Evangelos Adam, Sustainability, Environment, Energy Performance Manager, Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd

Evangelos Adam is a graduate of Hellenic Naval Academy as Marine Engineer (BSc) and holds an MSc in Electrical Engineering from Naval Post Graduate School, USA.

Since 1993 he has worked as Marine Engineer/Electronics Engineer/Chief Engineer for more than 10 years onboard Navy vessels. Since 2007 he held various high level administrative positions in regards to training, technical management, operational evaluation and performance analysis.

He joined Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd as Performance Analyst and Technical Superintendent and in 2019 he was assigned as Sustainability, Environment, Energy, Performance (SEEP) Manager of the newly established department.

Fotios Belexis, Technical Director, Star Bulk Carriers Corp

Fotios Belexis is the Technical Director of Star Bulk Carriers Corp., the largest dry bulk shipping company listed today on the Nasdaq. Mr Belexis has 27 years of experience in diverse technical managerial roles in major shipping companies operating diversified fleets such as LNG/LPG/Tankers/ Bulk Carriers/Container and is a member of Martecma, Verifuel, BV and ABS Technical Committee.

Mr Belexis holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and an M.Sc. in Maritime Engineering from the University of Southampton.

John Cotzias, Projects & Finance, Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc; President, Hellenic Shipbrokers Association

John N. Cotzias, currently acting as the President of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association, has more than 30 years of experience in Shipbroking.

His family has been the oldest shipbroking family in Greece, active in both Sale and Purchase and Chartering of ships since 1893 and John represents the 4th Generation of continuity. From 1992 until 1995 he worked as head analyst in the Finance Department of a major Greek shipowning company managing 25 vessels both wet and dry. From 1995 until 1996, he worked with London Tankers Chartering in London as Procurement & Financial Advisor. In 1996 he joined the family business of N. Cotzias Shipping, as CEO of the Group.

John started in early 2000, N. Cotzias Shipping Consultants (NCSC), a well reputed specialist in market reporting, shipping analysis and market advising. From 2003 until 2004 he undertook the responsibility of managing the Greek Office of Dutch leading company Smit Heavy Lift Europe BV (Now Boskalis Offshore Marine Services BV) that assisted in construction of the Rion/Antirion Bridge in Greece.

Mr. Cotzias served the Hellenic Navy Special Forces (MYK) as an officer in the Command Center and this military experience was valuable in assisting all NATO, US, UK and Netherlands Naval-Ship Greek port calls handled by his N. Cotzias Agencies firm.

He is presently Maritime Advisor for NATO’s TGOS and AMSCC and he has been a Maritime Advisor for a number of Greek and international shipping companies and has appeared in various forums and conferences as a panelist and guest speaker in both Greece and abroad and was the producer and co-host of first weekly shipping program aired live on Greek TV. In his career John has completed a vast number of sale and purchase transactions, while he has put together many complex projects, involving financing and long period employment.

Since 2013, John N. Cotzias has been, for fourth consecutive term, acting as president of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association (HSA).

In late 2017 he was one of the integral persons to partner and create Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc., specializing in providing value added broking services to the company’s vast and loyal clientele.

John N. Cotzias holds an MSc degree in Shipping Trade and Finance from City University Cass Business School (UK) and also holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Buckingham.

Nikolaos Daremas, Marine Technical Engineer, RINA

Naval Architect (BSc, ATEI Athens, GR, 2016) and Marine Engineer (MSc,Newcastle University, UK, 2019). Almost 4 years of professional experience in Maritime Sector, mostly spent in Classification Societies.

Joined RINA’s Marine Classification Department in December 2020 and since April 2022 I have been a part of the Marine Technical department, which focuses on new technologies, research, and evaluation of technological innovations, aiming to decarbonization and next-gen vessels. During my academic years, the focus of my studies were Fuel Cells and Ship Automations, with my thesis "Automated control of Diesel engine's speed'' being distinguished with the top honor for the academic year 2016-2017.

