Speakers

Eleanna Apostolidi webEleanna Apostolidi, Head of Client Engagement Communication, Lloyd’s Register

Eleanna Apostolidi brings 18 years of diverse experience at Lloyd’s Register (LR), spanning roles in business analytics, marketing, communication, client experience, and business transformation. Currently, she serves as Head of Client Engagement Communication, where she leads LR's global client engagement communication programme. She also serves as the Product Manager for LR’s Digital Maturity Index, overseeing this strategic tool designed to empower maritime companies to assess and navigate their digital journeys.

In her previous role as Head of Area Marketing, Eleanna established and led a global marketing team with a local footprint in all key maritime hubs to strengthen LR’s worldwide marketing operations. Based in Athens, she brings a global perspective to her work, having engaged with diverse markets and clients throughout her career.

With significant experience in LRQA, Eleanna has also gained exposure to multiple sectors beyond maritime, enriching her understanding of various market landscapes.

Eleanna holds a degree in Applied Mathematics from the National Technical University of Athens and an MBA International from the Athens University of Economics and Business.



Giulio Corallo
, Global Product Manager Upgrades, Accelleron

Giulio is Global Product Manager for Upgrades at Accelleron, where he leads the Flexible Cut-out solution (FiTS2). In this role, he is responsible for defining strategic approaches, managing projects from concept to implementation, and overseeing sales operations to drive product success.

Giulio began his career in 2021 with ABB Turbocharging, where he held several positions, including Project Manager in Global Service Product Management and QHSE Specialist for the Italy area.

He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Genoa, where he graduated with honors.



Helle Ellebjerg Due
, Commercial Product Manager – Digital Solutions, MAN Energy Solutions

Helle E. Due is the Commercial Product Manager for digital solutions at MAN-ES, and has been with MAN Energy-Solutions since 2018.

Helle has more than 20 years of experience with global technology sales and business development primarily within digitalization. 

She holds a Graduate Diploma in Administration & International Business from Aarhus University. 


 
Antonis Georgantzis, Chief Operating Officer, Latsco Marine Management

Antonis Georgantzis is a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, a graduate of National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), with a Master of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Technology (NTUA). He commenced his career in Classification Society Det Norske Veritas on assignments in Greece, Norway and South Korea. In 2006, he joined Consolidated Marine Management Inc. initially in the position of the Assistant Site Manager in New Building construction in Ulsan. Two years later, he joined CMM office in Piraeus and held a number of different positions (Technical Superintendent, DPA & HSQEEn Manager, Technical Fleet Manager, Technical Manager), until June 2021 when he was appointed with COO responsibilities of Latsco Marine Management Inc., the Technical Operator of Latsco Shipping in Greece.

Since 2008, he has been the Company’s New Building Project Manager, having delivered thirty-three vessels in the Group. He has twenty-two years’ experience, eighteen of which in LMM (ex-CMM), contributing to the success of the Company.

He is currently a member of INTERTANKO’s Council and Safety and Technical Committee. He is also a member in SIGTTO GPC Committee, LR’s, DNV’s, ABS’s and BV’s Technical Committees, and has been elected Vice Chairman in MARTECMA’s 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.


 
 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.



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, Principal 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.



John Kokarakis, Technical Director, 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.



Lefteris Koukoulopoulos, Regional Decarbonization Specialist, DNV

Lefteris Koukoulopoulos is a Regional Decarbonization Specialist at DNV Maritime, with a background as a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer from NTUA and over five years of experience in Maritime Advisory and R&D.

Lefteris is distinguished for his in-depth expertise in computer-based simulation for complex ship energy systems and has a track record of successfully executing projects related to compliance with environmental regulations, including EEXI and CII.


 
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).


 
George A. KriezisTechnical DirectorNeptune Lines Shipping and Managing Enterprises SA & Neptune Dry Management

Dr George Kriezis is a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer.

Education: B.Sc, M.Sc and PhD from MIT in the department of Ocean Engineering.  M.Sc from MIT in Ocean Systems Management.

