20th ANNUAL FORUM Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Greek Branch

Posted on Monday, November 17, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

20^th ANNUAL FORUM

Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Greek Branch

12/11/2025

Title: "20 YEARS OF DIALOGUE IN SHIPPING"

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Greek Branch successfully held its 20th Annual Forum on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, celebrating '20 Years of Dialogue in Shipping', a milestone marking two decades of knowledge sharing, promoting professionalism, and collaboration within the global maritime community.

This year's Forum took place with physical attendance at the Eugenides Foundation and was broadcast live worldwide, attracting hundreds of viewers and Members from the Institute's 27 international Branches.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Natalia Margioli-Komninou, Managing Director of HMC & ICS Greek Branch, reflected on the Branch's 20-year journey of promoting education and professionalism. She highlighted its vital role in shaping generations of maritime professionals through knowledge-sharing and networking. Ms. Margioli emphasized the importance of the ICS community - a network built on trust, respect, and a shared passion for shipping - and presented two major new initiatives; The Company Membership Scheme allows organizations to connect, access professional training, and tap into ICS's global network, creating growth opportunities for both individuals and companies. The partnership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) offers management and leadership programmes that equip professionals with essential soft skills for success in today's global markets.

Both aim to foster leadership development and enhance the professional capacity of individuals and organizations within the maritime industry. She concluded by reaffirming the Branch's mission to continue growing alongside the sector and to uphold its core values of learning, collaboration, and excellence.

In his welcome address, Mr. Nikolas Tsavliris, Chairman of the ICS Greek Branch, spoke with heartfelt emotion and deep respect, describing the 20th ICS Annual Forum as not only a milestone but a moment for gratitude and reflection. He underlined the Forum's role as a platform for meaningful discussion in today's complex and fragmented world. Drawing inspiration from the original Greek concept of dialogos, Mr. Tsavliris highlighted that dialogue is not a contest of opinions, but a shared pursuit of understanding, the very essence of the ICS mission.

The panel discussion, moderated with great insight by Mr. Simon Ward, FICS, Director, Ursa Shipbrokers, brought together a distinguished lineup of speakers:

Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, Chairman & CEO, Safe Bulkers Inc., and President, Cyprus Union of Shipowners
Mr. George G. Mangos, Principal, Interunity Group
Ms. Ismini Panagiotidi, CEO & Founder, Pavimar S.A. and Icon Energy Corp.
Ms. Milena Pappa, Board Member & Commercial Director, Star Bulk Carriers Corp.

Mr. Thanasis Martinos, Managing Director of Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd., contributed to the forum via a pre-recorded video message.

The conversation covered key pillars shaping the shipping industry today - market outlook, geopolitics, environmental regulation (IMO & emissions), and professional development.

In his remarks, Mr Martinos noted that shipping is going through challenging times, and highlighted early indications that freight rates for VLCCs, Capesize bulk carriers, and container ships are expected to be higher next year. He added that he believes future freight market forecasts will become increasingly accurate as AI-enhanced econometric modeling continues to evolve.

Mr Hajioannou highlighted that many shipowners remain skeptical of the current IMO Net-Zero Framework and emphasized the long-term strategic impact of China's dominance in shipbuilding. He stressed the need for coordinated dialogue among leading maritime nations to manage this structural imbalance. He also described shipping as a dynamic industry offering exceptional opportunities for professional growth. Mr Mangos cautioned against adopting unrealistic decarbonisation targets and noted that geopolitical volatility makes long-term commercial planning challenging. He highlighted the differing capacities of the liner and tramp sectors to influence global policy and stressed the importance of navigating market interdependencies carefully.

Ms Pappa focused on the technical and regulatory challenges facing decarbonisation, including green fuel incentives, lifecycle assessments, and fuel costs. She highlighted progress made through engine efficiency improvements but stressed the need for modern port infrastructure and scalable alternative fuels. Last, she highligted that personal integrity and transparency, alongside technical competence, are essential for anyone seeking a career in shipping. Ms Panagiotidi noted how commercial decision-making now requires constant adaptation to geopolitical uncertainty. She added that shipowners have historically had to make decisions under disruption, and recent developments have further shaken traditional decision-making frameworks in the industry. She observed that formal qualifications remain essential, but success increasingly depends on navigating complex markets with skill and foresight.

Prize Giving Ceremony

A special moment of the evening was dedicated to honouring the ICS Professional Qualifying Examinations' top achievers for 2024-2025. The outstanding performance of the ICS Greek Branch students, which includes 3 International Prize Winners and 3 Distinction Award recipients, reflects the Branch's ongoing excellence in maritime education and professional training.

International Prize Winners:

Emily Jorgensen - Highest marks worldwide in Introduction to Shipping
Tryfonas Kosmas, MICS - Highest marks worldwide in both Dry Cargo Chartering and Tanker Chartering
Henry Andreae - Most successful candidate overall; highest marks worldwide in Ship Sale & Purchase and Shipping Business

Distinction Awards (Greek Branch):

Nadia Sarantopoulou - Economics of Sea Transport & International Trade
Maria Anna Touskou - Legal Principles in Shipping Business
Stathis Riganakos - Legal Principles in Shipping Business

Special Award Presentation

One of the highlights of the evening was the Special Award presented to Mr. Leonidas Dimitriades -Eugenides, President of the Eugenides Foundation, in recognition of his longstanding support and invaluable contribution to the ICS Greek Branch, as an Honorary Member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. Mr. Dimitriadis-Eugenides received the award and warmly thanked the Greek Branch for this honor and congratulated the team for its remarkable achievements and its significant contribution to the maritime community over the past two decades.

Sponsors

The 20^th 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, Allied Shipbroking Ltd, Arrow Shipbroking Group, Capital Ship Management Corp, Clarksons Hellas Ltd, Dorian LPG Management Corp, Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd, Element Shipmanagement S.A., European Product Carriers Ltd, Halkidon Shipping Corp, Holman Fenwick Willan International LLP, International Registries Inc, Navios Maritime Holdings Inc, Nereus Shipping S.A., Paralos Shipping Pte. Ltd, Safe Bulkers Inc, Seaborne Shipbrokers S.A., Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp, Star Bulk Carriers Corp, Target Marine S.A., Technomar Shipping Inc, Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd, Tsavliris Salvage Group, UK Defence Club, Ursa Shipbrokers S.A, V. Ships Greece Ltd

You can watch on demand the Forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Uz8Be4Eag

20th ANNUAL FORUM Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Greek Branch

PRESS RELEASE