SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

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Between us .................................. 3

Publisher: Evlabia Babili

A Sideways Glance ........................ 4

Consultants of the edition: Letta Makri, Dimitris Kapranos Εχecutive Editor: Letta Makri

POSIDOnIA 2018

Editor in Chief: Dimitris Kapranos

The Aftermath .............................. 6

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BETWEEN US

In hindsight...

When the first meeting between Cosco and the government of Kostas Karamanlis was taking place in 2004, few expected that the plan for the concession of PPA to the Chinese would be come to fruition.

There were strong reactions, even within the fold of New Democracy, as privatizations were not (and in large part still are not) part of the culture of the Greek political parties.

Karamanlis persisted, however, and delegated the – truly risky – mission to the then minister, Georgios Voulgarakis.

The minister undertook the mission and, in spite of the reactions, the agreement took its course.

However, the deal was completed with the signatures of a left-wing government, as Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and then minister of shipping, Thodoris Dritsas, signed a wide-ranging agreement to give PPA to the Chinese for 50 years!

Since then, Cosco has changed everything at the port and of late, indeed, it has been going ahead with the acquisition of OOCL-Orient Overseas Container Line based in Hong Kong, for 6.7 billion dollars.

The owners (also) of PPA had expressed their interest a year ago, but there were objections both from the Chinese Competition Commission and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which were eventually overcome.

With this acquisition, Cosco will be even stronger in the international arena and is becoming one of the “behemoths” in its sector, as OOCL operates on regular routes via the Atlantic and the Pacific, between Asia and Europe and in intra-Asian transport, with a fleet of 32 container ships.

Additionally, if vessels currently under construction are taken into consideration, the transportation capacity of Cosco’s fleet will reach 3,100,000 containers, bringing it within hairsbreadth of MSC with a capacity of 3,300,000 containers.

With this move, Cosco will achieve third place in the world rankings, overtaking the French CMA CGM, which participated in the joint venture that acquired 67 percent of Thessaloniki Port Authority, and at the same time creating significant economies of scale, which are the main feature of the industry giants.

At the same time, in Piraeus, Cosco is preparing to give new impetus to PPA’s Pier I, which has so far lagged behind the other two piers. The Chinese estimate that the pier will be able to handle one million containers.

Today, Piers I and II are achieving a total capacity of 6.2 million containers. If the goal for Pier I is also reached, they will exceed seven million containers.

These numbers clearly show that Piraeus is growing rapidly, and the Chinese are rubbing their hands. And we do not know whether we should be happy or wonder, “Why did we not do this ourselves all these years? Why did the port have to be given into foreign hands?”

The only thing we can say is: “hindsight is always perfect” ...

Letta Dimopoulou - Makri JULY-AUGUST 2018 SHIPPING 3

A SIDEWAYS GLANCE

Cruising, yachting and reality

by Dimitris Kapranos

New Democracy is doing very well to engage with shipping, cruise and yachting matters. These are sectors from which the national economy benefits and from which it can further benefit...

The other night, at the Yacht Club of Greece, the tourism section of New Democracy (ND) organized a seminar on “Cruise – Marine Tourism – Port Policy”.

There were plenty of people, including young people, former ministers and executives, in a meeting that must have been the idea of Theodoros Kontes, an experienced and active cruise sector executive and a member of the aforementioned ND tourism section.

We have heard our good politicians analyze plans and prospects, tell us that we must bring giant cruise ships to Greece (and where do we put them?), that we have to go ahead with concessions (to foreigners, of course) of other ports (the marinas are already on their way... abroad) and that there must be full liberalization in the cruise and yachting sectors so that we can have as many pleasure boats and as many cruise ships as possible in Greece!

We also heard the familiar tropes “we had the legislation ready, but we did not get to pass it because the government fell” and that “the solutions can be given only by our party when it comes back to power”.

And after we had heard a great deal but without hearing the “something” we were waiting for, they called “the patriarch” of the Greek cruise sector, Andreas Potamianos, to the podium.

The man spoke for seven or eight minutes and “said it all”, to the warm applause of those who are familiar with and those who have really engaged with, the sector’s issues.

“Hold on a moment, it is not just SYRIZA to blame but all the governments. You did favours for the trade unionists and out of 27 Greek cruise ships, there is not one left! How many did SYRIZA find? We asked in vain for competitiveness in the sector. We paid enormous salaries while other flags had less than half our cost.

You want many ships and many people on our islands. To collect what? At that time, a passenger paid 250 to 300 dollars a day on the boat and today not even 50! At that time, we had Greek crews and Greek hospitality. Passengers would tearfully farewell our Greek crews and come back again. Where is this hospitality today? And say that ten ships arrive together in Santorini. Where will you put everyone?

You say we should concede the ports. The foreigners are coming! Give tax incentives so that Greeks can operate them! You’re saying Perama should be revived. We were looking for a timber boatbuilder the other day and were told that there is only one alive and he is living in Salamina! If you want a cruise sector, you need to return to Greek hospitality!”

Somewhere I caught sight of Panagis Loverdos, a living history of the cruise sector, and Michalis Lambros, a master of the kind. I did not hear them speak – I doubt if the speakers knew them. Fortunately, the “absolute cruiser manager” George Stathopoulos spoke, and he expounded his subject in the correct way. I doubt, however, if anyone took notice...

4 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

Posidonia 2018 celebrates its 50th anniversary and welcomes the world Greek PM opens global maritime agenda-setting shipping show which sets major milestone with over 2,000 exhibitors

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras presided over the official opening ceremony of Posidonia 2018, the world’s most prestigious biennial shipping event and one of the longest standing international maritime trade shows, which this year celebrates 50 years since its inception in the late 60’s.

Addressing an international audience comprising heads of states, European Union officials, Greek cabinet members, foreign maritime ministers, board members of the Union of Greek Shipowners, chairmen of international organisations as well as 1.500 VIP guests, the Greek Prime Minister said: “Greek shipping owns the largest international commercial fleet operating 20% of the global and 50% of the European capacity. This economic activity is responsible for a significant portion of the gross domestic product of Greece. It is worth noting, that the 2017 receipts from Greek shipping activity exceeded the Euro 9 billion mark, showing an increase of 20% compared to 2016.

6 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

“The Greek government is investing in infrastructure upgrades required by our shipping industry, while promoting initiatives which support the sector’s expansion in Greece as well as abroad. Our policy regarding the Greek ports, through selected partners who invest in their strategic growth - such is the case with Piraeus’ establishment as an international maritime hub, with the required structure and infrastructure – can further contribute to the country’s economic development and its position on the world map.”

The ceremony signalled the start of the global biennial maritime calendar’s most anticipated weeks which this year will see a record of 2,010 exhibitors from 92 countries welcoming some 22,000 maritime executives from nearly every country of the world. Amongst them thousands of delegates who arrive to Athens to attend the 40 plus programme of thought-provoking conferences, seminars and workshops,

The Aftermath scheduled to take place at the Athens Metropolitan Expo Posidonia venue over the next four days.

The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation, Kitack Lim, said: “We must ensure that the opportunities presented by modern ‘mega trends’ like digitalization, artificial intelligence and the so-called ‘fourth industrial revolution’ are carefully integrated into shipping, balancing the benefits against safety and security concerns, the impact on the environment, on international trade, and on the human element. Greece is one of the most influential IMO Member States. It has been continuously contributing to all aspects of the work of IMO, in its policy and technical issues.

I would like to take the opportunity today to express my deep appreciation to the government of Greece and its shipping industry for its devoted participation and support.”

Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc, mentioned in her speech: “We have a responsibility to make sure that our shipping sector remains safe, sustainable, competitive that offers many good jobs both on-board and onshore. The EU is your partner all the way through and I hope we will continue working together on this path. I am certain that Greece’s long maritime tradition and richness of expertise will be an invaluable asset in our joint efforts to navigate the European maritime sector towards more prosperous routes.”

Theodore Veniamis, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, added: “Once again, Posidonia highlights the indispensable role and the multidimensional importance of shipping for the welfare of all nations. It also underlines the undeniable fact that our industry is the foundation for the development and growth of the wider maritime cluster.

“It is important that this is recognised by societies and lawmakers alike, as shipping is often held disproportionately responsible for meeting environmental standards compared to other industries. This stance is mainly due to a general awareness and understanding of its characteristics and the services it offers to citizens all over the world.

“I feel obliged, representing institutionally the world's first shipping industry, to bring to your attention the fact that shipowners are only called upon to respond, with a high degree of professionalism, to the demand for maritime transport of the global trade, which is constantly growing due to the needs of modern societies. However, as shipowners, we have no say in the manufacturing of the ships’ engines, nor are we responsible for the quality of the fuels that we have to use. It is obvious that, while the links in the chain of responsibility are many, it has so far proved to be

POSIDOnIA 2018

more expedient, at a political level, to solely focus on shipowners, a choice that is misguided and practically ineffective in the end.”

He added also: “However, the European Union’s world leadership in shipping should not be taken for granted. Without a competitive business environment, shipping as an international economic activity can neither survive nor can it progress. This is a fundamental principle that should not be overshadowed by policies of a horizontal application.

Like any maritime state, the European Union is called upon to ensure that its shipping industry remains competitive and therefore sustainable. This can be achieved through strategic planning with measures that support the sector’s international characteristics, thus allowing for the broad benefits of this entrepreneurial and productive pillar of the EU’s economy to be harnessed.”

In his conclusion, he stated: “In the presence of our foreign guests, I would also like to express my strong belief that the recognition of Greek shipping as a national asset, beyond political parties, with significant economic and strategic benefits for our country, is a true sign of political maturity and responsibility on behalf of our nation and the Greek State. It is also a testament to the sincere desire of Greek shipowners to maintain their close ties with their homeland and to help revitalize the seamanship of our nation.”

On behalf of the organisers, Theodore Vokos, Executive Director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., said: “This is the biggest Posidonia in the event’s 50 year-long history as over 2,000 exhibitors from 92 countries will participate. Posidonia's continued growth reflects Greek Shipping's global leadership position and its constant strive for excellence, by investing in highly qualified personnel, new technology and environmental friendly state of the art solutions for their fleet.

The constant fleet renewal and diversification pursued by the Greek shipping industry serves as a confirmation that the Greek shipping community will continue operating the largest fleet for many years to come. Posidonia is now established as a unique policy forum where the leaders of the international maritime community can meet and debate the important issues that face the maritime industry”.

Posidonia 2018 will be held from June 4 – 8 at the Athens Metropolitan Expo. The event is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, the Union of Greek Shipowners and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.

POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

Posidonia Games: 2,500 athletes in four spectacular sporting events Football, Golf, Running and Sailing Events hugely successful The Posidonia Games concluded late in the evening, 3rd of June, with the ShipSoccer tournament at the spectacular Star Sport Club, in Athens’ southern seafront suburb of Voula. A total of 28 teams comprising 280 players battled it out at the venue’s synthetic-turfed, five-a-side pitches during an event which drew hundreds of spectators. Nico Koumbatis, Managing Director of the tournament’s main sponsor, Swift Marine, said: “Posidonia ShipSoccer Tournament is a truly exceptional event that gives participating companies the opportunity to promote the values of sportsmanship and team building. It is wonderful to meet with so many shipping professionals from around the world in such an extraordinary venue next to Athens’ Riviera seafront, to network, play football and relax ahead of the busy Posidonia week.”

George Paleokrassas, from Watson, Farley & Williams, said: “This is our first time at the Posidonia ShipSoccer Tournamernt and I must admit that we are very happy with the organisation and the quality of the event as well as with the spirit of competition between all participants. We have a lot of clients who participate in the event which is an excellent networking opportunity. For example, our team had the opportunity to train together for weeks before the event and today we have the support of many of our colleagues from the office.”

Sotiris Spathis, Drew Marine, Sales Manager: “The soccer event is really exceptional, it gets better and better each passing year. It is very important to see so many participants from the shipping community coming together in this great venue. We are happy to be loyal participants at this event for the second consecutive edition and we are looking forward to the next one.”

Aristides Pittas from Eurobulk said: “It is a great tourna-

ment with many players and footballers, it helps promote team building, networking. We have participated in every Posidonia ShipSoccer Tournament as we truly value the event’s unique quality.”

The fourth Posidonia Golf Tournament had teed off earlier in the day at the neighbouring Glyfada Golf Club with the participation of 124 golfers from Europe, Asia and the USA. The event culminated with a prize-giving ceremony at popular night spot venue Island, which was attended by 1,000 VIP guests. nikolas Martinos, CEO Thenamaris, said: “The Posidonia Golf Tournament, jointly sponsored by Thenamaris and Costmare, has become a great opportunity for Posidonia guests to enjoy a day out with shipping colleagues from around the globe. This year’s tournament had a record 31 teams with 124 players, and continues to grow in size and popularity each year.”

Earlier on the day, at 9.00am, at the other side of the Athens Riviera, the port city of Piraeus, the second edition of the Posidonia Running Event got onto a crowded start with almost 1,700 runners negotiating the 5kms course which started and finished in front of the city’s Municipal Theatre.

Amongst the participants was Polish Ambassador to Greece Anna Barbarzak, who said: “I think the running event is a great idea feeding into the main Posidonia event. People arrive to Athens earlier in order to participate in the sports ini-

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POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath together and creating the unique Posidonia atmosphere. The challenging weather conditions stimulated both enthusiasm and suspense and united the global shipping family in a day full of fun, fellowship and adventure.

tiatives which is fantastic. I have a full team from Poland as well as Embassy representatives, especially because this year we have the first Polish pavilion at Posidonia organised by the Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland shipping.”

Poland this year is also marking the 100th year since regaining its independence in 1818, when the country’s shipbuilding industry was born.

Adonis Kanelakis, from Alpha Bulkers, said: “Almost 20 percent of our company’s team members are participating in this great event and we are all very happy to have crossed the finishing line. This is a great initiative and we hope to be here again in two years from now.”

Piraeus Mayor, Yiannis Morales said: “It is with great satisfaction that we welcomed again in Piraeus for the second time the Posidonia Running Event, thousands of runners from around the world who are in Greece this week to attend Posidonia Exhibition 2018. They had the opportunity to visit our beautiful city, a great shipping hub, and participate in a prestigious running event which we will continue to support as it promotes our city and helps local businesses.”

Posidonia Games 2018 kicked off on Friday at Faliro Bay, where one of the biggest sailing events in Greek waters, the Posidonia Cup Yacht Race, was held.

A record 60 yachts and over 600 crew members were the ingredients of the action-packed Posidonia Cup 2018 sailing race, which culminated in a prestigious award ceremony at the picturesque Vouliagmeni Lake, bringing professional sailors, shipping executives and experienced seamen

The Posidonia Games were sponsored by the following companies and organisations: Sponsors Lalizas, Jotun, Aria Fine Catering and supporters ABS, D.Koronakis SA, ShipMedical Ltd and G4S Telematix are backing the ninth edition of the Posidonia Cup; Gold sponsor DNV-GL and sponsor Empire Navigation are supporting the Posidonia Running Event, which made its debut appearance in the Posidonia calendar in 2016; Thenamaris and Costamare are again sponsoring the fourth Posidonia Golf Tournament, which is powered by Costa Navarino; and the Posidonia Shipsoccer Tournament, which was launched in 2008, is again sponsored by Swift Marine.

HELMEPA’s participation with S/Y ARMENISTIS

HELMEPA participated once again with S/Y ARMENISTIS, kindly offered by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club (HORC), skipper Isidoros Kyriacou, his assistant Cleopatra Kourti and crew the following volunteers from HELMEPA member-companies: N. Paraskeva of Thenamaris (Ships Management) Inc and Ch. Chiotis of Thenamaris (Ships Management) Inc, X. Goumalatsos of Vernicos Tugs & Salvage, Α. Pantazis of Niovis Shipping, S. Perissakis of Dynamarine and Μ. Sardis of Costamare Shipping. HELMEPA’ s boat finished 12th among 24 in its category.

JOTUN HELLAS sponsor of the Posidonia Cup

Receptions & Parties

The Aftermath

POSIDOnIA 2018

Tsakos open house receptions Two unique receptions, one after the other, epitomized the greatness of our industry! The Macedonia Mansion on Syngrou Avenue, has bi-annually witnessed the achievements of the Tsakos Group, which over the last forty five years has succeeded in becoming a robust international entity.

Celebrating the successes of the last two years our hosts and their personnel created a superlative party atmosphere on all counts: good food, excellent cold refreshments and

drinks including special wines, a friendly atmosphere and a good chance to meet everyone from the circuit of Posidonia and politics.

Professor Dinos Arcoumanis, Capt. Panagiotis Tsakos, Themistoklis Vokos, cofounder and President of “Posidonia Exhibition SA� and nikolas P. Tsakos

George Koumoutsakos, Parliamentary Deputy of the new Democracy Party and Efthimios Mitropoulos, President of the Maria Tsakos Foundation

Panagiotis Kouroumplis, Minister of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy and Tryfon Alexiadis, former Minister Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of the World Maritime University, former Director of International LabourStandards Department at I.L.O. Anastasios Petropoulos, Deputy Minister for Social Security Affairs

Katharina Stanzel, InTERTAnKO - Managing Director, Dimitris Dimopoulos InTERTAnKO - Assistant Area Manager Greece and Cyprus, Bill Box, InTERTAnKO - Senior Manager, Commercial & Area Manager Greece & Cyprus, Dragos Rauta, InTERTAnKO - Technical Director George Anomeritis, former Merchant Marine Minister, natasa Pilides, Cyprus Deputy Minister of Shipping, n.P. Tsakos

JULY-AUGUST 2018 SHIPPING 11

POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

Receptions & Parties

Bureau Veritas elegant as usual The Management of Bureau Veritas Hellas hosted a magnificent reception to celebrate Posidonia 2018 and the successful conclusion of the annual Regional Hellenic & Black Sea Committee Meeting.

The event was held on May 24th in the beautiful surroundings of Ecali Club with more than 1200 guests representing the Shipping Industry, the Ministry, Flags and more, enjoying the wonderful night and the friendly atmosphere.

Paillette Palaiologou, Vice President – Regional Chief Executive Hellenic & Black Sea Region, George Andreadis, Marine Manager for Greece, Mike Kasmas, Ship in Service Operational Manager and Redouane Assad, Marine Operations Manager MO3-North Europe, Hellenic & Black Sea, warmly welcomed the clients and friends of Bureau Veritas.

G. Andreadis, G. Bouttier, E. Procopiou, P. Palaiologou, M. Kasmas, R. Assad

G. Andreadis, G. Sarris, P. Palaiologou

A. L. Polemis, P. Palaiologou

D. E. Patrikios, P. Palaiologou

Mr. and Mrs. J. Dragnis, P. Palaiologou, G. Andreadis

G. Andreadis, I. Procopiou, P. Palaiologou, M. Kasmas, R. Assad

G. Andreadis, G. Kourelis, P. Palaiologou, M. Kasmas, R. Assad

G. Andreadis, V. Panayotides, P. Palaiologou

G. Andreadis, P. Laskaridis, P. Palaiologou

Receptions & Parties

M. Bodouroglou, D. Fafalios

J. Kokarakis, M. Tripolitis, A. D. Faraklas

P. Dragnis, M. Bodouroglou

Mr and Mrs. E. Gotsis, n. Vafia

The Aftermath

P. Iliopoulos, L.A. Chahalis

I. Daifa, Ch. Chatzigeorgiou, O. Bornozi

P. Palaiologou, n. Lowry, n. Vassilaki P. Palaiologou, M. Pappa, G. Xiradakis, K. Fitsiou

POSIDOnIA 2018

P. Pappas, P. Palaiologou

M. Ioannidi, A. Hartmann, P. Pappas

P. Dragnis, J. Dragnis, n.G. Moundreas, E. Gotsis M. Bodouroglou, Th. Samios

POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

Receptions & Parties

Liberia honours Greek shipping partners as it celebrates 70th anniversary

Michalis Pantazopoulos, Commissioner of Maritime Affairs Republic of Liberia James Kollie, George Prokopiou, Scott Bergeron CEO LISCR, LLC

...Vangelis Marinakis...

14 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

The Liberian Registry has presented five of its Greek shipping partners with the Liberian Maritime Authority’s Commissioner’s Award for Excellence during celebrations in Athens on May 30, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Liberia’s maritime programme.

The awards presented to George Procopiou, Vangelis Marinakis, Panagiotis Tsakos, Panos Laskaridis, and Dimitris Lemonidis recognised contributions not only to Liberia but also to shipping and the community at large. All the recipients have diversified activities in other sectors as well as shipping and are recognised for their contributions to culture and public interests. Moreover, most have been identified on the so-called Top 100 lists of most influential shipping personalities.

George Procopiou, founder of Dynacom Tankers Management, started his active cooperation with the Liberian Registry in 2001 shortly after LISCR took over as the administrator of the Liberian flag. Since then, Dynacom has become Liberia’s largest client in Greece in terms of numbers of ships and deadweight tonnes.

Vangelis Marinakis has developed Capital Ship Management into a diversified shipping enterprise. Most notably, Capital Shipmanagement, with a very large fleet of Liberianflagged ships, has one of the best safety records in the Greek-owned fleet as determined by both flag state and port state inspections.

Receptions & Parties

Captain Panagiotis Tsakos, founder of Tsakos Shipping & Trading, has built one of the largest shipping companies in Greece. The Tsakos Group is also one of Liberia’s largest clients. The Tsakos-owned tanker ISE PRINCESS became Liberia’s 3,000th active vessel in 2009, exactly 60 years after the registration of Liberia’s very first vessel in 1949.

Panos Laskaridis, current President of the European Community Shipowners Association, is the driving force that led Liberia to become involved in regulating the fisheries transhipment business. This in turn resulted in Liberia becoming an active member of six Regional Fishery Monitoring Organisations globally. Similarly, Liberia is now in the process of completing its fisheries accreditation by the European Union.

Dimitris Lemonidis established Element Shipmanagement, his second start-up after co-founding Ciel Shipmanagement together with Kostis Konstantakopoulos. Dimitris has been one of the strongest and most vocal independent advocates of the Liberian flag both in Greece and globally.

Michalis Pantazopoulos, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director of LISCR Hellas, says, “Liberia is proud to honour these trusted Greek shipping partners with this award as a mark of gratitude for their continued support.”

The Aftermath

POSIDOnIA 2018

...Captain Panagiotis Tsakos...

...Panos Laskaridis...

...Dimitris Lemonidis...

JULY-AUGUST 2018 SHIPPING 15

POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

Receptions & Parties

WISTA Hellas marks Posidonia 2018 with friends from around the globe More than 370 members, friends and supporters of WISTA Hellas (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association) from around the globe gathered at Galazio in Elliniko on 5 June,

for a cocktail reception to mark the Posidonia 2018 Exhibition.

At the WISTA Hellas reception, the President and the Board of Directors welcomed guests including 65 WISTA members from the Bahamas, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Philippines, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA. Angie Hartmann, President of WISTA Hellas, welcomed all and wished an enjoyable evening. A display of traditional Greek dances was staged by the Lyceum Club of Greek Women of the branch of Koropi, who the WISTA Hellas Board of Directors thanked for their participation.

The reception combined a cheerful summer kick-off in a relaxed environment with great networking opportunities – a hot combination that resulted to a great evening for WISTA Hellas members and friends from the global shipping community, with many staying till late despite their busy schedules during Posidonia week.

POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

Receptions & Parties

HCLBA: Commemorative event for the 80-year anniversary The HCLBA President, Maria Kouliga-Pavlou, welcomed the invitees in her opening speech by mentioning that the presence of the Committee in the Greek market for the past eight decades is undisputable proof of the high quality services the Committee delivers, also emphasizing the importance of building a rapport with Giannis Myrianthopoulos-European Link SA & Manos Manos Lorentzos with Emmanuel Lorentzos Conductor Marilena clients based on trust, Lorentzos-Seascope Hellas SA & Maria Kouliga-Pavlou Chrisohoidi Soprano Lika Smoili Tsakos-TMS Tankers and Son an element which has and Costantinos Pavlou -Trinity Marine Services Dimitris Tsakos been attained throughout these years and through persistent efforts. Mrs. Kouliga underlined that dedication to the clients has been at the top of the priority list of the HCLBA since its formation and continues to be a primary goal for the future. Lastly, she stressed the imperativeness of the brokers’ role adapting through the challenges posed by various external factors and the need to follow closely market developments always with the view of satisfying clients’ emerging needs and requirements.

The event was concluded with a cocktail Manos Lorentzos and Maria Kouliga-Pavlou, Francesco Phoevos Bartsiokas, Trireme S.A & George reception in the Museum’s atrium, where Melachrinos and Anna Panagopoulou, Forth Shipping Co Caramanos, national Insurance Brokers the Committee was privileged with the The Hellenic Committee of Lloyd’s Brokers Associates attendance of Honorable Minister of Maritime Affairs and (HCLBA) celebrated its 80th anniversary since its establishInsular Policy, Panagiotis Kouroumplis. ment by organizing an event hosted at the Athens Benaki As the guests departed at the end of the event, they were Museum on May 29th. This commemorative event coincided each presented with a commemorative CD covering the with the Posidonia exhibition in the Greek capital. Over 400 musical program. guests enjoyed the evening, with a 53- musician strong A special acknowledgement for this well attended and sucAthens Academica Symphony Orchestra under the masterful cessful event goes to the generous sponsorship of the Comdirection of conductor, Emmanuel Lorentzos, initiating the mittee’s long standing business relationships, which listed in event. alphabetical order are: American P&I Club, Gard P&I Club, Groupama, Ethiniki Asfalistiki, Interamerican, Aurette Arkas, Arkas Hellas and Maria Kouliga-Pavlou with Gabriel Petrides and Lloyd’s of London, London P&I Club, Skuld P&I Maria Kouliga Pavlou Konstantinos Oikonomou, Piraeus Bank Club, Steamship Mutual P&I Club, Swedish P&I Club and the UK P&I / UK Defence Club.

Receptions & Parties

The Aftermath

POSIDOnIA 2018

Aegean Protective Coatings cocktail reception Aegean Protective Coatings S.A. hosted a cocktail reception at the prestigious Yacht Club of Greece in Piraeus.

The Monogioudis family together with their employees welcomed many customers, friends and PPG associates, who had the chance to exchange views on shipping related issues and discuss the latest developments in the field of marine coatings, including PPG’s growth in the Greek Shipping Market.

Manolis J. Pittas with Dimitris Monogioudis

During the evening the guests enjoyed good food and drinks while listening to pleasant music and appreciating the excellent views of the coast, unique to the Yacht Club of Greece.