Experience: More than thirty years of experience in technical ship management in various positions in Greek shipping companies dealing with different ship types such as Bulkers, Tankers, Containerships and Car carriers. The last 18 years as Manager/Director of the technical department of Neptune Lines and Neptune Dry dealing mostly with car carriers in short sea shipping and bulk carriers.

Member of SNAME, Executive committee of Martecma, Technical and Executive committee of Intercargo, and the Technical committees of DNV and Lloyd’s Register.



Stelios Kyriacou, Chief Technical Officer, ERMA FIRST SA

 Dr Stelios Kyriacou is a senior maritime executive with a career spanning over 35 years and has held senior leadership positions with major marine equipment manufacturers in Europe and US and has been an invited speaker and panelist on numerous vents in Europe, US and Asia. He is the Chief Technical Officer of ERMA FIRST S.A. and leads the R&D decarbonization product development portfolio.

Dr Kyriacou has been a visiting professor at Cranfield University. He is a member of both National and European committees and industry associations with focus on maritime strategy, regulation and technology RD&I. He has joined as advisor the IMO MEPC Ballast Water WG with the UK delegation (UKMCA), and more recently CESA and the Hellenic delegation. He is the current Vice President of the Ballast Water and Environmental Manufacturers Association (BEMA) and also Chairs the Technical Committee. Actively involved with European industry groups; he was chairman of EMEC-RID and a vice chairman of the Technical committee at SEA EUROPE, vice chairman of Waterborne TP and chaired the development WG for LeaderSHIP2020.


 
Stig Leira, Manager Decarbonization Solutions, VTR LNG & FSRU, ABB Marine and Ports

Stig Leira is an established leader with more than 20 years’ of experience within the marine industry. He has held leadership roles in various functions such as business development, project management, engineering, etc and has successfully steered various business initiatives.

He is currently focused on developing and bringing awareness of ABB’s Dual-Fuel, Electric+ (DFE+) concept for LNG carriers. In his tenure with ABB, he has been involved in projects for various vessel segments such as LNG tankers, drilling vessels, navy vessels amongst others.

Currently based in Norway, Stig has international experience having worked in the USA, South Korea and Singapore.


 
Albert LeysonSenior Director - Fuel ManagementDrew Marine

Maritime executive with over thirty years experience all revolving around marine fuel. Fulfilled various roles including technical operations, IT, systems analyst, product management, EH&S, and marketing.

2006 – present (18+ years): Drew Marine - Marketing Director of Energy Management and Engineered Products & Services

1994 – 2005 (12 years): VPS (formerly DNV Petroleum Services Inc.) - Technical Advisor

MSci in Information Systems Management: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey

BSci in Marine Engineering: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York

Memberships: CIMAC U.S.A. National Member Association.



George Margelis, Energy, Performance & New Technologies Manager, Tsakos Shipping and Trading SA

George Margelis holds the Ocean Engineer’s Degree and the Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

He has served for 25.5 years as an Engineer Officer and Naval Architect at various positions of the Hellenic Navy, including Head Quarters, Naval Bases, Detachments, and on board ships.

After his retirement from the Hellenic Navy, he served for 11 years as Environmental Compliance Manager and Environmental Training Manager at a major shipping company with bulk carriers and for two years as Environmental Director at a well-established consultancy office.

He is currently Energy, Performance and New Technologies Manager of the shipping company Tsakos Shipping & Trading SA.



Jakob Nielsen, Senior Sales Manager, TGE Marine Gas Engineering GmbH

Jakob Nielsen is a Senior Sales Manager at TGE Marine Gas Engineering GmbH. During his time working in the engine business and the deck machinery business, he gained fundamental experience as Sales Manager for complex sales and project developments and experience in sales and development of fuel gas systems for gas fueled engines.

He joined the Business Development & Sales Department of TGE Marine in 2023. His main focus is the emerging market of LCO2 shipping globally and on the Nordic market in other segments, dealing in close cooperation with ship owners, engine makers and shipyards.

