The second day (10/10) of the "Maritime Cyprus 2017" Conference successfully kept the momentum that we have experienced in the previous day.

Hundreds of distinguished participants from all around the globe, followed the proceedings of the second day of the Conference thus justifying its reputation as one of the most successful shipping conferences worldwide.

The first session of the day relating to the subject “The cost of smoke” was moderated by Mr. Ioannis Efstratiou, Acting Director of the Department of Merchant Shipping, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works of the Republic of Cyprus. The panel was comprised of Mr. Georgios Christofi, Head of Environment & Capacity Building Unit of the European Maritime Safety Agency, Mr. Tony Paulson, Chairman of the Pollution Committee of the International Group of P&I Clubs, Mr. Peter Hinchliffe, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping and Mr. Philippe Baumans, Hull Panel Chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies. This panel’s debate focused on air pollution burden imposed by shipping, which in the past years has led to an upsurge of international, regional and national regulations. Some of these regulations will enter into force in the near future while others are on the development stage. It was indicated that, greenhouse gases (particularly CO2) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) are nowadays the key environmental issues on air emissions. Panellists referred to the implementation of the new EU Regulation of Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of CO2 emissions from large ships using EU ports and on the further reducing of SO2 emissions to 0.5\% worldwide from 1 January 2020. During the debate, panellists agreed that Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is maybe the fuel of the future since it significantly reduces air emissions. From the insurance perspective, it was noted that greener ships will not automatically get a discount in premiums as premiums are based on claims records. However, a less greener ship has a higher probability to have a worse claims record. Thus, there are indirect incentives on insurance with respect to greener ship. It was noted that the shipping industry is prepared to take responsibility for its air emissions but it should certainly not be blamed for global warming. The panellists highlighted that climate change and environmental protection require a global response particularly when dealing with actions from the shipping sector. Maritime transport is widely recognized as an environmentally sustainable and energy efficient mode of transport.

The second panel of the day inquired into "Smart Shipping”. Mr. Anastasios Papagiannopoulos, President of BIMCO was the moderator for this discussion whereas the panel was comprised of Dr. Steffen Gau, Marine Business Development New Construction of Lloyd’s Register Marine and Offshore covering the discussion on Novel Ship Designs, Mrs. Cynthia Hudson, CEO of HudsonAnalytix, covering the discussion on Cyber Security and Mr. George Ward, Project Support Manager of ECDIS Ltd, covering the discussion on Digitalisation. On novel ship design, it was mentioned that newly designed ships have additional and novel equipment on board that make ships more efficient. This equipment will lead to decreased air emissions from such new ships. The role of the shipowners during the design stage and of the classification societies during the building stage of new ships was referred to. With regard to digitalisation, it was emphasised that it is coming to the shipping industry fast thus, the industry needs to be ready to embrace its benefits and prepare for the threats it poses such as cybersecurity. The importance of preparing employees and crews on the future technologies through training was highlighted. Autonomous ships will become a reality but we should not expect to see unmanned ships for many years to come since seafarers on board cannot be replaced by vulnerable digital systems. On cybersecurity, it was stressed that cyber risk is here to stay for both companies and ships but cyber risk management is possible and achievable. Therefore, the shipping industry should take protective measures. Personal, confidential and operational information is at risk. The shipping industry constitutes a target for cyber attacks since a lot of information and money is at stake. It was noted that cybersecurity sustainable investments should be materialiased and the level of cyber maturity should be continuously reinforced as the cybersecurity issue needs to be a continuous improvement process.

 

Blue Aigaion along with their London offices, Velos Insurance Services (Lloyds cover – holders) held a reception at their Glyfada offices in honour of Carina P&I.

Blue Aigaion / Velos Insurance holds the exclusive representative agreement with Carina P&I for the Greek market and after nearly 3 years of successful co-operation held an open reception for clients and brokers to meet Carina P&I staff.

Mr Nick Velliades (CEO of Blue Aigaion) opened the evening with a short speech highlighting the strengths of the two companies working together. Mr Justin Skinner (MD of Carina Managers) then gave a short presentation explaining the structure of Carina and the benefits of the P&I cover. This was then followed by drinks and canapes.

