Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. once again organized a voluntary beach clean up of the Oinousses Islands on May 15th, 2018, participating also in HELMEPA’s Campaign of May 4-25, 2018, “Let’s Cleanup Europe”.

Pic.1 Volunteers outside the Municipality Hall.

Dimitris E. Angelakos, Kitsa Angelakou-Skiniti, and members of our office staff travelled to the Oinousses Islands of Greece (pic. 1).

This year the cleaning up was performed by more than 130 volunteers, more than twice as many as last year. This is an impressive number of volunteers for an island of 850 inhabitants and was achieved thanks to the participation of almost all the students of Oinousses and their teachers.

The children from the Kindergarten, the pupils from the Elementary school, the High school and the Nautical Lyceum and students of the Merchant Marine Academy took part in this community service.

Pic. 2 Kampi beach, before and after the cleaning up.

In a few hours, 10 beaches of the island and 1,000 metres of coastline were cleaned up, and 385 bags of garbage (27,000 litres) were collected and disposed off (pic. 2).

Most of the garbage was plastic bags, bottles, sacks, car tyres, abandoned boats (used by refugees who land to the island from Turkey by sea), clothing, ropes, fishing nets, etc.

Everyone worked with great zeal to clean up the beautiful Oinoussian beaches (pics 3a, 3b). Although many of the students are not locals, by taking part in the clean up, they show that they truly care about the environment and the island where they study.

It is important to understand that our home is the Earth -not only our town, our neighbourhood, our street, or our house. Let each one of us actively rise to cultivate environmental awareness, especially in the younger members of our community.

Pic. 3a, 3b Children from the Elementary school and from the Merchant Marine Academy in action.

On a final note, we wish for everyone to join the vision and the beauty of a cleaner planet with its subsequent benefits to all.

Let’s go green!

Project key to building a reliable global-scale bunkering network

ABS has signed a pioneering Joint Development Program (JDP) with probunkers to provide technical support as they embark on designing a fleet of specialist LNG bunker vessels for key ports around the world.

“With its low sulfur emissions, LNG is an attractive proposition for shipowners and operators responding to the 2020 Sulphur Cap. However, lack of bunkering infrastructure has been one of the key constraints on its adoption. ABS is proud to play a part in addressing that issue with probunkers,” said ABS Vice President for Global Business Development, Peter Fitzpatrick. “As a global leader in LNG, ABS has a wealth of expertise to help probunkers meet the technical and operational challenges that a project of this scale and ambition will need to overcome.”

Based in Athens, probunkers aims to design, build, own and operate a fleet of LNG supply vessels in seven ports initially: Houston; Rotterdam (or, alternatively, Antwerp); Gibraltar; Singapore; Hong Kong; Busan and Fujairah.

Alexander Prokopakis, probunkers Chief Executive, said: “Our vision is to become the premier global bunker supplier of LNG. Our collaboration with ABS will play a key role in realizing our ambition to build a reliable global-scale bunkering network that will support the future of Sustainable Shipping and Green Energy.”

ABS will work with probunkers to provide regulatory compliance guidance for the

fleet as well as define applicable rules and standards. ABS will also identify technical and operational challenges and advise on technological solutions in a range of areas including, but not limited to, capacity, dimensions of the vessels in relation to port restrictions, required power and speed, propulsion and maneuvering systems.  Suitability analysis of available technologies for cargo containment, LNG Handling & Transfer Systems and Boil-Off Handling Systems is also a significant aspect of the JDP.

Recognizing the changing landscape and increased industry focus on gas, ABS launched its Global Gas Solutions team in 2013 to support industry in developing gas-related projects. The ABS Global Gas Solutions team provides industry leadership, offering guidance in liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating structures and systems, gas fuel systems and equipment, gas carriers, and regulatory and statutory requirements.  ABS has extensive experience with the full scope of gas-related assets and has been the classification society of choice for some of the most advanced gas carriers in service.

 

About ABS

ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.

