGTTO and SGMF.

www.capitalgas.gr

 

Capital Shipmanagement

Capital Ship Management Corp. (‘Capital’) is a distinguished oceangoing vessel operator, offering comprehensive services in every aspect of ship management, currently operating a fleet of 39 tankers (12 VLCCs, 15 Aframaxes, 11 MR/Handy product tankers and 1 small tanker) with a total dwt of 5.95 million tons approx. Capital has extensive experience in managing various vessel types and sizes including all tanker segments (VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax/LR2, Panamax/LR1, MR/Handy and small tankers), dry bulk segments (Cape, Panamax, Handymax and Handy), as well as OBOs and containers. The excellent performance of Capital Ship Management has been recognized by oil major companies and major traders in the industry. It is one of a few ship management companies to have successfully completed the comprehensive office assessment process of numerous major oil companies and has also established long standing relationships with major traders, liners and operators. The Company offers comprehensive services in every aspect of ship management including: safety and technical management, claims & insurance, bunkering, vetting preparation and attendance, risk assessment, newbuilding design and supervision, IT services, accounting, financial management and other administrative functions, as well as in-house human resources management, such as crewing and personnel training with state-of-the-art technology.

www.capitalship.gr

 

DÖHLE SEAFRONT

Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila) Inc. is an independent company that provides excellence and quality in crewing for shipowners and ship managers looking for partners they can depend on. Döhle Seafront is the crewing arm of Döhle Group in the Philippines. As part of a group of companies focused on the shipping industry, the resources Döhle Seafront can tap within Döhle Group allows the company to be a one-stop shop crewing firm that can provide timely and suitable crew for international shipowners. Döhle Seafront is ISO 9001:2015 certified and Maritime Labor Convention ( MLC) 2006 compliant. Both certifications were given by the classification society Bureau Veritas. The focus of the crewing operation is on continuous improvement, optimizing productivity, performance, improving safety, and environmental awareness. The overall aim is to execute recruitment and training programs that ensure the achievement of the goals and expectations of our principals and future clients.

www.doehle-seafront.com

 

Dorian LPG

Dorian LPG is a pure-play LPG shipping company and a leading owner and operator of modern VLGCs. Dorian LPG currently has four modern VLGCs and one pressurized LPG vessel on the water. Dorian LPG has 18 ECO VLGC newbuildings due for delivery in 2014, 2015 and 2016 from HHI and Daewoo Shipping and Marine Engineering Ltd., including the 13 that it acquired from Scorpio Tankers. Dorian LPG has offices in Connecticut, London, and Piraeus.Dorian LPG is incorporated in the Republic of The Marshall Islands.

www.dorianlpg.com

 

Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED)

EASTMED is a ships management company with head offices in Glyfada (Athens), Greece. Presently the company has under management 78 vessels, employs 200 shore based personnel and a further 3000 seagoing staff. The fleet comprises of 29 tankers, 39 dry bulk carriers and 10 container ships, adding up to a total DWT capacity of 7.2 million tons. Principally both the tankers and the dry cargo vessels are employed on the spot market and occasionally will enter into short period charter agreements on a number of ships of the fleet.

The following overseas companies are employed as exclusive agents of EASTMED:

· Intermar Chartering (UK) Ltd. in London, U.K.: Covers the London chartering market.

· Eastern Mediterranean Manning Agency in Manila, Philippines: Directly selects, trains, and employs Filipino Masters, Officers, and Crew exclusively for the vessels under EASTMED’s management.

EASTMED was granted by Lloyd’s the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification in December 2010 and is in the process of being certified with ISO 50001 within 2016. EASTMED is presently a member of BIMCO, INTERTANKO and INTERCARGO, thus joining forces for improved standards in the industry. EASTMED voluntarily participates to AMVER reporting system, operated by the US Coast Guard for promoting safety of life and property at sea. Managed vessels are honored with AMVER awards on an annual basis.

www.eastmed.gr

 

Latsco Marine Management Inc.