Eleftherios Dedes, PhD, Fleet Manager, Polembros Shipping Ltd

Eleftherios Dedes graduated from NTUA in 2009 compiling his thesis at the Laboratory of Marine Engineering. Studying under 3 scholarships, he received his PhD on the subject of Hybrid Power Systems for Diesel powered Ships in 2013 from Southampton University UK, subject research is available at relevant journals. He has vast experience in Ship Energy Efficiency, from hull performance up to troubleshooting/ tuning and Optimisation of Marine Engines.

He worked in a NYSE incorporated Tanker managing Company for almost 7 years, as Technical Superintendent performance specialist for sea trials, machinery optimization and other energy related complex cases.

Presently works as Fleet Manager in Polembros Shipping Limited, where among his duties is the company fleet performance and decarbonization techniques using viable and measurable systems and technologies.

Palemia Field, Global Segment Manager - Ferries, ABB

Palemia Field is responsible for Ferries & RoPax segment at ABB Marine & Ports. Previously a part of the global Marketing & Communications team, he started up the Marine Digital Services unit in Finland and lead the Marine Academy team where he also trained customers in the operation and maintenance of Azipod® propulsion units. Palemia is a member of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and sits on its Technical Leadership Board.

With experience as an engineer on board large cruise ships and global deployments as a marine engineer officer with the Royal New Zealand Navy, Palemia brings an operational context as we shift to an industry that features more electrification, digitalization and connectivity.
 

Antonios Georgantzis, Chief Operating Officer, Latsco Marine Management Inc

Antonios Georgantzis is a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, graduated from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and has Master of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Technology.

He worked in Classification Society Det Norske Veritas, on assignments in Greece, Norway and South Korea. On 2006 he joined Consolidated Marine Management Inc as Assistant Site Manager in New Building construction in Ulsan. On 2008, he joined CMM office in Piraeus and he held a number of different positions (Technical Superintendent, DPA & HSQEEn Manager, Technical Fleet Manager, Technical Manager), until having been assigned with the COO responsibilities of Latsco Marine Management Inc, the Technical Operator of Latsco Shipping in Greece, on June 2021.

He is member of INTERTANKO’s ISTEC and an Ex Vice Chairman of INTERTANKO’s Environmental Committee, as well as a member in SIGTTO GPC Committee, Lloyd’s Register, DNV, Bureau Veritas Technical Committees, and Vice President in MARTECMA Council.

Haris Giantzikis, Technical Manager, Arcadia Shipmanagement Co Ltd

Charalampos (Haris) Giantzikis holds a High National Diploma (HND) in naval architecture, a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in mechanical engineering from City University of New York.

He launched his career in 1979 as assistant superintendent engineer at A. Halcoussis.He worked as superintendent engineer at Tsakos Shipping, Piraeus (1987-1991) and as senior superintendent engineer at Seven Seas Maritime in London (1991-2001). He was fleet manager at Marmaras Navigation (2001-2002) and technical manager at Tsakos Shipping (2002-2005). From 2005 to date he holds the position of technical manager at Arcadia Shipmanagement.

He is member of ABS European Technical Committee, Bureau Veritas Hellenic Marine Technical Committee, DNV GL Greek Technical Committee, Lloyd’s Register Hellenic Technical Committee, Class NK Greek Technical Committee and is a member of the MARTECMA council.

Alessio Giusto, Turbocharging and Digital Solutions, Regional Sales Manager, Accelleron

Alessio heads Digital Solutions as a Regional Sales Manager in Accelleron, with a focus to supporting owners and operators to maximize the potential of their installations, achieving higher operational efficiency with lower fuel consumption while meeting environmental regulations.

Alessio began his career at Wärtsilä in 2005 as Production Planner & Project Manager for 4-stroke engines. In 2009 he joined ABB Turbocharging as Sales Engineer and later became Service Manager. In 2014 he moved to voestalpine HPM Italia, Special Steel as Branch & Sales Manager. Since 2022 he is heading the Digital Solutions team as a Regional Manager in Accelleron.

Alessio holds a Master’s degree in industrial engineering from the Padua University/ Boston University.

Yarden Gross, Co-founder and CEO, Orca AI

Mr Yarden Gross is a seasoned entrepreneur. While serving in the Israeli navy, Mr Gross experienced first-hand some of the most challenging aspects of navigating the oceans.  With the vision of leveraging his business and technological expertise and his knowledge of the maritime industry, to overcome these challenges Orca AI was founded in 2018. 