Jakob Nielsen holds a bachelor degree in Marine Technology from Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and an MBA from Nord University (Norway).


 
Frank Paleokrassas, Chief Product Officer, METIS

Frank started his career in Athens in the technical departments of Empros Lines Shipping and Tsakos Shipping and Trading. In 2009 he joined Bernhard Schulte’s ship-owning arm in Hamburg, working up to the position of Technical Manager. During this time he drove several newbuilding and retrofit projects including cylinder oil optimization, energy saving devices, and telemetry.

In early 2016 Frank moved back to Athens and joined BSM as Group Fleet Performance Manager. Following the founding of the Fleet Performance Centre, he led the building of emission compliance systems and processes, as well as the development of the in-house performance analytics platform. In 2021 he became BSM’s Head of Data Governance & Analytics, focusing on data projects, while developing tools enabling cross-function analytics.

Frank holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Newcastle University and Bayes Business School. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of IMarEST.



Leonidas S. Polemis, Chief Executive Officer, Empire Chemical Tankers

Professional Experience

  • 2007 – present: Empire Chemical Tankers, Greece, CEO
  • 2012 – 2016: Aquasition Co, Founder & Chairman
  • 2006 – 2008: Safe ShipFund, Luxemburg, Founder & Board member
  • 2003 – 2007: Fairview Shipping, Greece, Director
  • 1992 – 2003: Seacrest Shipping Co Ltd, UK, Junior Executive Manager
  • 1991 – 1992: University of Michigan, USA, Depatment of Naval Architecture Assistant
  • 1990 – 1991: M.I.T., USA, Department of Oceanography – Towing Tank research
  • 1989 – 1990: Ship Management Corp, USA, Technical Assistant, ship spare part orders
  • 1988 – 1989: Vitullo Architects, USA, Assistant Static Engineer, designer & modeling
  • 1987 – 1990: Stevens Institute of Technology, USA, Assistant Maths & Physics Proctor & Research
  • 1986 – June – August: Criezis Architects, USA, Assistant to Managing Director and draughtsman
  • 1984 – July – September: Fairview Shipping, Greece, Apprentice Engineer onboard M/T Theonymphos

Education

  • 2000 – 2002: Masters of Science in Business Administration, Imperial University, UK
  • 1991 – 1992: Masters of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. University of Michigan, USA
  • 1990 – 1991: Courses towards Masters of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, M.I.T., USA
  • 1986 – 1990: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, USA

Professional memberships

  • Greek Shipping Cooperation Committee, Think Tank for ESG regulations • Korean Registry Hellenic Committee • ABS Hellenic Committee • Bureau Veritas Hellenic Committee
    • International Parcel Tanker Association • Intertanko Council member and Intertanko Hellenic Committee • Union of Greek Shipowners • Baltic Exhchange • Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers • Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers


Matthias ReichmannMatthias Reichmann
, Global Product Manager Upgrades, Accelleron

Matthias is responsible for the Product Engine Part Load Optimization for 2 stroke main engines. Beside the sales operation and managing projects he is responsible from concept to implementation.

Matthias began his career in 2017 with ABB Turbocharging, where he held several positions, including service engineer tasks and as senior engine experts for setting up the engine performance software of Accelleron Tekomar XPERT. 

Since 2019 Matthias is responsible for EPLO and has followed so far every first vessel for the EPLO Projects for main engine adjustment and measuring the turbocharger performance on board.

He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences.



Philippos Sfiris
, Head of Market Strategy and Vessel Performance, GIT Coatings

Philippos has over a decade of experience in the marine coatings market driving business development, sales and vessel performance. He joined GIT Coatings in March 2024 as Head of Go-to-Market Strategy and Vessel Performance.

Prior to joining GIT, he worked for 10 years with Hempel A/S in various global positions such as Market Intelligence Manager, Head of Market Strategy and Head of Hull Performance Solutions.