The evening was a great success with a full house in attendance, highlighting the support the local market gives to this joint venture.

Blue Aigaion Insurance Solution is a marine focused broker/agent offering H&M, P&I, FD&D, Cargo, Yacht, War, Marina and SRL policies within the Greek and International market.

Carina, managed by Carina Managers, is a P&I facility for small ships focusing on vessels below 6,500 GT and limits up to USD 500m. Carina also offers many ancillary covers – including specialist operations, contractual extension and Legal Assistance & Defence cover. Excess War Risks P&I cover is also provided as standard. Carina’s security is 100\% Lloyds which is A+ rated.

From left: Dominique Velliades-MSc, Dip CII Marine Underwriter Velos Insurance Services, Nick Velliades- Chairman Blue Aigaion Insurance Solutions, Sophie Seeley-Deputy Underwriter Carina, George Dickson-Underwriting Assistant Carina

From left: Joe Salem-Director Head of Claims Carina, George Dickson-Underwriting Assistant Carina, Sophie Seeley-Deputy Underwriter Carina, Justin Skinner-Managing Director & Director of Underwriting Carina

From left: Justin Skinner-Managing Director & Director of Underwriting Carina, Nick Velliades-Chairman Blue Aigaion Insurance Solutions

 

 

 

3 October, 2017, ATHENS – A festive ceremony was held to mark entrance of NanoPhos Marine into the Green Award certification scheme. NanoPhos Marine, a company using nanotechnology to boost efficiency of ocean going vessels, became a Green Award incentive provider.

On the photo from left to right: Mr Shinohara, Certification Manager (Green Award Foundation); Mr G Mitropoulos, Technical Director (NanoPhos Marine); Mr J Fransen, Executive Director (Green Award Foundation); Dr I Arabatzis, CEO (NanoPhos/ NanoPhos Marine); Capt D Mattheou, Chairman (Green Award Foundation); Ms C Arabatzi, Marine Division Director (NanoPhos Marine); Ms E Karadimitriou, Chairman of Board NanoPhos; Mr D Skordas, R&D Director (NanoPhos/ NanoPhos Marine)

The formal ceremony took place on September 29th, 2017, in Athens (Greece). Cpt. Dimitrios Mattheou, Chairman of the Green Award Foundation addressed NanoPhos by saying: “New technologies are an integral part of the nowadays shipping. In general they make a very positive contribution to both safety and efficiency. Nanotechnology helps solving macro-issues and Nanophos is an expert when it comes to coating issues. Nanophos Marine develops and produces materials that help solving common problems at a qualitatively higher level. We are delighted to see such a company joining the Green Award scheme.”

Dr. Ioannis Arabatzis, Founder and CEO of NanoPhos – NanoPhos Marine accepted the Green Award plaque and commented: “It is a great honor to join the Green Award Foundation, as acknowledgement for our company’s constant effort to promote through its products new, efficient, environmental-friendly and cost-effective solutions in the marine field. We have come so far through the shipping world’s recognition and support, and we will keep “tuning” the nanoworld to serve the macroworld with pioneering ideas and products.

NanoPhos Marine SA invents clever materials that solve every day problems. The company has developed multiple nanotechnology driven formulations to add functionality and boost energy efficiency of ocean going vessels. NanoPhos Marine product line approaches in a holistic way the needs for smart, durable and efficient coatings in the sea environment. The decision to join Green Award has come naturally.

Green Award has been certifying ships and ship managers that are superior to required values of the industry regulations for more than 20 years. Green Award certificate is a quality mark indicating excellent management, great environmental performance and high safety standards of a certificate holder.

NanoPhos Marine committed itself to promoting values of sustainability and safety and will reward Green Award certified ships with an 8\% discount on all its products and an additional 10\% discount on selected products. 

Both parties believe that this new partnership will be beneficial for the further improvement of safety and greening of the shipping.