Aegean Protective Coatings, established approx. 30 years ago in Piraeus by Capt. P. D. Monogioudis is a representative of PPG, the leading global manufacturer of coatings.

Capt. P. Monogioudis, Ram Vadlamannati, Evangelos Angelakos

The Monogioudis family together with members of the team of Aegean Protective Coatings

Anna-Maria Monogioudi, Capt. P. Monogioudis, John Skordias, Tom Molenda, Ram Vadlamannati Ram Vadlamannati, Tom Molenda, George Papaleventis, Ioannis Theodorou, Angie Hartmann, Anna-Maria Monogioudi Executives of PPG Coatings & Aegean Protective Coatings

POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

Marshall Islands:

Party by the sea

Bill Gallagher, Theofilos Xenakoudis, John Ramage

F. A. Guida, Bill Gallagher, Clay Maitland

Lucy Mylonaki, Laura Sherman, Ifigeneia Diamanti, Evdokia Kavalierou

The Marshall Islands Registry’s celebration at Posidonia in Athens was a success this year. Held at Ble Azure, approximately 4,0004,500 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 Kouroumplis, 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 catchingup 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.”

Receptions & Parties Cyprus Reception attracts hundred of guests

The Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Natasa Pilides was the host of the reception, which, in accordance with tradition, took place at the Athenaeum Intercontinental Hotel.

The numerous distinguished guests were prominent figures from the Greek, Cypriot and international shipping community, financial circles as well as personalities from the political scene, who in a worm and hospitable atmosphere, enjoyed a lovely evening.

The Minister of Shipping, Pan. Kouroumplis and natasa Pilides

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POSIDOnIA 2018

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Receptions & Parties

DNV GL hosts event at the Ecali Club In accordance with tradition, DNV GL hosted its reception at the spacious Ecali Club on the Opening Day evening of Posidonia 2018.

Guests included a broad spectrum of Greek and international owners, ship managers, members of the press, maritime stakeholders, the Norwegian Ambassador to Greece, Representatives of the Merchant Marine Ministry & Hellenic Navy as well as all major Maritime Flag Representatives.

DNV GL’s Piraeus office hosted the event with Regional Manager Ioannis Chiotopoulos and his team greeting the more than 1000 guests alongside DNV GL Group President and CEO Remi Eriksen and DNV GL - Maritime CEO Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen.

LR hosts Reception at the Grand Resort Lagonissi Once more the LR Posidonia reception at the Grand Resort Lagonissi informally inaugurated Posidonia. The event held on June 1, honoured with their attendance more than 2000 guests representing Shipping and Energy stakeholders, the Shipping Ministry, Flags, Embassies and more.

The evening left those present with the best of impressions, with Theodosis Stamatellos – LR Marine and Offshore, Area Manager South Europe, proving to be the perfect host.

22 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

Receptions & Parties

The Aftermath

POSIDOnIA 2018

American P&I Club and American Hellenic Hull welcome shipping world The American P&I Club together with affiliate American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company maintained their tradition of holding a major reception for shipping guests on the eve of the opening of the biennial Posidonia shipping event in Greece.

The glittering event was held on 30 May, at Akrotiri Club in Aghios Cosmas, a coastal suburb of Athens. Attendees during a wonderful evening included many of the leading names of the Greek shipping industry, representatives of major international broking houses and financial institutions, and other prominent guests from the international maritime community. Greece's Minister of Shipping & Island Policy, Panagiotis Kouroumplis, also honored the event with his presence.

Underlining their support for the two organisations, guests included many shipowners from all over the world who are members of the American Club and/or insured with American Hellenic Hull. The hosts voiced their gratitude to the hundreds of guests who attended the reception, especially the many shipowners present. Deputy Chairman of the Club's Board of Directors, Markos Marinakis, welcomed the guests.

The Club Manager’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Joe Hughes said: “The American Club and its management deeply appreciate the support of the Greek shipping community, which is reflected in a continuous increase in membership and turnover.’’

As a highlight of his speech acknowledging the huge importance of Greek shipping for the American Club, the Manager’s President and Chief Operating Officer Vincent Solarino entertained the audience with his own rendition of the classic Frank Sinatra song 'My kind of town', changing New York in the lyrics to Athens.

American Hellenic Hull Chief Executive Ilias Tsakiris thanked the shipping community for its faithful support of the hull & machinery insurer that has been operating for just two years but already insures a fleet of 2,500 vessels with gross premium of $18.5m.

Eleni Antoniadou, Ilias Bobolos, Joe Hughes, Ilias Tsakiris

Athina Giannouli, George Gourdomichalis, George Vakirtzis, Markos Marinakis, Joe Hughes, Dorothea Ioannou, Angelos Kostakos, Vince Solarino

Victoras Restis, Dorothea Ioannou, Maria Prevezanou

Kikis Vasiliou & spouse, Dorothea Ioannou

Ioanna Topaloglou, Angelos Kostakos, Dorothea Ioannou

Angelos Kostakos, Dorothea Ioannou, noni Vacodiou-Vakirtzi, Vince Solarino, George Vakirtzis

George Alexandratos, Andreas nasikas, Chih-Chien Hsu

nikos Liadis and Ktistakis families

POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

Receptions & Parties

BSM: A strong partner for the Greek shipping industry Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) demonstrated its commitment to the Greek shipping industry on May 24th, 2018, during a hospitality event titled ‘The future of shipmanagement’ in Athens, co-organised with MariApps Marine Solutions.

Over 120 distinguished figures from the maritime sector, including representatives from ship owners, customers, business partners, Government, industry associations and members of BSM’s key management, were present.

The event was hosted by Theophanis Theophanous, Managing Director of BSM Greece, and attended by Ian Beveridge, Schulte Group Chief Executive Officer, who gave the welcome address together with Christoph Schulte, Schulte Group shareholder representative.

Topics covered during the informative event included digitali-

Christoph Schulte, Schulte Group shareholder representative

Sankar Ragavan, CEO MariApps Marine Solutions

Ian Beveridge, Schulte Group CEO

sation trends in the shipping industry, an area in which the Schulte Group is investing significantly, and an overview of the new Athens-based BSM Fleet Performance Centre (FPC).

In introducing the FPC, Frank Paleokrassas, Corporate Manager - Fleet Performance, outlined how this Centre of excellence would further enhance BSM’s ability to monitor vessel performance in real time, with the aim of maximising energy and operational efficiency.

Sankar Ragavan, Chief Executive Officer of MariApps Marine Solutions, presented the importance of effective data management and pointed out that the maritime industry produces about 100-120 million data points every day, many of which contain commercial and operational intelligence, actionable insights and opportunities for ship owners and managers to achieve optimal operational efficiency and enhanced stakeholder value.

“The potential of Big Data remains largely untapped within the shipping industry, as do the associated opportunities for innovation, improved asset utilisation and optimised performance,” Sankar stressed to the guests.

Ian concluded, “With a presence of 13 years in Athens, Greece continues to be an important market for the Schulte Group, which is why we have invested in an Athens-based Fleet Performance Centre for the benefit of both our Greek customers and the vessels we manage on behalf of owners all over the world.”

The event was a precursor to the upcoming bi-annual Posidonia exhibition in Athens, a gathering of ship owners and the global maritime community, at which BSM will be present as an exhibitor.

Receptions & Parties

The Aftermath

POSIDOnIA 2018

A highly successful Posidonia reception for GMS On the 5th of June, GMS held its Reception at the Yacht Club of Greece, a renowned venue located on the Peninsula of Piraeus, famous for its breathtaking views and its long-lasting association with the shipping industry. This year, GMS adopted a distinctly Indian approach to its reception, by having live Indian music, Indian dancers, flavourful pallets of Indian Cuisine. Thus, making it a unique and unforgettable experience for all the attendees.

More than 750 people from the shipping industry including many Ship Owners, Brokers, and Executives from all over the world, attended GMS’s Reception to salute the company’s growth and success, making it one of the most noted events during Posidonia 2018. The highlight of the night, was the presence of Her Excellency Shamma Jain, the Ambassador of India to Greece who graced the reception as a Adam Polemis, Anil Sharma special guest of GMS. The ambassador, gave an inspiring speech to the audience, highlighting the tremendous investment opportunities surfacing in India which encouraged several attendees to seek ways to contribute and capitalize on India’s growing economy. During the course of the Reception, business partners, associates and friends of GMS also had the The Ambassador of India to Greece, giving a chance to meet with the speech on the importance of Ship Recycling for India senior and new members of the ever-growing GMS family, to discuss about on-going deals, share market intelligence and further strengthen their ties with the company and its members. GMS Team Anil Sharma, Evangelos Marinakis

Anil Sharma, nikos Moundreas, Simos Dimitriou (Senior Trader – GMS)

Anil Shaarma, Aristides Pittas

Michail Matthaiakis (Trader – GMS, James Kidwell, Evangelos Chatzigiannis (Senior Trader – GMS)

POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

Conferences

Chairman of IACS satisfied with association’s achievements, emphasises the importance of being agile

IACS Chairman Knut Ørbeck-nilssen (left) and Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General

Speaking at the Posidonia trade fair in Athens, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, who will hand over the reins of IACS in July, examined how the association had evolved during his time as Chairman.

In an industry undergoing rapid change, the IACS Chairman identified the need for classification societies and IACS itself to be adaptable and prepared for change, while staying true to the core purpose of classification. Ørbeck-Nilssen said that over the past year great progress had been made in modernising classification to deal with the digital transformation of shipping: “I’m pleased to see the progress that was made in modernising the concept of class, to adapt to the digital transformation we see in shipping today. I say transformation because the progress has truly been astonishing.

IACS has embraced the challenges and changes ahead, to support the industry – contributing to the development of a safer and more secure maritime world. Looking ahead, the organisation needs to continue to focus on being agile in addressing relevant industry topics, to strengthen the role of class and to ensure that IACS keeps its position as the leading technical association in these times of rapid change,” he added.

“On behalf of the IACS organisation I would like to thank Knut and the DNV GL IACS team for the great collaboration throughout this chairmanship. The Chairman’s drive and ambition to modernise classification have prompted 26 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

valuable discussions with the industry and the development of a robust long-term strategy that ensures the IACS organisation is fit for the future,” said Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General.

IACS’ achievements during this chairmanship cover key areas such as autonomous shipping, cyber security, modern survey techniques, and internal benchmarking.

In autonomy, an IACS working group has examined all the relevant resolutions, to identify which standards present potential regulatory barriers to autonomous ship operations. The findings included barriers relating to machinery and electrical systems, safety systems, hull structures and survey procedures. As a next step, a pilot project looked at how to overcome these barriers.

To help the maritime community ensure the cyberresilience of their assets, IACS established a joint industry working group focused on cyber safety. In its own panel, IACS is developing a number of recommendations for the newbuilding stage to assist shipbuilders in delivering cyber-resilient vessels.

As for the association itself, Ørbeck-Nilssen noted that, for the first time in almost a decade, IACS has carried out a substantial revision of its membership criteria.

In addition, a new internal benchmarking process supports members in improving their performance, while increasing the transparency of member’s quality performance. “These are important steps towards ensuring that IACS provides consistency in its high-quality support and becomes more transparent in its internal procedures,” said Ørbeck-Nilssen.

In closing, Ørbeck-Nilssen emphasised his belief in the continuing importance of IACS in changing and challenging times: “The industry is changing. Our ways of working may be changing. But the purpose of classification still remains the same: To protect life, property and the environment.”

About IACS Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.

POSIDOnIA 2018

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Conferences

DNV GL at Posidonia 2018: More relevant than ever

Knut Ørbecknilssen, CEO of DnV GL – Maritime; Remi Eriksen, DnV GL Group President & CEO; Ioannis Chiotopoulos, DnV GL’s Regional Manager South East Europe, Middle East & Africa

In an increasingly complex, fast changing, and challenging market, the role of the classification society is more relevant than ever, said Knut ØrbeckNilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime, at a press conference ahead of Posidonia trade fair in Athens. Class enables innovation in ship building, guides owners and operators through a demanding regulatory landscape, and helps the industry tackle cyber-crime, he underlined.

Leading off the press conference, DNV GL Group President & CEO Remi Eriksen explained that two megatrends are impacting the maritime industry: decarbonisation and digitalisation. On decarbonisation, he said: “The IMO strategy announced last month targets a 50% carbon reduction. This is ambitious but not unachievable. We see some companies leading the way, and more efficient ship designs and better ship utilisation will propel this.”

In terms of digitalisation Eriksen said: “It’s about connecting the hardware with services, with people and with other data streams to build better ways of doing business. And the key to unlocking the value that industrial data holds is trust. We see significant interest and demand for our open industry data platform, Veracity, from the maritime, oil and gas, and energy sectors. It is now closing in on a million service subscriptions from 1,500 different companies.”

In his presentation, Knut ØrbeckNilssen said that the shipping market was probably at the bottom of the cycle and looks forward to continuing modest upward growth. As part of this upswing, European yards had experienced a renaissance, on the basis of a strategy to specialise in high technology vessels. DNV GL was working with many of these yards, he said, helping to implement alternative fuels, working to improve energy efficiency and providing insight and technical 28 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

expertise in high-tech segments, such as cruise, ferries and offshore vessels. Decarbonising shipping would not impact specific ships in the short term, said Knut ØrbeckNilssen, but required concrete policy measures and the development of an action plan by IMO. “The 50% reduction goal will likely call for a wide-spread uptake of zero-carbon fuels, in addition to other energy efficiency measures,” he said.

“These fuels are not existing today, and there needs to be a concerted effort towards developing these and making them available in the necessary quantity. In classification, working with the industry to create a safe and sustainable future is at the heart of what we do. We look forward to working closely with the IMO and the wider maritime community to reach this goal.” Increasing digitalisation in the industry came with a host of benefits, including improving environmental performance, said ØrbeckNilssen, but there were challenges as well.

Cyber-crime needed to be addressed: “We see our industry being more exposed with cyber-attacks migrating from the IT world to operational technology, increasing the risk for shipping. To help the industry to tackle those risks, we have put cyber security high on our agenda,” he said.

DNV GL is therefore preparing to publish its first cyber security class notations – Cyber Secure – on 1 July 2018. The notation builds on the DNV GL Recommended Practice on cyber security which provides guidance on how to apply ISO/IEC-27001 and ISA-99/IEC-62443 standards in the maritime industry. In closing, Knut ØrbeckNilssen emphasized the continuing importance of classification: “Our ways of working may be changing. But the purpose of classification still remains the same: To protect life, property and the environment.”

Ioannis Chiotopoulos, DNV GL’s Regional Manager South East Europe, Middle East & Africa, looked at the Greek market and how DNV GL was continuing to support local customers: “We have implemented a package of measures that have enhanced our services to the local shipping community, boosted response times and strengthened the responsibilities and capabilities in the region. Our DATE service centre is fully functional, where customers have direct access to technical experts. Additionally, the approval centre in Piraeus offers all fleet in service approvals locally and a chief surveyor who is Greek is available for 24/7 support. The Piraeus office is already one of our great hubs for maritime innovation and we will continue to work cooperatively on projects that tackle the needs of our customers. Finally, we have invested not only in Greece but in making sure that our Greek customers are at home around the globe, by posting experienced Greek speaking engineers to key locations around the world.”

Conferences

The Aftermath

POSIDOnIA 2018

HELMEPA’s Conference at Posidonia 2018: "2020 is closer than we think: Scrubbers, Fuels and Ballast Water Treatment" On the occasion of the International Shipping Exhibition POSIDONIA 2018, the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association – HELMEPA held a conference titled "2020 is closer than we think: Scrubbers, Fuels and Ballast Water Treatment" on June 6, at the conference hall kindly offered gratis by the organizers Posidonia SA. The 400 attendees were welcomed by the Chairman of HELMEPA Dr. G. Gratsos, giving the tone for the presentations of J. Xylas - HELMEPA BoD Vice Chairman, the first panel "Emissions and Fuels", D. Mitsatsos, RADM J. nadeau USCG and Dr G. Gratsos Dr A. Bredima, Dr J. Tzoannos and A. Pittas, which he coordinated. The distinguished HELMEPA BoD Member speakers, C. R jgaard, Global Technical Manager of Bureau Veritas, Dr N. Liapis, Supply and Operations Director of ELINOIL S.A., Dr V. Tyrogalas, Director of Martechnic Navigation Ltd, P. Zachariades, Technical Director of Atlantic Bulk Carriers Management Ltd and Member of HELMEPA’s BoD unfolded their views on pressing issues regarding compliance of the shipping industry with the forthcoming global requirement for low sulfur fuels. They raised issues such as availability of fuels, possible risks from their use and compliance alternatives i.e. scrubbers, while RADM J. Nadeau, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy of the US Coast Guard, approached the subject from the point of the regulatory Authority.

The second panel, themed "Ballast Water Treatment", was coorDr G. Gratsos presenting commemorative Diplomas to the speakers dinated by D. Fafalios, Chairman of the Technical Committee of of the 1st panel INTERCARGO. The speakers, Ch. Anastasakis, Senior Specialist, Technical Support Office of Hellenic Lloyd's SA, E. Polychronopoulou, Executive Vice Chairperson of Environmental Protection Engineering SA and Dr. K. Stanzel, Managing Director of INTERTANKO, referred to the developments and needs arising from the implementation of the IMO International Convention on Ballast Water Management, treatment technologies and issues such as retrofitting and measures to address potential problems. The session concluded with S. Xiaodong, General Manager of Shanghai Costamare ShipManagement Co. Ltd., who presented the current state of ballast water management in China.

Dr. Gratsos presented commemorative Diplomas to the speakers in recognition of their contribution to the successful implementa- Commemorative photograph of D. Mitsatsos, HELMEPA Director General, (left), with the speakers and moderator of the 2nd Session tion of the Conference. Furthermore, the Chairman offered a Com- Panel: (L-R) E. Polychronopoulou, Ch. Anastasakis, Dr K. Stanzel, memorative Plaque to John Maragoudakis, Commodore of the Hel- S. Xiaodong, D. Fafalios lenic Offshore Racing Club (HORC), in recognition of his long standing cooperation and warm support to the Association's work.

The Conference ended with a reception for HELMEPA guests, who had thus the opportunity of further discussions with the speakers.

Dr. G. Gratsos offering a Commemorative Plaque to J. Maragoudakis

POSIDOnIA 2018

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Conferences

Theodore Veniamis: Don’t blame the owners

The President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Theodoros Veniamis, during the customary press conference of the Greek and foreign journalists in the context of the 2018 Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition, pointed out in his introductory speech the following: “Posidonia 2018 found our shipping industry steadfastly maintaining its leading position, both in quantitative and qualitative 30 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

terms, in the international shipping ranking, having successfully met the challenges of the particularly difficult freight rate market of previous years and other challenges. At the same time, our Union, as the institutional representative body of the Greek shipowning community, with consistency and persistence, has continued and will continue to uphold the positions of Greek shipping in the international fora, having proven over time that it makes substantiated proposals based on its know-how and its long maritime experience. I want to assure you that the strength of our voice is respected and acknowledged today more than any other period of time at all levels, having undoubtedly recognized the Greek shipping as a major player in the international maritime environment.

During the many bilateral meetings that we had during the Posidonia period with the IMO SecretaryGeneral, Kitack Lim, the EU Transport Commissioner, Violeta Bulc, as well as with state delegations and private maritime stakeholders, we have emphasized to everyone that the shipping industry, although it is the most environmentally friendly mode of transport, is being called unjustifiably to implement legislation and environmental targets, whose achievement depends primarily on other stakeholders, such as the ship machines’ manufacturers and oil companies. And, in addition, we must not forget that the needs of world trade are constantly increasing to the benefit of the welfare of nations and thus shipping is called upon to respond to the increased demand for high-quality maritime transport services to meet these needs.

We will therefore use all the open channels of communication and formal consultation we have developed to promote realistic and so feasible, in terms of implementation and effectiveness, proposals to address current environmental challenges.

Finally, I will repeat that, in order to continue our successful course, we must remain competitive. The term “competitiveness” is the key to the survival of every shipping industry and must be a common goal of the industry and the State as well as of the European Union as our shipping is an integral and strategic part of it.”

I want to assure you that the strength of our voice is respected and acknowledged today more than any other period of time at all levels

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Bureau Veritas attracts record visitors The participation of Bureau Veritas at the Posidonia 2018 Exhibition was marked with great success. Numerous visitors, such as the Prime Minister, the Minister of Merchant Shipping, the Ambassador of France in Greece, the President & members of the Union of Greek Shipowners and some of the most prominent personalities of Greek Shipping visited the booth during Posidonia week and had the opportunity to socialize.

(L-R) Harry Vafias, Paillette Palaiologou, Theodore Veniamis, George Angelopoulos, John Xylas, George Andreadis

The Prime Minister of Greece, Alexis Tsipras at the BV stand with Philippe Donche-Gay and Paillette Palaiologou

(L-R) George Andreadis, Alecos Pappas, Paillette Palaiologou, Philippe Donche-Gay (R-L) George Andreadis, Christophe Chantepy (Ambassador of France in Greece), Paillette Palaiologou, Claude Maillot (L-R) George Andreadis, Mike Kasmas, Lambros Chahalis, Panagiotis Kouroumplis, Paillette Palaiologou

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Lloyd’s Register’s impressive presence

POSIDOnIA 2018

ICS Greek Branch

(L-R) n. Brown, A. Marsh, K. Smith (British Ambassador in Greece), n. Chani (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport ), T. Boardley, T. Stamatellos, L. Mountevans

LR's nick Brown presents AiP to Dr Chen Gang of SWS at Posidonia

n. Brown, A. Marsh

At Posidonia 2018 LR launched a new digital exhibition experience where visitors used a ‘pebble’ on an interactive table to explore the challenges and opportunities that topics such as the sulphur 2020 limit, zero emissions vessels and the IMO’s new greenhouse gas strategy will bring.

V. Marinakis, A. Marsh For every visitor that registered at (from Capital company) the interactive table LR donated to the Sailors’ Society to help fund the charity’s work supporting the world’s 1.6 million seafarers and their families.

The exhibition, along with LR reception before the event, provided the perfect forum to network and discuss the key trends and opportunities in the global marine and offshore industry with its clients.

Capital Ship Management presentation

Monday 4th to Friday 8th June, ICS Greek Branch participated as an exhibitor at Posidonia Exhibition, the largest gathering in the shipping calendar. Posidonia 2018 bided farewell to over 22,366 shipping industry professionals who visited the world’s most prestigious maritime event to meet, network and do business with more than 2,011 exhibitors from 92 countries deployed across 40,000 sqm at Athens Metropolitan Expo.

ICS was present at Hall 2, Stand No 2441, a meeting point for Greek ICS Members and Students from all over the world.

A significant amount of people came by our stand, were informed about the ICS Professional Maritime Programmes, ICS Qualification, the benefits of ICS Membership, and all the networking events planned ahead.

It was a great success and contributed significantly in promoting the ICS across the maritime industry.

ICS Greek Branch: “The Posidonia week is already a memory but its importance will be apparent for a long time to come and we are extremely pleased that ICS managed to participate and promote its principles, values and high standards once again.

Looking forward to Posidonia 2020!”

POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

DNV GL Hellas signs agreement with PPG Coating Hellas

(L-R) Till Braun, Market Development Manager, Jason Stefanatos, Senior Research Engineer, George Dimopoulos, Head of R&D and Advisory, Georgios Teriakidis, Regional Business Development Manager PPG: Tom Molenda, Global Director Marine Coatings, Ariana Psomas, Global Segment Manager Dry Dock and new Build and Eirinaios Petoumenos, Business Development Manager Marine

On 6 June 2018, a signing ceremony took place at DNV GL Posidonia booth.

DNV GL Hellas and PPG Coating Hellas signed an agreement to kick-off the new project on performance assessment of protective coatings.

Within this project DNV GL will utilise its engineering expertise and tools to provide an insight on the various coatings offered by PPG.

George Dimopoulos, Head of R&D and Advisory-DnV GL & Tom Molenda, Global Director Marine Coatings)

34 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

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Jotun Hellas attracts a greet number of visitors

Jotun’s excellent stand was once again at a very prominent position attracting a greet number of visitors.

As a sponsor, Jotun Hellas took the opportunity to present the new, innovative product of the company, the Tankgaurd Flexline and the new service, Seastock Management Solution at the Jotun Stand. Tankguard Flexline is a cargo tank coating with Flexforce technology that gives the vessels full flexibility to carry different cargo – vital when only aggressive cargo types are available. SeaStock Management Solution is the first offer of its kind in the market and entails that Jotun effectively assumes full management of its customers’ onboard maintenance. This encompasses condition surveys, full ordering and logistics, direct communication with vessels, business and technical reviews, optimizing products for individual requirements, and crew education.

Jotun Hellas is committed to creating innovative products and services that secure each and every need of the marine sector.

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The Aftermath

A successful week for Cyprus

Once again, Cyprus participated at the "Posidonia 2018" exhibition with a national pavilion, together with distinguished guests and professionals covering the whole spectrum of the Cyprus Shipping industry. The recently established Shipping Deputy Ministry was the proud coordinator of the Cyprus national pavilion, while the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency were co-exhibitors.

A dedicated team of Deputy Ministry officials was present throughout the week to provide information and guidance.

Many guests and visitors passed by the Cyprus pavilion and were informed about the Cyprus maritime cluster, the holistic support and services offered by the Deputy Ministry, the registration of ships under the Cyprus flag, the Cyprus Tonnage Tax System and the complete range of compelling advantages Cyprus has to offer.

On Wednesday afternoon, June 6, the Cyprus delegation welcomed friends, colleagues and guests to the exhibition stand for a cocktail reception.

The numerous distinguished guests were prominent figures from the Greek, Cypriot and international shipping community, financial circles as well as personalities from the political scene, who in a worm and hospitable atmosphere, enjoyed a lovely evening.

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HELMEPA’s stand busy as ever

HELMEPA took part in the Posidonia 2018 International Maritime Exhibition for the 18th consecutive time with a Stand, kindly offered by the organizers, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. During the Exhibition, HELMEPA’s Stand was visited by Admiral Evaggelos Apostolakis H.N, Commandant of the Armed Forces’ National Security Board, RADM John Nadeau, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, USCG, the Chairman Dr. G. Gratsos and Members of HELMEPA’s Board of Directors, the Chairman of INTERMEPA, Mr. Warwick Norman and numerous members and friends of HELMEPA.