Philippos holds a Masters degree in Product and System Design Engineering from the University of Aegean, a Masters degree in Marketing & Communication from the Athens University of Economics and Business, and a Bachelors degree in Engineering from Piraeus University of Applied Sciences.

Among his special interests are (a) the quantification of the hull coating impact on ship owners and operators to support decision making prior to investments and (b) the advisory role of paint suppliers in enhancing vessel performance and supporting operators in implementing ship-specific biofouling management strategies.



Jonathan Shaw, Managing Director, Stone Marine Propulsion

Jonathan Shaw has an experience in leading a small/medium sized global business within the manufacturing and marine industry. Experienced in JV negotiations, acquisition and disposal.

Key skills include:
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, led a global business with diverse teams, employing 100 people
• Tight financial control, bottom line focused and good experience managing Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet
• Proven resilient change agent with experience in restructuring and reorganising a business front to back
• Strategically strong, shareholder aware with ability to influence at all levels
• Sound technical and product knowledge in manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma Champion
• Managed broad customer base, built relationships at retail through major OEM level
• Strong sales background with UK, USA, Middle East and export experience.


 
Stavros Sklavounos, Hull Performance Solution Manager, Hempel

Stavros Sklavounos is a Chemical Engineer from National Technical University of Athens with a long career in coatings industry.

Currently serving as Hull Performance Solutions Manager at Hempel A/S, Stavros brings a deep understanding of marine regulatory framework, market dynamics, and innovative coating solutions. His career path, encompassing roles in technical, sales, and market strategy, has equipped him with a well-rounded perspective to identify opportunities for sustainable and high-performing solutions that drive decarbonization initiatives in the marine industry.

In his recent role, Stavros collaborates with marine industry stakeholders to develop and implement solutions that enhance vessels' regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and commercial competitiveness.



George J. Souravlas, Chief Executive Officer, Load Line Marine SA

George Souravlas 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 Universities of Sunderland and Newcastle for 4 years. Mr Souravlas has over 28 years of experience in senior ship management.

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 Ship- Owners Association (HSSA). He is also appointed member of BIMCO’s Advisory Panel.

In 1997, he co-founded ‘Elmira Shipping and Trading S A’ and had held the position of the Technical Director until 2009.

During his tenure at Elmira, the company had ordered and taken delivery of several new building Bulk Carriers in Japan and had managed on a worldwide basis, a fleet comprising of Dry Bulk Carriers (18), Reefer vessels (4), RO ROs (6), Crude Oil Chemical and Product tankers (11) and Multi-Purpose heavy lifters (5). Additionally, he had been responsible for the successful execution of 5 scientific expeditions with the Indian Government to the Antarctic, on a specialised ice-classed vessel. During that period, the company realised an IRR of 55% (levered) in operating returns and capital gains over two shipping cycles.

George Souravlas had also been invited to speak on several occasions at International Conferences on various operational aspects of Ship Management. He also chaired ACI’s 4th Optimising Ship maintenance Conference that was held in Rotterdam in January 2011.

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 September 2009, he founded ‘Load Line Marine S A’, a company that manages a fleet of 14 Handy size, Supramax & Ultramax high quality Bulk Carriers that trade worldwide. The company has contracted 3 Bulkers in well known 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 company with environmental responsibility as a core part of its business strategy. Load Line Marine was the Winner of the prestigious Safety Award at 2022 Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards.


 
Konstantinos Theocharis, Engineer, Regulatory Affairs, ABS

Konstantinos Theocharis serves as the ABS representative on the IACS Safe Decarbonization Panel and works as a Regulatory Engineer II, overseeing ABS’ interactions with IACS and Flag Administrations while keeping both ABS and its clients updated on emerging regulatory developments. He is also creating digital tools to help clients understand how environmental regulations affect their fleets.

Konstantinos began his career with a nine-month internship at a well-known classification society, where he gained valuable experience in maritime advisory.

Konstantinos holds an MEng in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and an MSc in Computational Fluid Dynamics at the same distinguished institution and currently he is pursuing an MSc in Shipping Management from the Alba Graduate Business School.