 

About NanoPhos / NanoPhos Marine
NanoPhos was founded in 2005 with a vision to transfer innovation from the laboratory to everyday life, utilizing the power of nanotechnology. By harnessing nanotechnology, Nanophos seeks to create a more comfortable, safe and trouble-free living environment. The products of NanoPhos constitute result of study by Greek researchers, they are 100\% produced in Greece and exported to more than 25 countries in Europe, Middle East, Asia and America. 

In 2008 NanoPhos was distinguished by Bill Gates for innovation and received the first prize of Innovation and Sustainability in the 100\% Detail International Tradeshow in London. By taking advantage of the nanoparticles benefits for the end user, NanoPhos provides solutions for common problems such as moisture, mould and thermal insulation. It also provides high quality, reliable and environmentally friendly chemical products for water repelling, thermal, cleaning and for protecting surfaces such as tiles, walls, metals, cement to add functionality and boost energy efficiency in buildings and construction projects. The products are patented, awarded, high-quality and high-technology craft materials, which are certified by International Classes.

In 2014 NanoPhos decided to transfer all its experience and success from the construction market to marine coatings. Nanophos Marine is established to bring innovative solution to Maritime industry. By taking advantage of unique properties of nanotechnology invents clever materials to solve common needs such as fouling growth, sea water corrosion, incident heat radiation and accumulation of salt deposits. Antifouling coatings with no metal oxide biocides, thermal insulating paints and self-cleaning protection are only some of the product enhancements nanotechnology can offer. Nanophos Marine product portfolio includes 25 products focusing on maintenance, cleaning, hull protection, antifouling and fuel saving. 

 

www.nanophos-marine.com

With some major shipping markets seeming to have passed worst the question of what opportunities there were for financiers and investors were in focus at the Capital Link New York Maritime Forum this week.

Opportunities exist for bargain hunters, or “value investors”, to climb aboard markets set to turn upward tankers and offshore come to mind, while “momentum investors” may want to run quickly and try to gain a foothold in sectors that have seemingly bottomed out – dry bulk and container ships are mentioned here.

Missing in this taxonomy are opportunities for “growth investors”, who ideally would latch on to dividend paying entities. Indeed, one panelist suggested that paying of dividends is usually not practical, nor is it compatible with the needs of shipping companies to husband their capital for the inevitable rainy days.

The de rigeur panel on commercial banking exposed a sharp divide on the question of whether retrenchment of shipping banks is temporary, a consequence of the market cycles, or more permanent. Francis Birkeland, ABN Amro’s man in New York, told the audience that he’s spoken to banks that exited the shipping fray and are now “reconsidering” whether to come back in- as margins are healthier and leverage is more reasonable than in the pre-2008 days.

DVB’s Martin van Tuijl was also in the cyclical camp, saying that “memories are short.” Citigroup’s Michael Parker held the opposite view, telling the group that “bank regulators have taken a great interest in this industry” and that a market uptick might bring with it “a weakening of credit standards” and increased concern by regulators. Parker also saw consolidation of vessel owning companies as making them more attractive for capital markets transactions rather than bank finance - a theme reiterated on panels throughout the day.

Michael Kirk, from RMK Capital, on the Alternative Finance panel, discussed the attraction of shipping to debt providers, saying “Given the yield compression in other sectors….shipping is the obvious ‘next’ [sector for debt providers],” and pointing out that “the risk adjusted returns on shipping, right [now, are fantastic].” This was in contrast to a panel on equity (shipping shares) , where panelists lamented the continuing dry spell where Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of shipping shares were concerned.

Another gem came from Bob Burke, who captains Ridgebury Tankers backed by Private Equity interests. Burke, a regular on the conference circuit, offered a fresh juxtaposition of the tanker trades, where the talk was about an upturn “sometime in the future, with the financial side”.

Burke explained that Ridgebury offers fund investors in funds a way for them to benefit from the upside potential of the older tankers, which would respond sharply when the turn comes, which typically shunned by non-shipping financial investors.