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Palau International Ship Registry

Palau steadily growing and at Posidonia showed people why they need to be talking to them and what the benefits are of being with a registry committed to the future operations that will ensure global trade remains consistent. Growth is always associated with strength and they have that with their latest software and recruitment and it continues. Palau keeps track of any technological developments and regulatory changes from the International regulatory bodies to help remain at the forefront of the industry. Their goal is to become one of the world’s leading registries and ship owners and operators are recognising PISR has the infrastructure to support them in a Technology era. But before that they are real people. They were at Posidonia to assure the Greek and foreign ship-owners that Palau International Ship Registry stands with them as a reliable solution provider to face the challenges of the today’s demanding shipping market. They provide, consistency, reliability, responsiveness, quick turnaround of queries and around the clock services making Palau International Ship Registry stand out from other registries. For those wanting it straight from the horse’s mouth, Palau Registry was and in this years’ Posidonia and delighted to tell the world why they are both The SMART Registry and the one that as a ship owner you can rely on.

Besiktas Shipyard Besiktas Shipyard had an interest presence.

Alex Angelopoulos was there and looks happy!

POSIDOnIA 2018

MARICHEM MARIGASES: Strong presence at Posidonia

Once again, MARICHEM MARIGASES was strongly present at the biggest ever event in Posidonia exhibition’s history. The international group’s stand was an attraction for a large number of visitors and a fixed meeting place for already existing customers and partners from all over the world, fact particularly welcomed by the exhibitors. MARICHEM MARIGASES staff had the chance to forge their business relationships and renew deals with their partners, discussing with them in an amicable way and informing them about the latest actions and all newly launched products of the group. They were congratulated on the impressive construction and overall structure of the stand, but mostly on their genuine hospitality. With a clearly positive evaluation of Posidonia 2018, MARICHEM MARIGASES has already scheduled its biennial appointment with the international shipping community for 2020.

Phoenix Register It was a really strong and impressive presence at Posidonia.

“Phoenix Register” proved that the long trip that started some years ago, guides to the right and prosperous results.

Aris Arvanitakis and his partners are really working hard on it.

POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

Liberian Registry’s 70th year Anniversary attract big crowds at Posidonia 2018

The Liberian Registry enjoyed a very successful Posidonia 2018. Shipping companies accustomed to Liberia’s technological breakthroughs made no exception this time of the year and made all-time record visits to Liberia’s Posidonia stand to congratulate them on their 70th year anniversary as well as on our 1,100 vessels managed by Greek shipping companies and flying the Liberian flag.

Another factor driving big crowds at Liberia’s stand at the world’s leading shipping exhibition was the introduction of a range of cost-saving measures for owners and managers.

Liberia’s cost-saving measures are designed to help mitigate the burden and financial strain currently placed on owners and operators during the sustained economic downturn in the maritime and offshore sectors. Liberia’s stand at Posidonia was very popular with visitors wanting to hear more about these developments, which include a range of savings on operational expenses made possible by the Registry’s innovative approach to ship registration and certification.

Much discussion and inquiries were generated on the agreement between the Republic of Liberia and the People’s Republic of China designed to develop friendly relations between the two governments and to strengthen their cooperation in the field of maritime transport as Liberian shipowners and charterers will enjoy favorable treatment when calling at Chinese ports receiving a 29% discount for

S tands

each vessel’s port tonnage dues.

Major crowds were also drawn at the Ethiopian Maritime Training Institute stand. As the shipping industry searches for new long term reliable sources for highly qualified crew, the Ethiopian Maritime Training Institute (EMTI), based in Ethiopia, Africa, has experienced remarkable growth over the past several years and is becoming increasingly well-known throughout the international shipping community. This renowned marine academy is an operating subsidiary of YCF Manning, part of YCF Group, the parent organization of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR).

EMTI has very successfully showcased its portfolio of maritime training expertise to shipmanagers from Greece and abroad.

Sharing the Liberian stand with their partner Prevention at Sea Ltd., created stand congestion as visitors were eager to see first-hand the state-of-the-art software product designed to replace traditional paper oil record books (ORBs) and to facilitate correct ORB entries into an efficient electronic format, that is Liberia’s Electronic Oil Record Book (εORB), as well as with other innovative and safety related software products from their partners.

And as Posidonia is always a great opportunity for members of the Registry to visit with and renew valued relationships with clients and friends at numerous festivities throughout the week, staff from the Registry’s global network of offices, including its dedicated Piraeus base, were delighted to welcome attendees to the Liberian Registry’s stand at the Metropolitan Expo Center.

At this year’s event the Registry was honoured to welcome the Commissioner of Maritime Affairs of the Republic of Liberia James Collie, accompanied by Margaret Ansumana, Senior Deputy Commissioner, Yvonne Clinton, Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Scott Bergeron, CEO of YCF Maritime, and Tony Dupree, Vice President of Technical Department from Dulles’ headquarters.

As Michalis Pantazopoulos stated on an ever successful Posidonia exhibition “Liberia and Greece share a strong maritime tradition of successful cooperation dating back 70 years to the birth of the Liberian Registry. It is a source of great satisfaction to know that Greek owners today value the efficiency, safety and responsiveness of the Liberian Flag Administration. It is often said that it was the Greeks who gave birth to the Liberian Registry, and it is very gratifying to see how they have remained with us. We thank them for this loyalty and we remain strongly committed to supporting the interests of Greek Shipowners."

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POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

Green Awards

POSEIDON Marine Supplies will reward Green Award certified ships During the Posidonia Exhibition, The Green Award Foundation’s Chairman Captain Dimitrios Mattheou handed over a Green Award plaque to four companies: POSEIDON Marine Supplies, GAC Greece, FRANMAN Group and The Nautical Institute.

(L-R) Keita Shinohara, Certification Manager Green Award; Jan Fransen, Executive Director Green Award; Capt. Dimitrios Mattheou, Christopher Papachastas, CEO of Poseidon Marine Supplies; Katia Minardou, Corporate Communication Manager of Poseidon Marine Supplies; Michael Papachastas, Michael Leoutsakos, Group Sales Manager of Poseidon Marine Supplies

The Group of Green Award and Poseidon Marine Supplies at Poseidon Marine Supplies stand

POSEIDON Marine Supplies has joined the Green Award scheme to encourage safety improvement in shipping and will reward Green Award ships with discounts on its services and products.

The Green Award scheme is open for ships and ship managers striving for excellence and being able to meet the Green Award requirements that go beyond the industry regulations. Green Award certificate holders are rewarded for their efforts by over 120 ports and maritime related businesses all over the world.

POSEIDON Marine Supplies is a leading company in the fields of general ship supplying and fire-rescue & safety (FRS) inspection services. To encourage excellence and quality improvement in shipping, POSEIDON Marine Supplies will reward Green Award certified ships with additional discounts of the standard prices on ‘Total Care’ program, Dr ger instruments and tubes, FRS and lifeboat inspection services and general stores.

POSEIDON Marine Supplies was welcomed into the scheme by Green Award Chairman Capt. Dimitrios Mattheou, who handed over a Green Award plaque to Michael Papachastas, founder and CEO of POSEIDON Marine Supplies. “POSEIDON Marine Supplies has developed gradually and evolved over the last 42 years as a major and trustworthy partner of the shipping, both in Greece and worldwide,” Captain Mattheou said.

“Your decision to support Green Award, contributes greatly to the shipping industry. More specifically, your active involvement in the Green Award concept is vital to the accomplishment of our mission: To achieve the highest standards in terms of environmental performance and safety in shipping. Welcome on-board Poseidon team!”

GAC Greece joins Green Award Foundation Incentive scheme demonstrates commitment to environmental issues GAC Greece has become the latest GAC company to sign up to the Green Award (GA) Foundation’s scheme, underlining its commitment to environmental issues.

Under the scheme, GA-certified ships that use GAC's ship agency services at Greek ports can claim a 10% discount on the company’s agency fees. By joining the incentive scheme, GAC Greece demonstrated its commitment to applying and promoting measures to encourage green shipping.

40 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

The Green Award Foundation is a non-profit, independent international platform for the maritime industry to stimulate safer, cleaner shipping by supporting vessels that go beyond legally required standards. Participating ports and maritime service providers provide incentives for vessels through the scheme, to achieve a safer, greener and sustainable future.

The Green Award Foundation’s Chairman Capt. Dimitrios Mattheou officially welcomed GAC Greece to the scheme when

Green Awards

The Aftermath

POSIDOnIA 2018

he presented its participation certificate to Assistant General Manager Socrates Zorbas and Group Sales Director Neil Godfrey at the GAC stand at the Posidonia 2018 Exhibition.

Capt. Mattheou says: “We are delighted to have such a value-oriented company as GAC Greece on board. Its willingness to offer our members the incentive of a discount on its agency fees clearly demonstrates a commitment to improve standards in shipping. Environmental responsibility and safe operations are elements that fit very well with the values of the GAC Group.

“As well as promoting extra safe and extra environmentally-friendly shipping, Green Award is about creating a platform from which to help frontrunners get the recognition they deserve and a strong foundation for industry-wide joint maritime Corporate Social Responsibility. Again, a perfect match with our new incentive provider GAC (L-R) Green Award Executive Director Jan Fransen, Socrates Zorbas, neil Godfrey and Capt. Dimitrios Mattheou Greece.”

GAC Greece handles 600 calls by all kinds of vessels at the country’s ports every year. It is part of the George P. Fragos, GAC Greece’s Operations Manager, GAC Group, one of the world’s largest ship agencies with a says: “At a time when the environment is at the top of the long-standing reputation for quality service. GAC is a keen agenda for many, we are delighted to work with Green Award supporter of green initiatives, as evidenced by its Chairman’s to help its members save costs."

Awards for HSSE Excellence which rewards initiatives taken GAC Greece is the third GAC company in Europe to join the

by GAC companies to reduce their negative environmental Green Award incentive scheme. GAC Belgium and GAC impact and boost safety and security.

Netherlands signed up in 2015.

The Nautical Institute becomes Incentive Provider for Green Award The Nautical Institute is proud to be joining the Green Award scheme as an Incentive Provider to support an environmentally friendly maritime industry.

Green Award identifies and certifies ships that are extra clean, safe, demonstrate excellent performance and have gone beyond the legal standards. With over 900 ships certified, the Green Award is recognised throughout the industry as a quality mark. In joining over 120 ports and other maritime service providers in support of the initiative, The Nautical Institute now offers all Green Award members: • 10% discount of all Nautical Institute publications • Additional discounts on order of 10 or more books David Patraiko FNI, Director of Projects for The Nautical Institute and Chair of the Green Award Board of Experts said: “Professional development goes hand-in-hand with operational excellence, so we are pleased to offer these incentives to those dedicated to safety and environmental protection.”

(L-R) Jonathan Hunt, Assistant Manager Publications & Marketing, the nI; Bridget Hogan, Director of Publications and Membership, the nI; Capt. Dimitrios Mattheou, Capt. nikos Aslanis, Chairman of the nI Hellenic Branch, Jan Fransen, Executive Director of the Green Award and Peter Swift, Board member of the Green Award

JULY-AUGUST 2018 SHIPPING 41

POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

Green Awards

Green Award welcomes FRANMAN Group A new Green Award incentive provider FRANMAN Group made its participation in the environmental scheme known during the Posidonia man provides a wide range of services to the shipping industry, focused on shipbuilding equipment, spare parts, ship repairs, service, consulting and security services. All Green Award Certified ships are entitled to discounts on Ballast Water Treatment Equipment of DeNora, Hanla and Veolia / RWO, Kyma's Ship Performance equipment, Veolia / RWO Sewage Treatment Plant and Oil Water Separator, Kangrim Heavy Industries' Scrubbers and Taiyo's Electrical Propulsion Systems.

Green Award Chairman Capt Dimitrios Mattheou formally accepted Franman Group into the scheme. During an official ceremony marking this milestone, Capt. Mattheou handed the Green Award plaque over to Costis J. Frangoulis, President & CEO of Franman Group at their stand in the Posidonia exhibition and said: “Equipment represented by Franman Group contributes to (L-R) Jan Fransen - Green Award Executive Director, Capt. Dimitrios Mattheou, safety on board, while assisting in mitigating Costis J. Frangoulis negative effects on the environment and sea life.

Making shipping industry greener and safer is a major By joining the scheme, Franman helps further greening task and responsibility accepted by a number of the of the maritime industry and allows Green Award certifiindustry’s stakeholders. One of them is Franman Group, cate holders to benefit from their investments in extra which core business is the representation of First Class improvement. The more companies support quality Makers of Shipbuilding Equipment for merchant vessels ships through Green Award, the more extended effect and promotion of retrofit projcan be reached in making the ects for all the equipment that industry socially responsible and they represent. In order to prosustainable.” mote high values of safety, Costis Frangoulis, said: “As the company has joined the stated in our company’s motto, Green Award scheme. at Franman we are obsessed Green Award operates indewith the sea and with the vespendently and internationally sels that travel the sea. As such by surveying and certifying we can only but encourage and ships that meet standards support initiatives like that of going beyond those legally the Green Award that promote required by industry regulashipping sustainability and tors. Green Award certified advocate for a clean environships and ship operators comment in which the vessels of our ply with the highest safety and clients can safely and efficiently quality standards and are operate. We are thus honoured committed to the environmenand privileged to receive this tal responsibility. award and support the initiative Established in 1991, Franof the Green Award Foundation.”

By joining the scheme, Franman helps further greening of the maritime industry and allows Green Award certificate holders to benefit from their investments in extra improvement

42 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

Events

The Aftermath

POSIDOnIA 2018

Visit of the UK Shipping Minister and the British Ambassador at the ICS Greek Branch The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Greek Branch was very honoured to welcome the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, Nusrat Munir Ul-Ghani MP, and Her Excellency Kate Smith CMG, Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic to their premises on Tuesday 5th of June 2018, on the occasion of the official visit of Minister during the Posidonia Exhibition 2018.

The British delegation met with members of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Greek Branch and lecturers for both the Professional Qualification Examinations and The Queen Mary University LLM programme.

The Director of HMC/ICS Greek Branch Natalia Margioli, FICS welcomed the British delegation.

The Minister shared her vision for Maritime Britain, which was followed by a frank and friendly exchange of the issues facing both British and Greek maritime businesses. Mr Nicholas Tsavliris FICS, the Chairman of the ICS Greek Branch shared his opinions and experience of the relationship of the Greek shipping industry with the United Kingdom, whilst other members contributed with their thoughts about how this could be strengthened further. Both the British and

UK Maritime Minister, nusrat Ghani MP, Her Excellency Kate Smith CMG, Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, Samantha Cimpaye, Private Secretary to nusrat Ghani and natalia Margioli FICS, Managing Director ICS Greek Branch

Greek delegations agreed that professional education with an in-depth knowledge of English law is an essential for a career in the maritime sector, especially for those considering working at sea.

Simon Ward FICS Director URSA S&P S.A. and nicolas Tsavliris FICS Chairman ICS Greek Branch

Delegates during the Meeting

POSIDOnIA 2018

The Aftermath

Events

ICS Greek Branch as a supporter of “The Day Star Book Drop Project” Event The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Greek Branch had the honor to be part of an important charity venture – together with Simon Ward and Ursa Shipbrokers ‘’The Day Star Book Drop Project’’. The purpose of the project was to liberate unloved books to promote the education of shipping professionals in the developing world.

This was the idea of Simon Ward, ICS Member & Lecturer, who traveled to Mombasa earlier this year to teach young shipping professionals. He realised that the resources that were most in need and most helpful to aspiring shipping professionals were books. He decided to ask his friends in shipping for unwanted or surplus books so that he could send them to where they are wanted and needed. This party was to collect these books and reward those in the shipping community who had already donated generously to support this project.

Simon Ward, FICS, Director URSA S&P S.A. and a lecturer at the ICS Greek Branch and natalia Margioli FICS, Managing Director ICS Greek Branch

The event took place on 21st June at Polychoros Simeion, Piraeus. More than 200 guests attended the party, amongst them ICS Members, students and friends which resulted in over 400 books being collected. They will all be shipped to Mombasa and other ICS branches in the developing world as donations from companies and individuals. This is for the benefit of all shipping industry: better educated professionals in all parts of the world.

Events

The Aftermath

POSIDOnIA 2018

Cyprus at the centre of global attention The Cyprus Shipping Chamber held its 29th Annual General Meeting on 31 May 2018, at the “Four Seasons” Hotel, in Limassol.

The General Meeting attracted the interest of the International Shipping Industry with the attendance of high calibre speakers, confirming thus, the recognition that the Cyprus Shipping Industry enjoys on both a local and global scale. Addresses at the Meeting were given by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary General Kitack Lim and the President of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, Themis Papadopoulos.

In his speech, the President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiadis, addressed to the valuable contribution of the Shipping Chamber, for almost 30 years now, in the substantial upgrading and promotion of Cyprus Shipping. He also noted that the creation of the independent Shipping Deputy Ministry, in conjunction with targeted actions will lead to the further development and enhancement of the Cyprus Flag and Shipping Industry.

The IMO Secretary General, Kitack Lim in his address noted that he considers Cyprus a great success story in Shipping internationally and a major player in the Maritime world. In addition, he made particular reference to the commendable work of the IMO and the Shipping Industry to move towards an even “Greener” International Shipping Industry.

The delegations of the General Assembly concluded with the address of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber President, Themis Papadopoulos, who made special reference to the creation of the independent Deputy Ministry of Shipping, thus looking forward to a “new era” for Cyprus Shipping. In addition, he stressed the importance of lifting the Turkish Embargo on Cyprus ships, noting

Thomas Kazakos, Kitack Lim, nicos Anastasiades, Themis Papadopoulos

that it would provide a strong impetus for the further development of the entire Cyprus Maritime Cluster. On the occasion of the presence of Kitack Lim, he also referred to the efforts of the Cyprus Shipping Industry to implement the recent IMO decision, to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the industry’s recommendations for the effective implementation of the important goals set.

The General Meeting was also attended by the Shipping Deputy Minister of Cyprus, Natasa Pilides, for the first time, after the commencement of the Shipping Deputy Ministry and by State and Government dignitaries, Political Party representatives, Members of the House of Representatives, Diplomats, representatives of Professional Organisations and Members of the Chamber.

WISTA Cyprus holds its annual dinner 2018 WISTA Cyprus (Women's International Shipping and Trading Association), held its’ annual dinner on 15th June, 2018. The dinner was held at the premises of Carob Mill restaurants, where the Board of the association welcomed almost 150 guests, members and friends, from both International and domestic shipping, making it a great success.

In her welcoming speech, Anna Vourgos, made reference to the various achievements of the WISTA Cyprus members in 2018. In particular, the appointment of two of its members as Ministers, Vasiliki Anastasiadou to the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works and Natasa Pilides to the Deputy Ministry of Shipping. Mrs. Vourgos also expressed the association’s gratitude toward all its member or their support and dedication which drive WISTA Cyprus to constant new heights.

Mrs Vourgos announced that the selected charity of WISTA Cyprus for this year was EUROPA DONNA CYPRUS and welcomed its president Evi Papadopoulou to receive the donation Evi Papadopoulou and Anna Vourgos

and deliver a short address.

In his speech that followed, Costas Iakovou, Permanent Secretary of the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Shipping, addressed the audience and congratulated WISTA Cyprus on the vital role it plays in the Cyprus shipping scene and reiterated the Deputy Ministry’s support to its work.

Closing, the association also expressed their gratitude to all supporting organisations and sponsors who made the event possible.

SHIP FINANCE

The evolution of finance – unlocking business value from within

By Nikos Markakis*

The following elements form a new level of playing field for the Finance role in the future.

• Digital age • We are called to manage and analyze huge amount of data from diverse sources.

• Automation is happening everywhere with increasing technological leaps (internet of things), which require close management, follow up and someone to lead.

• Complexity of teams • Teams are transforming to multifunctional, diverse, without geographical boundaries group of individuals required to operate in a harmonious way.

• Generations and cultural gaps are on top of every day’s agenda irrespective of globalization.

• Endless number of collaboration tools need to be harnessed for better team alignment.

• The traditional CFO is asked to act more as a Chief performance officer (CPO) • Increasing regulatory compliance mandates • Challenged traditional ideas of what Finance can bring to the table apart from prudency.

Value added approach One of my ex-bosses could be blunt, brutal and brilliant. He once summed up what he wanted from the company’s Finance function in typically straightforward, hard-hitting fashion.

“We don’t need a bunch of reactive accountants telling us what the figures are… we can see that ourselves!” he said, adding: “What we need are proactive business oriented finance people that can assist us create those figures. To achieve that they need to go beyond their ‘figures and excel sheets’ and embrace the business, understanding its opportunities and challenges, and, where possible, seeing synergies.”

Challenges He was, of course, completely correct. In today’s market, especially within the volatile shipping sector, Finance is required to help drive decision making by actively supporting, framing and implementing organizational strategy. It is not a standalone function, it is an essential organ to the well-functioning corporate body.

46 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

Traditionally the shipping industry has seen Finance as a way of getting access to financial markets and supporting the payments and revenues of the company. In addition, the increased regulatory compliance mandates, and setup of complex internal control systems, have shifted the focus, overlooking the significant role of the Finance Function of Business Partnering to create value. But there is so much more to offer. Cash flow management, access to the markets, and controls and compliance are, of course, still fundamentally important to the health and well-being of the business. They are the foundation upon which success can be built.

But the function can unlock value by adopting an approach that encompasses the following, amongst other, central tasks: • Evaluating performance in terms of storytelling. Is the story the numbers are telling the same as the story the organization (especially Sales) wanted to deliver?

Is that in line with the overall business strategy? How do we interpret any deviations between these two or

SHIP FINANCE

•

•

•

•

more stories? What actions do we decide to take?

Assessing the mix of products and services sold and how they affect not only the profitability, but also the company’s strategy and brand.

Working knowledge of variance analysis tools is essential here.

Learning to look ahead rather than backwards. We need the rear view mirror, but 95% of our focus in terms of Financials must be on the future.

So we need to shift our view and look through the windscreen. Engage and move the organization to a planning, forward -looking cycle.

Strategic modeling, with financial analysis of complex and multivariable issues can support decision making with embedded sensitivity analysis.

Agree upon, build and support easy to understand KPIs and dashboards utilizing current digital signature technologies.

First of all, trust must be built. It’s all about people and their agendas. Finance does not have, and should not have, an agenda of dictating to the company what must be done, but instead should build respect and awareness of its expertise by allowing other departments room to operate

Enabling success However, a critical question must be addressed: What do we need to do in order to achieve this kind of business interaction between Finance and the rest of the company’s individual teams?

• First of all, trust must be built. It’s all about people and their agendas. Finance does not have, and should not have, an agenda of dictating to the company what must be done, but instead should build respect and awareness of its expertise by allowing other departments room to operate. The motto should be ‘I am here to put my expertise into your (i.e. sales) hands, saving you time and effort and helping avoid mistakes. By doing so we can create value together’.

• Develop financial support systems that have one goal: to enable decision making at all levels without the need for in-depth financial expertise throughout the organization.

• Start telling the stories the numbers describe. Develop the business background and everyday interaction that can give the story credibility and understanding.

• Develop understanding of how shipping macroeconomics work, through job training. I have always said to my colleagues, “how can you support decision making for a dry dock if you haven’t spent significant time at a dry

dock site?” Sector knowledge and understanding is key.

• Develop soft skills and competencies, like communication abilities. How to present and show complex issues in a clear and easy to understand way (i.e. using single page presentations with the minimum use of numbers).

• People understanding and management skills. The era of hard management is over. By punishing mistakes we have only made it clear that we don't want people to risk trying new ideas. A learning organization encourages mistakes, as long as we learn from them, and we have the right processes to do so. Give autonomy, have an open-door policy and provide the tools and environment so that everyone is, and stays, self-motivated.

There are some key principles that must not be forgotten in

this process of change: • Listening is the foundation of influence • Spending time to prepare how to communicate financial analysis is as important as doing the analysis itself • Make things as simple as possible, but not simplistic • In a multivariable world the power of analysis is overestimated - 10% more accuracy may not be worth the effort. We cannot control everything and have to be brave enough to trust our instincts at some point There are challenges as well as opportunities on the horizon, many due to increased digitalization and access to data, which can unlock real insight, but also requires careful management and leadership. However, with the necessary commitment, approach and the development of soft skills to support hard analysis, the Finance function can successfully evolve to become a key driver of value creation within any business. Corporate values such as Jotun’s – loyalty, boldness, care and respect – can be key to underpinning that success. Even my old boss couldn’t argue with that. *Nikos Markakis, 47, has been the CFO of Jotun Hellas Ltd for the last nine years. He has enjoyed a long career in Finance, working in diverse multinational / multicultural environments for more than 20 years. When not at work he enjoys spending time with his wife and six year old daughter, as well as surfing and off-road motorcycling.

JULY-AUGUST 2018 SHIPPING 47

INTERVIEW

John Gauci-Maistre:

“The Eu must act in the interest of its Maritime Stakeholders" “I am pro-EU, but it is disappointing when EU regulations and bureaucracy do not act in the interest of its maritime stakeholders," says John Gauci-Maistre, organiser of the Malta Maritime Summit.

The European Commission’s approval of Malta’s tonnage tax system last February – which came under fire in 2011 and triggered a long and complicated investigation – is welcome but still a sore point, said John Gauci-Maistre, CEO of GM International Services Ltd, and the organiser of the Malta Maritime Summit.

Following the investigation, it was found that Malta’s tonnage tax procedure was, by and large, in line with the Commission’s maritime guidelines issued in 2004, which state that income derived from maritime transport vessels, such as containers, bulk carriers and general cargo, are not sub48 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

ject to further tax. The vast majority of vessels registered under the Maltese flag fall under this structure.

“We had a tonnage tax legislation which was no different to that of any other jurisdiction, fully approved by the EU, and either due to certain bureaucratic shortcomings or because competition among flag states within the EU is getting tougher, we were under investigation for a very long time. I was personally very disappointed, and we suffered a lot because of it,” said Gauci-Maistre. “I am pro-EU, but it is disappointing when EU regulations and bureaucracy do not act or perform in the interest of the EU and its maritime stakeholders. In the words of the famous Onassis, ships have propellers: touch them and they leave. A ship can operate from anywhere in the world, it doesn’t need to be in the EU – so why scare it away?”

Despite the setback, Malta’s merchant ship registry continued to grow. In 2017, it registered a growth of over 8 per cent, and with 75.2 million registered gross tonnes, it remains the largest registry in the EU and the sixth largest globally. Gauci-Maistre asserted that the industry’s success today goes back to its very beginning, when the Merchant Shipping Act was passed unanimously in parliament in 1973, establishing a solid foundation.