About probunkers

probunkers was established in 2017 in Cyprus. Its headquarters are based in Athens, Greece. The company will have shareholding control over a group of companies operating in the sectors of shipping and energy. The Shipping division will design, build, own and operate a fleet of LNG supply vessels. The Commercial Companies will also be fully owned by the Holding company. The Commercial division will have presence and operate in seven geographical locations across the globe, through local branches.  www.probunkers.com

ARMADA MARITIME CYBER SECURITY SYSTEMS and DYNAMIC RECOVERY SERVICES a subsidiary of COGNOSEC AB are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the 1st Maritime Cyber Security Conference, held on Wednesday 20th June 2018 at the Piraeus Marine Club with Subject:

“Maritime Cyber Security – Combating the challenges of the New Era for Safe Navigation” The Conference was preambled by the President of the Marine Club Ms Irene Daifa and was attended by the honorable Minister of Shipping & Island Policy Mr. Panagiotis Kouroumplis and the former General Secretary of Ministry of Shipping & Island Policy Mr. Dionyssios Charalampos Kalamatianos.

Participants at the conference were Maritime Companies, P&I Clubs and Classification societies, who were provided the opportunity to observe a presentation on advanced technological systems in maritime cyber security and to be informed about the advantages of the hosts software application both on shore and at sea, helping to fully secure against cyber attacks and malware software as a result ensuring safe navigation.

The Conference was particularly productive and especially informative looking ahead to the compulsory adoption of the relative directive by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as of 1st January 2021.

ARMADA MARITIME CYBER SECURITY SYSTEMS and DYNAMIC RECOVERY SERVICES a COGNOSEC AB company, having over 20 years experience and technical knowhow in the development of cyber security systems, as hosts would like to warmly thank all the participants who attended the conference for their presence and would like to assure them that, they are fully supported in facing together the new challenges in Shipping.

 

Based in Mumbai (West part of India), the office will be headed by Capt. Vishwanath Mayekar and Capt. Mandar Sherlekar, both Master Mariners, with extensive experience and expertise in Oil Tankers, as well as all remaining types of Ships.

They will be supported by Mr. Jagadeesh Chandra Vasu, a Marine Engineer (ex.. Chief Engineer), who is based in Kakinada (East side of India).

All of our attending surveyors are Indian Nationals, all with several years of sea going experience and subsequently several years of on-shore managerial positions such as Superintendent Engineers, Surveyors and Managerial duties.

Our new Office in India, will be complementing our network of offices around the world, working closely with all our other colleagues in dealing with Damage Surveys, Claims / Casualty handling, as well as Condition Surveys.

We hope that our New Office in India will be of assistance to our Friends and Clients and get the industry’s support.

Looking forward to be at your service, as all these past years."

MARGETIS INDIA

margetis.com

Sevenseas Investment Fund of Luxemburg (“Sevenseas”) today announced that it is entering into a Placement Agreement with Banque Heritage S.A. (the “Bank”) for the placement of the Fund’s Units.

Sevenseas is sponsored by Diamantis Pateras Maritime Limited and Nautilus Energy Management Corp. and offers qualified investors the opportunity to invest directly in 4 to 10-year-old dry-bulk carriers in a conservative and well-structured manner through its sub-fund 7Seas One.

SEVENSEAS (www.7seasfund.com) is a Luxemburg-based open-end SICAV-RAIF fund, subject to CSSF regulations. FUCHS serves as its Alternative Investment Fund Manager while EFG Bank serves as Depository and Administrator. The fund’s ISIN and Bloomberg identifiers are LU1743296300 and SSINVBU LX, respectively.

BANQUE HERITAGE (www.heritage.ch) is a family-controlled financial group with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Bank oversees CHF 5 billion of assets and focuses on bespoke Private Banking and Asset Management activities. Banque Heritage traces its roots to the 170-year history of the merchant business of the Esteve family [which operates today as ECOM Agroindustrial Corp, a global commodity trading and processing company that plays a top-tier role in commodities such as coffee, cotton and cocoa].

