Posidonia 2024, the world's most prestigious shipping exhibition, is set to commence from June 3rd to 7th at the Athens Metropolitan Expo for a week packed with more than 65 thought-provoking and informative seminars and conferences where a strong line-up of prominent industry leaders and decision makers will cover a spectrum of critical topics shaping the future of shipping.

With Posidonia known as the Home of Shipping, the “TradeWinds Shipowners Forum” once again is expected to attract much of the attention. This year the forum will delve into the roles of shipowners, charterers, financiers, and regulators in fostering a new paradigm against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, economic flux, and climate crisis considerations. Distinguished leaders such as Katerina Bodouroglou, Dr John Coustas, Angeliki Frangou, Evangelos Marinakis, Leon Patitsas, Charis Plakantonaki, Alexander Saverys, Mikael Skov, Dr Nikolas Tsakos, Harry Vafias, Chris Wiernicki and others will explore the push for cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly fuels in relation to the need of shipping companies to maintain robust financial health. The forum will also enjoy an exclusive session featuring Jan Dieleman, president of Cargill Ocean Transportation.

Coinciding with World Environment Day, the “HELMEPA Conference” will delve into sustainability and climate issues impacting the industry. Top experts will discuss the impact of climate change on maritime operations, fostering awareness and strategies for sustainability. The conference will feature a high-level panel discussion -exclusively for shipowners- to explore the multifaceted impacts of climate change on global shipping, covering both operational challenges and financial implications fostering awareness and igniting actionable strategies for resilience and sustainability.

Sustainability will be the focus during the “Greener Shipping Summit 2024”. Under the theme “New Technologies and Education”, the day-long summit, organised by Newsfront/Naftiliaki and supported by MARTECMA (Marine Technical Managers Association), will host panel discussions focusing on managing the next generation of ships, education for the future of shipping and green shipping technology. Prominent figures including Dimitris Fafalios, Panos Kourkountis, David Taylor, Dimitris Fokas, Venetia Kallipolitou, Panos Zachariadis and others will contribute their insights on a wide range of topics spanning technology, jobs, energy transition, digitalisation, training and education onboard, Artificial Intelligence as threat and tool of marine education, energy-efficient new and second-hand vessels, carbon capture and many more.

The 9th Maritime Leaders’ Summit, organised by Capital Link, yet another high-profile event under the auspices of Posidonia, will be titled ‘Dashing Ahead - Leadership in Action’. This year’s Maritime Leaders’ Summit will provide invaluable insights into critical industry topics and highlight the sector's impact on the global economy. In partnership with ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), the summit anticipates a record turnout of industry leaders, including prominent Greek and international shipowners. Critical industry topics will be tabled about the sector's profound impact on the global economy and trade dynamics which underpin the thought leadership that shapes the discourse and direction of the industry.

And with the recent geopolitical upheavals in key shipping routes, supply chain disruptions, port bottlenecks and safety concerns, the “Marine Insurance Greece Conference” is expected to attract many delegates to Athens also the week before Posidonia, providing the platform where brokers, insurers and industry experts will discuss the latest trends and challenges in marine insurance affecting the region. The welcome party is sponsored by Polygreen S.A., a leading provider of environmentally sustainable solutions for the maritime industry.

Other key events include the “Challenges by Japan” seminar, which will focus on greenhouse gas reduction measures and alternative fuels towards decarbonization, organised by the Japan Ship Exporters' Association, and the 4^th Trading in U.S. Waters Seminar “Future Trends & Innovations in the Maritime Sector”, which will discuss the geopolitical developments impacting global shipping, and explore future trends and innovations in the maritime sector, including digitalisation and decarbonisation. The US Seminar is organised by the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AmChamGR), the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), the U.S. Embassy in Athens with the support of the Int’l Propeller Club of the United States, Int’l Port of Piraeus, and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping - Maritime Hellas Shipping Cluster. Also, a “SHARK TANK: Competition of Innovative U.S. Maritime Technologies” will be held during the Posidonia week and the judge panel includes many prominent officials and industry leaders, including George J. Tsunis, U.S Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, George Pateras, President, Hellenic Chamber of Shipping & Deputy Chairman, Contships Management Inc., Costis Frangoulis, President, International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus & CEO, Franman, Panos Xenokostas, President & CEO, ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group & President, Hellenic Shipyards Association, Semiramis Paliou, CEO, Diana Shipping & Chairperson, HELMEPA & INTERMEPA, and others.