Latsco Marine Management Inc. a subsidiary company of Latsco Shipping Ltd., has been established 1st January 2019 and is currently located at Kifisia. Latsco’s history begins over half a century ago as part of Latsis Companies’ Group. Latsco provides operational, technical, financial and ship building services, focusing on fundamental principles of quality, integrity, safety, health, environmental protection and energy efficiency, with established programmes for performance excellence, profitability and growth of management of clean energy transportation vessels. Latsco pursues all entrepreneurial ventures with ethics, integrity, consistency to incident-free operations and ultimate aspiration of providing excellent services through long-lasting customer relationships. Currently, LMM Inc. manages a fleet of 27 vessels (MRs, LR2, VLGCs), while another 2 vessels shall be delivered up to 2020.

www.latsco.com

 

RISK4SEA

RISK4SEA is an online platform to provide PSC performance transparency to the market by analysing PSC Data providing KPI, Demographics, Detentions Analytics, reports, Benchmarks and Insights for 23 fleet segments in an advanced analysis of the last 5 years to assist stakeholders to:

-PREPARE for forthcoming PSC inspections
-ANALYSE PSC performance to identify strengths & weaknesses
-BENCHMARK fleets against competition and the industry

www.risk4sea.com

 

SEAFiT

SEAFiT, powered by SAFETY4SEA, is a pioneering mental health program providing comprehensive guidance and a holistic approach to maritime stakeholders to evaluate the mental health state of both their shore and sea staff and raise awareness over wellbeing issues.

seafit.safety4sea.com

 

Sun Enterprises Ltd

With roots tracing back to 1878, the Group has a long-standing tradition of excellence in shipping. Sun Enterprises Ltd., serves as the tanker management arm of the Group, overseeing a cutting-edge fleet of modern tankers, while Alios Bulkers Ltd., is responsible for managing the Group’s dry cargo fleet. Together, the two companies ensure the seamless operation of a diverse and modern fleet of 16 vessels, complemented by the ownership of two additional vessels chartered on a bareboat basis. The Group’s pioneering spirit in shipbuilding is evident through its impressive history, having successfully placed over 110 new building contracts with top-tier shipyards worldwide since 1948. Each tanker in the Group has been meticulously negotiated, specified, and constructed under the direct supervision of Sun Enterprises, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational efficiency. At the heart of the Group’s philosophy lies an unwavering commitment to its values: Safety, Sustainability, Professional Integrity, Proactiveness, Innovation, Diligence, and Teamwork. These principles guide every aspect of the Group’s operations, from fleet management to business development, fostering a culture that prioritizes operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and ethical conduct. A vital part of our success lies in the strength and loyalty of our crew. We take pride in the fact that all our Senior Officers have been nurtured within the company, having joined as cadets and risen through the ranks. As a forward-thinking organization, the Group remains dedicated to adopting the latest technologies and industry best practices, ensuring compliance with evolving global regulations while maintaining a focus on delivering value to clients and stakeholders. With a rich heritage and an innovative mindset, the Group continues to build on its legacy, setting new benchmarks in the maritime industry.

www.sunenterprises.gr

 

UK Club

The UK P&I Club is one of the oldest P&I clubs in the world. It provides Protection and Indemnity insurance in respect of third party liabilities and expenses arising from owning ships or operating ships as principals. One of the largest mutual marine protection and indemnity organisations it insures over 200 million tonnes of owned and chartered ships from more than fifty countries across the globe.

www.ukpandi.com

 

V. Group

V.Group provides a full range of ship management and marine support services to ship owners and operators around the globe, as well as the ability to blend those services together in unique combinations to meet specific customer needs. Guided by our values, we aim to deliver excellence in every area in which we operate, with safety being our number one priority. To help us achieve that, our group of companies and brands work interdependently, operating across different sectors, allowing us to become a comprehensive supplier of maritime and offshore services around the world. With over 35 years’ experience in managing vessels in the shipping, cruise, energy, and defence sectors, we’re committed to delivering safe and compliant operations. Helping customers with specific needs and putting them at the heart of our business. We’re also dedicated to working towards a maritime industry free of corruption, as an active member of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN). V.Group has access to an international network of over 44,000 seafarers, covering all areas of ship management and crewing. With those colleagues all supported by an onshore team of over 3,000 across 30 countries, we’re dedicated to investing in our people, our technology, and our systems, to ensure we deliver the highest quality service to our customers.