Mr Gross today spearheads Orca AI’s vision to make shipping safer, more efficient, and sustainable together with turning autonomous commercial shipping a reality.
Before founding Orca AI, he was the co-founder and CEO of Engie, a VC-backed automotive tech company.

Mr Gross holds a BA in Economics and Business from Reichman University (IDC Herzliya).
 

 Christos C. Hadjigeorgiou, Managing Director, Almi Marine Management SA

Christos Hadjigeorgiou is the Managing Director of Almi Marine Management SA, since 2014.

He holds an M.Sc and B.Sc in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from The University of Glasgow.

He worked in Ship Building and Repair Shipyards and Ship management Companies before joining Almi Marine in 1998 as the Technical Manager

He is a member of ClassNK and Lloyd’s Register Greek Technical Committees.

Stavros Hatzigrigoris, Advanced Engineering Services; Zodiac Maritime

Stavros has recently set up his own consulting Co (Advanced Engineering Services) whilst at the same time works for Zodiac Maritime. He held the position of Managing Director of Maran Tankers Management between 1992 and 2014 and in addition he was the Managing Director of Maran Gas Maritime between 2003 and 2020. During his years with the Maran Group Stavros has been responsible for the contracting , construction and delivery of more than 160 new ships in Korea and China including 45 LNGCs in Hyundai Samho and mainly DSME.

He holds a B.Sc.degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from University College London as well as an M.Sc. in Marine Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens. He has studied Management of Ship Operations in the University of Strathclyde.

He is a member of numerous national and international shipping bodies and committees.

 
Michael Jeppesen, Promotion Manager, MAN Energy Solutions

Michael Jeppesen obtained a Master of Business degree in August 2017, “The Blue MBA” within Shipping & Logistics from Copenhagen Business School. Further, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering obtained from Copenhagen Teknikum University in 1989.

• Joined MAN Diesel's Two-Stroke Promotion & Customer Support Department in July 2010 and was appointed Promotion Manager. Presently responsible for Greece, Croatia Cyprus and Israel.

• Manager for MAN Diesel's Two-Stroke Maintenance Tools Department 2005-2010.

• Section manager for MAN Diesel's Two Stroke PrimeServ Diesel, Technical Service Department 2003-2005.

• Project manager for BWSC, dealing with diesel power plants for Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor 2001-2003.

• Superintendent engineer for MAN Diesel's Two-Stroke Operation Department, specialist within cylinder condition 1991-2001.

• Project engineer for MAN Diesel's Two Stroke Installation Department 1989-1991.
 

Serafeim Katsikas, Chief Technology Officer, METIS Cyberspace Technology SA

Serafeim Katsikas, Co-Founder and CTO at METIS Cyberspace Technology SA., is a senior electrical engineer with estensive experience in the design and development of innovative solutions in multiple technological fields such as medical, space, defense and automation. He has played a key role in more than 30 collaborative research programs and has been BoD member in several technical associations.

Having significant expertise on smart devices and wireles networks, during the last ten years, he has been focusing on applying new technologies like IoT, Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Green Energy solutions in the field of Maritime and Waterborne transportation. 

John Kokarakis, Technology & Business Development Director SEEBA Zone, Bureau Veritas

Dr Kokarakis a 1979 graduate of National Technical University of Athens, holds PhD (1986) and Masters degrees in Naval Architecture (1983) and Mechanical Engineering (1984) from the University of Michigan.

He worked for over ten years as a consultant undertaking technical problems worldwide. His specialization was in the area of technical investigation of marine accidents. In his capacity as a forensic engineer he participated in the technical investigation of the Exxon Valdez grounding, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the drillship Sea-Crest capsize, the Piper Alpha fire and explosion, the Aleutian Enterprise foundering in Alaska as well as many other accidents of less notoriety.

The last twenty years he works in Greece, in the area of classification. He is today the Technical Director of Bureau Veritas in the Hellenic and Black Sea & Zone, responsible for the smooth technical operation in the Zone as well as in the harmonic cooperation with the BV offices worldwide to the benefit of the BV clients.