“Since then, there has never been political disagreement between parties on Malta’s maritime sector, and both the industry and the authorities showed that they were there to listen any time there was an issue. From then on, Transport Malta has been – and remains – a listening ear, and tries to accommodate without jeopardising safety. In fact, we have a reputation for being a bit too strict, but even though the ship owners complain, they respect us for it.”

Gauci-Maistre added that, with regards to fiscal advantages, Malta is more or less on the same platform as other countries which have an open registry like Malta’s. “The biggest issue we have is that, since we’ve been growing steadily over the years, we’ve automatically been creating adversaries within the EU, which are targeting the same sector and which see us as a threat to their tonnage.”

Malta’s yachting industry has also been growing steadily, and in 2017, a 97 per cent increase was recorded in the number of new registrations. Gauci-Maistre said that while the figures are certainly encouraging and the yachting industry has come a long way, it is still facing difficulties of its own.

“One important issue which we will be discussing at the Malta Maritime Summit this October is Blue Flag marinas. We talk a lot about Blue Flag beaches, but what about striving to

INTERVIEW

Photos by Alan Carville

achieve Blue Flag status for our marinas? I’d like to see us get to the stage where the yacht owner and the marina regulator are on the same page, where one knows they’re entering a marina which follows regulations on one hand, and where there’s zero tolerance for pollution, waste dumping and sub-standard vessels on the other, making the marina suitable for swimming.”

With 45 years of experience in this sector, Gauci-Maistre asserted that the maritime industry is a dynamic one that is constantly changing, and therefore a more proactive approach is needed from all stakeholders to remain ahead of the competition. “We’ve always had the full support of the authorities, but the biggest concern is that success could make us rest on our laurels, which is risky. The registry has to remain, at all costs, avant-garde and it has to think ahead in all sectors related to the industry, be it environmental, managerial, related to regulation, crewing, port automation or cyber security.”

Automated ports are gaining traction the world over – one of the largest automated container terminals worldwide, the Shanghai Yangshan Deep Water Port, began trial operations last December. Gauci-Maistre said this is where the industry is heading, as it enters a phase of digitalisation, both for ship owners as well as ports.

“If a port is automated but a ship isn’t, then it won’t be allowed in. On the other hand, if a ship is equipped with an automated chip but the port isn’t adequately geared up, it cannot enter the port. Another concern is cyber security – if a cyberattack takes place while a ship is sailing in remote locations, it is powerless,” he explained. “A ship’s ability to reduce emissions also comes into play here – if a ship enters the harbour but the port doesn’t have a shore supply powerful enough to help it switch off its generator, then the ship owner

cannot be blamed for polluting if the port isn’t adequately equipped to help it. Ships need to be run and cargo needs to be delivered, so all parties need to ensure they’re in sync in order for the industry to operate at optimal level. They’re challenging times, but very interesting times too.”

The second edition of the Malta Maritime Summit, which will be held between 1st and 5th October, will be addressing these issues and more, and will follow the success of the first edition, which took place on the eve of Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2016.

Gauci-Maistre said that, as international players in the maritime industry, it is fitting that Malta hosts a summit of this kind as other maritime countries do. But although it is being held locally, it is not about Malta. “It’s an international summit, and the theme this year is ‘The voice of the industry’. The aim is to be as diplomatically provocative as possible with heated yet constructive debate, and for questions to be answered,” he explained. “We need to address issues and call a spade a spade, which is why we’ve created a system where delegates can ask questions anonymously and without fear of repercussion.”

The summit will raise questions about the impact and effectiveness of the 2017 Valletta Declaration, the impact of Brexit on the EU maritime economy, the value of the EU’s maritime policy in light of a demanding and successful industry, the environmental sustainability of automation in the industry, and whether banking regulations, due diligence and demands are stifling economic growth. Speakers will include, among others, Nigel Lowry, Greece Correspondent at Lloyd’s List; Mohamed Zaitoun, President and CEO of Zaitoun Green Shipping Ltd; and Angelo Scorza, from online maritime and transport economics magazine, Ship2Shore.

Malta Maritime Summit 2018 is an international summit, and the theme this year is ‘The voice of the industry’

Source: The Malta Business Observer

JULY-AUGUST 2018 SHIPPING 49

SAFETY IN SHIPPING

A complete monitoring system to enhance safety

Marichem Marigases Fire, Rescue & Safety Division’s primary objective is to achieve ultimate customer satisfaction, through proactive service planning and dedicated technical support. Our experienced staff has engaged to abide by the latest SOLAS requirements, keeping up to date with all new regulations and guidelines, thus ensuring your vessels’ maximum conformity at minimum cost.

To this end, a reminder system of previously assigned jobs has been developed to preserve safety and compliance of your vessels. Three months before the expiry date of the Fire Fighting and / or Life Saving certificates currently existing on

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board, you receive a notification about the forthcoming expiration in writing. This way, we enable you to reduce the occurrence of costly inspections and other mandatory safety operations, which are often a result of handling last-minute assignments to inconvenient and expensive ports.

By joining us, you will be able to experience the tangible benefits of your cooperation with Marichem Marigases Fire, Rescue & Safety Division. Not only will you untangle yourselves from the necessity to be on the alert for due date safety operations, as this service is offered by us free of charge; you will also have the opportunity to receive the most competitive prices for major and minor ports of call, given the elimination of time constraints.

Upon receipt of our notification message, all you have to do is to provide us with a list of your vessels’ upcoming calls and we will revert with our sharpest offer, prioritizing the most cost wise and convenient port to render our services. Thus, we can guarantee proper monitoring and follow-up of your certificates’ status, while at the same time, cost-cutting becomes feasible.

Marichem Marigases Fire, Rescue & Safety Division is here to take safety to the next level. We are looking forward to receiving your enquiries and introducing you to our ways.

Being safe has never been easier!

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Capital Link’s Forum

Featuring industry leaders exchanging views on the future of shipping Kitack Lim, Secretary General, Imo – Keynote Speaker Capitalizing on the long established track record of organizing highly successful large scale maritime conferences in major industry centers around the world, “Capital Link’s 6th Biennial Analyst & Investor Day Shipping Forum” took place on June 4, 2018 with huge success attracting 1200+ participants. The Forum was organized in cooperation with Nasdaq and NYSE. The Forum featured as panelists industry leaders from the Greek and global shipping communities, the Global Shipping Heads of major shipping banks, top investors and analysts.

There were sector roundtable discussions dedicated to the dry bulk, tanker, container, LPG and LNG sectors, as well as panel that discussed opportunities across all sectors. The Forum also addressed issues of critical importance for shipping, such as access to and availability of capital, bank and alternative finance, the impact of technology and new regulations.

It was a great privilege for Capital Link that Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was the Keynote Speaker of the Forum. Kitack Lim was introduced by Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, IMO SecretaryGeneral Emeritus; Chairman – "Maria Tsakos" Foundation.

The Forum opened with Welcome Remarks by nicolas Bornozis, President - Capital Link, who stated: "New regulations, particularly those on environmental compliance, technological innovation, new geopolitical trends and an evolving financial and trade landscape are among the challenges the shipping industry is facing today."

Container Shipping Moderator: Mark O’neil, President & CEO - Columbia Marlow & Panelists: Aristides Pittas, CEO – Euroseas Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESEA), Ian Webber, CEO – Global Ship Lease, Inc., George Youroukos, CEO – Poseidon Containers

PAnELS & PRESEnTATIOn TOPICS

Bank Finance Moderator: Richard Brand, Partner - Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP & Panelists: Harris Antoniou, CEO – Amsterdam Trade Bank N.V., Joep Gorgels, Global Head Transportation & Logistics Clients – ABN AMRO, Vassilis Maroulis, Managing Director, Head of Greek Shipping – Citi, Kristin H. Holth, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Ocean Industries – l Energy – Maritime – Seafood – DNB Bank ASA, Claudia Herrmann, Head of Origination Maritime Industries, Deputy Global Head of Maritime Industries – NORD/LB

Dry Bulk Shipping Moderator: James Johnston, Senior Analyst - Braemar ACM Shipbroking & Panelists: John Dragnis, CEO – Goldenport Holdings Inc., John Michael Radziwill, CEO – Goodbulk, Philippe Louis-Dreyfus, Chairman – Louis Dreyfus Armateurs S.A.S.; Former President – BIMCO, Stamatis Tsantanis, CEO – Seanergy Maritime Holdings (NASDAQ:SHIP), Spyros Capralos, Chairman – Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:SBLK)

LnG / LPG Shipping Moderator: Espen Landmark Fjermestad, Shipping Equity Research – Fearnley Securities & Panelists: Tony Lauritzen, CEO – Dynagas LNG Partners LP (NYSE:DLNG), Paul Wogan, CEO – GasLog Ltd. (NYSE:GLOG), Stavros Hatzigrigoris, CEO - Maran Gas Maritime Inc., Harry Vafias, CEO – StealthGas (NASDAQ:GASS), Christos Economou, Founder & CEO – LNGShips, Oceanus, TMS Cardiff Gas

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Tanker Shipping Moderator: nick Brown, Marine & Offshore Director Lloyd's Register & Panelists: Jerry Kalogiratos, CEO – Capital Product Partners (NASDAQ: CPLP), Vassilis Kertsikoff, Vice Chairman – Eletson Holdings, Daniel Xu, Shipping – Tanker Sector – ICBC Leasing, Eddie Valentis, CEO – Pyxis Tankers (NASDAQ: PXS), Robert Burke, Partner & CEO - Ridgebury Tankers, George Saroglou, COO – Tsakos Energy (NYSE: TNP) Capital Markets, Private Equity & Alternative Finance Moderator: Panos Katsambas, Partner – Reed Smith & Panelists: Christa Volpicelli, Managing Director & Head of Maritime Investment Banking – Citi, Jim Cirenza, Managing Director – DNB Markets, Inc., nicolas Duran, Partner, Head of Asset Backed Finance at IBD – Fearnley Securities, Paulo Almeida, Portfolio Manager - Tufton Oceanic Ltd., Michael Weisz, President - YieldStreet

KEYnOTE ADDRESS: Introduced by: Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, who stated: “Times are not easy for IMO; under political and environmental pressures, the global regulator of shipping must stand strong. Our speaker is a prominent leader, with a strong hand and sense of humor. Kim reminded us that creating a levelplaying field for all members has been the major achievement of IMO. He crosses land and see, across the world, delivering speeches, playing golf and cutting ribbons. His 10year office promise even better days for IMO.” Kitak Lim stated: “Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. IMO’s mandate was limited to safety-related issues, but expanded to embrace modern considerations: legal issues, technical cooperation, maritime security that affect efficiency of shipping. Currently, we have 145 member states; IMO’s work contributes to regulatory framework updates and, thus, affect day-to-day operations of shipping companies, including investment decisions. That's why the entire industry must know what goes on in the IMO and have a role in that. All issues discussed here today are covered by IMO’s regulatory frameworks.

This year is our 70th anniversary; it is a most important year. We have to be keen to look into the future. Technological and other challenges and disruptions will be abundant; the shipping world must move fast and adapt quickly. IMO will continue its contribution to global sustainable development, and thus send a clear signal to investors, and technology and research innovators.”

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Industry Challenges & The Road Map Ahead Geopolitical, Regulatory & Market Developments Affecting Shipping & The Industry’s Response Moderator: Ioannis Chiotopoulos, Regional Manager South East Europe, Middle East & Africa – DNV GL – Maritime Panelists: Anastasios Papagiannopoulos, President – BIMCO; President – Common Progress Company Navigation, Panos Laskaridis, President - European Community Shipowners Associations; CEO - Lavinia Corporation Laskaridis Shipping Company Ltd., John Platsidakis, Chairman – Intercargo; Managing Director – Anangel Maritime Services, Inc., Dr. nikos Tsakos, Chairman – Intertanko; President & CEO - Tsakos Energy Navigation (NYSE: TNP) Anastasios Papagiannopoulos, stated: “On the topic of how realistic the objective of cutting down greenhouse emissions to 50% of the 2008 baseline is, there is a misconception that shipping companies try to avoid the implementation of the regulations, however all the major organizations have accepted them and have put forward important strategic targets. There is no attempt to avoid the implementation of the regulations of the IMO, and in particular BIMCO has its own strategic targets for the implementation of regulations.

Panos Laskaridis stated: “Main challenges on the implementation of the environmental regulations from the European side will be: *What will happen in terms of the upcoming digitalization; *The social agenda;*Streamlining and simplification of all the complicated procedures in Europe along the marine industry;*Environmental issues;*Sulfur in fuel *CO2: that he believes we have to support and push through *Europe should start supporting the shipping industry more especially in the implementation of the regulations instead of putting more obstacles *The competitiveness on the European deep water fleet (that constitutes 75% of European shipping). * This is an extremely important issue because there is a lot of value in Tramp/deep water fleet which carries 40% of the world’s trade. * When implementing the environmental regulations the problem is that people who know what they are talking about trying to convince people who don’t know what they are talking about and a lot of these regulations are politically motivated and the promises are not realistic. * Additionally, in order to witness actual reduction of CO2, there is a need for change to a carbon-free fuel, for operational measures to be considered, and also talk about speed optimization.”

John Platsidakis stated: “When investing on shipping, one invests on uncertainty; it is like trying to read the future and to

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guess all the parameters that all together affect shipping.

The main concern is what comes next in terms of regulations since as long as the regulations are pragmatic and reasonable they are okay. Shipping will be mostly affected by these 3 regulatory topics: •Ballast water treatments; the installation of the system is a cost of the owner so it will be in consideration of the cost and the age of the ship, which means that some ships will have to go to scrub.

•0.5 Sulfur; there is a concern that there will not be an adequate supply of it. The IMO has not committed to make it available and this is an issue. The bargain process for the decision on the specifics of the regulations, like the percentages to be implemented, is also questioned and there is great importance of explaining to the world that the real issue might not be the shipping companies, but the users and the usage as well when it comes to environmental regulations.

•CO2 production; this is something determined by the charters, the destinations, the routes and not decided by the companies, but other bodies that are not actually involved in the implementation of the regulations and this is something one-sided as they should be taken into consideration as well.

Dr. nikos Tsakos stated: “Sanctions and protectionism are not good for shipping and we look at it in a negative effect, and it holds more of a negative effect for cargo and crude ships. I believe that when it comes to tankers there is a silver lining, and I am hoping these sanctions won’t bite an already weak market. On the topic of running for scrubbers, we will not be doing that, especially since there are not enough scrubbers for us to run for.”

The Future of Shipping - Risks & Opportunities A high-level discussion by leading shipowners on the evolution of the shipping industry, the main industry drivers, opportunities and challenges for the shipping industry across the board. Shipping markets outlook, energy and commodity flows, investment opportunities, access to capital, the impact of technology, operational and regulatory challenges and more.

Moderator: Sofia Kalomenides, Partner, Central & Southeast Europe Accounts, Capital Markets Leader – EY Panelists: Evangelos Marinakis, Chairman – Capital Maritime & Trading Corp., George Economou, Founder & CEO – DryShips Inc; Chairman – Ocean Rig, George Prokopiou, Chairman – Dynagas LNG Partners LP, Petros Pappas, CEO – Star Bulk Carriers Evangelos Marinakis stated: “As per the order book, on the dry cargo side, is almost 10% of the fleet. This is low a figure, given the market conditions in the last 10 years that were not favorable for dry. If this continues, we are heading up for much better times. As for the containers, some markets have suffered and went through tremendous changes.

Order book is as low as 12%, yet there was massive scraping. Prices went up 15-20% depending on sizes. For crude

side, we saw massive ordering in VLCCs lately; this didn't help the market, as did the drop in OPEC’s oil production. ” George Economou stated: “Sector-wise, tankers will be strangling, bulk carriers are on the rise with good profits for 34 years as long as China keeps increasing its demand in iron ore. China accounts 7% or iron ore transports. Rest of commodities are spread out. Containers are on the rise; trade here evolves compared to 5 years ago, although they are not the best size. We have new types of vessels, like for LNG. All other markets will grow; the only thing that can change, on the downside, is China. Never forget the wrinkle effect: if one suffers, someone else smiles. The offshore drilling market was hit too hard compared to other markets. Equities lost were immense. All believe that oil price is the predominant factor to get thing going; this is partially correct.”

George Prokopiou stated: “My suggestion is to try and implement all 3 solutions (scrubbers, low sulphur content fuels, slow speed). They can all be implemented from day 1, so that no one loses face, and thus we reduce air pollution from day 1. We promote none, only all three together can deliver.

Ship owners should have the option to follow what they think fits best. As for the future of shipping, I am scared to make predictions. Shipping is here to stay. Innovation, risk taking and new ideas is key. Last 5,000 years of shipping in Greece assure all of us it will thrive for a long time. Now we face the risk of losing our advantage vs our friends from the East. ” Petros Pappas stated: “For public companies, consolidation is important because it makes them more enticing for institutional investors. We see that banks lend money easier to big companies. Most important, a big company finds better human capital. Consolidation is not everything; it is important, but smaller companies will not be phased out soon.

My view of the market is the rest of 2018 will be good. It started slower than expected. 2nd half will be stronger. 2019 will be a bit slower, given there will be lots of supply. As per 2020, I disagree with colleagues. Environmental regulation will help shipping in many respects.

I have no crystal ball for the future of capital raising. What we like in dry now, is that it comes from the entire world. We also have Mr. Trump; he is a businessman, so he is bluffing.

He will strike an agreement with China, positive for shipping.

Also, iron ore will increasingly come from Brazil and coal from Australia, S. Africa and US. Unless we have a trade war, things will go well for a few years.”

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YES to Shipping Forum – A new success for its second edition

(L-R) Capt. Dimitris Bezantakos, George Procopiou, Danae Bezantakou, Ioanna G. Procopiou, Alexandra Procopiou, Athina Martinou

YES to Shipping Forum, took place with great success last day of the international maritime exhibition “Posidonia 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 Athina (nounou) Martinou, the Great Lady of Greek Shipping, dragging participants’ attention.

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 Theodore Veniamis, Athina Martinou, Capt. Dimitris Bezantakos, Danae Bezantakou

(L-R) Danae Bezantakou, George Teriakidis, nikolaos Veniamis, Katerina Stathopoulou, Ioanna G. Procopiou, George Procopiou, Anastasios Papagiannopoulos, George Papagiannopoulos, Basil Sakellis

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, 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

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maximizing the benefits; economic, social and strategic for our country. " 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 Anastasios Papagianopoulos, President of BIMCO, and George Prokopiou, Head of Dynacom Group. Mr. 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, 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 George Teriakidis, Regional Business Development Manager - DNV GL, coordinating Nikolaos Veniamis CEO - Starboard Shipping and Trading, Director - GOLDEN UNION, Ioanna Prokopiou Managing Director - PROMINENCE MARITIME SA & SEA TRADERS SA, George Papagiannopoulos, Principal - COMMON PROGRESS COMPANY NAVIERA S.A. and Vassilis Sakellis Managing Director - ALASSIA NEWSHIPS MANAGEMENT INC. Georgios Teriakidis urged young people to take advantage of the many opportunities they are given today through technology and internet. 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. George Papagiannopoulos pointed out the human factor and stressed how it will remain decisive for bulk shipping while Mr. Sakellis considered that young people should not opt for money but to seek knowledge and experience. 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 Katerina Stathopoulou, Executive Director - INVESTMENTS AND FINANCE LTD. and the panel consisted of 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, Petros Kokkalis Local Councilor for Local Growth & Entrepreneurship, Piraeus Municipality Co-Founder Aephoria.net - BlueGrowth Initiative, Markos Kiosseoglou Cofounder and Board Member - Reload Greece and Michalis Foustanos Director - Greek Shipping Miracle.

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, was coordinated by George Xiradakis, Managing Director of XRTC BUSINESS CONSULTANTS LTD. & President of THE PROPELLER CLUB (PORT OF PIRAEUS) was composed by Athena Kanellatou Regional Director - MACGREGOR, Dorothea Ioannou Chief Commercial Officer SCB Inc., Manager - American P & I Club, Costas Kontes General Manager - V.Ships Greece Ltd., Costis Frangoulis CEO FRANMAN GROUP and Wanda Costopoulou, Managing Director - ARKAS HELLAS. Concluding this very successful second edition YES Forum, 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.

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Liberia underlines commitment to seafarer wellbeing on IMO Day of the Seafarer The Liberian Registry has underlined its commitment to protecting the welfare of seafarers on the occasion of the International Maritime Organization’s Day of the Seafarer, which this year takes ‘seafarer wellbeing’, and mental health in particular, as its theme.

Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, “Our seafarers are the lifeblood of our industry. Without them, shipping is nothing, and yet their commitment and efficiency is such that Scott Bergeron the industry is sometimes in danger of taking them for granted. It is therefore right that IMO should dedicate a specific day each year to recognise this remarkably dedicated workforce, and to highlight the issues they face on a daily basis.

“The Liberian Registry is dedicated to protecting the welfare of seafarers and to ensuring that the maritime industry maintains its commitment to promoting greater understanding of

mental health concerns and awareness of the issues facing all onboard personnel. There are over 270,000 active seafarers who are certified by Liberia, of which nearly 100,000 are currently employed on Liberian-flagged ships.

In addition, Liberia has taken a leading role in ratifying, implementing and overseeing the application of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006).

“Everything we do, from our everyday operations to the ongoing development of technical innovation, is designed with the interests of our seafarers in mind.

Moreover, our MLC 2006 training programme for Liberian inspectors includes a module on seafarer welfare, developed in co-operation with The Mission to Seafarers, an organisation with which the Liberian Registry enjoys an excellent and highly productive relationship.

“In addition, The Ethiopian Maritime Training Institute (EMTI S.C), part of YCF Group, the parent organisation of LISCR, has successfully trained thousands of cadets and officers, who are now employed on vessels around the world. LISCR also manages the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI), which opened earlier this year.

“Whatever advances are made in shipping over the coming years, the maritime workforce will remain the industry’s biggest and most valuable asset. Liberia is dedicated to protecting the interests of that workforce, on IMO’s Day of the Seafarer and on every other day.”

Marshall Islands aims to resolve Shipping Industry's safety concerns The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has submitted a paper to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Intersessional Working Group (ISWG) on the consistent implementation of the 2020 global fuel oil sulphur standard under MARPOL Annex VI. The submission, which was co-sponsored by the Republic of Liberia, the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO), the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO), and the World Shipping Council (WSC), is intended to assist the ISWG in developing guidelines on the implementation of regulation 14.1.3 of MARPOL Annex VI. 56 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

The regulation limits sulphur in fuel oil to 0.50% when operating outside of designated Emission Control Areas (ECAs). It was decided at the 70th session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) to retain 01 January 2020 as the effective date for the shift to the 0.50% global fuel oil standard. The MEPC issued Resolution MEPC.280(70) to affirm this decision. Additionally, recognizing concerns expressed regarding the implementation of this fuel oil standard, MEPC 71 agreed to establish a new output on what additional measures may be developed to promote consistent implementation of the 0.50% global fuel oil standard.

The RMI's submission to the IMO provides technical information focusing on safety implications and challenges associated with using new fuel oil blends compliant with the new

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0.50% sulphur fuel oil standard. The technical information, detailed in the Annex to the submission, aims to cover a wide range of safety aspects associated with the switch to 2020 fuels such as potential issues with blend components, stability, compatibility and other fuel oil parameters. All of these issues are viewed as having the potential to negatively impact fuel and machinery systems. Accordingly, the technical information also touches upon operational and technical measures to address risks during fuel switching, tank cleaning and fuel system arrangements (heating capacities and tank segregation). The information is intended to facilitate informed decision making as the ISWG addresses preparatory and transitional issues.

The co-sponsors also recommend that any consequential regulatory amendments and/or guidelines necessary to address the safety issues raised in the submission are brought to the attention of the MEPC at its next session in October 2018. Likewise, it is also proposed that any potential safety implications resulting from new blends or fuel types should be reported to the next session of the Marine

Safety Committee (MSC) in December 2018.

Theo Xenakoudis, Director, Worldwide Business Operations, International Registries, Inc. (IRI), said: "This paper allows the shipping community to have a voice in the development of rules that shape our industry. We are happy to be the catalyst for smart regulation that has been crafted with careful consideration from everyone it effects.

Shipowners in particular will bear the impact of this transition and this will hopefully resolve some of the concerns about the regulation."

Theo Xenakoudis

SMARTer ships are the future of shipping There is no turning back says PISR CEO SMART ships will continue to be the driving force for the new decade as technology puts the control and management of shipping onto a new level and there is no stopping this and nor should there be, according to Panos Kirnidis, CEO of Palau International Ship Registry (PISR).

The registry has been developing its own unique technologies for its fleet and this is one of the reasons it was called the fastest growing registry in the world in 2017. Panos Kirnidis believes there is still some reticence to accept technology by some registries.

“There is no escaping technology in shipping and we believe it is essential that everything we do with shipping comes from technology. We have taken a strong position in supporting increasing use of technology and blending this to work with people in the shipping world. Paper chats and certificates have long gone and everyone needs to adopt a smarter and more accessible way of working because there are real benefits to be gained.”

PISR has been at the forefront of an IT drive and Panos Kirnidis recognises the threats of cyber-security as an even stronger reason to adopt robust and reliable IT systems.

“Rather than shy away from technology and become fearful of increasing hacking and related cyber-crimes, the shipping world need to work together to demonstrate that we have the solutions. Technology is much more than just security for

ships: it’s also about operational excellence both for shipping operations and the way in which seafarers behave in everyday work situations. We must not forget that the role of the human in shipping is still very much a part of the world.

“We have a Deficiency Prevention System (DPS) operating through a dedicated department monitoring all Palau ships so they can reduce deficiency and casualty rates. I want to see more technology Panos Kirnidis BEng, MSc - CEO of PISR adopted to ensure the maritime sector remains safety and environmentally compliant. We are not in an age of full autonomous operation – and even when that arrives we will still need seafarers in one capacity or another – but we are on the cusp of sailing into an IT shipping world that will benefit us all and we must grab these opportunities now.”

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REPORTAGE

Oldendorff Carriers partners with Erma First for BWTS

niklas Richter and Konstantinos Stampedakis

In 2004, the IMO adopted a new “Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments”. The purpose of this new convention was to control the harmful effects of unwanted or invasive species being transported in ships’ ballast water.

After a review of the different Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS), Oldendorff Carriers has decided to partner with ERMA FIRST. Oldendorff Carriers made a review of the approved BWTS including visiting some manufacturing facilities, the review included; regulation compliance, capital cost, energy requirements, anticipated operating costs, space requirements, simplicity to manage and availability.

