«The World Wakes Up to The Importance of Shipping. Now What?» was the general title of the successful 16th Annual Forum of the Greek Branch of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), on December 7, at the Eugenides Foundation, Athens.
Nicolas A. Tsavliris, Chairman of the ICS Greek Branch, led the panel of nine speakers.

The event took place with the physical attendance of ICS members and ICS examinations' prize winners, due to limitations in attendees' numbers, while it was broadcasted around the world and virtually attended by hundreds of friends and members of the Institute.

Natalia Margioli – Komninou, Managing Director of the ICS Greek Branch and Hellenic Management Centre welcomed attendees and highlighted the role of the ICS in educating the shipping professionals and preparing them to face challenges in these unprecedented circumstances.

The world has woken up to the importance of shipping as over the past two years the Covid-19 pandemic has underlined the industry's role in the global supply chain, declared Nicolas A. Tsavliris, when launching the Forum. Mr Tsavliris, stressed the shipping industry has reciprocated by innovating and adapting to the constantly changing circumstances with Greek shipping always at the forefront, despite any challenges.

The Forum was very informative and wide-ranging with the panel discussing technology, the environment, markets, finance and people. Of particular concern was the need to reduce emissions and how this can be achieved. The technology and fuels in sufficient quantities to effect change was also addressed. However, despite the topics raised it was apparent shipping remains a uniquely people-based business, and many of the challenges owners and managers face revolve around crew welfare.
It was also obvious that despite advances in technology, shipping companies are still looking to employ keen, motivated and knowledgeable professionals, and see no time in the imminent future when technology can replace human beings, either at sea or onshore. Technology provides the tools to work more efficiently, not replace those doing the job.
Panelists also gave advice to newcomers to the industry, all of which reflected the passion, insight, intelligence, knowledge and experience which they had shown during their participation of what was a very enjoyable and fulfilling evening.
During the panel discussion, there was an interaction between the audience and the panelists proving once again that the ICS Annual Forum is not only a meeting point of shipping professionals but a platform for exchanging ideas and learn from each other.

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The panel included the following distinguished speakers:

Dionissis Christodoulopoulos, Managing Director, MAN Energy Solutions Hellas Ltd.
Alexander C. Hadjipateras, Executive Vice President of Business Development, Dorian LPG (USA) LLC.
Ioannis Martinos, Founder and CEO, The Signal Group
Filippos Prokopakis, Commercial Manager, Chartering/S&P, Danaos Shipping Co. Ltd.
Milena Pappa, Commercial Director, Star Bulk Carriers Corp.
Gordon Robertson, Director, The North of England P&I Association Ltd.
Nikolas P. Tsakos, Founder, President and CEO, TEN Ltd.
Eva Tzima, Head of Research & Valuations, Seaborne Shipbrokers S.A.
Andreas Wielandt, Senior Portfolio Manager, DS Norden
The panel was moderated by Simon Ward, FICS, Director, Ursa Shipbrokers.

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The ICS Greek Branch was recognised for being the largest examination centre in the world and having
trained more than 500 shipping professionals through its professional maritime programmes the last two
years.
This excellent performance of the Greek Branch is translated into six International Prize Winners, who
have excelled in the ICS Professional Qualifying Examinations in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. All of them
were honored during the Awards Giving Ceremony, which was included in the Annual Forum's
proceeding.
The Six International Prize Winners were:
Athina Maggiorou, MOORE GREECE (three awards): Award to the most successful candidate overall in the
Examinations, award to the candidate gaining the highest marks in Shipping Finance and Ship Sale and
Purchase Examinations internationally
Nikolaos Karagiannis, Golden Destiny S.A.: Award to the candidate gaining the highest marks in Tanker
Chartering in the Qualifying Examination internationally
Dimitris Dimtsas, ASOFIN Management SA, Onassis Group: to the student gaining the highest marks in
Foundation or Advanced Diploma in Ship Sale and Purchase
Vassilis Stavropoulos, Venturi Fleet: Award to the student gaining the highest marks in Shipping Finance
Examinations
Filippos Mentis, Lawyer: award to the candidate gaining the highest marks in Ship Sale and Purchase
Examinations internationally
Evangelia Lytra, FLEET HAMBURG: award to the student gaining the highest marks overall in completing
the Qualifying Examinations

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The 16th Annual Forum of the ICS Greek Branch was held with the kind contribution and support of the
following sponsors:
AB Maritime Inc., Acropolis Chartering & Shipping Inc, Arrow Shipbroking Group, Best Oasis Ltd, Capital
Ship Management Corp., Clarksons Platou Hellas Ltd, Danaos Shipping Co Ltd,
DTS Logistic Services, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd, Element Shipmanagement S.A., GAC, Holman
Fenwick Willan LLP, Insight Shipping, International Registries Inc., Langlois Enterprises Ltd., Latsco
Shipping Ltd, Marine Traffic, Navios Maritime Holdings Inc., Nereus Shipping S.A., Nomad Maritime
Holding S.A., Seaborne Shipbrokers S.A., Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp., Spanopoulos Group, Target
Marine S.A., Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd., Tsavliris Salvage Group, Ursa Shipbrokers S.A

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The event is available for replay on demand below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYVgF7Y_Rso