Capital Link events generally feature “standing room only” in the main room; this year- dry bulk, on an apparent upward trajectory, drew the largest number of attendees standing in the back.

http://www.seatrade-maritime.com

CYPRUS, 9th October 2017: today marked the opening of the internationally renowned “Maritime Cyprus 2017” Conference at the “Evagoras Lanitis Centre” in Limassol.

Organised by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, the Department of Merchant Shipping, the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, this year’s event - “Yesterday’s World, Tomorrow’s Today” - is attended by distinguished speakers and more than 850 shipping personalities from around the world.

Mr. Alecos Michaelides, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works first addressed today´s Conference deliberations welcoming the participants. The President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Nicos Anastasiades delivered the conference opening address.

In his Opening Address, the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Nikos Anastasiades, referred to the Cyprus shipping sector as the only sector in Cyprus whose size goes far beyond the size of Cyprus as a country and that Cyprus Shipping holds a privileged position on the world’s shipping map. Cyprus has established itself as a respectful maritime flag and as a base for international shipping operations, offering a favourable regime for foreign investors. Cyprus is one of the fastest growing economies of the European Union whereas foreign direct investment has significantly increased. The shipping sector has been catalytic to the recovery of the Cyprus economy. Shipping and its sustainable growth is thus one of the main concerns and priorities of the Cyprus Government, the President mentioned. The President referred to the need to focus on the future of the Cyprus shipping sector in order to safeguard its steady and substantial growth. The President announced the materialisation of the Cyprus Government’s commitment to establish an independent Deputy Ministry for Shipping. The new Deputy Ministry will start functioning as from 1st March 2018.

A discussion followed on “Future Shipping Strategy: Regulators vs. Industry”. This debate was moderated by the Minister of Transport Communications and Works, Mr. Marios Demetriades. Keynote addresses were delivered by Mr. Kitack Lim, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization and Mrs. Magda Kopczynska, Director of DG Move of the European Commission, on behalf of Mrs. Violeta Bulc, Commissioner for Transport of the European Commission. Mr. Kitack Lim and Mrs. Magda Kopczynska participated in the panel discussion together with Mr. Esben Poulsson, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping and Mr. Niels Smedegaard, President of the European Community Shipowners’ Association. Views were aired on the future challenges for commercial shipping, with the importance of intensifying cooperation between all players in the maritime sector, ensuring a level playing field, and preparing today the shipping of tomorrow. All panellists agreed that they do not see there is as a question of "regulators versus industry". There is a long and successful history of regulators and industry working together to achieve common, shared objectives; objectives which, if achieved, will have a beneficial and positive effect not just on the industry but far beyond. It was stressed that the regulators need to be more proactive and the speed of adapting to technological developments should increase.  One of the main challenges identified was the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. Particular reference was made to the ambitious efforts made jointly by the regulators and the shipping industry to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Views were exchanged on the discussions currently underway at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regarding the development of a global strategy that will set the percentage by which the sector’s total carbon dioxide emissions should decrease. It was mentioned since shipping is a global issue, the IMO remains the most appropriate forum. Among the points raised was that future shipping legislation should establish requirements for the use of technology that is already effectively available to the industry and not within laboratories.  An environmentally sustainable industry also needs to be economically sustainable. The need for the development of alternative fuels and new propulsion systems in order to potentially lead to a zero carbon future was also expressed.  The industry’s commitment to a low carbon future was noted as well as its desire for an even better approach to maritime legislation, building upon the comprehensive global framework already provided by the IMO. Another challenge referred to was digitalisation. It was noted that the automation of shipping is already becoming a reality and will accelerate in the years to come with the advantage of enhancing navigational safety and making operations more efficient. It was further noted that the challenge of cybersecurity also needs to be planned today.