Another official participation will be the “4^th Korean-Hellenic Maritime Cooperation Forum”, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE). This event serves as a platform for esteemed experts and businesspeople from both Korea and Greece to engage in fruitful discussions regarding maritime and shipping policies and the latest advancements in eco-friendly shipping and shipbuilding technologies.

Posidonia 2024 delegates will also get updates on the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) at a seminar that will provide insights into the inclusion of the maritime sector in the EU ETS and its implications for shipowners. Macquarie Group, a global financial services provider, has been an active participant in the EU ETS for more than a decade and will host the event.

Nuclear Energy in Maritime, a presentation of Fission and Fusion is the title of the seminar organised by the Greek Branch of SNAME. It will explore if nuclear energy is a viable and possible option for ships. The panel will include the CEOs of Fliber (pioneer of Molten Salt Reactor Technology) and nT-tao (compact fusion power) as well as major shipowners, discussing if nuclear power is the way forward.

Crew management will be in the spotlight at the Crew Insights @ Posidonia 2024 conference, organised by Kyvernitis Leading Travel Companies. The event will focus specifically on the facets of managing crew needs and HR within the shipping industry and is designed to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss and exchange ideas that will chart the future of crew management. The conference will feature three targeted panel discussions over the course of an afternoon, each packed with insights from some of the most esteemed professionals in the industry.

Staying in Europe, the “POLAND – Thinking out of the box about the maritime industry”, organised by the Polish Embassy, will cover thematic blocks such as Polish seaports, renewable energy, shipbuilding and maritime logistics, showcasing the country’s role in the maritime industry. The seminar is organised in cooperation with the Polish Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Infrastructure, Economic Development, and Technology.

Experts and market participants will convene to discuss the impact of geopolitics, changing trade dynamics, and energy transition on shipping markets at the “S&P Global Commodity Insights Forum”. They will focus on issues around the increased geopolitical tensions and their impact on commodity trade dynamics and freight markets.

During the three sessions of the “UES: The Ferry Experience” series of seminars, participants will focus on enhancing the passenger and operator experiences in ferry travel, featuring insights into seating design and operational considerations. UES, a leading provider of ferry seating solutions, will showcase its latest innovations and success stories.

With such a robust and diverse programme of knowledge-sharing events, Posidonia 2024 promises to be an unparalleled gathering of industry leaders, fostering dialogue and innovation to propel the shipping industry towards a sustainable and prosperous future for the global maritime community.

Posidonia 2024 is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Union of Greek Shipowners and with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.

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Esteemed President Dr. Vijay Kumar and Vice President Dr. Dimitris Kamsaris Celebrate Award at a Prestigious Ceremony 

In the plush surrounds of the Grande Bretagne hotel on April 19, 2024, American BC University honored Capt. Dimitris Matthaiou with an honorary doctorate. The award is a testament to Matthaiou's extensive achievements in the maritime sector and beyond. The ceremony featured a who's who of distinguished guests, including Dr. Vijay Kumar, the President of BC University Business and Theology and BCU UK Trust.

An Esteemed Gathering

Prominent figures from diverse realms including politics, academia, maritime, medicine, and the esteemed American-Greek organization, AHEPA, were in attendance to witness this prestigious event.

The ceremony's attendees included: American Senator Mr. Lou Raptakis, Mr. Pelagidis Theodoris, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Greece and former Minister of Finance, Mr. Jan Fransen, Executive Director of the Green Award Foundation, Mr. Hiotopoulos Ioannis, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager for Southeast Europe, Middle East, and Africa of DNV, Mr. Karapiperis Christos, Governor of AHEPA Greece.

A Moment of Gratitude and Reflection

During his heartfelt speech, Capt. Matthaiou expressed profound gratitude to American BC University and articulated his belief in selfless generosity and inspirational leadership. Leaders, according to Matthaiou, are those who lift others and inspire them to find their own growth and fulfillment path.