Akis Tsirigakis, CEO of Sevenseas, said: “We are very excited to commence this cooperation and view Banque Heritage as a valuable partner in our efforts towards establishing our fund as a long-term platform for shipping investments across the spectrum of the sub-segments of the industry. Our Fund’s unique characteristics and novel hedging strategy largely differentiate Sevenseas from other investment instruments in this sector.”

Marcos Esteve, CEO of Banque Heritage, said: “The global investment environment is increasingly complex. Banque Heritage S.A., through its asset management team, is always on the lookout for investment vehicles that can complement its long established traditional and alternative investment offering. Investing in “real assets” has been at the forefront of this drive. We are very pleased to be collaborating with Sevenseas in the assets gathering process. We hope that, together, we will manage to raise the assets to make this a very successful venture.”

The Marshall Islands Registry’s celebration at Posidonia in Athens was a success this year.

Held at Ble Azure, approximately 4,000-4,500 guests gathered to celebrate the achievements of the world’s second largest ship registry. Guests included the Greek Minister of Shipping and Islands Policy, Panagiotis Kourouplis, alongside Greek and international shipowners, lawyers, bankers, surveyors, insurers, brokers, and other industry stakeholders.

The party was the culmination of a busy week for International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI), which provide administrative and technical support to the Marshall Islands Registry. Experts from across IRI’s global network, 25 in all, traveled to Posidonia, visiting clients, providing technical and practical advice, showcasing the Registry’s services, and catching-up with colleagues at the many events in and around Athens. 

“This was our biggest and best Posidonia week so far,” said Theo Xenakoudis, Director, Worldwide Business Operations, IRI. “The feedback from the industry over the week was very positive; our customer friendly approach, high safety standards, and low vessel detention rate mean that we’re now the number one international choice for Greek shipowners. Around 20\% of Greek ships are now Marshall Islands flagged and this figure continues to grow.”

 

 

(BRUSSELS, 21 June 2018) MedCruise, the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports, and Cruise Lines International Association, Europe (CLIA Europe), have today signed a new partnership deal in Brussels.

L-R: Airam Diaz Pastor, MedCruise President, Theodora Riga, MedCruise BoD member responsible for relationships with other Associations, Kerry Anastassiadis, CLIA Europe President

The organisations will work together to promote the cruise business in the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Red Sea, Adriatic Sea, North Africa and near Atlantic. Through the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, both will coordinate to present a unified position to support sustainable cruise growth before European Union organisations, national governments, local authorities and other stakeholders.

 Kyriakos Anastassiadis, CLIA Europe Chairman said: We are delighted to be working so closely with MedCruise, we both have distinct areas of expertise and represent a broad membership and this partnership will enhance both our operations. 

 Airam Diaz Pastor, President of MedCruise commented: The cruise lines are extremely important to MedCruise members and it is vital that we work closer together. Today we signify that we want to build a stronger relationship between ports and cruise lines which will help us both to grow the contribution the cruise sector makes to the region that represents the 15.8\% of the cruise ships global deployment share.

Under the new deal, MedCruise and CLIA Europe will share statistics, studies and reports of common interest on trends in the industry, shipbuilding and new technologies; collaborate with professional development; and create new standalone studies related to the cruise industry. 

A joint committee comprised of members of both organisations will be formed. This agreement signed at the heart of the European Union symbolise the importance of this partnership deal between MedCruise and CLIA Europe.

About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – One Industry, One Voice

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. The association has 15 offices globally with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 24 million passengers who cruise annually and is dedicated to promote the cruise travel experience. Members are comprised of the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services. The organisation’s mission is to be the unified global organisation that helps its members succeed by advocating, educating and promoting for the common interests of the cruise community. For more information, visitwww.cruising.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages

About MedCruise – #PortsTogether #WeAreSocial

MedCruise is the largest Cruise Port Association world wide which represents Mediterranean Cruise Ports. MedCruise's mission is to promote the cruise industry in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas. The Association assists its members in benefiting from the growth of the cruise industry by providing networking, promotional and professional development opportunities.