www.vgrouplimited.com

 

WLGA – THE WORLD LIQUID GAS ASSOCIATION

The WLGA promotes the use of Liquid Gas to foster a safer, cleaner, healthier and more prosperous world. WLGA is the authoritative voice of the global Liquid Gas industry and represents the full Liquid Gas value chain. The WLGA brings together over 300 private and public companies operating in more than 125 countries involved in one, several or all activities of the industry; develops long-term partnerships with international organisations; and implements projects on local and global scales. The Association was established in 1987 and granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 1989

2025 GREEN4SEA Athens Forum: Stakeholders and regulators turning the tide on green shipping

The 2025 GREEN4SEA Athens Forum successfully took place on Wednesday 12th of March 2025 at the Lighthouse of Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), Athens, where various experts from all parts of the maritime industry gathered to share their insights on green shipping, global developments and the shifting regulatory field around decarbonization.

The event was organized by SAFETY4SEA having as lead sponsors the following organizations: Jotun, MacGregor, and SQE MARINE. The event was also sponsored by: ARCADIA SHIPMANAGEMENT CO. LTD, Blue Planet Shipping Ltd, BUREAU VERITAS, Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp., Capital Gas Ship Management Corp., Capital Shipmanagement, DÖHLE SEAFRONT Crewing (Manila), Dorian LPG, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED), Latsco Marine Management Inc., RISK4SEA, SEAFiT, Sun Enterprises Ltd, UK P&I Club, V. Group, and The World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA).

Supporters of the event included the following organizations: Clean Shipping Alliance 2020, International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), International Ship Recycling Association (ISRA), International Windship Association (IWSA), INTERCARGO, Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs) and Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Hellas.

Agenda highlights

• Addressing uncertainties in the decarbonization journey
• Emerging technologies & innovation
• Industry’s needs to facilitate the transition to low-carbon shipping
• Long-term goals for decarbonizing the shipping industry
• Addressing safety challenges, availability & readiness of the alternative fuel
• Incentives and regulatory mechanisms for the uptake of alternative fuels
• How collaboration supports industry’s green transition
• Achieving a just and equitable transition towards net zero
• Addressing the human factors: New skills & training methods
• Green shipping initiatives for a sustainable future

Opening the forum, Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA, warmly welcomed attendees and speakers while extending appreciation to the event’s sponsors and supporters. He addressed the maritime industry’s evolving approach to decarbonization, stressing that while progress is being made, there is still a long way to go. He highlighted the need for a balanced strategy that not only prioritizes regulatory compliance but also ensures the safety of the crew and financial feasibility for industry stakeholders.

Session #1: The path towards maritime decarbonization

Dr. John Kokarakis, Technical Director, SEEBA Zone, Bureau Veritas, delivered an insightful presentation on the challenges and strategies for maritime decarbonization, focusing on FuelEU Maritime compliance and the IMO’s mid-term measures. According to Kokarakis, all these measures loom over the maritime industry like “Damocle’s sword.”

“The multi-million-dollar question is what should be done if the computed carbon intensity exceeds the target,” Kokarakis pointed out, adding that MEPC 83 will be critical as the giants of EU and BRICS will cross their swords and fight for the future of shipping.

Additionally, he presented key compliance strategies, including the adoption of low-carbon fuels. Emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach, he outlined a gap analysis that identifies critical areas for transition,

Capt. Konstantinos G. Karavasilis, Regional Director, Loss Prevention, UK P&I Club, spoke on the critical steps needed for the maritime industry’s decarbonization journey. “The industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonize and, unfortunately, this will reach the end-users, the consumers,” said Karavasilis, pointing out that apart from environmentally sustainable, the transition should also be economically viable.