ERMA FIRST is headquartered in Greece; they impressed Oldendorff Carriers with their professional method of addressing our questions and concerns. The ERMA FIRST BWTS FIT is USCG type approved and IMO approved for nearly all water types. Their BWTS is simple, flexible, and suit-

able for small and large ballast-pump capacities. It also has a small footprint and a low power consumption.

During ballasting, the water goes through the filter, where organisms and sediment (with a diameter larger than 40 microns) are separated and further discharged overboard.

The filtered water enters the Electrolytic Cell. Naturally, from the chlorides of the water, free chlorine is produced through the electrolysis process at a very low concentration (around 4-6 mg/L). The treated water then, enters the ballast tanks.

During de-ballasting, the system will only monitor the residual oxidants and will further intervene if necessary. The main stages of the system (filtration and disinfection) are bypassed.

Niklas Richter, Project Manager of the Oldendorff Carriers Green Ships Department commented, “We have had an internal task force working on BWTS for two years, during this time we have thoroughly investigated many systems, particularly those with US Coast Guard approval. We were very impressed with the professionalism of ERMA FIRST and are very pleased to partner with them on the BWTS project.

Although the fitting of BWTS is not yet compulsory, we plan to fit a trial ERMA FIRST system in July 2018 and start fitting many of our owned vessels in 2019 to have time to train and implement the system before vessels are required to comply with the regulations.”

Konstantinos Stampedakis, ERMA FIRST Managing Director commented, ‘Working with such a professional and high quality shipping company such as Oldendorff Carriers, promoted the quality of our equipment and services. We have undertaken a great challenge which we will fulfill at the most professional and efficient way.

Cyprus Shipping Chamber issues Cyber Security advice The Cyprus Shipping Chamber, noting the increased concerns of its Members and the Shipping Industry in general with regards to Cyber Security threats, developed a new version of a cyber security document for shipping companies with the intention to create further awareness of the threats and provide guidance to its Members, as a follow up to the first Cyber Security Case Study it published in August 2017.

Given that there are already a number of available guidance documents issued from various sources, the Chamber once again decided to issue guidance in the form of a Case Study.

The Vulnerability Management Case Study was prepared to 58 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

illustrate how a Member-company of the Chamber that is a Technical-Operations Manager and Crew Manager approaches the concept of vulnerability management both onboard and ashore. This is achieved in the form of replies by the Member-company to a number of questions posed to them. The Member-company replies were then enhanced with general considerations and advice on cyber security.

It should be recognised that this Case Study is not an allinclusive or exhaustive guidance or evaluation and that it is a dynamic document which will be updated with latest developments on cyber security as they become available.

REPORTAGE

Jotun simplifies customers’ marine onboard maintenance with unique SeaStock Management Solution Jotun has launched an innovative solution that brings simplicity, predictability and optimal quality to the process of marine onboard maintenance.

SeaStock Management Solution will see Jotun effectively assuming full management of its customers’ onboard maintenance. This encompasses condition surveys, full ordering and logistics, direct communication with vessels, business and technical reviews, optimizing products for individual requirements, and crew education. It is the first offer of its kind on the market.

Commenting on the service launch, Habibe Escobar Meléndez, MSc. DryDock & SeaStock Concept Manager in Jotun explains: “Onboard maintenance is an essential but specialized area that requires time, understanding and commitment.

Often conducted in difficult conditions, by crew that may lack sufficient training, there is a risk of poor quality application – leading to premature corrosion – and excessive paint consumption. Then of course there is the commitment from management required to order, monitor and optimize the process to achieve the best efficiency, costs and results.

With SeaStock Management Solution Jotun effectively takes on board all this responsibility and professionalizes the process to achieve optimal results. This reduces hassle, frees up time and resources and, importantly, improves the condition of the assets. The solution gives complete predictability in terms of costs and allows our customers to focus on what they do best, running maritime businesses, while we focus on what we do best – protecting people and property with world leading solutions. It is a simple way to tackle what can be a complex and costly process.”

The revolutionary solution is tailored to meet individual customer needs. For a set lump sum Jotun takes full control of a company’s ‘paint locker’ and ensures a mix of the best products, while educating relevant crew members, to achieve the best quality finishes, prolong maintenance intervals and achieve significant cost savings.

Speaking about the new arrangement, a major ship management company in Singapore, which has been piloting the concept, comments: “We value Jotun’s effort to further strengthen their partnership with us through their SeaStock Management Solution. This program is helping us optimize the onboard maintenance of our fleet, have better

budget control and improve the condition of our vessels.

We have reduced consumption by 15% compared to 2016, minimized the number of deliveries and simplified the product assortment resulting in smoother handling from the office and by the crew. Thanks to the quarterly business and technical reviews provided, and the close follow up from Habibe Escobar Meléndez MSc. DryDock Jotun, we are always informed & SeaStock Concept Manager in Jotun and in control.”

A spokesperson from DS Tankers in Germany adds: “We have tried SeaStock Management Solution with some of our tanker vessels. So far, paint consumption has been reduced by 17% compared to the previous year and by 11% compared to vessels on a conventional SeaStock contract. We have more control on our yearly spend and we get much closer follow up. We have therefore decided to continue and add more vessels to the program.”

Jotun, which provides coatings for some 25% of the world fleet, also assigns a professional in-house team to manage each customer and monitor coating condition and quality.

“This gives peace of mind in the harshest of environments, both operationally and commercially,” concludes Escobar Meléndez. “It provides a full picture of costs and ensures predictability, while slashing management and administration duties. There is a clear market demand for this kind of innovative solution, and we’re proud to be the first paint company to provide it.”

Jotun is the number one marine coatings supplier globally with an extensive worldwide delivery network. SeaStock Management Solution is available to the market now.

REPORTAGE

Schulte Group affirms long-standing commitment to Cypriot shipping sector in meeting with President of Cyprus

The Chairman of the Schulte Group, Dr. Heinrich Schulte, underlined his long-term commitment to the Cypriot shipping industry when he met with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Nicos Anastasiades, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, on June 11th, 2018.

Dr. Schulte was accompanied by his son Johann Schulte, Yiannis Sykas, CEO of newly formed Hanseatic Capital Management, and Charis Charilaou, Director of Bernard Schulte (Cyprus) Ltd. At the meeting, H.E. President Nicos Anastasiades expressed his sincere gratitude towards Dr. Schulte for his invaluable contribution to the country’s shipping industry.

Dr. Schulte first set his foot in Cyprus in 1972 and established Hanseatic Shipping Co, now known as Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), the first shipmanagement company on the island.

He was one of the founders of the Cyprus’ maritime scene and contributed significantly to the development of the shipping sector as an important industry for the country’s economy.

“We recognise the success of BSM in Cyprus would not be possible without the strong support from the country in the past 46 years. We are grateful and honoured,” Dr. Schulte highlighted. Symbolic gifts were exchanged to show gratitude for the contributions from both the country and the Organisation.

As part of the meeting agenda, the delegation took the opportunity to provide an overview of the Group’s latest developments and future outlook. One of the highlight development and major investment in Cyprus this year is the recent launch of Hanseatic Capital Management, a specialised fund manager for maritime real assets.

The delegation also had the chance to exchange views on various current affairs concerning the country with the President of the governing Democratic Rally (DISY) party, Averof Neofytou.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for the delegation to communicate directly with the country’s leaders and for the Schulte Group to work hand-in-hand with the Cyprus government to contribute further to Cyprus’ shipping industry.

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

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 60 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

REPORTAGE

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.

(L-R) Airam Diaz Pastor, Theodora Riga - MedCruise BoD member responsible for relationships with other Associations, Kerry Anastassiadis

USCG report confirms Liberian Registry’s stellar PSC record The Liberian Registry has seen a 62 percent reduction in vessel detentions in the United States over the past three years and, for the fifteenth year in a row, is not among those flags targeted by the US Coast Guard (USCG).

Alfonso Castillero, CCO of the Liberian Registry, says, “Despite efforts made by other flags to confuse the industry, the USCG 2017 Annual Performance Report for Port State Control (PSC) makes it clear that, far from being targeted by the US Coast Guard, Liberia continues to provide effective, quality compliance solutions for its fleet. Liberia is not on the list of USCG-targeted vessels.”

The Liberian Registry continues to improve its PSC performance year after year, and currently has the fourth most vessels of any flag state enrolled in the USCG’s Qualship 21 programme. In addition, it is White-Listed by the Paris MoU and the Tokyo MoU. Indeed, it had the lowest detention rate of all major flags (1.67%) in the 2017 Paris MoU. It has also recorded a 20% reduction in detentions over the last three years under the Tokyo MoU, thanks to a 2% detention ratio change during that period which is the biggest positive increase among all major flags in the Tokyo MOU. In China, meanwhile, Liberia has achieved a 41% reduction in detentions thus far in 2018 compared to last year and is the only major flag able to show a decrease in detentions over the past three years in China. Finally, in Australia, there has been a 49% reduction in detentions of Liberian-flag ships over the last three years and a 6.4% detention ratio change over that period which is the biggest positive increase of all

major flags in Australia.

Alfonso Castillero says, “With the use of a fully staffed Risk Assessment Department at its US head office, and an automated LRIT-based Compliance Assistance Program, the Liberian Registry works with its clients to ensure that their vessels are wellprepared for port calls in the world’s high-focus jurisdictions, and that any issues are properly reported and addressed.

“This is one reason why the registry has seen such an impressive increase in growth recently. Owners have ben- Alfonso Castillero efited tangibly from Liberia’s SeaSafe System and Compliance Assistance Program, without additional cost, and this has helped us expand into new markets. For example, last year we were the fastest growing flag in South Korea, a new and expanding market for us. In China we have had opened three new offices simply to keep up with demand. And valueadded services such as SeaSafe help us maintain our position as the largest open registry in Greece.

“The Liberian Registry continues to invest in improving and maintaining quality, working closely with owners and managers to keep their vessels operating safely and efficiently.

Out Port State Control record shows how effectively this is working, both in the US and elsewhere around the world.”

JULY-AUGUST 2018 SHIPPING 61

POSIDONIA 2018 / DEBATE

ABS brings together industry titans to discuss the future of LNG Technology, spot rates, shale gas and sector prospects drive the conversation at Posidonia

John Angelicoussis, Peter Livanos, George Procopiou, Christopher J. Wiernicki, Michael Tusiani

Shipping industry giants debated the future of LNG Shipping at ABS’ high-profile panel discussion held at the start of Posidonia 2018.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Angelicoussis Shipping Group John Angelicoussis; Executive Chairman of Gaslog Ltd. Peter Livanos; Chairman of Dynacom Tanker Management Ltd. George Procopiou; and Chairman Emeritus of Poten and Partners Michael Tusiani joined ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki for a two-hour discussion: The Future of LNG Shipping: What Matters Most? held at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.

The exclusively-assembled panelists offered keen insights on a wide range of issues from the business case for investing in LNG, to the impact of shale gas, the prospects for charter and spot rates and future technological trends.

“What we heard today is that LNG has a bright future, and this came directly from the owners and operators who have a decisive role in delivering that future,” said Wiernicki. “ABS is a global leader in LNG, and we have a proud record of investing in developing solutions that help the sector deliver on its significant potential.”

Michael Tusiani opened the discussion stating: “The LNG shipping market has evolved as the value and size of the trade has increased. Larger vessels are now the standard, charterers are moving toward shorter-term periods and the spot market is growing. New owners are moving into the sector, so the question is how much experience will matter to charterers and will they be willing to pay for it.”

John Angelicoussis said: “LNG was an antiquated industry until 2005: what other sector used steam this century? We were a very traditional industry that got better very quickly.

Now we have reached a plateau, but the new projects will 62 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

continue. The gas demand is increasing; there may be a supply/demand mismatch in the short term, but more vessels will be needed than we think.”

Peter Livanos said: “It is inevitable that LNG will be the primary fuel source for marine transport. We need to address the lifecycle of existing assets and bunkering infrastructure which is acting as a brake on adoption, but this should accelerate. The train has left the station and cannot be stopped.”

George Procopiou said: “The LNG shipping business is going through an evolution which is tracking the growth of the commodity and the services around it are becoming commoditised. Natural gas is becoming much more widely appreciated and used; we are in a macro growth trend, it will be one of the main energy sources of the future.”

Wiernicki added: “LNG has done a lot of the heavy lifting in the shipping industry for more than a decade and the improvements in performance have been dramatic. Now we have seen a maturing in the rate of technological change and going forward we will see efficiency gains in how companies use data and digital tools to track the performance of their equipment and assets, and this is where the next big gain will be made across all of shipping not just LNG.” ABS is a global leader in LNG. As well as being a class leader for LNG carriers, ABS maintains the largest global orderbook for the classification of LNG Carriers. To support the industry in the development of floating storage and regasification units, ABS released its Guide for Building and Classing LNG Regasification Vessels. ABS and GasLog LNG Services Ltd. also completed a joint development project demonstrating a new approach to evaluating LNG boil-off rate. Thanks to this innovative approach, owners are now able to better predict boil-off and account for it in future designs and operation of LNG carriers.

ΜΕΤΑΞΥ ΜΑΣ

Στερνή μου γνώση... Όταν, το 2004, γινόταν η πρώτη συνάντηση της Cosco με την κυβέρνηση του Κώστα Καραμανλή, λίγοι περίμεναν ότι το σχέδιο για την παραχώρηση του ΟΛΠ στους Κινέζους θα ολοκληρωνόταν. Οι αντιδράσεις ήταν μεγάλες, ακόμη και μέσα στους κόλπους της Νέας Δημοκρατίας, καθώς οι ιδιωτικοποιήσεις δεν ήταν (και εν πολλοίς δεν είναι ακόμη) μέρος της κουλτούρας των ελληνικών κομμάτων. Ο Καραμανλής επέμεινε και ανέθεσε στον τότε υπουργό Γιώργο Βουλγαράκη την -πράγματι επικίνδυνηαποστολή. Ο υπουργός πήρε το ρίσκο και, παρά τις αντιδράσεις, η συμφωνία πήρε το δρόμο της. Έμελλε, ωστόσο, να ολοκληρωθεί με τις υπογραφές μιας κυβέρνησης της αριστεράς, καθώς ο πρωθυπουργός Αλέξης Τσίπρας και ο τότε υπουργός Ναυτιλίας Θοδωρής Δρίτσας υπέγραψαν φαρδιά-πλατιά την παραχώρηση του ΟΛΠ στους Κινέζους για 50 χρόνια! Από τότε, η Cosco άλλαξε τα πάντα στο λιμάνι. Και πρόσφατα, μάλιστα, προχωρεί στην εξαγορά της OOCL-Orient Overseas Container με έδρα το Χονγκ Κόνγκ έναντι 6,7 δισεκατομμυρίων δολαρίων. Οι κάτοχοι (και) του ΟΛΠ είχαν εκδηλώσει το ενδιαφέρον τους έναν χρόνο πριν, όμως υπήρχαν αντιρρήσεις τόσο από την κινεζική Επιτροπή Ανταγωνισμού όσο και από την Επιτροπή Ξένων Επενδύσεων στις ΗΠΑ (CFIUS), οι οποίες τελικά κάμφθηκαν. Με την εξαγορά αυτή, η Cosco ισχυροποιείται ακόμη περισσότερο στον διεθνή χώρο και καθίσταται ένα από τα "μεγαθήρια" στον τομέα της, καθώς η OOCL δραστηριοποιείται σε τακτικές γραμμές μέσω Ατλαντικού, Ειρηνικού, μεταξύ Ασίας-Ευρώπης και σε ενδο-ασιατικές μεταφορές με έναν στόλο 32 πλοίων μεταφοράς εμπορευματοκιβωτίων. Με την ως άνω εξέλιξη, η μεταφορική δύναμη του στόλου της Cosco θα φθάσει τα 3.100.000 εμπορευματοκιβώτια, αν υπολογιστούν και τα υπό ναυπήγηση πλοία, με αποτέλεσμα να πλησιάσει σε απόσταση αναπνοής την MSC, που διαθέτει δύναμη 3.300.000 εμπορευματοκιβωτίων. Αν όλα εξελιχθούν ομαλά, η Cosco θα βρεθεί στην τρίτη θέση της παγκόσμιας κατάταξης, υπερφαλαγγίζοντας την γαλλική CMA CGM, η οποία συμμετέχει στην κοινοπραξία που απέκτησε το 67% του ΟΛΘ και επίσης, θα δημιουργήσει σημαντικές οικονομίες κλίμακας, κάτι που αποτελεί το κύριο χαρακτηριστικό των γιγαντιαίων επιχειρήσεων του κλάδου. Παράλληλα, εδώ, στον Πειραιά, η Cosco ετοιμάζεται να δώσει νέα ώθηση στον προβλήτα Ι του ΟΛΠ, ο οποίος μέχρι τώρα υπολείπεται σε κίνηση των δύο άλλων προβλητών. Οι Κινέζοι υπολογίζουν ότι ο προβλήτας θα μπορέσει να διαχειρίζεται 1.000.000 εμπορευματοκιβώτια. Σήμερα, οι προβλήτες Ι και ΙΙ στοχεύουν σε συνολική χωρητικότητα 6.200.000 εκατομμύρια εμπορευματοκιβωτίων. Αν επιτευχθεί και ο στόχος για τον προβλήτα Ι, θα ξεπεράσουν τα 7.000.000! Οι αριθμοί αυτοί δείχνουν καθαρά, ότι ο Πειραιάς αναπτύσσεται με ταχύτατους ρυθμούς και οι Κινέζοι τρίβουν τα χέρια τους! Κι εμείς δεν ξέρουμε αν θα πρέπει να χαιρόμαστε ή να διερωτώμεθα: "Γιατί τόσα χρόνια δεν τα κάναμε μόνοι μας όλα αυτά; Γιατί έπρεπε να δοθεί το λιμάνι σε ξένα χέρια;"... Δυο λόγια μόνο για όλα αυτά: "Στερνή μου γνώση, να σ' είχα πρώτα"...

Λέττα Δημοπούλου - Μακρή JULY-AUGUST 2018 SHIPPING 63

ΛΟΞΗ ΜΑΤΙΑ

Η κρουαζιέρα, το Γιώτινγκ και η πραγματικότητα του Δημήτρη Καπράνου

Πολύ καλά κάνει η Νέα Δημοκρατία και ασχολείται με τα θέματα της Ναυτιλίας, της Κρουαζιέρας και του Γιώτινγκ. Είναι τομείς από τους οποίους η εθνική οικονομία εισπράττει οφέλη και μπορεί να εισπράξει ακόμη περισσότερα... Προχθές, στον Ναυτικό Όμιλο Ελλάδος, ο Τομέας Τουρισμού της ΝΔ οργάνωσε ημερίδα με θέμα "Κρουαζιέρα-Θαλάσσιος Τουρισμός-Λιμενική Πολιτική. Αρκετός ο κόσμος, μεταξύ τους και νέοι άνθρωποι, πρώην υπουργοί και στελέχη, μια σύναξη που πρέπει να ήταν ιδέα του δραστήριου Θεόδωρου Κόντε, πεπειραμένου στελέχους της κρουαζιέρας και μέλους του αρμοδίου Τομέως της ΝΔ. Ακούσαμε τους καλούς μας πολιτικούς να αναλύουν σχέδια και προοπτικές, να μας λένε ότι πρέπει να φέρουμε στην Ελλάδα τα πλοία-γίγαντες (και πού θα τα βάλουμε;) ότι πρέπει να προχωρήσουμε σε παραχωρήσεις (στους ξένους, εννοείται) και άλλων λιμένων (ήδη οι μαρίνες έχουν πάρει το δρόμο για την... ξενιτιά) και ότι πρέπει να υπάρξει πλήρης απελευθέρωση στην κρουαζιέρα και το γιώτινγκ, ώστε να έχουμε όσο πιο πολλά σκάφη αναψυχής και όσο πιο πολλά κρουαζιερόπλοια γίνεται στην Ελλάδα! Ακούσαμε και το γνωστό τροπάριο "είχαμε έτοιμους τους Νόμους αλλά δεν προλάβαμε να τους περάσουμε γιατί έπεσε η κυβέρνηση" και τα περί του ότι "τις λύσεις μπορεί να τις δώσει μόνο το κόμμα μας όταν έλθει πάλι στην εξουσία"... Κι αφού ακούσαμε πολλά αλλά χωρίς να μας πουν το "κάτι" που περιμέναμε, καλούν στο βήμα τον "πατριάρχη" της ελληνικής κρουαζιέρας Ανδρέα Ποταμιάνο. Και μιλάει ο άνθρωπος για επτά-οκτώ λεπτά και "τα λέει όλα" και τον χειροκροτούν θερμά όσοι ξέρουν και όσοι έχουν πραγματικά ασχοληθεί με τα θέματα του κλάδου. "Για σταθείτε, δεν φταίει για όλα ο ΣΥΡΙΖΑ, αλλά όλες οι κυβερνήσεις. Κάνατε τα χατίρια των συνδικαλιστών και από 27 ελληνικά κρουαζιερόπλοια δεν έμεινε ούτε ένα! Πόσα βρήκε ο ΣΥΡΙΖΑ, αλήθεια; Φωνάζαμε ματαίως για την ανταγωνιστικότητα του πλοίου. Πληρώναμε τεράστιους μισθούς ενώ οι άλλες σημαίες, είχαν λιγότερο από το μισό μας κόστος. Θέλετε πολλά πλοία και πολύ κόσμο στα νησιά μας. Για να μαζέψετε τί; Τότε, ο επιβάτης πλήρωνε 250300 δολάρια την ημέρα στο βαπόρι και σήμερα ούτε 50! Τότε είχαμε ελληνικά πληρώματα και ελληνική φιλοξενία. Οι επιβάτες αποχαιρετούσαν με δάκρυα τα ελληνικά μας πληρώματα και ξανάρχονταν. Πού είναι σήμερα αυτή η φιλοξενία; Κι εγώ σας λέω ότι πάνε δέκα μαζεμένα στη Σαντορίνη. Πού θα τον βάλετε τον κόσμο; Λέτε να παραχωρήσουμε τα λιμάνια. Φτάνουν οι ξένοι! Δώστε φορολογικά κίνητρα να τα δουλέψουν Έλληνες! Λέτε να ξαναζωντανέψει το Πέραμα. Προχθές ψάχναμε καραβομαραγκό για ξύλινο σκάφος και μας είπαν ότι ζει μόνο ένας, στη Σαλαμίνα! Αν θέλετε κρουαζιέρα, επιστρέψτε στην ελληνική φιλοξενία! Κάπου πήρε το μάτι μου τον Παναγή Λοβέρδο, ιστορία ζώσα της κρουαζιέρας και τον Μιχάλη Λάμπρο, "μετρ" του είδους. Δεν τους άκουσα να μιλήσουν, αμφιβάλλω αν οι ομιλητές τους γνώριζαν. Ευτυχώς που μίλησε ο "απόλυτος cruise manager" Γιώργος Σταθόπουλος και ανέπτυξε σωστά το θέμα. Αμφιβάλλω, όμως, αν τον πρόσεξε κανείς...

64 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

Νίκος Γερασίμου: Η Ναυτιλία χρειάζεται τους Νομικούς Συνέντευξη στη Λέττα Δημοπούλου-Μακρή "Εγώ, για να σου πω την αλήθεια, δεν πηγαίνω σε καμιά συνάντηση δίχως να έχω μαζί τον δικηγόρο μου". Μου το εκμυστηρεύθηκε μεγάλος και σπουδαίος πλοιοκτήτης, από εκείνους που λέμε "αυτοδημιούργητους". Και μάλιστα, όπως μου διευκρίνισε, είχε μαζί τον δικηγόρο του σε εποχές που η ναυτιλιακή δικηγορία δεν είχε ακόμη αναπτυχθεί στη χώρα μας. Τότε, που μόνο δυο-τρία δικηγορικά γραφεία στον Πειραιά είχαν ρίξει το βάρος τους αποκλειστικά στον Ναυτιλιακό χώρο. Με τα χρόνια, η Ναυτιλιακή Δικηγορία απέκτησε τη θέση που της ταίριαζε και μάλιστα ένας από τους διακεκριμένους και πρωτοπόρους στο χώρο της (Β. Σαραντίτης) έγινε και υπουργός Ναυτιλίας, ενώ ένας άλλος σημαντικός εκπρόσωπός της (Γρ. Τιμαγένης) έγινε πρόεδρος του ΝΑΤ. Ο Νίκος Γερασίμου, εκπρόσωπος της νεότερης γενιάς της Ναυτιλιακής Δικηγορίας, διατηρεί σήμερα ένα από τα πλέον οργανωμένα Ναυτιλιακά Δικηγορικά Γραφεία. Έχει αναπτύξει ιδιαίτερη δραστηριότητα, διοίκησε μεγάλους οργανισμούς και επίσης, αναπτύσσει αξιόλογη κοινωνική δραστηριότητα σε

διάφορους χρήσιμους για την κοινωνία και τη Ναυτιλία φορείς. Σε μια συνέντευξη-ποταμό στο "Shipping", ο Ν. Γερασίμου έρχεται να απαντήσει σε μια σειρά καίριων ερωτημάτων: • Ποιά είναι τα κύρια ζητήματα στη λειτουργία της σύγχρονης ναυτιλιακής επιχείρησης και της παγκόσμιας ναυτιλίας; • Ποιά είναι η θέση της ελληνικής ναυτιλίας στο διεθνές προσκήνιο; • Ποιές είναι οι συνέπειες της ανάπτυξης και εφαρμογής της ψηφιακής τεχνολογίας στις ναυτιλιακές επιχειρήσεις; • Είναι χρήσιμο ή εφικτό να δημιουργηθεί στην Ελλάδα ναυτιλιακό cluster; • Χρειάζεται η ναυτιλιακή βιομηχανία την ναυτιλιακή δικηγορία; • Οι Έλληνες ναυτιλιακοί δικηγόροι είναι επαρκείς για την αντιμετώπιση των σύγχρονων ναυτιλιακών προβλημάτων; • Είναι ικανοποιητική σήμερα η ανάπτυξη και λειτουργία της ναυτικής διαιτησίας στην Ελλάδα όσον αφορά στην επίλυση διεθνών ναυτικών διαφορών; Η συνέχεια επί των σελίδων...