He is a member of SNAME since 1976 and a Fellow of the Society. He served in various capacities, being currently the Chairman of the Greek Section since 2014.

Panos Kourkountis, Technical Director, Sea Traders SA; Chairman, MARTECMA

Panos Kourkountis is the Technical Director of Sea Traders SA. He studied Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineering in the National Technical University of Athens. Since 1994 he worked as Superintendent, Site manager of new building projects, Technical Manager and Technical Director of Andriaki Shipping Co Ltd. In January 2018 he joined Procopiou Group of companies as Technical Director of Sea Traders SA.

He is chairman of Marine Technical Managers Association (MARTECMA), and member of Hellenic Technical Chamber (TEE), ABS Europe Technical Committee, Lloyd’s Register Hellenic Technical Committee, DNV Greek Technical Committee, RINA Technical Committee, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers SNAME, Naval Architects Association of Greece, Mechanical Engineers’ Association of Greece, Hellenic Institute of Marine Technology (ELINT).

Takis Koutris, Managing Director, Roxana Shipping SA; ROKS Maritime Inc

Takis Koutris, Naval Architect & Marine and Mechanical Engineer M.Sc, was born in 1957 in Athens. In October 1980 he graduated from National Technical University of Athens, where he studied Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering.

After his graduation he was employed in Alfa Laval (1983-1984) and then in Avin International SA (1984-2000) and Athenian Tankers (2000-2001). Since then he is Managing Director in Roxana Shipping SA & ROKS Maritime Inc.

Dimitris Koutsaftis, Senior Scientific Consultant, Research & Development, ERMA FIRST

Dr Dimitris L. Koutsaftis, acts as Senior Scientific Consultant in the Research and Development department of ERMA FIRST ESK Engineering Solutions S.A. He has a diploma in Chemical Engineering, a M.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering and a Ph.D. degree in Electrochemistry from the School of Chemical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens, Greece.

His expertise is in the area of product development of marine equipment. He also has more than 10 years of hands - on experience in water and wastewater treatment methods, which was obtained as Manager of the Wastewater treatment department of POLYCO S.A. a Greek waste management and valorization industry.

In the beginning of 2014, he joined ERMA FIRST ESK Engineering Solutions S.A, a worldwide leader in Ballast Water Treatment, initially as a Senior Electrochemical Engineer and later as Research and Development Manager, where he led the development program of the company’s proprietary electrochlorination technology.

George Laios, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Intermodal Shipbrokers Co

George is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Intermodal Group and at the same time responsible for the Group’s clients’ financial advisory. Prior to joining Intermodal, he was the Business Development Manager of NJ Goulandris Maritime Inc, following 14 years at the shipping department of the Royal Bank of Scotland – where he last held the title of the Senior Director, Ship Finance.

Since 2013, he has been member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Banking and Financial Executives of Hellenic Shipping, currently holding the position of the Vice President.

George holds a Bachelor’s degree in Shipping Business Administration and a Master’s degree (MSc) in International Economics, Banking and Finance.

Michael Lavidas, Senior Maritime Advisor, ex Alpha Group Managing Director

Professional experience

Senior maritime executive, experienced in managing one of the largest private ship-owning and ship management companies, across strategic, commercial, organizational, and technical matters. Established new business lines and internal capabilities. Strong experience leading successful negotiations with shipbuilders, charterers and key suppliers, while managing relationships at group level. Involved in numerous successful newbuilding projects and s&p vessel acquisition. Formerly, a senior executive worked in major shipping centers such as Oslo, New York, London and Piraeus at one of the most well-respected international classification societies, with regional responsibilities and member of global specialized groups.

Education

• IMD Business School, Lausanne, 2002-03 (5 weeks) Management Development Program for Senior Executives.

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, 1980-82, MSc in Ocean Systems management.

• National Technical University of Athens, 1975-80, MSc, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

Dimitrios V. Lyridis, Associate Professor, School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Director of the Laboratory for Maritime Transport, National Technical University of Athens

Dimitrios V. Lyridis is an Associate Professor in the area of Maritime Transport in the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NA&ME) at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). He is currently Director of the Laboratory for Maritime Transport (LMT) of NTUA. He has a Diploma in NA&ME from NTUA, an M.S. in NA&ME (Marine Systems Management) from the University of Michigan (UM), an M.S.E. in Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE) from UM, and a Ph.D. in NA&ME from UM as well.

