John Cotzias, Co-founder, Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc; President, Hellenic Shipbrokers Association

John N. Cotzias is President of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association, serving his 4th term since 2013. With 37 years of experience, he represents the 4th generation of Greece’s oldest shipbroking family, active since 1893 in sale & purchase and chartering. In 2017, he co-founded Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc., a leading firm in S&P, projects, and finance.

He serves as Maritime Advisor to NATO’s TGOS and AMSCC and has advised numerous shipping companies, financial institutions, and academic bodies. A frequent moderator, speaker, and panelist at major conferences, he also co-hosted Greece’s first live weekly shipping program on national TV. Throughout his career, he has concluded numerous S&P transactions and structured complex projects involving finance and long-term employment. Mr. Cotzias holds an MSc in Shipping, Trade & Finance from City University Cass Business School and a BSc in Economics from the University of Buckingham.

He is married to Dr. Maria-Evgenia Kosmopoulou and has two daughters.

Michael Fan, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) Ltd

Michael Fan is a naval architect with over 35 years’ experience in the marine sector. He was a lecturer in Naval Architecture at the University of Strathclyde for nine years, before holding positions as Technical Authority for the Type 45 Destroyer, and the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier programmes for the UK’s Royal Navy.

He has held the position of Head of Naval Architecture for both Babcock and BAE Systems, before joining Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) in 2017, where he was the Shipbuilding & Engineering Director until 2022.

From January 2023, he is the Chief Technology & Innovation Officer of Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) Ltd. He holds a 1st Class BEng(Hons) in Naval Architecture, is a Chartered Engineer (CEng), and a Fellow of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (FSNAME), the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (FRINA), the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (FIMarEST), and the Institution of Engineers in Scotland (FIES).

He has 24 publications/public appearances, and since January 2016, he also holds the post of Visiting Professor in Naval Architecture at the University of Strathclyde.

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 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 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.

Nikos Kakalis, Global Bulk Carriers Segment Director, Lloyd's Register

Nikos Kakalis is Global Bulk Carriers Segment Director at Lloyd’s Register. He joined the company in 2021. His previous roles include Business Development Manager for Bureau Veritas Marine Fuel Services, Technology & Projects Manager for CMM/Latsco, and DNV Manager of R&D and Advisory in Greece.

He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering and a MSc in Process Systems Engineering from Imperial College London, as well as a Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens.

Nikos’ scientific work has resulted in over 40 refereed journal and conference proceedings publications.

Jasper van de Kant, Sales Director, MarFlex

Leveraging over two decades of industry expertise, Jasper leads MarFlex's global sales team, facilitating dialogue within maritime industry, focused to   enhance tanker ship and discharge operations.

Prioritizing safety, reliability, and profitability, he stimulates the development of revolutionary innovations. MarFlex continues to redefine industry standards, fostering a safer, more efficient, and ecologically responsible maritime landscape.

Deniz Kaynar, Global Product Manager Ship Side Shore Connection, ABB Marine & Ports

With over 17 years of experience and a passion for decarbonization, Deniz is a leader in advancing clean technology within the marine industry.

In his current role as Global Product Manager for Ship Side Shore Connection at ABB Marine & Ports, he is focused on developing safe and innovative solutions that reduce vessel emissions in port.

His global career has included roles in classification society, system design, project management, and engineering in Norway, Korea, Turkey, and Canada.

Deniz holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering with specialization in Dynamic Control systems from Dalarna University, Sweden.

Jakob Gjørtsvang Knudsen, Principal Promotion Manager, Two-stroke Promotion, Everllence

Education:

Marine Engineer Bsc

Employment:

• 2024-now | Everllence Copenhagen, Principal Promotion Manager, Two-stroke Promotion

• 2020-2024 | Everllence Copenhagen, Manager, Operation Department (fuel, hydraulics and mechanics)

• 2017-2020 | Everllence Singapore Pte Ltd, Superintendent Engineer

• 2013-2017 | Everllence Copenhagen, Superintendent Engineer

• 2008-2013 | Torm A/S- Tanker, clean petroleum products, Seagoing Engineer
  
  

John Kokarakis, Technical 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.

Frantzeskos Kontos, Managing Director, Alpha Gas SA

Total 39 years' experience in the maritime industry. Three years at ABS, then 24 years at Sun Enterprises (S. Livanos Group) holding senior technical positions including the position of Technical Director from 2000 to 2013.

Before joining Alpha Gas/Pantheon Tankers as MD (where he overlooks all the core functions (technical, HSQE, Marine, Operations and Crew of each company), he worked for Prime Tankers for 9 years initially as DPA/Technical Manager and then promoted in 2019 in the position of Deputy COO, position held till September 2022.

During his service in Prime he was involved with operations of Oil Tankers and LPG carriers. He is a Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering graduate from the NTUA and member of MARTECMA.

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.

George A. Kriezis, Technical Director, Neptune 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.