The second panel discussion took place on “Tanker Owners; An Endangered Species?”. Mr. Themis Papadopoulos, President of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber moderated the discussion with fellow panellists Mr. Robert Burke, CEO of Ridgebury Tankers, Mr. Rob McLeod, Head of Risk Marketing of Hartree Partners Advisory Services UK Limited and Mr. Kevin Oates, Managing Director of Marine Money Asia Pte Ltd. The discussion focused on whether the tanker owners are facing an endangered future. The panellists analysed the fact that although the demand for oil is changing due to the shift to renewable sources of clean energy, the need for transporting crude oil and oil products with tanker vessels will not extinct and this is highly unrealistic, at least not for the next 25 years which is the life span of the tankers built. It was mentioned that it is not possible that the world will no longer need crude oil and clean products or that oil will be able to be transported from source to consumption without using tanker vessels. The West may pursue more enthusiastically the move to renewable energy but the demand for oil will increase in Asia, Africa and other emerging economies of the world. It was noted that routes and trades may change dramatically going forward and the tanker fleet size may need to be adjusted to fit changes in demand.  The importance of the environment protection was stressed but so was the need to fulfil the basic economic needs in the emerging economies of the developing countries. The panellists concluded that tanker owners are vulnerable but certainly do not constitute an endangered species. They noted that they anticipate an improvement in the market. Maintaining a balance between supply and demand is essential for ensuring a bright future for tanker owners.

The day’s third and final panel discussion explored “What does the future hold for Shipowners”. Mr. George Mouskas, Member of the Executive Committee of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners was the moderator for this discussion with the panel comprising Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis, President of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Mr. Panos Laskaridis, CEO of Lavinia Corporation / Laskaridis Shipping Co Ltd and Mr. George Procopiou, Chairman of Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd. The panellists mentioned that the market is improving and that the very bottom ship prices belong to the past. There is a substantial increase in the dry cargo ships’ rates and a slight increase in the rates for container ships thus the future looks promising. The supply and demand of bulk carriers seem satisfactory. Shipowners are not discouraged from ordering new ships but they should do so prudently and wisely. It was noted that the preceding year was a record year for scrapping of ships whereas the following year will be a record year for lowest deliveries of new ships. The impact of the Chinese economy on the profitability of the shipping industry was analysed whilst it was noted that the Indian economy is also experiencing an impressive growth. The ship finance parameters were analysed and it was stressed that shipping is a name lending industry. The reluctance of European and American banks to finance shipping has created a vacuum that was taken over by Chinese banks. Nevertheless, banks are slowly making funds available. Once better rates are made available, there will be ample ship financing. Finally the importance of innovation was highlighted and so was the existence of quality focused services.

Today´s conference opening was preceded by an Opening Reception held yesterday (Sunday 08 October 2017) at the Amathus Beach Hotel in Limassol where the “Cyprus Maritime Award 2017” was granted in recognition of the contribution of individuals or companies to the development of Cyprus Shipping. The “Cyprus Maritime Award 2017” was bestowed to MSC Shipmanagement Ltd.

The Conference, organised biennially in Cyprus, is taking place this year for the fifteenth time since 1989. It also combines the "Maritime Services Exhibition", in which more than 40 exhibitors participate.

 

ATHENS, GREECE, October 5, 2017 – Diana Containerships Inc. (NASDAQ: DCIX), (the “Company”), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of containerships, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell up to seven of its containership vessels for an aggregate purchase price of up to US$104.0 million to an unaffiliated third party.

Separate Memoranda of Agreement will be signed for each vessel. The sale and purchase of the vessels is subject to the purchaser obtaining certain minimum financing. Depending on the level and timing of financing the buyer is able to obtain, the actual number of vessels to be sold to the buyer may be fewer than the seven, and will in each case be at prices that have been agreed to by the Company and the buyer as of the date hereof. The Company expects any vessel sales pursuant to this agreement to be completed during the first quarter of 2018, subject to extension under certain circumstances.

Net proceeds from the sale of the vessels will be used by the Company to repay indebtedness under its previously announced credit agreements with Addiewell Ltd. and Diana Shipping Inc. in accordance with the repayment provisions thereof and/or to finance additional vessel acquisitions. However, the Company has not identified any vessels for acquisition and there can be no assurance that the Company will consummate any potential vessel acquisition.

Mr. Anastasios Margaronis, President, commented that:

“We believe that the transaction reflects attractive sale terms for the vessels in the current market, which will further strengthen the Company’s balance sheet, decrease its fleet’s age profile and may allow the Company to pursue a strategy of selective acquisitions of additional modern container vessels.”