His main scientific areas of interest are maritime economics, supply chain management, shipping finance, maritime transportation, and energy economics. He has undertaken many research and industrial projects in maritime transport, shipping finance, and energy (including project finance and cost benefit analyses for investment projects) and he has been involved in applied commercial projects in the areas of ship investment, restructuring, marketing, business and operational planning (including feasibility studies and business plans) for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in the EU and in developing countries.

Matthew Palmer, Global Naval Business Lead – Submarines and Unmanned systems, Lloyd’s Register

Matthew Palmer CEng joined LR in 2012 after his previous role in the Royal Navy as an Marine Engineering Officer on Trafalgar Class submarines. Trafalgar Class submarines are nuclear powered and his role was to operate and supervise reactor operations.

Matthew works on developing Goal-based Standards, Rules and assurance products for LR. Matthew played a key role in the development on LR’s Unmanned Marine Systems Code and the Submarine Assurance Framework, these are goal based standards for unmanned vessels and naval submarines.

Matthew is the LR lead for the application of these standards as these are areas where prescriptive standards are not always available. More recently From his previous experience of Goal-based Standards, Matthew has been leading LR’s development in the assurance of floating nuclear reactors.

George Papagiannopoulos, Principal, Common Progress Compania Naviera SA

George was born in Athens in 1983.

He graduated from the University College of London in 2004 with a Masters degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

After completing his military service, he began working at Common Progress S.A. and in 2007 he took charge of the company’s shipbuilding program, relocating to China in 2009 from where he returned to Greece in late 2011. He works until today at the company's head office in Athens.

He is a member of the Hellenic Committees of Lloyds Register and Bureau Veritas and a member of the Greek Technical Committee of Det Norske Veritas. He is also a member of the Committee on Maritime Safety and Protection of the Marine Environment and the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Greek Shipowners and a member of the Maritime Safety and Security Committee of BIMCO.

Dr George D. Pateras, Deputy Chairman, Contships Management Inc; President, Hellenic Chamber of Shipping

George D. Pateras, born in London, UK and the father of three adult children, is the Deputy Chairman, Contships Management Inc and since 2016 the President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping.

He studied Engineering and Economics and holds a BSc in Marine Engineering from Newcastle University, MS in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture from MIT and a PhD from Plymouth University.

He is a Board member of the Hellenic War Risks Association and the Bahamas Shipowners Association, Chairman of the Hellenic Shipping War Risks Insurance SA, Vice Chairman, NATO, PBOS now TG(OS) (2000-) and permanent advisor (AMSCC) of the Hellenic Ministry of Defense.

Dr Pateras has also served as the Chairman of the Bahamas Shipowners Association (2011-2015) and as a Board member of the Hellenic Seamen’s Pension Fund (1984-1993), Olympic Aviation (1991-1993), the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping (1986-2015), the Union of Greek Shipowners (1983-2004), HELMEPA (1996-1998), the BSA representative on International Chamber of Shipping (2011-2015) and Managing Director of Aegeus Shipping SA (1981-2018).

John Platsidakis, Honorary Chairman, INTERCARGO

John Platsidakis started his career in 1978 at Bank of America in Athens, Piraeus and London. He resigned the Bank in 1987 with the title of Vice President and joined Marmaras Shipping Group in Piraeus as Finance Director until 1988. In 1989, Mr. Platsidakis joined the Angelicoussis Shipping Group and assumed the position of the Managing Director of Anangel Shipping Enterprises. Mr. Platsidakis also served as Vice President and Director of Angelicoussis Shipping Group Ltd., President and Chairman of Maran Dry Shipholding Ltd, Vice President of Maran Tankers Shipholding Ltd and of Maran Ventures Inc. He resigned the Angelicoussis Group in 09/2020 and joined Costamare Shipping in 04/2021.