 

Antonis Trakakis, Technical Director, RINA; Chairman, CIMAC Hellas

Antonis Trakakis studied Mechanical Engineering at NTUA and carried graduate studies at von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics in the field of Turbomachinery.

He worked for shipping companies , both in ropax and ocean freighter sectors, and joined RINA in Oct 2020 as Technical Director, Marine.

In his previous employments he engaged extensively with the application of LNG and alternative fuels in deep sea shipping and with issues relevant to operation of ships in sensitive areas like the Baltic sea.

Among his special concerns are the formation and control of emissions, and engine efficiency.


 
George TsavlirisGeorge A. Tsavliris, Principal, Tsavliris Salvage Group

Mr George A. Tsavliris was born in London. He graduated from Athens College in 1968 and having acquired professional qualifications in Shipping (F.I.C.S., ACI.Arb), he concluded his graduate and post graduate studies in Shipping Law at University College London in 1973, with an L.L.M. degree. In 2009 he was qualified as a Mediator at the ADR Group London and in 2014 was certified as a Mediator by the Greek Ministry of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights.

He familiarised himself with the shipping and salvage sectors from a very early age by being engaged in the family business. George is a Principal at “Tsavliris Salvage Group” and represents the business on both a commercial and environmental basis internationally. He holds the position of Past Chairman of INTERMEPA (International Marine Environment Protection Association), Chairman of CYMEPA (Cyprus Marine Environmental Protection Association), which received the “Cyprus Maritime Prize 2007”, as well as member of the Board of Directors of Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Board Member of ECSA (European Community Shipowners’ Associations), Board Member of The Yacht Club of Greece, Board Member of Friends of Hellas Liberty Association and the Jubilee Sailing Trust in the UK and Honorary Chairman of the Tsavliris Cultural Foundation. Furthermore, Mr George Tsavliris is Member of the Academic Board of Metropolitan College / Solent Southampton University. Mr George Tsavliris was awarded the 2016 Capital Link Greek Shipping Leadership Award, in recognition of his unique and extensive contribution to Shipping and Greece and for his overall outstanding service to the shipping industry made by him individually, as a family and by his company as a Group. In Jan 2019, Mr Tsavliris received the Cyprus Environmental Award on behalf of CYMEPA by the President of the Cypriot Republic Mr Nikos Anastasiades and on March 12, 2019, Mr Tsavliris was recognized with the Safety4Sea Leadership Award 2019 for his work with CYMEPA and other national & international organizations, toward the protection of the marine environment. On July 1, 2019, Mr Tsavliris was appointed Non- Executive Chairman of OneGlobal Broking, Greece & Cyprus. In March 2024, Mr Tsavliris was elected President of Friends of Liberty Group and the floating Museum SS HELLAS LIBERTY. 

In December 2019, Mr Tsavliris published the book, which he co-wrote with Alba University Professor, Paul Emmanuelides, Winning Shipping Strategies: Theory and Evidence from Leading Shipowners. The book was translated into the Greek language and published in March 2021.

George is a frequent keynote speaker and panelist at numerous maritime related conferences. He is an avid supporter of various charities, an art and music enthusiast and has completed ten London marathons. He is a father of six children.



Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, Chief Executive Officer, Skaramangas  Shipyard

Miltiadis Varvitsiotis has graduated from Athens College and the Athens Law School. He holds a Masters degree from Harvard University. He has worked as a shipping and business lawyer.

Since 2000 he has been elected 11 times as a member of Parliament. He has served twice as Minister of Shipping, as Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Affairs, and as a vice Foreign Minister for international economic relations. He has served in several parliamentarian position including twice as chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Standing Committee.

In 2024 he resigned from parliament and now he is the Chairman of the Skaramangas Shipyard under the new ownership after privatization.



xenokostasPanos Xenokostas, President & CEO, ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group; President, Hellenic Shipyards Association

Panos Xenokostas is a visionary entrepreneur and investor in the industries of Shipbuilding, Maritime, ICT, Aviation, Defense / Security and Energy. He graduated the Hellenic Air Force Academy-Engineers Department as Aeronautical Engineer in 1996 and holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University Institute Kurt Bösch in Switzerland. He has an expertise in high-risk investments in new technologies, early stages companies and restructuring in complex environments.