Capt. Dimitris Matthaiou, CEO of two shipping companies, Arcadia Shipmanagement and Aegean Bulk, Chairman of the Green Award Foundation, Founder and President of the St' Nicholas Business Club, Clinical Professor of the postgraduate program MSc in Shipping at the University of Piraeus, and also President of the Maritime Department of AHEPA, the Maritime Chapter HJ-45

Dr. Vijay Kumar's Role in the Ceremony

The conferment of the honorary doctorate by Dr. Vijay Kumar, alongside Dr. Dimitris Kamsaris, was a testament to the value American BC University places on professional excellence and contributions to the community.

Inspirational Words from the Honoree

Capt. Matthaiou's words echoed with the wisdom of a seasoned leader:

"Let us be bright lighthouses for entrepreneurship, maritime, social solidarity, and Greek heritage.»

He also reflected on some of the most significant achievements of his life, which have shaped his personality and led him to a successful career as a leader, and specifically mentioned:

'There are moments in our life that condense within the essence of human existence and the values of a whole person's journey. I am experiencing such a moment today, standing before you with the greatest honor and deepest gratitude, to receive this exceptional recognition, my conferment as an Honorary Doctorate by the esteemed American BC University.

My life's journey has taught me that true fulfillment comes from lifting others up and sharing the journey of discovery. Let us continue to sail together, transforming challenges into opportunities and dreams into realities. Let each of us be a bright lighthouse for entrepreneurship, maritime, social solidarity, and Greek heritage, bringing change, hope, and excellence to our world.'

Later on, in his so-inspired speech Mr. Mattheou added: 'Despite any difficulties and crises we face in our times, which seem to bend us momentarily, let us remember the line from our national poet, Dionysios Solomos, from his work 'The Free Besieged': 'Your strength is the sea and my will is the rock.' Let us draw willpower and mental strength from our values to perform our moral duty: to remain Human. Humans! With consciousness, responsibility, empathy, integrity, and principles. And let us remain Greeks! Greeks proud of our ancestry and roots, masters of ourselves and our homeland.

As a navigator of the oceans, businesses, and emotions, I am grateful for my personal Odyssey, constantly progressing towards a new Ithaca of happiness and fulfillment. Thank you for being part of my journey, and I wish you to be eternal travelers in people's hearts!”

An Ongoing Voyage

Comparing his life to an odyssey, Capt. Matthaiou expressed his hope for continuous progress towards greater success and fulfillment, extending his gratitude to all those who have been part of his journey.

Please find attached the full transcript of Capt. Dimitrios Mattheou's speech.

Experience the inspirational journey of Capt. Dimitris Matthaiou by watching the special video tribute here: https://youtu.be/G_T_7twbT58

About American BC University of Business and Theology

American BC University is renowned for recognizing and celebrating professionals who have made significant contributions to their fields. By honoring Capt. Matthaiou, the university continues its tradition of acknowledging exceptional accomplishments that resonate with the core values of leadership and service to the community.

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FuelEU Maritime sets requirements on the well-to-wake GHG intensity of energy used for ships trading in the EU/EEA from 1 January 2025. The first step is to prepare and submit a monitoring plan to an accredited verifier by 31 August 2024. This statutory news provides you with more details on what you need to prepare.

Summary of the FuelEU Maritime GHG intensity requirements

From 1 January 2025, for ships trading in or to/from the EU/EEA irrespective of flag, the annual average GHG intensity of energy used on board needs to be below a defined level. The GHG intensity is measured as GHG emissions per energy unit (gCO2e/MJ) and includes carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).

In addition to emissions from energy use on board the ship, GHG emissions are calculated in a well-to-wake perspective, including emissions related to the extraction, cultivation, production and transport of fuel. The regulation includes provisions for crediting ships using wind-assisted propulsion.

The GHG intensity requirements are set as a percentage reduction relative to a 2020 reference value of 91.16 gCO2e/MJ. The percentage reduction requirement increases gradually every five years to 2050 – meaning, for example, that it stays at 2% from 2025 to end-2029.