Mr Platsidakis has also served in various positions (Director, Vice Chairman, Chairman, President, Member of the Executive Committee etc) in numerous organizations, such as Intercargo, Intertanko, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Union of Greek Ship-Owners, the Antonios and Ioannis Angelicoussis Foundation, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. He is a member of the Business Advisory Committee of the postgraduate program “M.Sc. in International Shipping and Finance” offered jointly by Henley Business School of the University of Reading in the U.K. and ALBA Graduate Business School in Athens.

Mr Platsidakis was the founder of the Society of the Greek Alumni of the London School of Economics in 1980, served as its President from 1980 until 2005 and was member of the Advisory Board of the Hellenic Observatory at the European Institute of the London School of Economics. Mr Platsidakis was included in the Lloyd’s List 100 Most Influential People in the Shipping Industry in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017 and has received the Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Personality of the Year 2018 Award as well as the Seatrade Personality of the Year 2019 Award. Mr Platsidakis studied Mathematics (B.Sc.) at the University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Operational Research (M.Sc.) at the London School of Economics, UK and Economics and Econometrics (M.Sc.) at Southampton University, U.K.

Klaus Rasmussen, Head of Projects and PVU Sales, MAN Energy Solutions

Mr Klaus Dahmcke Rasmussen is heading retrofit project and PVU sales at MAN Energy Solutions; Mr Rasmussen is original educated as marine engineer and has more than 25 years’ experience from the gaseous fuel and maritime industry where he has held positions as manager and consultant in various companies.

During the last years, his team has closed more than 20 dual fuel retrofit projects of MAN ES 2 stroke engines (both LPG and LNG as fuel) to ship owners like BW LPG, Hapag Lloyds, Matson and Tianjin South West.

The team also undertakes project sale to global shipyards of the “PVU” [Pump Vaporizer Unit] that is MAN ES own developed and produced High Pressure Fuel Gas Supply System to ME-GI engines. In this moment the team has secure that, more than 70 ME-GI engines are supplied with either LNG/ethane by the PVU solution.

Katerina Sardi, Country Manager and Managing Director, Greece, Energean Oil & Gas SA

Katerina Sardi claims 25 years of experience as an energy expert. She started her career in energy consulting in London working on coal gasification to synthesis gas for Hitachi. She joined the Greek Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE) in 2002 and in 2011 she became the Head of RAE’s Energy Planning and International Affairs Department. Since 2015 she has been working as an energy expert, advising companies and consortiums on implementation of the overall EU legal and regulatory energy framework and claims not only specialized but also cross-sectional understanding of all aspects of EU energy and climate policy.

Her scientific work has been published in archive journals, and presented in peer reviewed conferences. She has contributed into several prominent technical assistance projects in the EU, Egypt, Turkey and other countries. She has also been teaching postgraduate courses at Greek academic institutions for over a decade on topics related to climate change, emissions trading and numerical modelling of flows and turbulent combustion.

Katerina holds a Ph. D. in Fluid Mechanics and Natural Gas Combustion for Power Production, Mechanical Engineering Department, Imperial College, London and a Dipl. Eng. Mechanical Engineering Department, Artistotle University of Thessaloniki.

 Jeongsu Seo, Managing Director, Commercial Vessels Team & Navy Team, Project & Sales Department, HI AIR KOREA Co, Ltd

EDUCATION

1993-2000: Pusan National University – Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

1994-1996: Military Service – Discharged from the army honorably after serving the whole term

JOB EXPERIENCE

May 2000 to June 2016: HI AIR KOREA Co., Ltd

Engineering Manager – Technical Department, Offshore Team

Roles & Responsibilities:

– Responsible for Engineering activities during detailed engineering and procurement phases

– Responsible for the definition & preparation of specification requirements

– Knowledge in different industry class and standards such as ISO, SOLAS, IEC, BV, DNV, ABS and ASHRAE

– Design control systems for HVAC and fire/gas shut-down

– Manage and monitor subcontractor compliance with all aspects of the specified requirements

– Preparation of technical documents, data sheets of HVAC equipment suitable for installation in safe, contaminated and hazardous area

– Design ducting system and make duct & instrument diagram (D&ID)

– Design water / refrigerant piping system and make pipe & instrument diagram (P&ID).