JULY-AUGUST 2018 SHIPPING 65

ΣΥΝΕΝΤΕΥΞΗ

Ποιά είναι σήμερα τα κύρια ζητήματα στη λειτουργία της σύγχρονης ναυτιλιακής επιχείρησης και της παγκόσμιας ναυτιλίας; Η σύγχρονη ναυτιλιακή επιχείρηση έχει ριζικά αλλάξει τα τελευταία χρόνια. Έτσι, από την πλεύση με κουπιά, στη συνέχεια με ιστία, έπειτα με ατμό, έχουμε φτάσει στη ναυτιλία της ψηφιακής τεχνολογίας. Η εξέλιξη της παγκόσμιας ναυτιλίας, όμως, συνοδεύεται τα τελευταία χρόνια από έναν καταιγισμό διεθνών νομοθετικών κανονισμών, κυρίως στα ευαίσθητα ζητήματα του θαλασσίου περιβάλλοντος, ενώ εξακολουθούν να την χαρακτηρίζουν δύο διαχρονικές σταθερές. Η πρώτη είναι ότι οι θαλάσσιες μεταφορές συνιστούν τον πιο φιλικό και φθηνό τρόπο μεταφοράς των εμπορευμάτων, εξυπηρετώντας το 90% του παγκόσμιου διαμετακομιστικού εμπορίου και η δεύτερη ότι πρωταγωνιστές αυτής εξακολουθούν να είναι οι Έλληνες πλοιοκτήτες και ο ελληνικός εφοπλισμός. Στην ουσία της ερώτησής σας τώρα, η σημερινή σύγχρονη και διεθνοποιημένη ναυτιλιακή επιχείρηση αντιμετωπίζει τα παρακάτω βασικά περιβαλλοντικά ζητήματα που κυρίως είναι: α) Η στρατηγική του Διεθνούς Ναυτιλιακού Οργανισμού (IMO) για τη μείωση των εκπομπών αερίων του θερμοκηπίου με σκοπό τη σταδιακή απεξάρτηση της ναυτιλίας από τον άνθρακα, υιοθετώντας το 2018 μια φιλόδοξη στρατηγική μέσω των αποφάσεων της Επιτροπής Προστασίας Θαλασσίου Περιβάλλοντος (MEPC 72). β) Οι εκπομπές οξειδίου του θείου και η μετάβαση στο νέο καθεστώς. Ως προς το ζήτημα αυτό να επισημάνω την απόφαση του IMO τον Οκτώβριο του 2016 για την εφαρμογή από 01/01/2020 ανωτάτου ορίου 0,5 % περιεκτικότητα σε θείο στα ναυτιλιακά καύσιμα. Εδώ υπάρχει ανησυχία της ναυτιλιακής κοινότητας για τυχόν διαθεσιμότητα των scrubbers που θα τοποθετηθούν μόνο σε μικρό ποσοστό του παγκόσμιου στόλου μέχρι το 2020, καθώς και για την δυνατότητα της βιομηχανίας διύλισης να προμηθεύει τη διεθνή αγορά με επαρκείς ποσότητες συμβατών καυσίμων χαμηλής περιεκτικότητας σε θείο. γ) Η διαχείριση του θαλασσίου έρματος. Όπως είναι γνωστό, η Διεθνής Σύμβαση για τη Διαχείριση Θαλασσίου Έρματος των Πλοίων (Ballast Water Management Convention – MWMC) έχει τεθεί σε ισχύ, που πρακτικά σημαίνει για την εφαρμογή της ότι οι ναυτιλιακές εταιρείες θα πρέπει να λάβουν κοστοβόρες σημαντικές επενδυτικές αποφάσεις για τον υπάρχοντα στόλο τους, ώστε να συμμορφωθούν με την παραπάνω Σύμβαση. δ) Η ανακύκλωση πλοίων. Εδώ, θα πρέπει να επισημάνουμε την Διεθνή Σύμβαση του Χονγκ Κονγκ (International Convention For the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships – HKC 2009) για την ασφαλή και φιλική προς το περιβάλλον ανακύκλωση πλοίων. Η Σύμβαση αυτή καθορίζει τις αναγκαίες προϋποθέσεις που διασφαλίζουν ότι τα πλοία που έχουν ολοκληρώσει τον οικονομικό τους κύκλο οδηγούνται σε ανακύκλωση σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο κάτω από ειδικές φιλικές διαδικασίες ανακύκλωσης. Η κύρωση της Σύμβασης αυτής γίνεται πιο σημαντική ενόψει του Κανονισμού της Ε.Ε. που θα ισχύσει στο τέλος του 2018 και αφορά την ανακύκλωση των πλοίων επιτρέποντας στα πλοία με σημαία κράτους – μέλους της Ε.Ε. να διαλυθούν μόνο σε ναυπηγεία ανακύκλωσης που είναι εγκεκριμένα από την Ε.Ε., τα οποία όμως επί του παρόντος έχουν 66 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

ανεπαρκή χωρητικότητα και δεν μπορούν να ανταποκριθούν στη ζήτηση διάλυσης πλοίων με σημαία κράτους – μέλους της Ε.Ε.

Ποιά είναι η θέση της Ελληνικής ναυτιλίας στο διεθνές προσκήνιο; Σύμφωνα με δημοσιευμένα στατιστικά στοιχεία, ο Ελληνόκτητος στόλος ελέγχει το 30% των δεξαμενοπλοίων, το 22% των bulk carriers, το 16% των πλοίων μεταφοράς χημικών και προϊόντων πετρελαίου, το 15% των πλοίων LNG/LPG, το 11% των πλοίων – ψυγείων, το 9% των πλοίων εμπορευματοκιβωτίων, ενώ στην Ε.Ε. αντιπροσωπεύει σταθερά πάνω από 50% του dwt του κοινοτικού στόλου. Ακόμη, έχει μειωθεί και ο μέσος όρος ηλικίας των Ελληνόκτητων πλοίων σε 11,54 έτη και για τα πλοία υπό Ελληνική σημαία σε 13,74 έτη, όταν ο παγκόσμιος μέσος όρος είναι στα 14,81 έτη σύμφωνα με την Έκθεση της ΕΕΕ. Όμως, το Ελληνικό Νηολόγιο σήμερα περιλαμβάνει 723 πλοία, δηλαδή η Ελληνική σημαία μείωσε το μερίδιό της στον Ελληνόκτητο στόλο και αυτό είναι ανησυχητικό στοιχείο γιατί ανταγωνιστικά νηολόγια όπως αυτά της Λιβερίας και των Marshall Islands αυξάνουν τη διείσδυσή τους στον Ελληνόκτητο στόλο. Η αξία του Ελληνόκτητου στόλου τον Μάρτιο του 2018 άγγιξε περίπου τα 100 δις δολάρια σύμφωνα με τον πίνακα που δημοσίευσε η εταιρεία – πλατφόρμα αποτιμήσεων πλοίων VesselsValue.com. Κατά συνέπεια, από τα παραπάνω στατιστικά στοιχεία αποδεικνύεται ακράδαντα ότι η Ελληνική ναυτιλία εξακολουθεί να έχει πρωταγωνιστική και κυριαρχική θέση στο διεθνές προσκήνιο.

Ποιές είναι οι συνέπειες της ανάπτυξης και εφαρμογής της ψηφιακής τεχνολογίας στις ναυτιλιακές επιχειρήσεις; Η παγκόσμια ναυτιλιακή βιομηχανία μέχρι το 2030 αναμένεται να επιφέρει κοσμογονικές αλλαγές και να επηρεάσει την καθημερινότητα της λειτουργίας της ναυτιλιακής επιχείρησης. Στα ναυπηγεία η απασχόληση εργατών διαρκώς μειώνεται λόγω της εισόδου των αυτοματισμών, της ρομποτικής και της επικοινωνίας. Τα πράσινα πλοία, τα αυτόνομα πλοία, τα έξυπνα υλικά, η ψηφιοποίηση, η διασύνδεση, η κυβερνοασφάλεια, το blockchain και η διάχυση της πληροφορίας αποτελούν προκλήσεις ante portas για τη σύγχρονη ναυτιλιακή βιομηχανία που μεταμορφώνεται δυναμικά. Πριν από 25 χρόνια ένα handy bulk carrier είχε περίπου 28 άτομα πλήρωμα. Ίδιου τύπου και μεγέθους πλοίο σήμερα έχει το πολύ μέχρι 18 άτομα πλήρωμα, λόγω των αυτοματισμών των πλοίων και των μηχανοστασίων τους. Κολοσσοί του διαδικτύου, όπως οι IBM, Google, Microsoft κλπ. έχουν επιδοθεί σε αγώνα δρόμου για την κατασκευή του πρώτου κβαντικού υπολογιστή, που θα έχει ασύλληπτες δυνατότητες και ταχύτητες σε σχέση με τους συμβατικούς υπολογιστές. Το πρόγραμμα «τεχνητής» νοημοσύνης IBM παρέχει ιατρικές διαγνώσεις με 4 φορές μεγαλύτερη ακρίβεια στους ασθενείς και νομικές συμβουλές με 90% ακρίβεια έναντι 70% των δικηγόρων. Με βάση όλα τα παραπάνω και στη ναυτιλία τα πλοία οδεύουν προς την ολοκληρωτική αυτοματοποίηση. Χώρες που ενθαρρύνουν την καινοτομία όπως είναι η Κίνα και τα Σκανδιναβικά κράτη έχουν καθορίσει συγκεκριμένες θαλάσσιες περιοχές για δοκιμές χρήσης αυτόνομων πλοίων. Οι κυβερνήσεις των χωρών αυτών αλλά και άλλες όπως το Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο, οι ΗΠΑ, η

ΣΥΝΕΝΤΕΥΞΗ

Ιαπωνία κ.λ.π. χρηματοδοτούν αποφασιστικά τις σχετικές έρευνες. Σε αυτές συμμετέχουν ναυπηγεία, διεθνείς νηογνώμονες, πανεπιστήμια και μεγάλες ναυτιλιακές εταιρείες για την ναυπήγηση αυτόνομων πλοίων. Θα σημειώσω, ακόμα, ότι λιμάνια φορτοεκφόρτωσης containers λειτουργούν από καιρό τελείως αυτόνομα, όπου οι γερανοί και τα φορτηγά λειτουργούν χωρίς χειριστές. Το επόμενο στάδιο, όχι χρονικά απόμακρο, θα είναι να πλέουν πλοία με τηλεχειρισμό από την ξηρά μέσω δορυφόρου ή και πλήρως αυτόνομα πλοία. Όλα τα παραπάνω ήδη τα επεξεργάζεται ο IMO, αλλά και το Comité Maritime Internationale (CMI), στο οποίο η Ελληνική Ένωση Ναυτικού Δικαίου, που αποτελεί μέλος του, έχει εκτενώς απαντήσει σε σχετικό ερωτηματολόγιο. Σε κάθε περίπτωση, μαζί με τη διεθνή ναυτιλία, μεταβάλλονται και οι ειδικότερες ναυτιλιακές σχέσεις. Ο ναυλωτής π.χ. δεν θα συνομιλεί με μεσίτες για τη ναύλωση ενός πλοίου, αλλά θα απευθύνεται σε ειδικές ψηφιακές πλατφόρμες που θα ενσωματώνουν όλα τα χαρακτηριστικά του προς ναύλωση πλοίου (ταχύτητα, πιστοποιητικά, καταναλώσεις, ατυχήματα, records κλπ.) καθώς και τη σχετική οικονομική και ποιοτική βαθμολόγηση του πλοίου. Με λίγα λόγια, θα υπάρχει μία πλήρης ψηφιακή συνδεσιμότητα των πάντων, έτσι ώστε να μειώνεται το εργατικό δυναμικό. Όμως, αυτή η υψηλή τεχνολογία θα οδηγήσει κατ’ ακολουθία στην ύπαρξη πολύ ακριβών κέντρων αναφοράς – διαχείρισης, με αποτέλεσμα την αύξηση του λειτουργικού κόστους της διαχείρισης των πλοίων με όλες τις συνέπειες.

Είναι χρήσιμο ή εφικτό να δημιουργηθεί στην Ελλάδα ναυτιλιακό cluster; Πολύ συζήτηση γίνεται, τουλάχιστον τις τελευταίες τρεις δεκαετίες, για να αναπτυχθεί στην Ελλάδα, και ιδιαίτερα στο City του Πειραιά, ναυτιλιακό cluster, δηλαδή δημιουργία επιχειρηματικών συστάδων, με τη σύσταση ενός αυτοδύναμου οργανισμού προαγωγής της επιχειρηματικότητας σε διάφορους τομείς των ναυτιλιακών επιχειρηματικών δραστηριοτήτων. Ειδικότερα, υπάρχουν επίκαιρες συζητήσεις με το Ναυτικό Επιμελητήριο της Ελλάδας, την Ένωση Ελλήνων Εφοπλιστών, το Εμπορικό και Βιομηχανικό Επιμελητήριο του Πειραιά και την Ένωση Εφοπλιστών Ναυτιλίας Μικρών Αποστάσεων για προσφορά της ναυτικής τεχνογνωσίας στους τομείς της ναυπηγοεπισκευαστικής βιομηχανίας, της διαχείρισης και ναύλωσης πλοίων, στη ναυτική τεχνολογία και έρευνα, στις κατασκευές, επισκευές και εξοπλισμό πλοίων, στο θαλάσσιο τουρισμό, στο εισαγωγικό, εξαγωγικό και διαμετακομιστικό εμπόριο, στις λιμενικές υποδομές, στις τροφοδοσίες πλοίων, στον τομέα των logistics και στην ανάπτυξη των εν γένει ναυτιλιακών υπηρεσιών. Η ομαδοποίηση των επιχειρήσεων αυτών, διαφορετικών τύπων που δραστηριοποιούνται στον τομέα της ναυτιλίας έχει λάβει τον τίτλο Maritime Hellas και όλα τα μέρη προχωρούν στην υλοποίηση της στρατηγικής αυτής. Ας μην λησμονούμε ότι ο Ελληνικός εφοπλισμός διαχρονικά έχει καταθέσει στις Ελληνικές κυβερνήσεις ολοκληρωμένες προτάσεις για την ανάπτυξη ναυτιλιακού cluster στον Πειραιά, κυρίως για την προσέλκυση ναυτιλιακών γραφείων διαχείρισης πλοίων στην Ελλάδα. Η προσπάθεια αυτή θεωρώ ότι είναι πολύ σοβαρή, διότι θα προκύψουν σημαντικά οφέλη από τη συμμετοχή στο Maritime Hellas, όπως είναι η προώθηση της επιχειρηματικότητας στον τομέα της Ελληνικής ναυτιλίας, η συγκέντρωση των μελών 68 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

αυτής, η δημιουργία δικτύων συνεργασίας, η μεταφορά τεχνογνωσίας, η πρόσβαση σε νέες τεχνολογίες, η ανάπτυξη της καινοτομίας και της εξωστρέφειας και τέλος η δημιουργία πρόσβασης σε εξειδικευμένες υπηρεσίες.

Χρειάζεται η ναυτιλιακή βιομηχανία τη ναυτιλιακή δικηγορία; Η απάντηση είναι άμεση και ευθεία, βεβαίως και τη χρειάζεται, διότι η διεθνής ναυτιλιακή βιομηχανία αναπτύσσεται ραγδαία, σχεδόν καθημερινά. Οι σύγχρονες ναυτιλιακές εταιρείες μεταλλάσσονται, αναπτύσσονται και γιγαντώνονται με τέτοιο τρόπο ώστε να ελλοχεύουν σημαντικοί κίνδυνοι για την ύπαρξη και λειτουργία τους και μάλιστα όταν δραστηριοποιούνται σε πολλαπλές και λιγότερο γνωστές διεθνείς δικαιοδοσίες. Μέσα στο πλαίσιο αυτό θεωρώ ότι είναι αναγκαία η παρεμβολή της σύγχρονης ναυτιλιακής δικηγορίας, δηλαδή των Ελλήνων ναυτιλιακών δικηγόρων που με την τεχνογνωσία και εμπειρία τους αναλαμβάνουν ενεργό και ουσιαστικό ρόλο στο χειρισμό των διαφόρων απαιτήσεων, αλλά και στην επενδυτική ανάπτυξη των ναυτιλιακών επιχειρήσεων. Ακόμη, η πολυπλοκότητα των διεθνών νομοθετικών κανονισμών που αφορούν κυρίως την πλεύση και λειτουργία των πλοίων, φέρνουν κοσμογονικές αλλαγές στην παγκόσμια ναυτιλιακή βιομηχανία, πράγμα που επιβάλλει, θα έλεγα, την καθημερινή εμπλοκή των ναυτιλιακών δικηγόρων. Ακόμα, όμως, και σε καθαρά επιστημονικό επίπεδο, οι ναυτιλιακοί δικηγόροι με τις εξειδικευμένες γνώσεις τους συμμετέχουν και κατευθύνουν τις εσωτερικές και διεθνείς ναυτιλιακές επιλογές των αρμοδίων φορέων, προτείνουν λύσεις, κατευθυντήριες γραμμές και χαράσσουν τη ρότα της ναυτιλίας.

Οι Έλληνες ναυτιλιακοί δικηγόροι είναι επαρκείς για την αντιμετώπιση των σύγχρονων ναυτιλιακών προβλημάτων; Παλαιότερα, δηλαδή πριν από 30 – 40 χρόνια, κυρίως στην Ελλάδα, οι ναυτιλιακοί δικηγόροι δρούσαν και εργάζονταν μάλλον εμπειρικά. Σήμερα, όμως, τα νέα παιδιά είναι κάτοχοι τουλάχιστον ενός μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου στο γενικότερο κλάδο του ναυτικού δικαίου, ενώ αποκομίζουν ουσιαστικές και πολύτιμες εμπειρίες από την παρακολούθηση διεθνών συνεδρίων, επιμορφωτικών σεμιναρίων και καθημερινής παρουσίας τους στα διεθνή ναυτιλιακά δρώμενα μέσω του internet. Με αυτό το πρίσμα, θα έλεγα χωρίς δισταγμό ότι οι Έλληνες ναυτιλιακοί δικηγόροι δεν έχουν να ζηλέψουν τίποτα από άλλους αλλοδαπούς δικηγόρους με μακρόχρονη νομική παράδοση, είναι πολυμήχανοι, απόλυτα επαρκείς και έμπειροι, εργατικοί, με ιδιαίτερη προσήλωση σε όλα τα επιμέρους ζητήματα του ναυτικού δικαίου που αναφύονται, όπως είναι οι αγοραπωλησίες πλοίων, η χρηματοδότηση της ναυτιλιακής δραστηριότητας, η προβολή απαιτήσεων (claims), είτε δικαστικά είτε εξωδικαστικά, η επενδυτική ανάπτυξη της ναυτιλίας, η εγκατάσταση αλλοδαπών γραφείων στην Ελλάδα, η συμμετοχή τους σε διαιτητικές διαφορές, όπως και η συμμετοχή τους στους θεσμοποιημένους φορείς που στην Ελλάδα κυρίως είναι η Ελληνική Ένωση Ναυτικού Δικαίου με μακρόχρονη παράδοση ήδη από το 1930, καθώς και η Ελληνική Ένωση Ναυτιλιακών Δικηγόρων. Μάλιστα, και στους δύο παραπάνω φορείς έχω την τιμή να είμαι μέλος στο Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο αυτών.

ΣΥΝΕΝΤΕΥΞΗ

Ποιά είναι η γνώμη σας για τη λειτουργία των Τμημάτων Ναυτικών Διαφορών στο Πρωτοδικείο και Εφετείο Πειραιά; Τη χρονιά αυτή συμπληρώνονται αισίως 25 χρόνια από τότε που θεσπίστηκε με το Ν. 2172/1993 η ίδρυση Τμημάτων Ναυτικών Διαφορών στο Πρωτοδικείο και Εφετείο Πειραιά και έτσι πήρε σάρκα και οστά ένα πάγιο και πολύχρονο αίτημα της Ελληνικής ναυτιλίας. Αν και δεν είναι ειδικά ναυτιλιακά δικαστήρια, όπως συμβαίνει σε άλλες παραδοσιακές ναυτιλιακές χώρες, αλλά «τμήματα» εκδίκασης ναυτικών διαφορών, στο χρονικό αυτό διάστημα έχουν κρίνει πολύ σοβαρές και σημαντικές διεθνείς ναυτικές διαφορές σε όλα τα πεδία του ναυτικού δικαίου, όπως στο πεδίο των ναυτεργατικών διαφορών, στις σχέσεις ναυλωτών και πλοιοκτητών, στις σχέσεις των μετόχων ναυτιλιακών επιχειρήσεων, στο πεδίο των διαφορών από ρυμουλκήσεις και από θαλάσσια αρωγή πλοίων, θαλάσσιες ρυπάνσεις και αβαρίες σε ναυπηγήσεις, επισκευές και μετασκευές πλοίων, καθώς και στον τομέα των ναυτικών υποθηκών, πλειστηριασμού και γενικότερα κατασχέσεων πλοίων. Όλα αυτά τα χρόνια τα τμήματα αυτά λειτούργησαν υποδειγματικά με δικαστές εγνωσμένου κύρους, οι οποίοι στην πλειονότητά τους, αν και δεν είχαν τις τυπικά εξειδικευμένες ναυτιλιακές σπουδές, εντούτοις εμπειρικά με τη διαρκή προσήλωσή τους, με υπευθυνότητα, εργώδη προσπάθεια και ευθυκρισία κατόρθωσαν να εμπνεύσουν εμπιστοσύνη σε όλους εμάς τους λειτουργούς της Δικαιοσύνης και κυρίως στους πελάτες μας, ναυτιλιακούς παράγοντες (πλοιοκτήτες, ναυλωτές, μεσίτες, τραπεζίτες, ναυτικούς, προμηθευτές, επισκευαστές κλπ.). Αυτό βέβαια δεν σημαίνει ότι όλα τα προβλήματα έχουν επιλυθεί, αλλά υπάρχει πάντοτε έδαφος και χώρος για περαιτέρω ανάπτυξη και βελτίωση με έμπειρους δικαστές με ναυτιλιακό προσανατολισμό και εξειδίκευση στον απαιτητικό και διεθνοποιημένο τομέα του ναυτικού δικαίου, καθώς και με άριστη γνώση της αγγλικής γλώσσας.

Είναι ικανοποιητική σήμερα η ανάπτυξη και λειτουργία της ναυτικής διαιτησίας στην Ελλάδα όσον αφορά στην επίλυση διεθνών ναυτικών διαφορών; Στην Ελλάδα για πολλά χρόνια δεν είχε αναπτυχθεί η επίλυση των ναυτικών διαφορών με διαιτησία για διάφορους λόγους. Οι ναυτιλιακές διαφορές μετανάστευαν και όδευαν κυρίως στην Αγγλία, όπου όπως είναι γνωστό υπάρχει παράδοση αιώνων στο θεσμό της ναυτιλιακής διαιτησίας και κυρίως στη χώρα αυτή επιλύονται οι πιο σημαντικές διεθνείς ναυτιλιακές διαφορές. Αυτό, όμως, έχει τεράστιο κόστος για τα εμπλεκόμενα μέρη, αλλά και αρκετά μεγάλη χρονική καθυστέρηση μέχρι την έκδοση της οριστικής διαιτητικής απόφασης. Ενόψει τούτων, εδώ και πάνω από δεκαπέντε χρόνια στην Ελλάδα ιδρύθηκε σωματείο διαιτητών ναυτικών διαφορών με σκοπό την προαγωγή της διαιτησίας ως τρόπου επίλυσης των ιδιωτικών διαφορών με έδρα τον Πειραιά, καθώς και τη θέσπιση κανόνων ναυτικής διαιτησίας που είναι πλήρως εναρμονισμένοι τόσο με την Αγγλική όσο και με τη διεθνή πρακτική, προβλέποντας και ρυθμίζοντας τα ειδικότερα ζητήματα της έναρξης της διαιτησίας, της σύστασης και τις εξουσίες του διαιτητικού δικαστηρίου, την αναλυτική πρόβλεψη της εν γένει διαιτητικής διαδικασίας (έγγραφα, ακροαματική διαδικα-

σία, υποβολή προτάσεων και αντικρούσεων, πραγματογνωμοσύνη, κανόνες πλαισίου ακροαματικής διαδικασίας, συνεδριάσεις, υποβολή εγγράφων, εφαρμοστέο ουσιαστικό δίκαιο, γνωστοποιήσεις κλπ.), τη διαιτητική απόφαση και τέλος για τις δαπάνες της διαιτησίας και τις αμοιβές των διαιτητών. Όμως, παρά την ύπαρξη σαφούς πρόβλεψης για τη διαιτητική επίλυση διαφορών στο Ελληνικό δίκαιο, ελάχιστες ναυτικές υποθέσεις επιλύονται κάθε χρόνο με το θεσμό της ναυτικής διαιτησίας, είτε όπως προβλέπεται πιο πάνω, είτε με τη διαιτησία που έχει θεσπιστεί από το Ναυτικό Επιμελητήριο Ελλάδας. Θα έλεγα ότι ο κύριος και ουσιαστικός λόγος παραμένει η έλλειψη εμπιστοσύνης των ναυτιλιακών παραγόντων στο εν γένει σύστημα της ναυτικής διαιτησίας στην Ελλάδα και επομένως οι σοβαρές διεθνείς ναυτικές διαφορές εξακολουθούν να μεταναστεύουν στη διαιτησία της Αγγλίας με όλες τις συνέπειες του κόστους και του χρόνου. Εναπόκειται λοιπόν σε όλους εμάς να εμφυσήσουμε το αίσθημα εμπιστοσύνης προς όλους αυτούς τους ναυτιλιακούς παράγοντες, ώστε να αντιληφθούν και να εμπεδώσουν το γεγονός ότι και στην Ελλάδα και ειδικότερα στο ναυτιλιακό Πειραιά μπορούν οι ναυτιλιακές διαφορές να επιλύονται γρήγορα, με λιγότερο κόστος, με νομοθετημένους κανόνες και με πλήρη ευθυκρισία από τους διαιτητές που θα ορίζονται. Ας περιμένουμε λίγο για να δούμε τα αποτελέσματα.