Voyages, scope

The FuelEU Maritime GHG intensity requirements apply to 100% of energy used on voyages and port calls within the EU/ EEA, and 50% of energy used on voyages into or out of the EU/EEA. To avoid evasive behaviour, container ships stopping in transshipment ports outside the EU/EEA, but less than 300 nautical miles from an EU/EEA port, need to include 50% of the energy for the voyage to that port as well, rather than only the short leg from the transshipment port. The GHG intensity requirements apply to ships above 5,000 GT transporting cargo or passengers for commercial purposes. It does not apply to offshore ships. The scope could change as part of the scheduled review by the end of 2027. FuelEU Maritime also sets requirements on the use of shore power for container and passenger ships from 2030. More details on this part of the regulation can be found in the References.

Compliance process

Responsible shipping company

The requirements apply to the shipping company, which is the shipowner or any other organization or person, such as the manager or the bareboat charterer, who has assumed responsibility for the operation of the ship, including duties and responsibilities imposed by the ISM Code. As opposed to EU ETS, the responsible company under FuelEU Maritime must be the ISM company and cannot be retained by the registered owner unless the owner is also the ISM company. This implies that the responsible company for a ship may not be the same for EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime. Each responsible company will need to be registered with an administering state, which is the same as the Administering Authority for EU ETS compliance.

In the event of a change of company, the shipping company has the responsibility – on 31 December in any given year – for compliance for the whole calendar year. However, previous companies are required to report and verify energy use and emissions as soon as possible after the changeover.

Pooling of compliance

FuelEU Maritime includes the option to attain compliance across a fleet of ships, even if they belong to different companies. This means that each individual ship does not need to achieve the required GHG intensity but can rely on other ships to achieve a combined level of GHG intensity below the requirement.

Banking and borrowing of compliance surplus

If a ship has an average GHG intensity below the requirement, the surplus emission amount (compliance surplus) can be banked for use in the subsequent compliance period. Similarly, a ship can borrow advance compliance surplus from a subsequent period, limited to 2% and only for two consecutive periods, and with a 10% penalty on the borrowed compliance surplus for the subsequent period.

Penalties

Ships that have a higher GHG intensity than the requirement must pay a penalty corresponding to its compliance deficit, measured as the difference between the required and actual GHG intensity, multiplied by the energy use. The penalty is progressively increased if the ship has a compliance deficit for two or more consecutive reporting periods. The compliance deficit is calculated into energy based on the actual GHG intensity of the ship, applying a penalty of €2,400 per tonne VLFSO energy equivalent, or about €58.50 per GJ of non-compliant energy use. Hence, the penalties can be significant.

Reporting and verification

The energy use and emissions will be reported and verified through a scheme which is separate from the existing EU Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system. However, elements from the MRV regulation can be reused for the purpose of the FuelEU Maritime regulation.

By 31 August 2024, the FuelEU Maritime Monitoring Plan needs to be submitted to a verifier (such as DNV), describing the method for monitoring and reporting of the data required under this regulation. This plan comes in addition to the current MRV Monitoring Plan, but part of this can be reused.

Vessels trading in the EU/EEA countries shall have the approved FuelEU Maritime Monitoring Plan on board before

1 January 2025.

How to start FuelEU Maritime preparations

The deadline of 31 August is approaching fast, and early preparation is strongly recommended!

Step 1: Prepare your FuelEU Maritime Monitoring Plan, with complementing documentation.

DNV will make the FuelEU Maritime Monitoring Plan online form available to our customers in mid-May 2024 (DNV customers will be notified by email). DNV’s existing EU MRV customers will be able to base this plan on their verified MRV plans.

Step 2: Copy the plan to other vessels in your fleet.

You will also be able to copy all the sections of the FuelEU Maritime Monitoring Plan between the vessels in your fleet, like the MRV Monitoring Plan online form but in an extended way.

Step 3: Submit the plans to DNV for verification after EU documents are published.

Submitting the Monitoring Plans to DNV for verification will not be possible before the official EU documents have been published, scheduled for the end of Q2 2024. This would leave July and August for submission of the Monitoring Plans to the verifier. DNV will notify its customers when the submission can be performed.