MedCruise represents members from 3 different continents and 20 countries which handled 25.9 million passenger movements last year.

Today, the association has grown to 72 members representing more than 120 ports around the Mediterranean region, including Black Sea, Adriatic Sea, Red Sea and near Atlantic, plus 32 associate members, representing other associations, tourist boards and ship/port agents. For more information, visit www.medcruise.com or follow MedCruise on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

VV Analyst Court Smith, discusses what's next for the shipping industry if possible tarrifs are put in place by the US against China.

Tankers

The restriction on US crude exports was lifted in December of 2015, removing a market distortion that reduced the value of US crude oil relative to other freely traded seaborne barrels. Since that time China has emerged as a major importer of US sourced crude oil as it sought to improve its strategic diversity of oil sources.

Most of the exports to China have been on VLCCs, which add substantially to ton mile demand given the length of the voyages. With China dialing back purchases, we expect to see the discount for US oil to widen, penalizing US producers and sending more exports to European and other Atlantic Basin refiners, which will be good for Aframaxes, and bad for VLCCs.

    

Dry Bulk 

Trade restrictions destroy economic value over the long run, but in shipping their effects are felt almost immediately. The imposition of tariffs by the US and China, and the reciprocal action by China will reduce demand for oil, agricultural products, recycling materials, and other dry bulk products. This trade distortion will create some positional advantages and disadvantages, but the net effect will eventually be fewer goods shipped, and higher prices for end users of commodities.

Prices for US raw materials will be discounted to encourage consumption in other markets. The impact to shipping remains muted due to the seasonality of the shipments in the dry bulk markets.

Data covers all Drybulk vessels over 20k DWT, and all Tankers over 29k that are assessed by VV.

vesselsvalue.com

 

YES to Shipping Forum, took place with great success last day of the international maritime exhibition “Posidonia 2018”, on Friday, June 8, 2018.

A call at the young generation of Greeks to dare to make their own journey like Odysseas and set sail and claim the best for their lives, was delivered by the entire maritime community during the second edition of Yes Forum. Historical figures of the Greek shipowning community were present, with Mrs Athina (Nounou) Martinou, the Great Lady of Greek Shipping, dragging participants’ attention.

Mrs Danae Bezantakou, founder of YES Forum & CEO of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS, underlined that YES Forum is the platform of open dialogue in the Greek Shipping and Sea Tourism Industry between principals, executives and university students, recent graduates and young executives. This unique initiative aims to create the next generation of shipping by passing shipping knowledge, experience and culture. Beyond the generation gap, bridges have to be  achieved through Open Days & Daily Internships that are held in shipping companies as well as through the open dialogue which is carried out in Posidonia since 2016.

YES Forum goal is to enable the young generation to become acquainted with the full spectrum of shipping and to remain for studies in Greece, with high quality undergraduate and postgraduate programs. We must attract both Greeks and foreign students, because "if you cannot study shipping in Greece, then where  it could be possible?” asked Mrs Bezantakou. She stressed that Greeks who choose to go abroad to study or stay there for work, should know that our country is the first maritime nation with power and glorious history so that in any case to be Ambassadors of our shipping country asset.

This effort should start from the bottom of the educational pyramid and specifically from primary and secondary education, with the inclusion of specific maritime and tourism courses in schools so that students from an early age become familiar with the characteristics of the two disciplines and their history. YES Forum will organize YES activities in schools, within 2019 !!!!!!