Moreover, he emphasized the necessity of clear, long-term policy frameworks and globally aligned regulations to provide stability and direction for industry stakeholders. Highlighting the role of innovation, he underscored the importance of investing in research, development, and expressed his view that nuclear propulsion is the future towards net-zero emissions.

Dimitris Mytilinis, Senior Performance Engineer, Latsco Marine Management Inc. delivered an insightful presentation on the evolving landscape of shipping decarbonization. He also tackled various regulatory frameworks, especially focusing on how measures such as pooling can assist in compliance under the FuelEU Maritime.

“Pooling is a better option than paying the penalties”, Mytilinis explained but expressed the opinion that using biofuel is more cost-effective than pooling. He also put emphasis on the importance of strategic planning and the adoption of sustainable technologies to ensure compliance while maintaining operational efficiency.

During the first panel discussion, Stergios Stergiou, Green Shipping & Sustainability Director, Capital Group, also explored various solutions for reducing shipping emissions such as the adoption of LNG and carbon capture. “At Capital we have adopted LNG as a fuel, we consider it as a transitional fuel with several benefits both on machinery and operational aspect”, said Stergiou.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anastasios Tsalavoutas, Energy Efficiency Manager, Argo Navis, shared his thoughts on maritime decarbonization saying that “the biggest challenge facing the industry is the uncertainty.” For instance, he expressed his concern about the uncertainties of carbon market measures and the lack of appropriate infrastructure to support the shift towards net zero.

Focus presentation: Human factors in the decarbonization era

Following the discussion, Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA, delivered a focus presentation on the role of human factors in the decarbonization era. He pointed out industry uncertainty, the need to move beyond traditional thinking, and the challenge of upskilling costs. As he explained, “We ask seafarers to have numerous skills but at the end of the day we’re not providing any short of framework on how this will happen.” Additionally, he emphasized that seafarers should be seen as assets rather than expenses.

“In our industry no one speaks on the return of investment (ROI) on human capital”, Belokas noted, highlighting that the numbers show that investment on human capital is both feasible and imperative.

Focus presentation: Sea trials practicing in the decarbonization era

Andreas Zontanos, Managing Partner, Argo Navis, followed with another focus presentation on the insights gained from sea trials conducted on existing ships for EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index) calculations. His discussion evaluated the relevance of these trials within the context of the evolving decarbonization landscape in the maritime industry.

“We have more and more measures which practically mean taxation, so performance monitoring is getting more and more interesting for shipowners”, Zontanos explained. Moreover, he explored the applicability, procedures, risks, and benefits of these trials. He emphasized that sea trials, along with continuous performance monitoring, play a crucial role in assessing the impact of energy efficiency retrofits.

Session #2: Fuel for thought: Insights on the alternative options

Bill Stamatopoulos, Global Marine Fuels Business Development Director, VeriFuel, discussed the evolution of the maritime industry, particularly in relation to B100 biofuel. He delved into the introduction of new standards, manufacturer endorsements, and updated standards such as ISO 8217:2024. His presentation covered important insights into biofuels, including their technical specifications, while also addressing their role in ensuring compliance with emerging regulations: “For the next few years we’re only talking about LNG and biofuels,” Stamatopoulos highlighted.

Diane Gilpin, Founder & CEO, Smart Green Shipping Alliance, focused on the journey of wind-assisted propulsion from concept to reality. “We’ve seen wind move ships for thousands of years but how do we introduce it into the 21^st century?”, Gilpin said, explaining that the modern adoption of wind-assisted propulsion requires a multi-faceted approach that is based on research.

Overall, her presentation emphasized the potential of wind as a renewable energy source to complement otherl propulsion methods, offering an innovative solution to help the industry meet its environmental goals.

Nikos Xydas, Technical Director, World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA), presented on the prospects of using LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) as a marine fuel, focusing on its benefits and growing adoption within the industry. “LPG as it is now, without its renewable alternatives, can be compliant with FuelEU for the next 15 years”, Xydas noted.