Other useful information about the preparation of FuelEU Maritime:

Requirements for providing new documents relating to the FuelEU Monitoring Plan verification highly depends on the ship type:

• • For passenger/container vessels, some documentation related to onshore power supply equipment will be required.
• • If your vessels do have any other equipment like fuel cells, zero-emissions technology or wind-assisted propulsion installed on board, documentation to confirm that would also be required before plan verification. The companies shall also specify the established total electrical power demand of the ship at berth. By default, this would be based on the main engine (ME) power, but it can also be taken from the ship’s electrical load balance/study. These documents would also have to be provided by non-DNVclassed vessels if the non-default option is chosen. The Continuous Synopsis Record and Safety Management Certificate of the vessel might also be required to confirm the

company in charge of the vessel. Companies must also complement the control system and data gap procedures to include the additional data to be monitored and reported for the purpose of the FuelEU Maritime regulation.

The FuelEU Monitoring Plan online form will therefore also contain the outline of the overall control system creator. This new requirement, coming from both the FuelEU Maritime regulation and the revised MRV regulation, states that companies need to describe their data flow processes from the emissions measurement to data compilation. Furthermore, they need to describe the potential impact and probability of incidents which may happen at each step and define the control activities mitigating the risk such incidents might have.

DNV requests that the above information be provided in a practical, digital format to support MRV Emission Report verification and FuelEU Maritime report verification. Implementing regulations covering the FuelEU Monitoring Plan verification activities strictly requires this information to be provided before the start of the assessment of the plan.

Recommendations

• • After the release of the FuelEU Maritime Monitoring Plan online form in mid-May, DNV recommends that shipowners begin preparing their plans. This draft plan can then be copied for other vessels in their fleet. Submitting these plans to DNV for verification can only be performed after the official EU documents have been published, scheduled for the end of Q2 2024.
• • DNV also recommends that customers join our Ask the Expert webinar, which will take place on 14 May 2024, where we will discuss FuelEU Maritime and present how to stay in compliance using DNV’s digital tools (separate invitation will be sent our customers).
• • Review commercial contracts to define how compliance is managed and compensated in the maritime value chain.

References

• • DNV’s FuelEU Maritime topic page
• • The FuelEU Maritime regulations

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Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) introduces a new educational programme for future seafarers. BSM Smart Academy is a collaboration with selected maritime universities worldwide with the goal of closing the gap between academic knowledge and practical training

The shortage of skilled labour in the maritime sector, in particular at sea, poses a significant challenge for the industry. In the coming years, the global merchant fleet will face a shortage of thousands of officers. As a ship manager, BSM takes a proactive approach to meet this challenge and gain highly skilled seafarers with the newly formed initiative Smart Academy.

Specifically, the BSM Smart Academy provides for nautical, technical and electrical undergraduates from participating maritime universities to take part in the programme as designated BSM cadets following the completion of their first year. This means that they not only receive an academic education but also practical knowledge close to current industry requirements. “We enhance the education of future seafarers by engaging with them at an earlier stage,” says Eva Rodriguez, Director HR Marine of BSM.

Realistic and transparent training environment

Through the collaboration with the universities, cadets will undergo comprehensive training in a controlled and realistic work environment onshore and onboard. The training is aligned with BSM standards, ensuring a higher level of skill, and in particular, developing behavioural competencies before embarking onboard the multiculturally manned vessels. In addition, students will be specifically trained for the increasingly digitalised maritime work environment to prepare for future leadership roles both at sea and on shore. This approach ensures that when they embark on their cadetship, they are fully prepared and ready to navigate the challenges ahead with confidence and competence.

“We have found that course contents and standards of educational institutions are often varying. This initiative closes the gap between educators and employers by sharing knowledge, experience and skill needs between the industry and the educational sector”, says the HR Marine Director.   

“Seafarer education is costly. No education is even more costly.”

BSM actively invests in crew education, training and development to help reduce the crewing shortage over time and maintain the industry’s safety standards and requirements. The BSM Smart Academy programme is another component in BSM's intensive recruitment and retention commitment. It supplements the existing postgraduate Cadet Programme, the internal fleet transition programme and the proactive recruitment approach. Eva Rodriguez emphasises, “Seafarer education is costly. However, no education is even more costly.”