The opening remarks were given by the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Mr. Theodoros Veniamis: "The bulk shipping and the wider maritime cluster, which is developed and derived by it, can become a thrive pole for the next few years, if competitiveness is preserved and thus the sustainability of the sector, creating prospects for enhancing the added value of the economy and at the same time significantly reducing unemployment. The aim of Greek shipowning is to maintain its leadership of shipping in the global shipping industry, while maximizing the benefits; economic, social and strategic for our country. "

He also pointed out that "universities today must aim at linking the studies to the real needs of the industry, to which today's students, who will be tomorrow's professional executives, will be called upon to offer their services. Particularly, the shipping industry, advancing, in the technological development, the environmental performance of the vessels and flexible management, is prone to the innovation in all areas of education and training of its executives. "

Mr. Veniamis concluded with a positive and dynamic message: "Today, more than ever, the sea and especially the Greek bulk shipping is an outlet for unemployment, the financial crisis, but also for the young Greek scientists to remain and achieve professional recognition in their homeland. The extroversion of our shipping awaits you all. It is a choice that offers prospects, because the Greek shipping stands with a future at its hands".

During the event, interventions were made by Mr. Anastasios Papagianopoulos, President of BIMCO, and Mr. George Prokopiou, Head of Dynacom Group. Mr. Anastasios Papagianopoulos urged the crowd, over 1,000 young people, to get outside their comfort zone and travel abroad, to make their own Odyssey, to dare to win a better future. Mr. Prokopiou, revealed that he has already brought to Greece a training sailboat which is located in Glyfada and which will be open to the new generation in order to get in touch and learn the life at sea. In essence, it will be an educational ship that will reinforce the efforts made, to maintain the maritime tradition of our country.

During the Forum, the Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy, Mr. Panagiotis Kouroumplis,  expressed the long-standing and historical ties of Greek people with the sea, emphasizing that the country's comparative advantages  such as shipping, must be unambiguously developed.

The first panel was moderated by Mr. George Teriakidis, Regional Business Development Manager - DNV GL, coordinating Mr. Nikolaos Veniamiis CEO - Starboard Shipping and Trading, Director - GOLDEN UNION, Mrs. Ioanna Prokopiou Managing Director - PROMINENCE MARITIME SA & SEA TRADERS SA, Mr. George Papayannopoulos, Principal - COMMON PROGRESS COMPANY NAVIERA S.A. and Mr. Vassilis Sakellis Managing Director - ALASSIA NEWSHIPS MANAGEMENT INC.

Mr. Georgios Teriakidis urged young people to take advantage of the many opportunities they are given today through technology and internet. Mr. Nikolaos Veniamis stressed out that the comparative advantage of the Greek shipping companies, is that management is part of the company's daily routine and not just an observer. Mr. George Papagiannopoulos pointed out the human factor and stressed how it will remain decisive for bulk shipping while Mr. Vasilis Sakellis considered that young people should not opt for money but to seek knowledge and experience. Mrs. Ioanna Prokopiou emphasized how shipping is in the nature of the Greeks as our history counts thousands of years in that activity.

Members of YES Forum team presented the activities and Open Days that took place in Shipping Companies throughout the year.

The second panel was moderated by Mrs. Katerina Stathopoulou, Executive Director - INVESTMENTS AND FINANCE LTD, and the panel consisted of Mr. George A. Alexandratos, Managing Director - APOLLONIA LINES S.A. & Vice President - Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, Philip Ioulianou Founder & Vice President - YoungShip Cyprus - Member of Bod YoungShip International, Mr. Petros Kokkalis Local Councilor for Local Growth & Entrepreneurship, Piraeus Municipality Co-Founder Aephoria.net - BlueGrowth Initiative, Mr. Markos Kiosseoglou Co-founder and Board Member - Reload Greece and Mr. Michalis Foustanos Director - Greek Shipping Miracle.

Mr. Michael Foustanos talked about the history and the past where its knowledge and the experiences show us the way we have to follow and what to avoid because history repeats itself. Mr. George Alexandratos presented the Greek maritime cluster developed by the Union of Greek Shipowners, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Mr. Philippos Ioulianou presented Young Ship Cyprus, a non-profit organization for young people in the wider maritime community, which operates on a voluntary basis. While Mr. Petros Kokkalis spoke about the blue economy and the creation of an innovative and competitive center in the city's big harbor. Mr. Markos Kiosseoglou presented Reload Greece (a youth business reference center in London), as well as the programs that have been created and who can participate.