July 2000 to present: HI AIR KOREA Co., Ltd Project & Sales Department - Managing Director – Commercial Vessels Team & Navy Team

Roles & Responsibilities:

– Responsible for Sales activities during preliminary bidding and detailed estimates

– Responsible for the definition & preparation of quote specification and its price

– Promote the company’s technologies and products to the clients

– Listening to customer complaints and managing actions accordingly

– Follow up on revisions to various industry classes and standards such as IMO, SOLAS, BV, DNV, ABS & etc, and subsequently request improvement or new development

– Manage and cooperate with sales agents around the world.

Philippos Sfiris, Head of Go-to-Market Strategy Marine, Hempel A/S

Philippos Sfiris is the Head of Go-to-Market Strategy for the marine business at Hempel A/S. In his recent work at Hempel, he has developed an analytical framework to help owners and operators evaluate what is the optimal pathway to emissions reduction from hull coating perspective. This includes ship-specific assessments with estimated impacts for different paint system scenarios on CII & EEXI combined with a commercial assessment, i.e. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) including paint cost, shipyard cost, cost of hull cleanings and fuel cost for service life, ROI and earnings ability boost.

Work experience

• 2021-present: Head of Go-to-Market Strategy Marine, Hempel A/S

• 2013-2020: Market Intelligence and Business Development Manager, Marine, Hempel A/S

• 2006-2013: Marketing Manager, Theodorou Group

Education

• Athens University of Economics and Business: Marketing & Communication (MSc)

• University of Aegean: Product and System Design Engineering (MSc)

• Piraeus University of Applied Sciences: Automation Engineering (BSc)

George J. Souravlas, CEO, Load Line Marine SA

George Souravlas, 59, is qualified in both Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineering (BSc) from the University of Sunderland (UK). His academic background includes studies at the PhD level in Mechanical Engineering (Heat Transfer) and lecturing at the University of Sunderland for 4 years.

He is a member of the Greek Committees of the Japanese Classification Society (Class NK) and of the Korean Register (KR). He is also a member of the Greek Technical Committees of Class NK, Det Norske Veritas & Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL) and the Italian Classification Society (RINA).

Furthermore, he was elected twice, as a member at the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping (HCS), and twice as Vice President at the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA).

Mr Souravlas, with over 25 years of experience in senior ship management, co-founded ‘Elmira Shipping and Trading S A’ in 1997 and had held the position of the Technical Director until 2009.

George Souravlas had also been invited to speak on several occasions at International Conferences on various operational aspects of ship management, environmental concerns, and technological developments. He also chaired ACI’s 4th Optimising Ship maintenance Conference that was held in Rotterdam in January 2011. He is also a member of the Greek Advisory Panel of BIMCO.

Mr Souravlas is a member of the prestigious ‘’Who is Who’’ Society in Greece, as well as of the International ‘’Who’s Who’’ Society of Professionals.

Furthermore, in 2016 he was accepted as a member in the exclusive ‘’Athens Club’’ and in the same year, he became a founding member of the NPO, Axion Hellas – Supporting Society.

In January 2010, he founded together with Mr Calfoglou, ‘Load Line Marine S A’, a company that manages a fleet of 13 Handy size, Supramax and Ultramax high quality Bulk Carriers that trade worldwide. The company has contracted 3 Bulkers at highly respected Korean and Chinese Shipyards.

Load Line Marine S A, is a value-driven company which seeks to achieve high performance in order to ensure consistently top standards in a financially, socially and environmentally sustainable manner, while being a value-driven company with environmental responsibility as a core part of its business strategy.

Stela Spiraj, Senior Engineer I, Regulatory Affairs, ABS

Stela Spiraj serves as Senior Engineer I in the ABS Regulatory Affairs Department.

The ABS Regulatory Affairs Department is responsible for the ABS interface with Flag Administrations and IACS, facilitating the application of regulations and maintaining ABS and clients’ awareness of regulatory issues being progressed and developed internationally.

Before joining ABS, Stela worked as a marine Environmental Expert for three years at RINA, spent two years at Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement as a Corporate Fleet Performance Engineer, and two years at the tanker arm of Angelicoussis Shipping Group, Maran Tankers Management, as a Technical Support Engineer.