At the start of the initiative, BSM will collaborate with selected maritime universities worldwide. The cooperation partners are located in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa, with another potential partner based in South America. In the first year, up to 100 students are to be recruited for the Smart Academy programme. The aim is to gradually expand the global partner network to open up new seafarer source markets.

Image 1: Cadet training in the bridge simulator at BSM's Maritime Training Centre in Cyprus ©BSM
Image 2: Eva Rodriguez, Director HR Marine of BSM ©BSM

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Ian Gooch from The London P&I Club will be stepping down during the year from the role of Chief Executive Officer after 15 years as CEO and 21 years as a Director of A.Bilbrough & Co., the Company that manages The London P&I Club.

Subject to regulatory approval, Ian Gooch will be succeeded by James Bean, from NorthStandard P&I Club.

A qualified Solicitor, James Bean has worked within the marine insurance industry since 2005 and was appointed to the NorthStandard’s senior leadership team in February 2023. Prior to that he was the Group Managing Director at the Standard Club.

To ensure an orderly transition, Ian Gooch will continue as a member of the A Bilbrough & Co. team, providing support to James and the senior management team.

“Having served The London P&I Club and Bilbrough for over two decades, I am very proud of what our team has accomplished. After such a tenure, following a strong renewals season and the Club’s positive trajectory, I feel the time is right to step aside. I am confident that the Club will continue its growth as an independent mutual marine insurance provider under James’ leadership and that he will bring new perspectives and opportunities to evolve. He is exceptionally experienced and brings a deep industry knowledge, a proven track-record of success and a shared appreciation of the values of the Club," said Ian Gooch.

“It is a real privilege to take this next step in my career and join The London P&I Club at an exciting time for the company. I look forward to working closely with the Club’s Board of Directors, Members’ Committee and Management group, as well as its Members and Assureds. On a personal level, I greatly valued all of my time at NorthStandard and the opportunities and experiences afforded to me over the past 19 years and I would like to thank everyone for their continued support,” said James Bean.

Chairman of the London P&I Club, John M Lyras, said “I am delighted to welcome James to the Club. He has first-rate credentials with extensive industry experience, and he will have all the support he may need from the Board, Members’ Committee and our Membership for his new role. I am pleased to say that Ian will remain involved with us, supporting James and the team in continuing to deliver the highest standards of service for the Club and increasing our Membership, in line with our strategic goals.”

The London P&I Club is a leading provider of marine Protection and Indemnity (P&I), Freight, Demurrage and Defence (FD&D) and War Risks cover to an international membership of shipowners and charterers with a combined tonnage totalling 69m gt.  It is also one of The International Group of P&I Club’s 12 member Clubs, which together provide marine mutual cover to approximately 90% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage.

The Club recently reported a strong outcome to the February 2024 P&I renewal, and saw year on year growth in its mutual tonnage of 8.9%. These positive developments were in line with the Board’s targets and recent actions to improve the Club’s financial performance and come alongside a much improved claims experience and positive investment return in the 2023/24 financial year, on which a full report will be issued in due course.

Caption: James Bean will succeed Ian Gooch as London P&I Club CEO
Credit: London P&I Club/James Bean

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Neptune Maritime Leasing Limited, a growth-oriented maritime leasing platform with the mission to providing shipowners with access to a flexible financing tool, has joined the Neptune team Chih Keong Kwek as Director of Origination Asia. He will be based in Singapore.

Harris Antoniou, Founder and CEO of Neptune Leasing, commented: “We are pleased to announce the expansion of our services to Asia and honored that yet another leading shipping expert has agreed to join our platform of leasing services to the maritime community. CK will help us expand our coverage of the ever-growing Asian market and thus reach our goal to build a high-quality, both sector and geographically diversified portfolio in shipping. I welcome CK to Neptune Leasing.”

“I am thrilled to be part of the Neptune Maritime Leasing family,” says CK. “I have worked with Harris previously at Fortis and ABN AMRO, and I have been following the development of Neptune Leasing ever since the company was founded 3 years ago. I look forward to contributing to the momentum that he and his team have built up and to delivering exceptional value to our clients.”