About the Company

Diana Containerships Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services through its ownership of containerships. The Company’s vessels are employed primarily on time charters with leading liner companies carrying containerized cargo along worldwide shipping routes.

http://www.dcontainerships.com

Asian crude tanker freight rates recently saw a rebound from the multi-year lows seen in Q3 2017.

Both demand and supply side fundamentals point to an ongoing seasonal recovery in rates over Q4, which has some upside but remains capped by the overarching issues of excess tonnage and OPEC production cuts this year.

On the supply side, fleet growth has been concentrated in the larger tanker segments. Fleet growth for VLCCs and Suezmaxes reached around 5\% and 7\% respectively this year so far. While another 15 newbuild VLCCs and 19 newbuild Suezmaxes are scheduled for delivery in Q4, actual deliveries are likely to be lower due to slippage. As such, the pace of newbuild deliveries is expected to ease over Q4. Another silver lining lies in the accelerated pace of tanker demolitions since August due to weak earnings and high scrap values.

 

Continued elevated demolition activity will help to offset some of the upcoming newbuild deliveries, setting the stage for a market recovery. While the ongoing OPEC production cuts until March 2018 continue to loom in the background, a seasonal spike in winter demand as well as weather delays are expected to lend some support to crude tanker rates. Lower crude allocations cuts by Saudi Arabia in October (-350 kb/d) compared to September (-520 kb/d) as reported by Reuters will also boost cargo demand ex-AG. November-loading Middle East and regional crude premiums have been lifted by robust refinery margins in Asia, a backwardated market which raises demand for shorterhaul cargoes as well as the wide Brent-Dubai spread. Average complex refinery margins in Asia for September were 34\% higher than that of January to August this year. Firm demand for regional grades is expected to benefit the Aframax segment in particular, which saw a recent bounce in rates in September.

The wide Brent-Dubai spread has rendered WAF and North Sea crudes less attractive to Asian end-users, with WAF cargoes from the October loading program left untraded as reported by Reuters. Reduced November loading programs from both Nigeria and Angola are expected to further lower WAF exports to Asia in Q4, weighing on VLCC ton-mile demand. However, this may be offset by continued interest to move crude from the USGC/Caribs to the East as long as the WTI-Brent spread remains above US$5/bbl. As recently seen, firm demand for VLCCs loading in the Caribs drew ballasters from the AG region, tightening the position list (especially for modern units) and underpinning the current rally in rates.
Source: OFE Insights

Over 140 guests from the Greek shipping community had a glimpse into the future of ship management at an event hosted by V.Ships Greece on 3 October at the stunning Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre in Athens.

Welcoming guests to the event, Costas Kontes, general manager V.Ships Greece outlined V.Group’s commitment to the Greek shipping market. This commitment was further reinforced as Costas introduced V.Group’s new CEO, Ian El-Mokadem who had travelled to Greece on his first day to attend this event, much to the appreciation of guests.

“We started our operations here in Greece in 1994 with the provision of crew management services, expanding into full management in 2013 and we are continuing to grow the services we offer. From our local office in Piraeus we have been able to develop strategic relationships with our clients, building on their expertise in the container and bulk carrier sectors. And this local service is complemented by the global support of additional services provided by V.Group.”

Costas paid tribute to his team, which he said supported by the wider V.Group family, helps to design and deliver innovative solutions for clients.

Following on from the theme of innovation, V.Group board member Jesper Kjaedegaard took to the stage for an overview of the Group’s commitment to investing in technology solution:

“There are lots of people talking about digitization but V.Group is actually doing it,” he said. With that he introduced V.Group’s director of IT, Stephen MacFarlane to the stage to share what was the highlight of the evening – a preview of our bespoke vessel management app – ShipSure Mobile.

“The ShipSure app is the future of ship management,” explains Stephen. “Building on the functionality of our desktop version, we’ve brought this and more into the hands of our owners. The ShipSure app offers owners complete oversight, transparency and real time visibility at any time. We’ve moved far beyond the traditional noon report to drill down into a broader range of data in real time,” he added.