Ο Νίκος Γερασίμου είναι Δικηγόρος στον Άρειο Πάγο. Γεννήθηκε στην Αθήνα, αποφοίτησε από τη Βαρβάκειο Πρότυπο Σχολή και σήμερα είναι μέλος του Δ.Σ. του Συλλόγου των Αποφοίτων. Διετέλεσε Δικηγόρος στο παραδοσιακό νομκό γραφείο Δανιόλου και Νομικός Σύμβουλος στην εταιρεία «Troodos Shipping Co» του Λουκά Χατζηϊωάννου με διαχείριση 60 δεξαμενοπλοίων. Διατηρεί οργανωμένο δικηγορικό γραφείο με πολυπληθείς συνεργάτες που δραστηριοποιούνται στους τομείς του ναυτικού, εμπορικού και ενεργειακού δικαίου, καθώς και σε επενδυτικές δραστηριότητες στην Ελλάδα και στο εξωτερικό. Είναι μέλος του Δ.Σ. της Ελληνικής Ένωσης Ναυτικού Δικαίου, της Ελληνικής Ένωσης Ναυτιλιακών Δικηγόρων, Γενικός Γραμματέας στο Ελληνο-Αζέρικο Εμπορικό και Οικονομικό Επιμελητήριο και μέλος σε μεγάλο αριθμό διμερών διεθνών Εμπορικών Επιμελητηρίων. Επίσης, είναι μέλος στη Ναυτιλιακή Λέσχη Πειραιά, στο Ναυτικό Όμιλο Ελλάδος, στο Propeller Club, στον Όμιλο Φίλων Λίμπερτυ, στον Όμιλο Φίλων της Ακαδημίας Αθηνών, στον Ελληνικό Σύνδεσμο Παραδοσιακών Σκαφών και Νομικός Σύμβουλος στο Δ.Σ. της HELMEPA και στο Δ.Σ. της ΕΕΝΜΑ. Έχει συγγράψει πάνω από 50 άρθρα και μελέτες που έχουν κατά καιρούς δημοσιευθεί στον ελληνικό και διεθνή ναυτιλιακό και νομικό τύπο.

JULY-AUGUST 2018 SHIPPING 69

YESTERDAY

Τα πρώτα μέτρα για την Ακτοπλοΐα Του Νίκου Εμμ. Σίμου

Συνεχίζοντας την ιστορική ανάλυση του Ακτοπλοϊκού και πριν αναφερθούμε στα μέτρα που ελήφθησαν κατά τη δεκαετία 19301940 για τη βελτίωση τω θαλασσίων συγκοινωνιών, θα πρέπει να καταγράψουμε και ένα σημαντικό συμβάν της εποχής εκείνης, για λόγους ιστορικούς: Πράγματι, το 1937 και συγκεκριμένα στις 17 Ιουλίου, διεξήχθησαν στη χώρα οι πρώτοι Ιστιοπλοϊκοί Αγώνες μεγάλης αποστάσεως. Τα σκάφη, οκτώ τον αριθμό, ξεκίνησαν στις 14.35 από το Τουρκολίμανο με προορισμό τη Σύρο. Πρόεδρος της ελανοδίκου επιτροπής ήταν ο τότε Διάδοχος Παύλος, μετέπειτα Βασιλιάς. Πρώτος ετερμάτισε ο Γεώργιος Γιαννουλάτος με το ιστιοπλοϊκό «Πάτιο» και δεύτερος ο μηχανικός Ραβέλης με τη γυναίκα του, με το σκάφος «Περλέτ». Η Σύρος, που ήταν κυριολεκτικώς στο πόδι, επεφύλαξε αποθεωτική υποδοχή στους ιστιοπλόους και το βράδυ, ο πρόεδρος της Λιμενικής Επιτροπής Βασίλης Βασιλειάδης, παρέθεσε στην παραλία του λιμανιού της νήσου επίσημο δείπνο. Όμως, την εορταστική ατμόσφαιρα ήλθε να σκιάσει η πληροφορία, ότι είχε χαθεί το ιστιοπλοϊκό σκάφος των Ιωαννίδη και Βεκιάρη. Το μελτέμι που είχε σηκωθεί, είχε προξενήσει ζημιές στο σκάφος και οι δύο ιδιοκτήτες, για να μη βουλιάξει το σκάφος το είχαν προσαράξει στα Γιούρα. Η είδηση μεταδόθηκε σαν αστραπή κι αμέσως κινητοποιήθηκαν πολεμικά πλοία και αεροσκάφος για να εντοπιστούν οι δύο ιδιοκτήτες και το σκάφος τους. Τελικά, το ιστιοπλοϊκό εντοπίστηκε και ρυμουλκήθηκε στη Σύρο για επισκευή. Εν τω μεταξύ, η τότε κυβέρνηση προωθούσε τις διαδικασίες για τη δημιουργία ενός πλαισίου μέτρων για την Ακτοπλοΐα, δεδομέ-

νου ότι πλέον ο αριθμός των υπερηλίκων ακτοπλοϊκών σκαφών ήταν πολύ μεγάλος. Τα μέτρα αφορούσαν την σταδιακή απομάκρυνση των μεγάλης ηλικίας σκαφών και την καταβολή αποζημιώσεως στους πλοιοκτήτες των πλοίων, που αποσύρονταν από ένα Ταμείο Εκκαθαρίσεως Επιβατηγών Πλοίων που είχε συγκροτηθεί. Τα γραφεία του Ταμείου ήταν στο Μέγαρο Γιαννουλάτου, με διευθυντή τον Γ. Καρύδη. Στα μέτρα επίσης προβλεπόταν, για τον περιορισμό του συναγωνισμού μεταξύ των ακτοπλοϊκών εταιριών, η απαγόρευση των συναναχωρήσεων από τον Πειραιά πλοίων που ήσαν δρομολογημένα στην ίδια γραμμή. Στο μεταξύ, είχε ιδρυθεί η Ακτοπλοΐα της Ελλάδος, στην οποία συγχωνεύτηκαν, αρχικώς, η Ιονική Ατμοπλοΐα Γιαννουλάτου, η Ατμοπλοΐα Μανουηλίδου, η Ατμοπλοΐα Τόγια, η Ατμοπλοΐα Βλασσόπουλου και άλλες. Αλλά και πάλι, ο ανταγωνισμός συνεχιζόταν, διότι όσα πλοία δεν είχαν προσχωρήσει στην Ακτοπλοΐα της Ελλάδος, αποτελούσαν τα εκτός τραστ, οπότε ο ανταγωνισμός έγινε εντονότερος προκειμένου να εξαναγκαστούν να προσχωρήσουν σε αυτήν. Η κατάσταση αυτή συνεχιζόταν έως το 1939, οπότε, επί κυβερνήσεως Ιωάννη Μεταξά, έγινε ο Αναγκαστικός Νόμος 1652 «περί του τρόπου εκμεταλλεύσεως των Ατμοπλοϊκών Συγκοινωνιών». Με τον Νόμο αυτό, που τροποποιήθηκε το 1940, συνεστήθη στον Πειραιά η ΚΔΑΣ, Κοινή Διεύθυνση Ακτοπλοϊκών Συγκοινωνιών, στην οποία ενετάχθησαν όλα τα επιβατικά πλοία της Ακτοπλοΐας και των Μεσογειακών Γραμμών. Το ΔΣ του ΚΔΑΣ, συγκροτείτο από τους ακτοπλόους εφοπλιστές, με κυβερνητικό Επίτροπο τον Πλοίαρχο του Λιμενικού Σώματος Θεόδωρο Γρηγοράκη. Το καθεστώς αυτό στην Ακτοπλοΐα συνεχίστηκε μέχρι το 1944, καθώς σταδιακά, με τον Πόλεμο βυθίστηκαν όλα σχεδόν τα επιβατικά πλοία. Είχαν διασωθεί μόνο το «Κορινθία» και το «Ελένη» του Εμπειρίκου. Το «Ελένη», μαζί με διάφορα ρυμουλκά και μικρά φορτηγά που μετετράπησαν σε ακτοπλοϊκά επιβατικά, εξυπηρέτησαν για αρκετό καιρό τις εσωτερικές θαλάσσιες συγκοινωνίες. Αργότερα, προστέθηκαν και τα εξ επανορθώσεως γερμανικά πλοία, κυρίως όμως μεσογειακά φορτηγά, τα οποία διανεμήθησαν στους πλοιοκτήτες, που είχαν χάσει τα καράβια τους κατά τη διάρκεια του Πολέμου. (Συνεχίζεται)

70 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

ΣΤΗΝ ΠΛΩΡΗ

• Ο Ουμπέρτο Έκο έλεγε ότι τον Αύγουστο δεν υπάρχουν ειδήσεις. Μπορεί και να είχε δίκιο...

• Να πούμε ότι στη Ναυτιλία, ο Αύγουστος είναι μήνας διακοπών. Μόνο που...

• Οι εφοπλιστές έχουν τη δυνατότητα να παράγουν έργο και από το σκάφος!

• Όταν, παλιότερα ρώτησα τον Ανδρέα Ποταμιάνο «αν θα πάει διακοπές» • Μου απάντησε: «διακοπές κάνουν οι άλλοι με τα βαπόρια μας»...

• Μια άλλη φορά, σε μια συνάντηση, ρώτησα τον Ζάχο Χατζηφωτίου «αν θα πάει δισκοπές».

• «Νέε μου (ήμουν ήδη 52) διακοπές κάνουν όσοι δουλεύουν»!

• Εμείς, πάντως, διακοπές θα κάνουμε και εφέτος στο εξοχικό του παππού μας στη Σαλαμίνα!

• Ας είναι καλά εκεί που βρίσκεται, άφησε στη μάνα μας ένα εξοχικό και πορευόμαστε.

• Διότι με τις αποδοχές που μας επιτρέπεται πλέον να έχουμε, Σαλαμίνα και πολύ μας πέφτει...

• Μια που μίλησα για Σαλαμίνα, η γραμμή Πέραμα-Σαλαμίνα εξυπηρετεί κάθε χρόνο τον περισσότερο κόσμο.

• Περίπου 8.000.000 επιβάτες κάθε χρόνο! Κι άντε μετά εσύ να περιμένεις να γίνει η γέφυρα!

• Ξέχασα να σας πω: Πήγαμε για λίγες μέρες φιλοξενούμενοι σε σπίτι συγγενούς στο Λουτράκι.

• Νόμιζα ότι ο Πειραιάς είχε τα πρωτεία, αλλά τόσο βρώμικη πόλη δεν είχα ξαναδεί!

• Αντίθετα, πήγα σε δυο συνέδρια σε Τρίκαλα και Καρδίτσα. Ευρωπαϊκές πόλεις. Μπράβο στους δημάρχους!

• Να μην ξεχάσω και τη συζήτηση που παρακολούθησα στη Βουλή. Πιο πολιτισμένο ήταν το Μουντιάλ!

• Και μια που μιλήσαμε για Μουντιάλ, σούπα η υπόθεση! Χωρίς φανταιζίστες παίκτες, δεν αξίζει η μπάλα!

• Το ίδιο και η Βουλή, παιδιά. Πάνε οι ρήτορες και οι συναρπαστικές ομιλίες.

• Το επίπεδο είναι πλέον πιο χαμηλά και από τη θάλασσα! Κρίμα κι άδικο...

• Καλό καλοκαίρι, αγαπητοί και κουράγιο. Ο χειμώνας προμηνύεται δύσκολος για όλους! Ποντοπόρος

ΠΟΣΕΙΔΩΝΙΑ 2018

HEMEXPO: Συμβόλαια, Συμφωνίες και Νέα Προϊόντα

Επιτυχής παρουσία στα Ποσειδώνια 2018

Με καταγεγραμμένη επιτυχία σε τρία «μέτωπα», ολοκληρώθηκε η Διεθνής Ναυτιλιακή Έκθεση Ποσειδώνια 2018, για τους Έλληνες Κατασκευαστές Ναυτιλιακού Εξοπλισμού. Κατά τη διάρκεια των Ποσειδωνίων, οι εταιρείες της HEMEXPO κατάφεραν να υπογράψουν συμβόλαια αξίας 4 εκατ. ευρώ, να κλείσουν τρεις διεθνείς συμφωνίες σε θεσμικό επίπεδο και να παρουσιάσουν νέα καινοτόμα προϊόντα. Σημειώνεται, ότι για πρώτη φορά σε διεθνή ναυτιλιακή έκθεση η ΗΕΜΕΧΡΟ είχε παρουσία με 17 εταιρείες. Σύμφωνα με τον αντιπρόεδρο της HEMEXPO και διευθύνοντα σύμβουλο της εταιρείας SeaBright Παναγιώτη Μάλλιο: «Τα Ποσειδωνία 2018 για την εταιρεία μας ήταν η πιο πετυχημένη έκθεση που λάβαμε μέρος την τελευταία πενταετία. Οι επισκέπτες ξεπέρασαν κάθε προσδοκία μας τόσο σε αριθμό όσο και σε ποιότητα. Είχαμε τη χαρά να φιλοξενήσουμε στο περίπτερό μας τεχνικούς διευθυντές και στελέχη από εταιρείες κολοσσούς, της ελληνικής και διεθνούς ναυτιλιακής κοινότητας. Απότοκο των συζητήσεών μας ήταν η επιζήτηση λύσεων για πιο οικολογική λειτουργία και μείωση του κόστους συντήρησης των στόλων τους».

Οι συμφωνίες Πιο συγκεκριμένα, πέντε εταιρείες μέλη της HEMEXPO προχώρησαν σε συμφωνίες με ναυτιλιακές εταιρείες για πέντε έργα συνολικής αξίας άνω των 4 εκατ. ευρώ. Επίσης, υπεγράφη μνημόνιο συνεργασίας με την SASS - Singapore Association of Ship Suppliers and Services, προκειμένου να επιτύχουν να «ανοίξουν» την αγορά της Σιγκαπούρης, που διαθέ72 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

τει ένα από τα πιο ισχυρά ναυτιλιακά κέντρα στον κόσμο, έδρα ορισμένων από τις μεγαλύτερες διαχειρίστριες ναυτιλιακές εταιρείες παγκοσμίως. Συμφωνήθηκε, επίσης, με ανώτατα στελέχη της Διεθνούς Ένωσης Κρουαζιέρας (CLIA), η συνεργασία των δύο μερών να περάσει στο επόμενο στάδιο, (ήδη η HEMEXPO είναι μέλος της μεγαλύτερης Ένωσης κρουαζιέρας στον κόσμο). Τους επόμενους μήνες, οι εταιρείες των Ελλήνων Κατασκευαστών Ναυτιλιακού Εξοπλισμού θα έχουν την ευκαιρία να συναντηθούν με στελέχη, σε θέσεις κλειδιά, των εταιρειών κρουαζιέρας προκειμένου να προωθηθεί ο ελληνικός ναυτιλιακός εξοπλισμός και στην κρουαζιέρα. Πρόκειται για έναν κλάδο με το ίδιο παγκοσμιοποιημένο προφίλ, όπως και της ποντοπόρου ναυτιλίας, αλλά με ουσιώδεις διαφορές στη λειτουργία τους, αφού τα ποντοπόρα πλοία μεταφέρουν εμπορεύματα, ενώ τα κρουαζιερόπλοια παρέχουν ξενοδοχειακές υπηρεσίες. Τέλος, επιτεύχθηκε και ο στόχος που έχει θέσει η HEMEXPO για τη διοργάνωση επιχειρηματικής αποστολής στη Νότια Αφρική μέσα στο 2019. Στη διάρκεια των Ποσειδωνίων πραγματοποιήθηκαν επαφές με εκπροσώπους της αφρικανικής χώρας και συμφωνήθηκε να την επισκεφτούν οι εταιρείες μέλη της HEMEXPO στις αρχές του νέου έτους, με σκοπό να αναζητήσουν ευκαιρίες συνεργασίας για την ανάπτυξη της αγοράς.

Τα νέα προϊόντα Με την ευκαιρία των Ποσειδωνίων οι εταιρείες μέλη της HEMEX-

ΠΟΣΕΙΔΩΝΙΑ 2018

PO παρουσίασαν και μια σειρά νέων προϊόντων. Μια τακτική που οι Έλληνες Κατασκευαστές προσπαθούν να ακολουθούν σε όλες τις μεγάλες εκθέσεις σε όλο τον κόσμο, εκμεταλλευόμενες τα ενεργά τμήματα έρευνας και ανάπτυξης που διαθέτουν οι εταιρείες της HEMEXPO. Πιο συγκεκριμένα στα Ποσειδώνια 1.Η FARAD παρουσίασε τα εξής: a. Το ψυγείο Marine Gas Oil, MGO cooling unit, είναι σύστημα ψύξης καυσίμου. Ψύχει MGO σε ιδανική θερμοκρασία 20 °C για εισαγωγή στη μηχανή του πλοίου. Το σύστημα είναι εξέλιξη ενός ήδη πετυχημένου προϊόντος που χρησιμοποιείται στη ναυτιλία. b. Το fresh water generator (FWG), είναι μηχάνημα παραγωγής φρέσκου νερού από θαλασσινό νερό. Δουλεύει με την αρχή της εξάτμισης θαλασσινού νερού σε χαμηλή πίεση. Η νέα σειρά FWG καλύπτει ανάγκες από 15 έως 40 t/day φρέσκο νερό.

2.Η SEABRIGHT παρουσίασε τη νέα σειρά στεγανών φωτιστικών LED για χρήση σε όλους τους τεχνικούς χώρους των πλοίων 3.H ERMA FIRST παρουσίασε τη νέα της e-learning πλατφόρμα όπου οι χρήστες της θα μπορούν να πιστοποιηθούν για τη διαχείριση του θαλασσίου έρματος και το ERMA FIRST BWTS. 4.Η Prisma Electronics παρουσίασε το νέο προϊόν LAROS@WEB, το οποίο διαμέσου διαδικασιών machine learning και επιστημονικής ανάλυσης ενσωματώνει την επιχειρηματική ευφυΐα μιας ναυτιλιακής εταιρείας με την ευχρηστία ενός browser για να δώσει μία εποπτική εικόνα της κατάστασης των κυριότερων συστημάτων ενός πλοίου και να παράξει δυναμικές προειδοποιήσεις για αποκλίσεις, είτε από ναυλοσύμφωνα είτε από πρακτικές καλής λειτουργίας.

5.H Selma παρουσίασε ένα ολοκληρωμένο σύστημα ελέγχου και

εποπτείας του πρώτου παγκοσμίως υβριδικού συστήματος πρόωσης αιολικής ενέργειας με τη χρήση περιστρεφόμενων στροφείων σε φορτηγό πλοίο, του M/V Afros που ναυπηγήθηκε το 2017. Το υβριδικό αυτό σύστημα πρόωσης αποτελείται από κάθετα στροφεία στο κατάστρωμα, τα οποία χρησιμοποιούνται για την πρόωση του πλοίου, εκμεταλλευόμενα το φαινόμενο μέσω της περιστροφής το αεροδυναμικό φαινόμενο Magnus. Το ολοκληρωμένο σύστημα ελέγχου που παραδόθηκε είναι ένα πλήρως διανεμημένο σύστημα ελέγχου και περιλαμβάνει, μεταξύ άλλων, τους κύριους πίνακες ελέγχου των κινητήρων των στροφείων μέσω μετατροπέων μεταβλητής ταχύτητας, καθώς και το εξελιγμένο λογισμικό με τους σύνθετους αλγόριθμους ελέγχου που αναπτύχθηκε αποκλειστικά από τη SELMA. 6.Η SQLearn παρουσίασε ένα ολοκληρωμένο σύνολο εξειδικευμένων υπηρεσιών για τον τομέα της ναυτιλίας. Πρόκειται για το λεγόμενο Dolphin Platforms, το οποίο μπορεί να καλύψει κάθε εκπαιδευτική ανάγκη μιας ναυτιλιακής εταιρείας. Το Dolphin Platforms περιλαμβάνει μια σειρά καινοτόμων και αποδοτικών υπηρεσιών, μέσα από τη χρήση ευέλικτων και διαδραστικών εκπαιδευτικών τεχνολογιών. Το Dolphin Platforms, που παρουσιάστηκε συνολικά στα Ποσειδώνια 2018, αποτελείται από τα εξής: a. Dolphin System: Σύστημα ασύγχρονης εκπαίδευσης για τη στεριά και για τα πλοία b. Dolphin Library: Διαδραστικά ηλεκτρονικά μαθήματα για ναυτικούς με βάση τα θέματα της STCW c. Special Dolphin: Προσαρμοσμένα ηλεκτρονικά μαθήματα d. Resilient Dolphin: Ηλεκτρονικά μαθήματα για τη θεματική του “Resilience Training Programme” e. Career Dolphin: Εργαλεία πρόσληψης και αξιολόγησης προσωπικού.

Επιτυχημένη παρουσία του ΟΛΠ στα Ποσειδώνια Το περίπτερο του ΟΛΠ επισκέφτηκε την πρώτη ημέρα κατά τα εγκαίνια της έκθεσης ο πρωθυπουργός Αλέξης Τσίπρας, ο οποίος είχε ολιγόλεπτη συνάντηση με τον Διευθύνοντα Σύμβουλο της ΟΛΠ Α.Ε. Captain Fu Chengqiu και εξέφρασε την

υποστήριξή του για την υλοποίηση των έργων που προβλέπονται στη σύμβαση παραχώρησης, εκδηλώνοντας το ενδιαφέρον του για μια ενημερωτική συνάντηση με θέμα τα επενδυτικά σχέδια της ΟΛΠ Α.Ε.

ΑΚΤΟΠΛΟΙΑ

Μην πυροβολείτε την Ελληνική Ακτοπλοΐα Ακούμε συνέχεια από τα ΜΜΕ, κυρίως τα καλοκαίρια, για την "προβληματική" ελληνική ακτοπλοΐα. Δεν είναι τα πράγματα έτσι. Ο ακτοπλοϊκός μας στόλος, στον οποίο συμπεριλαμβάνονται και πλοία τα οποία είναι μοναδικά στην κατηγορία τους σε όλο τον κόσμο, θεωρείται ο πλέον σύγχρονος στην Ευρώπη! Σε ότι αφορά στο επίπεδο και στο μέγεθος των υπηρεσιών πρέπει να σημειώσουμε ότι: Εξυπηρετούνται συνολικώς 95 νησιά. Εξυπηρετούνται αψόγως, με συμβάσεις δημοσίας υπηρεσίας, 44 μικρά νησιά. Εξυπηρετούνται αποκλειστικώς οι ανάγκες ενδοεπικοινωνίας των νησιών μας. Μεταφέρονται 12.000.000 τουριστών κάθε χρόνο. Εξυπηρετούν σχεδόν αποκλειστικώς τον εσωτερικό τουρισμό, ο οποίος στηρίζει τα νησιά μας. Μεταφέρονται περισσότεροι από 9.000.00 τόνοι εμπορευμάτων, υλικών και ειδών διατροφής κάθε χρόνο. Τα στοιχεία αυτά παρουσίασε μιλώντας σε ημερίδα που οργάνωσε ο Τομέας Ναυτιλίας της Νέας Δημοκρατίας, ο πρόεδρος του Συνδέσμου Επιχειρήσεων Ακτοπλοΐας Μιχ. Σακέλλης. Σε ότι αφορά στη συμμετοχή της ακτοπλοΐας στην ανάπτυξη των νησιών μας και στην οικονομία της Χώρας μας, ο ομιλητής ανέτρεξε σε πρόσφατη μελέτη του ΙΟΒΕ, κατά την οποία: Η συνολική συνεισφορά της επιβατηγού ναυτιλίας στην ελληνική οικονομία εκτιμάται σε 16,1 δισ. ευρώ (9,2% του ΑΕΠ)! Σε όρους απασχολήσεως, η συνεισφορά της επιβατηγού ναυτιλίας εκτιμήθηκε, το 2016, στο 9,7% των συνολικών θέσεων εργασίας (349.000 θέσεις εργασίας). Σχετικά με τη συμβολή του ακτοπλοϊκού μας στόλου στην προάσπιση των εθνικών συμφερόντων, αναφέρθηκε ότι τα πλοία τη ακτοπλοΐας μας: Στηρίζουν την ανάπτυξη των νησιών και συμβάλλουν στην αύξηση του πληθυσμού και συμμετείχαν καθοριστικώς στη μεταφορά από τα νησιά 1.000.000 μεταναστών προσφύγων! Κατά τον ομιλητή, πολλές φορές δεν αντιλαμβανόμεθα το μέγεθος του προβλήματος όταν υπάρχουν οι υποδομές και οι δυνατότητες για την άμεση επίλυσή του. Αυτό ακριβώς συνέβη το 2016 με την άμεση μεταφορά στην Ηπειρωτική Χώρα του ενός εκατομ-

μυρίου προσφύγων και μεταναστών. "Σκεφθείτε εάν αυτή η μεταφορά είχε καθυστερήσει για μία ή δύο εβδομάδες ακόμα. Με το κλείσιμο των συνόρων θα είχαν εγκλωβιστεί στη Χώρα μας ίσως κάποιες εκατοντάδες χιλιάδες επιπλέον μεταναστών. Ήταν μία γιγαντιαία επιχείρηση, την οποία καμία άλλη Χώρα στην Ευρώπη δεν θα είχε τη δυνατότητα να εκτελέσει αμέσως. Επίσης, αξίζει να υπενθυμίσουμε ότι η Ελληνική επιβατηγός Ναυτιλία έχει συμμετάσχει στο παρελθόν στην επίλυση σοβαρών προβλημάτων λόγω μαζικών μετακινήσεων επιβατών στη Μεσόγειο. Το συνολικό μεταφορικό Μιχάλης Σακέλλης έργο για τα νησιά μας το 2017 έφτασε τους 17.600.000 επιβάτες, παρουσιάζοντας αύξηση 9.82% συγκριτικώς προς το 2016. Σημαντικό είναι το ότι η πτωτική πορεία της κινήσεως έχει ανακοπεί από το 2014 άλλα υπάρχει πολύς δρόμος για να φθάσουμε τα επίπεδα του 2009, λαμβανομένου υπ' όψιν ότι το μεταφορικό έργο ακόμη υπολείπεται κατά 1.500.000 επιβάτες, σε σύγκριση με το 2009, ενώ η συνολική απώλεια της κίνησης μετά το 2009 ανέρχεται σε 23.000.000 επιβάτες. Και όμως, παρ' όλα αυτά, η ακτοπλοϊκή κίνηση στην Ελλάδα το 2018 είναι η πρώτη σε αριθμό επιβατών στην Ευρώπη. Μην πυροβολείτε την Ακτοπλοΐα. Επιτελεί και έργο εθνικό, σε περιόδους που οι γείτονές μας υποτροπιάζουν!