He also discussed the potential of renewable LPG and renewable DME (dimethyl ether), emphasizing their synergy as a future-proof solution for maritime decarbonization. Additionally, he pointed out the expected rise in LPG fleet capacity and its appeal to shipowners due to its cost-effectiveness in meeting new low-carbon emission regulations.

Jean-Philippe Arseneau, Special Adviser, ZESTAs, presented on the importance of viable Absolute Zero Emissions solutions such as hydrogen fuel cells and wind power. As he noted: “Hydrogen has not been deployed at a large scale yet and that is the next step that ZESTAs is focusing on.” However, he also acknowledged the progress already made, with numerous hydrogen-powered vessels and onshore infrastructures either operational or under construction, demonstrating that the technology is ready for deployment. Furthermore, he called for greater collaboration within the industry to accelerate adoption.

Antonis Trakakis, Chairman, CIMAC Greece, delivered a presentation focused on solutions to reduce emissions other than relying on non-fossil fuels. He pointed out there are other, more viable options such as carbon capture. “It has come to a point to ask ourselves to not only solve a problem but also which problem to solve”, he said, adding that it makes more sense to use the example of other, heavier polluting industries rather than rely on alternative fuels which come with a significant set of challenges. Furthermore, he explored different types of engines and mechanical solutions and their effectiveness.

Focus presentation: 2025, 2020-2050, So many uncertainties and now a strong “wildcard”

John N. Cotzias, Co-Founder, Xclusiv Shipbrokers, delivered a focus presentation on the decarbonization of shipping and the implications it poses financially. He explained that there are certain loopholes that create uncertainties. “Being energy efficient and being leaner and cleaner has to make economic sense”, Cotzias explained.

He advocated that energy efficiency measures are the way to go for maritime decarbonization, as they offer significant carbon emission reduction without major costs or the need for excessive training. Furthermore, Cotzias delved into the implications of TrumpEconomics and how the US President’s tariffs will change the landscape.

Session #3: Stepping towards the green transition: Ship Managers’ perspective

During the last panel discussion Takis Koutris, Managing Director, Roxana Shipping S.A.; Panos A. Kourkountis Technical Director, Sea Traders S.A; Costas Th. Kontes, Chief Commercial Officer, Navilands Management Holdings S.A; George Souravlas, Founder & CEO, Load Line Marine S.A; and John N. Cotzias, Co-Founder, Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc, discussed the challenges and opportunities ship managers face in implementing green technologies, managing fuel transitions, and meeting regulatory uncertainties.

The speakers also discussed ‘Trumponomics’, and how the US President’s plans to boost national ship building impact the industry.

“The biggest problem with reviving US shipbuilding is labor cost because it’s a labor-intensive process”,  John N. Cotzias Kotzias said on the matter, with George Souravas adding that “You cannot become a ship-building nation overtime, it’s a culture” and that it takes time to build the labor force. Furthermore, Souvaras made the point that if shipbuilding is disrupted it will also stall greener ships being built and 2050 targets being met.

The panel also discussed green fuels on the path to transition. According to Takis Koutris, alternative fuels pose many questions as “There is not fuel availability quantity wise or network-wise.” “We are regulating with wishful thinking”

“Stakeholders are starting to experiment with alternative fuels without considering the dangers such as having unskilled people operating these ships”,  Costas Th. Kontes noted.

Beyond the challenges of green fuel adoption, panelists also examined the broader economic impact of shifting policies. Addressing the rise of protectionism in the US and Europe, Panos A. Kourkountis remarked, “At the end, consumers will buy fewer products. The market will suffer with taxations, and I expect that transportation will be reduced.”

Who Should Attend

This is a must attend event for all companies and individuals interested in Maritime Environmental Excellence and Sustainable Shipping , including:

• Ship owners & staff within Technical, HSQE, Operations & Marine Dept.
• Maritime Compliance Executives
• Regulatory Authorities & Flag state Representatives
• Marine insurers & P&I executives
• Green Technology Vendors & Experts
• Maritime Professionals interested in environmental issues

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Delegate Helpdesk

General Information

Who can I contact for more information on the event?
Please contact the organizers directly at e-mail: info [at] safety4sea [dot] com

Registration

How do I register?
To register you should fill in the online registration form and follow the instructions contained in the Registration Form.