CK Kwek is a seasoned corporate banker with more than 30 years of regional banking experience with leading financial institutions across a number of corporate banking functions in structured finance, loan underwriting and distribution, maritime finance, and risk management.

Until recently, CK was Chief Risk Officer at ABN AMRO Singapore. Prior to that he was Head of Shipping at Nordea Singapore and Head of Transportation at Fortis Singapore. He started his banking career with the Debt Capital Markets Group of ING Barings in 1993.

CK received his BBA (Merit) from the National University of Singapore and his MBA (Distinction) from New York University. He is also a certified Financial Risk Manager, and was a Guest Lecturer for the Executive Master of Maritime Administration program at Dalian Maritime University from 2008 to 2010.

About Neptune Maritime Leasing

Neptune Maritime Leasing was established in 2021. It is a growth-oriented maritime leasing platform with the mission to providing shipowners with access to a flexible financing tool and investors with secure access to an under-invested asset class with attractive real yield. Our strategy is to buy high quality assets and build a portfolio of long-term contracts through sale and leaseback transactions in diverse maritime sectors. We are committed to delivering attractive, long term, risk-adjusted, and responsible returns to our investors, by advancing global trade and economic growth through supporting the maritime industry responsibly, and by making a positive contribution to the environment and to society as a whole. Following the $220 million investment that Costamare Inc. and Latsco Family Office made in Neptune in March 2023, Marine Money selected Neptune Leasing as the Deal of the Year 2023 Award Winner - Private Equity.

Image: Harris Antoniou, Founder and CEO of Neptune Leasing

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Distinction with four awards at the Sports Marketing Awards 2024!

The top golf tournament for the maritime community, Greek Maritime Golf Event, returns for its 10th anniversary, renewing its annual meeting with the Greek and global maritime industry, on September 5-8, 2024, at Costa Navarino, in Messinia.

Top golf event in Greece

Greek Maritime Golf Event celebrates its 10 years in the best way possible, as it was once again distinguished at the Sports Marketing Awards 2024, as the best golf event in Greece. Specifically, the tournament received a total of 4 awards, 1 Gold award in the “Corporate Sports Event” category, 1 Silver in the “Individual Sports and Golf” category, as well as 1 Silver and 1 Bronze for its successful sponsorship collaborations with Miele Hellas at the golf courses of Costa Navarino and Glyfada.

The renowned Greek PGA golfer and organizer of the tournament with Birdie Events, Mr. Thanos Karantzias, stated: “We are especially pleased that the maritime tournament we organize has managed over these years to develop and establish itself as one of the most important golf events in Greece. I want to express a big thank you to our sponsors and partners who have always been with us, in our effort to promote the sport of golf. We renew our appointment for September 5-8 and invite everyone at Costa Navarino to celebrate together the 10th anniversary event which will be full of activities and surprises”.

Competition at Navarino Hills

Greek Maritime Golf Event will once again bring together more than 80 top executives from the maritime industry who will form teams of four. Golfers will have the opportunity to compete at the Costa Navarino golf courses, in a destination ranked in the Top 10 of the “Top 100 World Resorts” list and awarded as the “World’s Best Golf Venue” at the World Golf Awards 2023. The rounds will take place on the two signature 18-hole courses, designed by two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup legend, José María Olazábal, at Navarino Hills, in an idyllic landscape with centuries-old olive trees and stunning views of the Ionian Sea, the historic Navarino Bay, and the picturesque port of Pylos.

Watch the event’s teaser video here: https://youtu.be/R0dinM_q_Ks?si=7vbilp5WuAfSUrxc

The golf rounds

Participants will compete on a team level on Friday, September 6, in a shotgun scramble competition at the International Olympic Academy Golf Course. Similarly, on Saturday, September 7, they will take part in a shotgun scramble competition at The Hills Course.

Awards for the top teams & players

Teams will claim the top three positions in the overall standings, while there will also be special awards for players who achieve the best performances in the “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Pin” categories.