Showcasing a prototype of the ShipSure app, Stephen explained the investment in developing a platform that delivers a powerful user experience and at the same time delivers higher levels of automation and powerful data insights.

Client insights were a critical component of the design solution as Stephen shares: “Top of mind for our clients have been how they manage information overload, how can they stay in control for example. We’re in a rapidly changing commercial, technological, social, regulatory environment. It’s a challenge to keep up to date let alone be in a position to adapt to the change as it happens while continuing to operate effectively.”

And as Stephen went on to explain – the investment is not just limited to the technology solution but also importantly – changes to user behaviour. We must continue to invest in all aspects.

The ShipSure mobile platform has four modules delivering content to the user:

 

These four modules serve four stakeholders – the client, the shore based fleet team, the crew and the seafarer. Each of the four stakeholders has their own unique version of the app.

“The future of ship management is here,” concludes Stephen. “And it’s in your hands.”

The ShipSure app will be rolled out to V.Group’s current clients from the beginning of 2018 with the seafarer app being made available later in 2018.

George Makrymichalos, Empros Lines Shipping Co. SP. S.A.; Ian El-Mokadem, V.Group; Costas Kontes, V.Group; Costis Constantakopoulos, Costamare Shipping Company S.A.

Kostas Vilos, Signal Maritime Ltd.; Minas Gkiaouzis, Thenamaris; Sokratis Dimakopoulos, Minerva Marine Inc.; Anastasis Kontaratos, Minerva Marine Inc.

Martin Gaard Christiansen, V.Group; Panos Dimitracopoulos, Signal Maritime; Ian El-Mokadem, V.Group; Ioannis Martinos, Signal Maritime; Costas Kontes, V.Group

Martin Gaard Christansen, V.Group; Costas Kontes, V.Group; Antonis Faraklas, Chartworld Shipping Corp.; Ian El-Mokadem, V.Group

Menelaos Panagalos, Chios Navigation (Hellas) Ltd.; Nikos Kosmatos, Sealink Navigation Ltd.; Alek Tomazos, Sprine Marine Management S.A.; Evdoxos Gialopsos, Cass Technava

Angeliki Xylaki, V.Group; George Prokopiou, Dynagas Ltd.; Costas Kontes, V.Group

Menelaos Pangalos, Chios Navigation (Hellas) Ltd.; Kostas Vlachos, CMM; Lambros Babilis, Stealth Maritime Corporation S.A.; Costas Kontes, V.Group

Costis Constantakopoulos, Costamare Shipping S.A.; Costas Kontes, V.Group; Manish Singh, V.Group; Harry Kyriakopoulos, V.Group

 

YoungShip Cyprus* have been granted the honour to undertake the organization of the “Young Executives Session,” to be held during Maritime Cyprus 2017. The event will be taking place on Tuesday, October 10th, 2017, at the Evagoras Lanitis Centre in Limassol, between 15:00-16:30pm.

The session is free of charge, however registration via the Maritime Cyprus 2017 website* is required in order to secure a seat. The objective of the “Young Executives Session,” is to create an exciting forum, providing a place for young shipping professionals to debate important issues in an informal atmosphere. The event will also be followed in the evening by a party.

The chosen theme for this year is “Challenging the Business Model." During the radio show "It's ALL about Shipping!"* broadcasted on the radio station of the Cyprus University of Technology, Cut-Radio 95,2 and hosted by Gina Panayiotou, the Vice-President of YoungShip Cyprus, Mr. Sotiris Kambanellas, analyses how this year’s theme was chosen in order to demonstrate how in a constantly evolving world, even a more “traditional” industry like shipping, is already changing and developing to adopt to new technologies, digitalization and many more new developments. Additionally, as the President of the association, Mr. Philippos Ioulianou added, the aim is to provide both the younger generation as well as all participants with inspiration and food for thought.