Mrs. Xenia Kourtoglou, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Focus Bari, presented the results of the survey conducted by YES Forum in collaboration with FOCUS BARI, regarding issues that concern young people who are willing to work or already work in the shipping industry. From the survey stem out very important conclusions about shipping with some of them showing that an important factor for shipping development, is sufficient investments to create and expand infrastructure while, a common point between employees and employers was the strong motivation for work.

The third panel, coordinated by Mr. Giorgos Xiradakis, Managing Director of XRTC BUSINESS CONSULTANTS LTD. & President of THE PROPELLER CLUB (PORT OF PIRAEUS) was composed by Mrs. Athena Kanellatou Regional Director - MACGREGOR, Mrs. Dorothea Ioannou Chief Commercial Officer SCB Inc., Manager - American P & I Club, Mr. Costas Kontes General Manager - V.Ships Greece Ltd., Mr. Costis Frangoulis CEO - FRANMAN GROUP and Mrs. Wanda Costopoulou, Managing Director - ARKAS HELLAS.

Mr. Giorgos Xiradakis expressed his optimism about the future of Greek shipping, stressing that shipping is an industry that is constantly moving. Mrs. Athena Kanellatou recalled how "Greek shipping has been the first among others for many years", while Mrs. Dorothea Ioannou noted that shipping can and should have people involved from all sectors of the industry. Mr. Kostas Kontes stressed that every young person who wants to succeed can do it by pointing out that his experience has shown that Greeks are the best in shipping. Finally, Mr. Kostis Fragoulis expressed the conviction that Greek shipping will continue to star in the years to come, while Mrs. Wanda Costopoulou said that shipping has room for everyone.

Concluding this very successful second edition YES Forum, Mrs. Danae Bezantakou invited everyone who contributed and supported YES to Shipping Forum to continue this successful dialogue and to already prepare the third edition YES to Shipping, Forum 2020, on 5th of June 2020 during Posidonia 2020.

 

 

 

Switching to liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the preferred solution for shipping companies to adopt in order to meet the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) stringent new international emissions standards for marine bunker fuels, according to the findings of a survey by Deloitte.

However, a lack of refuelling and bunkering infrastructure has been identified as the key barrier to the large scale adoption of LNG as a transport fuel.

The survey of over 80 senior energy industry leaders from across the Asia Pacific region was conducted at the second annual Deloitte Energy Trading Summit in Singapore recently.

Survey respondents cited the retrofitting and/or redesign of the existing shipping fleet to accommodate the LNG bunker fuel option as the second biggest barrier to adoption, followed by the price competitiveness of LNG versus liquid fuels. However, despite the challenges, over two-thirds (68 percent) said if the marine fuel market switches to LNG, it will have a positive effect on their overall business.

Bernadette Cullinane, Deloitte Global LNG leader and Australia oil and gas lead said: “LNG is particularly well placed to benefit from the IMO’s emissions legislation. Our survey results are clear recognition the stricter standards will open the door for cleaner marine fuels like LNG and low sulphur marine gas oil to displace heavy fuels.

“Almost every maritime authority in the world that offers bunkering is now taking a serious look at LNG as an alternative to fuel oil. Whilst infrastructure is an issue, it is being built, and new vessels have been designed, built and are on order.”

Cullinane added that with the globalisation of the LNG market, companies are actively looking at new applications and new markets for gas.

“One of the biggest opportunities for LNG over the next decade will be in transportation, particularly as a marine fuel,” she said.

“This option is rapidly gaining momentum, presenting an attractive market opportunity for LNG producers.

“With competition from alternative fuels, especially renewables in the power generation space, LNG needs to develop new customer markets to absorb supply and justify investment in new production facilities.

“Transportation is a terrific opportunity for LNG suppliers to tap into a growing market. By expanding the customer base, it’s a play that will help underwrite and de-risk future supply developments.”
Source: Deloitte