Is the event free to attend for the delegates?
Attendance to the event is FREE subject to online registration. In case you are interested, please complete the online registration form and confirm with the organizers. FREE attendance includes coffee, snacks and drinks during breaks plus lunch at the event venue. Attendance does NOT include accommodation and/or travelling or parking which should be paid in by the delegates as decided/applicable.

What happens if I am unable to attend despite being registered?
Appreciate if you could inform the organizers by e-mail as soon as possible before the event.

At the event

Where is the event being held and how do I get there?
The event location is is at the Lighthouse of Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), Kallithea. You may find instructions here.

What happens when I get to the event venue?
When you arrive at the event please go to the registration desk and collect your badge which should be worn at all times. Welcome coffee and snacks are available during registration and breaks.

After the event

How may I evaluate and comment on the event?
You may comment with the organizers at any time, during or after the event. Furthermore an event evaluation form will be available online after the event to complete anonymously any comments you may have.

Please contact the organizers directly at e-mail: info [at] safety4sea [dot] com

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We look forward to welcoming you at this event!

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is a complex in the bay of Phaliron in Athens which includes new facilities for the National Library of Greece and the National Opera, as well as the 210,000 m² Stavros Niarchos Park. It is fully accessible to general public and strives to ensure that everyone is welcome and has access to the programs and services offered. The hill of the Park which is the biggest part of it, is also accessible by everyone. The touring towards the top of the hill is possible through the Park’s walks and the planted rooftops of the buildings, reaching 32 meters height. The material of the walks’ ground layer (stabilized ceramic floor) and the incline of the Park which is 3-5%, allow all visitors to move around the Park easily, which is also accessible to parents with strollers and people with mobility limitations.

Shuttle bus
For convenient access to and from the SNFCC, transportation by shuttle bus is available daily to visitors, free of charge. A minibus bearing the SNFCC logo departs from Syntagma, makes a stop at Syggrou-Fix Metro station (Syggrou Avenue), and arrives at the south side of the SNFCC Canal (near the GNO building) and vice versa.
Read more about the timetables

Car
Find the route to SNFCC
Parking

Bus

• 130: Piraeus – Nea Smyrni  (Tzitzifies Stop from Piraeus; Delta Stop to Piraeus)
• 217: Piraeus – Dafni Station (Tzitzifies Stop from Piraeus; Delta Stop to Piraeus)
• 550: Kifissia – Palaio Faliro (Evgenideio Stop, Syggrou Avenue northbound, Onassio Stop southbound)
• 860: Palaio Faliro – Schisto (Tzitzifies Stop from Piraeus; Delta Stop to Piraeus)
• Α1: Piraeus – Voula (Tzitzifies Stop from Piraeus; Delta Stop to Piraeus)
• Β1: Piraeus – Ano Glyfada (Tzitzifies Stop from Piraeus; Delta Stop to Piraeus)
• Β2: Syggrou-Fix – Agios Kosmas (Evgenideio Stop, Syggrou Avenue northbound, Onasseio Stop southbound)

Trolley
Line 10 from Chalandri Square to the Epaminonda stop. Walk towards Peisistratou and Sahtouri street and you will find the entrance of the SNFCC through its parking.

Tram
Tzitzifies & Epaminonda Station.
Check the routes

Bike
Bicycle parking spaces are available at the entrance of the parking of the SNFCC (Peisistratou and Sahtouri Street), at the Visitors Center (Eyrypidou and Doiranis) as well as at the taxi rank. The parking of bicycles in these areas is under the responsibility of the owner / holder for any damages arising (theft, damage, etc.).
View the map here

On foot
Open entrances for the visitors:

• Evripidou & Doiranis (entrance for the SNFCC Visitors Center)
• Evripidou & Irakleous
• Evripidou & Dimosthenous (entrance for the Running Track)
• Peisitratou & Sachtouri
• Esplanade Pedestrian Bridge

View the map here