As the Founder and Head of ONEX Technology Group based in New York, since 2004, his vision for ONEX is to create a global brand recognized as one of the best in ship repair, shipbuilding and integrated energy transition solutions, by developing the leading shipyard-port technology and logistics hub based in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia and North America.

To this moment, ONEX Group numbers over 3000 employees. The value of its assets under management amounting to approximately EUR 300 million and the total value of projects implemented by ONEX exceeds EUR 2 billion, while in the last 5 years it has successfully delivered more than 200 projects. The Group is already investing more than €650 million in Greece, with a plan to exceed €1 billion in value of its owned and managed assets by 2030. Since 2019, when the shipyards of Syros & Elefsina were reactivated under the ownership of the ONEX Group, more than 560 Greek and international ships have been serviced, changing the international footprint of the country in the shipping sector.

In 2023, the Hellenic Shipyards Association (HSAS) was also established and Panos Xenokostas was elected as the President of the BoD of the Union. 



john xylasJohn A. Xylas, President & CEO, Ariston Navigation Corp; Chairman-elect, INTERCARGO

John A. Xylas, aged 61, has been the President and CEO of Ariston Navigation Corp. since its founding in 2002.

He graduated from Athens College in 1982 and obtained an Economics degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1986, where he also completed courses at the Wharton School of Business. In 1987, he undertook a 9-month Executive Account Officers’ program at Citicorp in New York.

With over 38 years of experience in shipping, John began his career in 1987 by assuming various management roles at Astron Maritime SA. In 2002, he established Ariston Navigation Corp., followed by the founding of Melissa Shipping Company in 2003. Today, Ariston manages a fleet of 11 modern bulk carrier vessels.

Additionally, John co-founded TMA Bulk Pool (Inc), headquartered in Hamburg, which commercially manages around 30 modern handy bulk carriers, and Axiom-Womar, a dry bulk vessel operator primarily focused on the Panamax sector, based in London, UK.

John holds several prominent roles in the maritime industry. He is the Chairman-elect of Intercargo for the period 2025-2026. He has been a board member of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) since 2006, serving at the executive board as Treasurer of UGS and Syn-Enosis since 2015. He is also a board member of Helmepa, a member of the ABS and LR’s Hellenic National Committees and has served two terms as President of the Piraeus Marine Club.


 
Panos Zachariadis
, Technical Director, Atlantic Bulk Carriers

Panos Zachariadis is a Mechanical Engineer (BSc) and Naval Architect and Marine Engineer (MSE) from the University of Michigan with 40+ years experience in shipping. He served for years as Marine Superintendent in New York, after periods of shipbuilding supervision in Japan and sea service in bulk carriers and oil tankers.

He is Technical Director of Atlantic Bulk Carriers in Greece since 1997 and, since 2004, a member of the Greek Delegation to the U.N’s International Maritime Organization, having contributed to the development of several well-known international shipping regulations (e.g. GBS, PSPC, FSA) and the prevention of others (e.g. double hull bulk carriers). In cooperation with major Korean shipyards he has applied numerous energy saving ideas, some of which have become industry standards.

He is a Fellow member of the American Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, member of Technical Committees of several shipping Classification Societies and the Union of Greek Shipowners, Chairman of BIMCO’s Marine Environment Committee and elected in the Board of Directors of HELMEPA, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and MARTECMA.

He has written numerous technical guides, papers and articles and is the recipient of the 2011 Efkranti Shipping Personality award for promoting Greek Shipping internationally, the 2017 Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association "Shipping Personality" award, the 2017 Lloyd's List "Achievement in Safety or Environmental Protection" award, the 2019 Green4Sea "Personality" award and the 2021 Lloyd's List “Technical Achievement” award.