Significant companies embrace the event

Greek Maritime Golf Event is attended by some of the most significant maritime companies from Greece and Cyprus, and many other important Greek companies that support the event.
IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry is the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Mainline Shipping Company and Marine Logistics are the event’s Gold Sponsors.
Arrow Hellas, DNV, and Marine Tours are the event’s Silver Sponsors.
Teddy’s Speakeasy is the Official Sponsor.
Poseidonia Restaurant is the Official Supporter.
Under Armour is the Official Clothing Partner.
Messinian Nest, Mind the Ad, Karalis Beach Hotel, Skinos, La Cucina Italiana, Athi Rodi, and Daily Deli are the event’s Partners.
Messinian Nest, PHEE, and Kois Accommodation are the Auction Partners.
Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.
Greek Maritime Golf Event, organized by Birdie Events, is an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Thanos Karantzias. The sports marketing agency of the year, ActiveMedia Group is responsible for the event’s Golf Production. The tournament is exclusively addressed to distinguished members of the Greek maritime industry.

More information about this year’s event schedule and the unique moments that golfers will experience throughout the tournament will be announced in the coming weeks. #greekmaritimegolfevent #costavarino

Photo Credit: Greek Maritime Golf Event by Angelos Zymaras

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp. has taken delivery of the newbuilding vessels C/V ‘Avios’ and C/V ‘Astraios’. These are the final two ships in a series of nine sister vessels, each with a capacity of 1,827 TEU and equipped with 375 plugs for refrigerated containers. The vessels were constructed by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd. in South Korea.
The container vessels ‘Avios’ and ‘Astraios’ feature optimized hull designs and incorporate advanced technologies focused on enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Compared to older vessel designs, these ships achieve up to 65% lower energy consumption and 80% reduction in NOx emissions, facilitated by a Tier III NOx catalyst. Additionally, this series of vessels are prepared for Alternative Marine Power (AMP), LNG Dual Fuel ready.  
Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp. currently operates a fleet of 37 vessels including 30 container carriers and 7 modern bulk carriers with a total dwt of 2.49 million tons approx. and total teu of 131,498. The fleet under management includes vessels of Nasdaq-listed Capital Product Partners L.P.

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On April 3rd, 2024, Elections were held at WIMA "Worldwide Industrial & Marine Association" for the election of members of the new Board of Directors. The entirety of the Association's members participated in the elections.
The new Board of Directors was formed as follows:
Elias Hajiefremidis (HAJIEFREMIDIS S.A.) – PRESIDENT
George Papamanolis (ELVIK S.A. ) - VICE PRESIDENT
Ioannis Kordatos (HELLENIC WELDING ASSOCIATION) - GENERAL SECRETARY
George Lygeros (PSYCTOTHERM) - DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY
Sofoklis Kokkinis  (P. KOKKINIS Ltd.) – TREASURER
Spyros Goumas (SQLEARN) - PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Vasilios Chrysopoulos (TURBO GENERAL S.A.) - INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICER
Alternate members elected were: Aggelos Drakopoulos, Georgia Sgouraki (GO-SHIPPING) Nikolaos Syrigos (Bellows Hellas OE)
During the ensuing discussion, the new Board of Directors unanimously agreed to work for the purposes of the Association, focusing on presenting and promoting the capabilities of its members to shipping companies, organizations, missions, conferences, and exhibitions in Greece and abroad. Special attention will be given to collaboration with shipbuilding and repair units as well as the utilization of new European and national programs announced by the Government.

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

C&A Stavros Kassidiaris S.A. recently upgraded its partnership with DHL Express, leveraging their GoGreen Plus service, which uses eco-friendly aviation fuel (SAF) for order deliveries. By opting for SAF, we actively reduce the carbon footprint of our shipments, demonstrating our firm commitment to environmental responsibility.
Prioritizing sustainable practices, we empower the companies that choose to work with us, to join us in this endeavor. Together, let's embrace eco-conscious choices and contribute to a greener future. SAF represents not only a crucial step in achieving our sustainability objectives but also signals our dedication to a more sustainable future.
At C&A Stavros Kassidiaris S.A., our dedication to environmental responsibility is unwavering. We deeply value every effort made towards making a positive impact on our planet.

ELNAVI Newsletter  
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.