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber, being amongst the organizing committee along with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, the Department of Merchant Shippιng, the Cyprus Union of Ship-owners and the Department of Merchant shipping, notes that “the Young Executives session is considered a very important element of the Conference, as it creates the necessary environment to get young people to be even more interested in international maritime affairs.”

The panel will feature various successful young professionals from the international and domestic industry, which are all innovators in their own way and who have “disrupted” the shipping market successfully, set out as follows : Moderator will be Mrs. Dyveke Meland, Member of YoungShip International & Chairman of the Board of YoungShip Bergen and Panelists will be Mr. Constantine Komodromos, Co-Founder & CEO VESSELBOT, Mr. Tor M. Østervold, CEO ECOSUBSEA and Mr. Sotiris Kambanellas, Vice President, YoungShip Cyprus, Business Development Manager of Fleet Management Limited.

YoungShip Cyprus is active in educating, informing, promoting networking and providing general support to the young people in shipping.  More information on the activity of the association can be found at http://www.youngship.com/departments/cyprus.

“Maritime Cyprus” Conference is a bi-annual international shipping conference, held since 1989. Its main objective was to promote Cyprus as a comprehensive, competitive and modern shipping center and it operates as a forum where important and current issues relating to international shipping are debated by distinguished panelists and subsequently discussed by the international shipping community, thereby helping to formulate sound and well balanced decisions and policies on crucial shipping issues. The Conference also offers the opportunity to the participants to become familiar with the strong maritime tradition of Cyprus and its Shipping Industry that was built over the years.

* https://maritimecyprus.dms.mcw.gov.cy/login/register

* http://www.youngship.com/departments/cyprus

* https://m.facebook.com/itsallaboutshipping/

 

The prospects of using electricity in marine transportation and the links with the renewable sources of energy, were the main areas of discussion among the key stakeholders, during the event organised by the EU co-funded project “elemed” in Limassol on Thursday 28 September 2017.

The event brought together local stakeholders, delegates from marine and energy industry, representatives from port authorities and governmental bodies as well as elemed project partners.

The scope of the event was to raise awareness about elemed project work and its impact on minimising air emissions as well as to keep the public abreast on the renewable potential in Cyprus, exploring prospects of deploying shore power technologies for other uses and transport modes. Elemed project partners presented the progress up today regarding the technical studies and the establishment of the first onshore power installation in Killini port as well as funding opportunities and schemes that could be valuable for attracting the necessary investments. Cyprus’ efforts for promoting the use of alternative fuels in marine transportation through regulatory framework and projects implementation were also discussed.

A very interesting and live discussion followed the presentations session, with specific emphasis on Cyprus case and plans for cold ironing applications; projection and estimation of the cost of electricity; feasibility of hybrid technology application for local short-sea interconnections as well as integration of renewable sources and synergies with LNG.

About elemed

Elemed (Electrification in the Eastern Mediterranean) prepares the ground for the introduction of cold ironing, electric bunkering and hybrid ships across the Eastern Mediterranean Sea corridor, aiming at eliminating emissions & noise in ports and surrounding urban area. It is a co-funded by European Union project, studying all technical, regulatory and financial issues related to the establishment of cold-ironing infrastructure, in four ports (Piraeus, Killini, Lemesos, Koper), involving three countries. Within elemed framework, the first pilot cold-ironing infrastructure in Eastern Mediterranean will be established in Killini Port.

1. Snapshot from panel, elemed, Limassol event,

2. Elpida Epameinonda, Executive Engineer/CEF and TEN-T Coordinator, Cypriot Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works

3. Michalis Kefalonitis, Deputy Manager of Larnaca Port, Cyprus Port Authority

4. Michalis Fountoulis, Mechanical Engineer, Electric-Mechanical Services Department, Cypriot Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works

5. Panayiotis Mitrou, Technology & Innovation Manager, Marine & Offshore, South Europe, Lloyd’s Register

6. Dimitris Lyridis, Associate Professor, Department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, National Technical University of Athens

7. Electrification in ports, Dimosthenis Spathis, , Electrical Engineer, Protasis

7. Electrification in ports, Dimosthenis Spathis, , Electrical Engineer, Protasis