Stela holds a Master of Engineering in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and was a co-founder of the research group Oceanos, which represents NTUA in international competitions dedicated to naval energy efficiency.

Bill Stamatopoulos, Global Business Development Director, Bureau Veritas VeriFuel

Bill Stamatopoulos holds a Bachelor in Business Administration and an MBA with specialisation in Total Quality Management from the University of Leicester.

He joined Det Norske Veritas (DNV) in 1991 and in 2010 Bill became the Regional Manager of DNV Petroleum Services for Europe, responsible for sales, lab operations, technical, surveys and consultancy.

Since 2004 he is appointed at the Hellenic Organization for Standardization, Committee 66 for Petroleum Products, by the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping.

Bill is a co-Author of 'Marine Fuels', a specialised book in shipping, published in 2008 and the main author of the book’s latest editions published in 2018 and 2021.

During the last 20 years, Bill has given several presentations and training courses on all fuel related issues and has also been involved in bunker claims as a fuel expert. He is a member of advisory panels and working groups such as Intertanko Bunker Sub Committee and IMO MSC.

From October 1st, 2015, Bill joined Bureau Veritas as Business Development Manager for the organisation’s Marine Fuel Services brand, VeriFuel.

Jason Stefanatos, Regional Decarbonisation Director, DNV

Jason Stefanatos is the Regional Decarbonisation Director in DNV Piraeus, where he has worked for the past 11 years in various positions, including R&D and Advisory.

He holds a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from NTUA and the past years through his role as Business Development Manager in DNV, he has been actively working with Greek ship-owners acting as Key account manager, been leading the development of new services mainly related to GHG regulations, and also acts as Regional Decarbonisation Director supporting owners on managing the upcoming stringent environmental regulations.

Stratos Tsalamanios, co CEO, Seaven Tanker & Dry Management Inc; Mylaki Shipping Agency Ltd

Mr Stratos Tsalamanios was raised in a shipping environment. Right after high school graduation has spent all his summers getting trained on-the-job at the Operations Department of the Ship Agency Company of the family.

Throughout this seasonal occupation was responsible for the overall vessels' operations with regards to agency servises and supervising.

After his graduation from the "London Guildhall University" in 2001, having acquired a BSc in Transport and Shipping, and from "Cass Business School, City University" in 2003, where he received a Msc in Shipping, Trade and Finance,

while in the meantime also attended numerous seminars and conferences, he started his full time occupation in Seaven Tanker & Dry Management Inc. and Mylaki Shipping Agency Ltd.

Nowadays, he is the Co-CEO & Main Shareholder in the afore-mentioned companies.

He is also, Treasurer & Member of BoD of Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association and Member of BoD of Hellenic Chamber of Shipping.

Antonis Tsouras, Fleet Manager, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Hellas)

Antonis started his career in 2010 at the newbuilding division of Schulte Group, monitoring the construction of Container and Chemical Tankers. In 2011 he joined Bernhard Schulte’s ship-management office in Singapore, working up to the position of Technical supervising LPG carriers. In 2013, Antonis moved in Athens for Bernhard Schulte Hellas office.

In 2020, Antonis took over the duties of Fleet Manager for the Greek office managing a fleet of 24 vessels, which has now grown to 43 full-managed vessels.

Antonis holds Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering and Master’s degree in Naval Architecture from Newcastle Upon Tyne University, UK.

Olav Valsvik, Area Sales Manager, TeamTec AS

Mr Olav Valsvik is the area sales manager for Greece at TeamTec, Norway (part of the IMS Group). He’s been working for TeamTec since 2006 and has had different positions in the company’s lifecycle department. Claim coordinator, service engineer, senior service engineer, service manager and are now area sales manager with Greece as one of his areas.

As part of the lifecycle department, he was also in Singapore for 4 years, establishing the company’s service station there.

When TeamTec acquired the rights to the bankrupted Oceansaver, Mr. Valsvik was at the same time appointed as service manager, so he has a wide experience with first generation BWMS systems, including their design, operation, and complex troubleshooting.