ΕΚΔΗΛΩΣΕΙΣ

BLUE AIGAION:

Στο αίθριο, εν αιθρία... Στις 14 Ιουνίου, η Blue Aigaion, με την ευκαιρία λήξεως της διεθνούς εορτής της ναυτιλίας Ποσειδώνια 2018, πραγματοποίησε στον αίθριο χώρο των γραφείων της, την ετήσια θερινή της εκδήλωση. Παρόντες πλήθος συνεργατών, πελατών, εκπροσώπων του ναυτιλιακού cluster του Πειραιά και εκπρόσωποι των ΜΜΕ. Οι παρευρισκόμενοι είχαν την ευκαιρία να ενημερωθούν από το προσωπικό της Blue Aigaion σχετικά με τις εδραιωμένες συνεργασίες που διατηρεί η εταιρεία με τα Συνδικάτα των Lloyd’s και την ευρύτερη Βρετανική Ασφαλιστική Αγορά, καθώς και για την μεγάλη γκάμα των προσφερόμενων ναυτιλιακών προϊόντων που προσφέρει και διανέμει στο πανελλαδικό δίκτυό της. Είναι κοινή διαπίστωση ότι η Blue Aigaion κατά την τριετή της παρουσία με την νέα εταιρική της ταυτότητα, κατόρθωσε να συγκαταλέγεται στην elite των ασφαλιστικών διαμεσολαβητών με Εξουσιοδοτήσεις Δέσμευσης (insurance binding authorities), ικανοποιώντας τις ασφαλιστικές ανάγκες των πελατών της με τα πληρέστερα και ανταγωνιστικότερα προγράμματα των πιο φερέγγυων διεθνώς ασφαλιστικών παρόχων. Η βραδιά κύλησε με έντονη επικοινωνιακή διάθεση και όμορφη μουσική, ενώ όλοι είχαν την ευκαιρία να απολαύσουν «αφ’ υψηλού» μία υπέροχη καλοκαιρινή βραδιά σε ιδιαίτερα χαλαρή διάθεση.

Christina Kalaitzis, Office Manager - Marine Underwriting Assistant of Blue Aigaion Insurance Solutions, George Koukas, Insurance Agent, Pantelis Stamatakis, Reinsurance Manager

Fotios Kalampalikis, CEO of BROKERS UNION, Mariza Karampatsou, Sales Executive Brokers Union, Konstantina Zafeiropoulou, Sales Executive Brokers Union, Niki Kazasi, Sales Assistant, Stelina Kapodistria, Sales Assistant

Constantinos Diveris, Insurance Advisor - Farantouris Insurance & Financial Advisors, Panagiotis Kounoupas - Marine Underwriting Manager of Blue Aigaion Insurance Solutions, Christos Pierroutsakos, General Director - Stavros Karapiperis Salvage & Towage, Constantine Levantis, Ceng. Cmareng. Mimarest - Levmar Engineering Marine Technical Consultants

Christina Kalaitzis-Office Manager/Marine Underwriting Assistant of Blue Aigaion Insurance Solutions, Christos Christodoulou Insurance Agent, Panagiotis Kounoupas-Marine Underwriting Manager of Blue Aigaion Insurance Solutions, Anastasia Simantira Yoga and Life Coaching Instructor

76 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

REPORTAGE

Διεθνής συνάντηση "Bosphorus 2018" Με ιδιαίτερη επιτυχία και μεγάλη συμμετοχή πραγματοποιήθηκε η 4η Διεθνής Συνάντηση "Bosphorus 2018" που διοργάνωσε η Turkish Shipbroker Association στο Μacka της Κωνσταντινούπολης. Μεταξύ των περίπου 2.000 προσκεκλημένων, έντονη και σημαντική ήταν η παρουσία των Ελλήνων Ναυλομεσιτών και Εφοπλιστών. Σύμφωνα με πληροφορίες, δρομολογούνται συντονισμένες προσπάθειες, ώστε η αντίστοιχη εκδήλωση του Συνδέσμου Ελλήνων Ναυλομεσιτών να διεξαχθεί στον Πειραιά τον Ιούνιο του 2020.

Ο πρόεδρος του Hellenic Shipbrokers Association Γιάννης Κοτζιάς, η πρόεδρος του Turkish Shipbrokers Association Pelin Gezicioglu και ο εφοπλιστής Αλέξης Αγγελόπουλος

ΕΕΕ: Βραβεία σε ναυτικούς και σπουδαστές Πραγματοποιήθηκε στα γραφεία της Ενώσεως Ελλήνων Εφοπλιστών η ετήσια εκδήλωση βράβευσης των ναυτικών που ολοκλήρωσαν το 2014 τη σταδιοδρομία τους σε ποντοπόρα πλοία, με την μεγαλύτερη θαλάσσια υπηρεσία, καθώς και απονομής υποτροφιών σε μεταπτυχιακούς σπουδαστές. Μιλώντας, ο πρόεδρος της ΕΕΕ Θ. Βενιάμης τόνισε μεταξύ άλλων: "Στην εποχή μας, όπου η ανεργία μαστίζει τους νέους, το ναυτικό επάγγελμα γίνεται πλέον και πάλι ελκυστικό, προσφέροντας προοπτικές επαγγελματικής αποκατάστασης και εξέλιξης, σε μια από τις πιο ισχυρές βιομηχανίες της χώρας μας αλλά και της παγκόσμιας οικονομίας. Η στροφή των νέων μας στη ναυτιλία, θα διασώσει τον θησαυρό της ναυτοσύνης και της ναυτικής μας παράδοσης, αναπόσπαστα στοιχεία του ελληνικού ναυτιλιακού θαύματος". Η εκδήλωση περιελάμβανε και την απονομή υποτροφιών που χορηγούνται για πρώτη φορά από τη ΣΥΝ-ΕΝΩΣΗ, την Εταιρεία Κοινωνικής Προσφοράς Ελληνικού Εφοπλισμού, με αντικείμενο την υλοποίηση κοινωφελών προγραμμάτων και δράσεων ενισχύσεως ευαίσθητων κοινωνικών ομάδων, καθώς και ευρύτερων έργων ανθρωπιστικού περιεχομένου. Η ΣΥΝΝ-ΕΝΩΣΗ χορηγεί πλέον υποτροφίες μεταπτυχιακών σπουδών προδιδακτορικού επιπέδου (8 εφέτος) ύψους 15.000 ευρώ εκάστη, για σπουδές σε τομείς σχετιζόμενους με τη Ναυτιλία για το ακαδημαϊκό έτος 20182019 σε Πανεπιστήμια εντός και εκτός Ελλάδος. Απενεμήθησαν διπλώματα και βραβεία σε δύο ναυτικούς, οι οποίοι συνταξιοδοτήθηκαν το 2014, έχοντας τηn μεγαλύτερη θαλάσσια υπηρεσία σε ποντοπόρα πλοία, έναν από την κατηγορία των αξιωματικών

και έναν από την κατηγορία των πληρωμάτων. Επίσης, απενεμήθησαν υποτροφίες: • Εις μνήμην Αντωνίου Χανδρή, για σπουδές σε πανεπιστήμια της ΕΕ ύψους 10.000 δολαρίων ΗΠΑ, για το ακαδημαϊκό έτος 2017–2018.

• Η NEPTUNE LINES στη μνήμη του ιδρυτή της, Νικολάου Τραυλού, απένειμε υποτροφία για ναυτιλιακές σπουδές σε Πανεπιστήμια των κρατών μελών της ΕΕ, ύψους 10.000 Ευρώ για το ακαδημαϊκό έτος 2018 – 2019.

• Η Ειρήνη Νταϊφά, στη μνήμη του Σταύρου Α. Νταϊφά, απένειμε υποτροφία για σπουδές σε Πανεπιστήμια της ΕΕ, ύψους 15.000 Δολαρίων ΗΠΑ για το ακαδημαϊκό έτος 2017 – 2018, και • Τα "Ποσειδώνια" απένειμαν υποτροφία για το ακαδημαϊκό έτος 2017–2018 για ναυτιλιακές σπουδές σε Πανεπιστήμια των κρατών της ΕΕ, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της Ελλάδας, ύψους 10.000 Ευρώ. Στην εκδήλωση παρέστησαν ο Υπουργός Ναυτιλίας Παν. Κουρουμπλής, η ηγεσία του Λιμενικού Σώματος καθώς και οι διοικήσεις των ναυτικών οργανώσεων και εκπρόσωποι εφοπλιστικών ενώσεων.

REPORTAGE

Πάρις Κασσιδόκωστας-Λάτσης: Καθήκον μας οι επενδύσεις στην Ελλάδα και τις νέες τεχνολογίες

"Η νεότερη γενιά των ναυτιλιακών επιχειρηματιών, έχει χρέος να ηγηθεί στην προσπάθεια για τη μετάβαση σε φιλικές προς το περιβάλλον τεχνολογίες. Για εμάς, το θέμα δεν είναι το εάν θα εφαρμοσθούν και πότε οι νέοι αυστηροί περιβαλλοντικοί κανονισμοί (π.χ για τα καύσιμα χαμηλής περιεκτικότητας σε θείο), αλλά το να εφαρμοσθούν το συντομότερο δυνατόν και όποιος έχει εγκαίρως πάρει καλή θέση στην κούρσα και

επενδύσει σε νέες και φιλικές προς το περιβάλλον τεχνολογίες, θα βγει μπροστά. Αυτό τόνισε, μιλώντας στους δημοσιογράφους, ο επί κεφαλής της Latsco (ναυτιλιακός βραχίων του ομίλου Λάτση) Πάρις Κασσιδόκωστας-Λάτσης. "Είναι σωστή και νηφάλια η θέση της ελληνικής πλευράς (ΕΕΕ) για μια ισορροπημένη προσέγγιση ως προς τη διαδικασία μεταβάσεως και τα χρονοδιαγράμματα που θα υιοθετηθούν, ώστε να φθάσουμε στη νέα κατάσταση", ανέφερε ο νεαρός επιχειρηματίας. Η Latsco, που ολοκλήρωσε στον τομέα των τάνκερ ένα πενταετές πρόγραμμα ανανεώσεως και αυξήσεως του στόλου της, αγόρασε τελευταία κάποια φορτηγά αλλά και δύο δεξαμενόπλοια, στοχεύοντας στη δυνατότητα παραγωγής υπεραξιών με την άνοδο της αγοράς (asset play). Σχετικά με την επένδυση στο Ελληνικό, ο επιχειρηματίας την χαρακτήρισε "μία από τις μεγαλύτερες επενδύσεις που έχουν γίνει ποτέ στη χώρα, η οποία θα δώσει τεράστια ώθηση στην οικονομία και εκτιμάται ότι θα αρχίσει να υλοποιείται εντός του 2019". Κατά τον Π. Κασσιδόκωστα-Λάτση ,η επένδυση αναδεικνύει την Ελλάδα σε επενδυτικό προορισμό, αφού σε αυτήν συνεργάζονται ένας μεγάλος ελληνικός επιχειρηματικός όμιλος και σοβαροί διεθνείς επενδυτικοί οίκοι. "Οι πρώτοι που πρέπει να επενδύουμε είναι οι μεγάλοι ελληνικοί όμιλοι, γιατί έτσι δίνεται το σήμα στους διεθνείς επενδυτές, ότι εμπιστεύονται τα χρήματά τους στη χώρα και μόνο έτσι θα ακολουθήσουν και οι υπόλοιποι", τόνισε ο επιχειρηματίας. Όπως ανέφερε στη συνέχεια, η παρουσία του Ομίλου στην Ελλάδα, είναι εμφανής, μέσω των στρατηγικών τοποθετήσεων σε ενέργεια, real estate (ΕΛΠΕ, Lamda - Ελληνικό) και Ναυτιλία (η Latsco διατηρεί γραφεία σε Αθήνα, Μονακό και Λονδίνο, ενώ διαθέτει μικρό αριθμό πλοίων με ελληνική σημαία). Ο Π. Κασσιδόκωστας-Λάτσης, υπογράμμισε το ενδιαφέρον του για τις νέες εταιρείες, τις οποίες είναι αποφασισμένος να στηρίξει οικονομικά στα πρώτα τους βήματα, όπως έκανε και με τη Viva. "Για τα ΕΛΠΕ φαίνεται ότι υπάρχει ενδιαφέρον και ότι η πώληση θα προχωρήσει. Υπάρχει θετική εικόνα και εκτίμηση για τις επιδόσεις και τις δυνατότητες της εταιρείας, για τον πρόσθετο λόγο ότι ως διυλιστήριο είναι από τα λίγα στην περιοχή που μπορούν να παραγάγουν καύσιμα σύμφωνα με τις νέες περιβαλλοντικές απαιτήσεις της ναυτιλίας. Με ενθουσιασμό, πάντως, μίλησε ο επιχειρηματίας για τις δραστηριότητές του στον διεθνή κινηματογραφικό χώρο, με μεγάλες παραγωγές στο Χόλιγουντ (American Made blockbuster με πρωταγωνιστή τον Τομ Κρουζ) και Good Time (επίσημη συμμετοχή στο φεστιβάλ των Καννών). "Με τον κινηματογράφο περνάς μηνύματα στους ανθρώπους, τα οποία ποτέ δεν θα μπορούσε να περάσει οποιαδήποτε άλλη δραστηριότητα", είπε χαρακτηριστικά. Δ. Καπ.

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Στην "αφρόκρεμα" του Paris MOU o "Φοίνιξ Νηογνώμων" Δικαίωση για τον Άρη Αρβανιτάκη Εάν "ο επιμένων νικά", τότε ο Άρης Αρβανιτάκης δικαιούται τον τίτλο του "επιμένοντος νικητή"... Κι αυτό γιατί χάρις στην επιμονή του, για πρώτη φορά ένας ελληνικός Νηογνώμων (Ο «Φοίνιξ Νηογνώμων ΑΕ» (Phoenix Register of Shipping), εντάσσεται στον «high performance» κατάλογο του Paris MOU, ενός θεσμού που αποκλείει από την κυκλοφορία τα πλοία τα οποία δεν ανταποκρίνονται στα πρότυπα ασφαλείας και προστασίας του περιβάλλοντος, μέσω ενός συστήματος ελέγχου που έχουν υιοθετήσει οι λιμενικές αρχές κάθε κράτους, το οποίο συμμετέχει στο "Μνημόνιο Συνεργασίας των Παρισίων". Στον εν λόγω οργανισμό μετέχουν οι χώρες: Βέλγιο, Βουλγαρία, Καναδάς, Κροατία, Κύπρος, Δανία, Εσθονία, Φινλανδία, Γαλλία, Γερμανία, Ελλάδα, Ισλανδία, Ιρλανδία, Ιταλία, Λετονία, Λιθουανία, Μάλτα, Κάτω Χώρες, Νορβηγία, Πολωνία, Ισπανία, Σουηδία και Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο. «Το θεωρώ ιστορικό γεγονός. Για πρώτη φορά ένας ελληνικός νηογνώμονας μπαίνει στην συγκεκριμένη λίστα του Paris MOU. Αυτό δείχνει τη δυναμική και την αξιοπιστία που έχουμε αποκτήσει αλλά και τις προοπτικές που διαμορφώνονται για εμάς. Βραχυπρόθεσμος στόχος μας είναι να παραμείνουμε σε αυτό το υψηλό επίπεδο. Βάλαμε πλέον τον πήχη ψηλά και θέλουμε να μείνουμε ψηλά», τονίζει ο Άρης Αρβανιτάκης. Σημειώνεται, ότι ο "Φοίνιξ" ξεπέρασε στη βαθμολογία τρεις νηογνώμονες, που είναι μέλη της Διεθνούς Ένωσης Νηογνωμόνων (International Association of Classification Societies - IACS). Ο "Φοίνιξ" σήμερα παρακολουθεί 2.500 πλοία υπό ελληνική σημαία και 500 υπό ξένη, έχει αναγνωρισθεί, εκτός από την Ελλάδα και από 15 ακόμη διεθνή νηολόγια-σημαίες και διατηρεί γραφεία σε 10 χώρες (Ελλάδα, Γερμανία, Αγγλία, Ουκρανία, Τουρκία, Λίβανο, Ηνωμένα Αραβικά Εμιράτα, Ινδία, Νιγηρία, Νότια Αφρική και Παναμά). Το δίκτυο αποκλειστικών επιθεωρητών στην Ελλάδα καλύπτει το

σύνολο της επικράτειας, όπως ενδεικτικά είναι τα Δωδεκανήσων, οι Κυκλάδες, ο Βόλος και οι Βόρειες Σποράδες, η Θάσος, η Καβάλα, η Θεσσαλονίκη, η νοτιοανατολική και βορειοανατολική Πελοπόννησος, η δυτική Ελλάδα και τα νησιά του Ιονίου, ενώ οι επιθεωρητές είναι άμεσα διαθέσιμοι να καλύψουν οποιαδήποτε ανάγκη παρουσιαστεί οπουδήποτε. «Η φιλοσοφία μας είναι ανθρωποκεντρική. Αντιμετωπίζουμε όλους, όπως θα θέλαμε να μας αντιμετωπίζουν κι εμάς, ως ανθρώπους. Είτε πρόκειται για πελάτη, είτε για ναυτικό, είτε για συνάδελφο, είτε για συνεργάτη. Οι εργαζόμενοι στον Φοίνικα είναι μία μεγάλη επαγγελματική οικογένεια με υψηλό πνεύμα συνεργασίας. Για την επιλογή των συνεργατών μας, δίνουμε βάρος τόσο σε επίπεδο ποιότητας γνώσεων όσο και ήθους. Απευθυνόμαστε σε όλους τους πλοιοκτήτες εντός και εκτός συνόρων που αναζητούν έναν αξιόπιστο φορέα επιθεωρήσεων και πιστοποίησης, που ενεργεί αποτελεσματικά και με ανταγωνιστικό κόστος. Απευθυνόμαστε σε όλους τους επαγγελματίες του yachting, τους ιδιοκτήτες αλιευτικών σκαφών, τους ανθρώπους που διαχειρίζονται φορτηγά, επιβατηγά, ρυμουλκά αλλά και στους ναυπηγούς που θέλουν έναν αξιόπιστο νηογνώμονα», τονίζει ο ιδρυτής της εταιρείας. Αν και η δύναμή μας είναι στο εξωτερικό, είμαστε ελληνική εταιρεία, είμαστε Έλληνες και στοχεύουμε στην ελληνική αγορά, γιατί έχει ευκαιρίες, παρά την κρίση και παρά τον ανταγωνισμό ο οποίος, όπως ήταν αναμενόμενο, μειώνει τις τιμές. Υπάρχουν ευκαιρίες», αναφέρει ο Άρης Αρβανιτάκης.

Βραβείο ΟΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΣ στην Attica Group Διάκριση Περιβαλλοντικής Πολιτικής Στα Βραβεία Περιβαλλοντικής Ευαισθησίας ΟΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΣ, στην κατηγορία των Βραβείων Επιχειρήσεων, η Attica Group κέρδισε το Βραβείο ΟΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΣ Περιβαλλοντικής Πολιτικής. Αξίζει να σημειωθεί ότι ο Όμιλος Attica είναι ο μοναδικός στον κλάδο της επιβατηγού ναυτιλίας που κερδίζει το συγκεκριμένο βραβείο. Το βραβείο αυτό αποτελεί μία ακόμη αναγνώριση των προσπαθειών του Ομίλου για την συστηματική και υπεύθυνη λειτουργία του σε θέματα περιβάλλοντος, βασικό πυλώνα του προγράμματος Εταιρικής Υπευθυνότητας του Ομίλου Attica. Επιβεβαιώνει την πραγματοποίηση της δέσμευσης του Ομίλου για την ενσωμάτωση των αρχών βιώσιμης ανάπτυξης στις διαδικασίες του και την εφαρμογή περιβαλλοντικά ορθών επιχειρηματικών πρακτικών, ώστε να περιοριστούν, στο

μέτρο του δυνατού, οι περιβαλλοντικές επιπτώσεις της λειτουργίας του. Η τελετή απονομής, που διοργάνωσε για δέκατη τέταρτη συνεχόμενη χρονιά το ECOCITY, πραγματοποιήθηκε στις 2 Ιουνίου στο νησί της Μήλου, στον υπαίθριο χώρο του παλαιού εργοστασίου καολίνης, ενός ιστορικού βιομηχανικού κτηρίου, αναπαλαιωμένο και διαμορφωμένο πλέον ως Συνεδριακό Κέντρο Μήλου «Γεώργιος Ηλιόπουλος». Ο θεσμός των ΟΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΣ δημιουργήθηκε το 2005 και εδραιώθηκε από τον εθελοντικό Μη Κερδοσκοπικό Οργανισμό για το Aστικό και Περιαστικό JULY-AUGUST 2018 SHIPPING 79

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Περιβάλλον «ECOCITY». Τα βραβεία απονέμονται κάθε χρόνο, με στόχο την επιβράβευση και προβολή της έμπρακτης και αυξημένης περιβαλλοντικής ευαισθησίας των Φορέων της Πολιτείας, της Τοπικής Αυτοδιοίκησης, των Επιχειρήσεων, των Επιστημονικών και Ερευνητικών Ιδρυμάτων και των Μέσων Ενημέρωσης. Ταυτόχρονα, αποσκοπούν στη δημιουργία συνθηκών ευγενούς άμιλλας, που θα προάγει την γενικότερη περιβαλλοντική ευαισθητοποίηση και επίδειξη κοινωνικής συμμετοχής στην ανάληψη ή στήριξη δράσεων για το περιβάλλον. Τα ΟΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΣ αποτελούν μοναδικό θεσμό του είδους στη χώρα μας, αναγνωρίζοντας ότι η καλλιέργεια της ευθύνης ενισχύεται από κίνητρα, ηθικά κυρίως, σε όσους συνειδητοποιούν το χρέος και έμπρακτα επιδεικνύουν περιβαλλοντική ευαισθησία. Η Attica Group δραστηριοποιείται στην επιβατηγό ναυτιλία μέσω των εταιρειών SUPERFAST FERRIES, BLUE STAR FERRIES, HELLENIC SEAWAYS και AFRICA MOROCCO LINKS (AML) με συνολικά 30 πλοία που προσφέρουν σύγχρονες, υψηλού επιπέδου μεταφορικές υπηρεσίες στην Ελλάδα και το εξωτερικό. Τα πλοία του στόλου της ταξιδεύουν σε 4 χώρες, σε

59 μοναδικούς προορισμούς, προσεγγίζοντας 71 λιμάνια. Η Attica Group είναι μέλος του Ομίλου Marfin Investment Group (MIG) με πλειοψηφικές συμμετοχές σε ηγέτιδες εταιρείες.

Όμιλος Τσάκου: "Πρώτα οι άνθρωποί μας" Επαγγελματικό Ταμείο Ασφαλίσεως για τους εργαζομένους του Ο Όμιλος Εταιρειών Ομίλου Τσάκου, στo πλαίσιo της κοινωνικής του πολιτικής, ενίσχυσης της εργασιακής ασφάλειας, και επιβραβεύσεως της πολυετούς επιτυχούς υπηρεσίας των στελεχών του αξιοποίησε, για πρώτη φορά στο χώρο της ελληνικής ναυτιλίας, τον θεσμό της Επαγγελματικής Ασφαλίσεως. Ο Όμιλος προχωρεί στην ίδρυση του "Ταμείου Επαγγελματικής Ασφαλίσεως Ναυτιλιακών Επιχειρήσεων Ομίλου Τσάκου & Συνεργατών" για όλους τους εργαζόμενους του Ομίλου, σε στεριά και θάλασσα, στην Ελλάδα και στο εξωτερικό και στο οποίο δύνανται να συμμετέχουν, προαιρετικά συνεργάτες και μέλη εταιρειών που έχουν έμπρακτη επαγγελματική σχέση με τον Όμιλο Τσάκου. Πρόκειται για Νομικό Πρόσωπο Ιδιωτικού Δικαίου, μη κερδοσκοπικού χαρακτήρα, υπόκειται σε αυστηρό νομοθετικό πλαίσιο λειτουργίας (που εναρμονίζεται με τις ευρωπαϊκές οδηγίες) από τρεις κρατικές εποπτικές αρχές (Εθνική Αναλογιστική Αρχή, Επιτροπή Κεφαλαιαγοράς και Υπουργείο Εργασίας) και έλεγχο από ανεξάρτητους φορείς (Ορκωτούς/Εσωτερικούς ελεγκτές, Διαχειριστής Κινδύνου). Το Ταμείο έχει συσταθεί ως χωριστή νομική οντότητα, με δικό του καταστατικό και τα περιουσιακά του στοιχεία είναι διαχωρισμένα από εκείνα του Ομίλου. Έχει χωριστό Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο με συμμετοχή σε αυτό και των μελών – εργαζομένων το οποίο θα εποπτεύει τη λειτουργία και θα αξιολογεί την απόδοση του Ταμείου. Το Ταμείο αποτελεί ιδανικό μέσο αποταμίευσης ή και αναπλήρωσης 80 SHIPPING JULY-AUGUST 2018

εισοδήματος και διασφαλίζει την ανταποδοτικότητα των καταβαλλόμενων εισφορών μέσω της τήρησης ατομικών λογαριασμών και ελεγχόμενης επενδυτικής πολιτικής. Ο ατομικός λογαριασμός του ασφαλισμένου δύναται να ενισχύεται και με καταβολές εισφορών από τον εργοδότη, πέραν της εισφοράς του ασφαλισμένου, ενώ οι ασφαλισμένοι έχουν άμεση ενημέρωση για το ποσό του σωρευμένου ατομικού τους λογαριασμού μέσω της ιστοσελίδας του ΤΕΑ. Υπάρχει πλήρης δημοσιοποίηση χρηματοοικονομικών καταστάσεων, αναλογιστικών μελετών βιωσιμότητας, επενδυτικών πολιτικών και μέσων, ενώ η διαχείριση των επενδύσεων του ΤΕΑ θα γίνεται από επαγγελματίες Διαχειριστές Επενδύσεων, κατά τον Κανονισμό Επενδυτικής Πολιτικής του Ταμείου και υπό την αυστηρή εποπτεία της Επιτροπής Κεφαλαιαγοράς. Το Ταμείο εξασφαλίζει σημαντικά φορολογικά κίνητρα βάσει του Ν.4172/2013, με έκπτωση από το φορολογητέο εισόδημα της εισφοράς του μέλους, ενώ παράλληλα η εφάπαξ παροχή, επίσης, απαλλάσσεται πλήρως από φορολόγηση. Οι εισφορές στο ΤΕΑ απαλλάσσονται από φόρο ασφαλίστρου και αμοιβές διαμεσολαβούντων, εξασφαλίζοντας χαμηλότερη επιβάρυνση για τα μέλη τους έναντι αντίστοιχων εξόδων σε ιδιωτικές ασφαλιστικές εταιρείες και ο Όμιλος Τσάκου αναλαμβάνει την κάλυψη όλων των λειτουργικών εξόδων του Ταμείου, απαλλάσσοντας κάθε ανάλογης επιβάρυνσης τα μέλη που εργάζονται στις επιχειρήσεις του.

Period B No 551 60th Year

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