Nikolaos Liapis, Managing Partner, ActaNonVerba | President, HIMT | Consultant, FuelRight, SILVER PaLM

Dr Nikolaos Liapis is a Mechanical Engineer (National Technical University of Athens) and holds a PhD from the School of Chemical Engineering of NTUA in Fuel Quality. His main areas of expertise are fuels, biofuels and lubricants, tanker management and logistics. He is an Energy and Business consultant in the Oil, Shipping and Industrial Sectors, specializing in Green Transition. He founded and manages the consulting firm ActaNonVerba.

He has worked for more than 29 years in managerial positions in the Oil Sector.  For the last 15 years he has worked as COO at ELINOIL, an oil distribution company, and as General Manager at ELIN SHIPPING, a subsidiary shipping company which manages small tankers. He has extensive experience in project management, overseeing projects such as the design and construction of biodiesel production plant, the construction of fuel depots, and the design and construction of tankers.

Dr. Liapis is President of the Hellenic Institute of Marine Technology (HIMT), member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Short Sea Shipping Shipowners (HSSA), President of the Downstream Committee of the Southeast European Energy Institute (IENE) and member of the Technical Committee of RINA and Lloyd's Register. He is a Consultant to the Hellenic Association of Petroleum Products Marketing Companies (SEEPE) and has served as President of the Marine LNG Network, President of the Biofuels Technology Platform and representative of the European Biodiesel Council (EBB) in Greece. 

He teaches postgraduate courses at the University of Piraeus, the University of Limassol and the University of West London, on Energy Policies, Decarbonization of Shipping, Maritime Logistics, Marine Technology and Strategic Management. He has been a speaker at a significant number of conferences on energy, fuels, biofuels and shipping. He has participated in a number of research projects and corresponding publications. He has authored books on Shipping, Health and Nutrition.

Sofia Liedholm, Operations Manager, Everllence (Cryo)

Sofia Liedholm is Operations Manager at Everllence (Cryo), where she leads sales and business development for the engineering team in Sweden. With a Master of Science in Naval Architecture from Chalmers University of Technology, Sofia brings deep expertise from the maritime and offshore industries. Her career includes roles in structural and calculation engineering, as well as project management. At Everllence, she has been leading a groundbreaking project: the delivery of the world’s first below-deck liquid hydrogen fuel gas supply system — a pioneering achievement in sustainable marine technology. Sofia is passionate about advancing clean energy solutions and fostering collaboration across disciplines and across companies. Her work continues to be part of shaping the future of maritime engineering, positioning Everllence at the forefront of green-fuel systems.

Simon Ma, Product Manager Medium and Low Speed Division, Accelleron

Simon Ma is a Product Manager currently working in the Medium & Low Speed Division at Accelleron Switzerland Ltd, where he has spent 7.5 years focused on business development and global product management.

Prior to his role at Accelleron, Simon gained 9 years of comprehensive experience at Schindler Lifts Australia, where he worked across multiple functions including sales, product management, systems and processes optimization, and project management.

His educational foundation includes a Master of Business Administration from the prestigious University of St.Gallen (HSG) in Switzerland and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia.

With over 16 years of combined professional experience and strong academic credentials, Simon brings a unique blend of technical engineering expertise and business leadership to product management in the industrial sector.

 
Nikolaos Michas, Marine South East Europe Tanker Key Account Manager, RINA

Nikolaos Michas is currently working for RINA as Tanker segment Manager and is based in Piraeus, Greece.
Previously he worked as Global Tanker Segment Director, for Lloyd's Register, based in Dubai.
He has worked for DNVGL as Technical Service Manager & Tanker Segment Director for the South-East Europe and Middle East Region.
Additional have worked for eleven years with DNV GL in China in different positions. As the Production & QHSE Manager at Area Central China managing the production in 15 shipyards and Ship in operation service for the whole area.
As District Manager North of China based in Dalian and as Site manager in various shipyards.

Before joining DNV GL he worked as Superintendent Engineer for a period of 4 years, and he has sea going experience of 2 years.
He holds a Master of Engineering for Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture from the University of Newcastle and an MBA from the University of Hertfordshire.

Angelos Minakis, Business Development Manager, ABS

Angelos Minakis is a graduate of the School of Mechanical Engineer of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and member of the Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus.

He has worked as an inspector for ABS for 10 years before transitioning into the position of Business Development Manager, which he has held for the last three years. He has experience in inspections of new building of tankers and bulk carriers in China and operational ships of various types in Greece. Additionally, he has concluded inspections on operational mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) and offshore support vessels (OSVs) in the North Sea.

In his current position, among other responsibilities, he actively participates in events and conferences with the aim of promoting ABS business interests.

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.

Martijn Schols, Commercial Director, VAF

Martijn Schols serves as Commercial Director at VAF, bringing extensive expertise in global sales leadership within the industrial sector. 

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and has built his career advancing through senior Sales Management and Director positions with leading manufacturing companies across the Maritime, Power Generation, Energy, and Capital Equipment industries.

His technical foundation combined with commercial acumen positions him at the intersection of engineering innovation and market development in sustainable industrial solutions.

Trevor Solomon, Business Development Manager Sustainability and Fouling Control, AkzoNobel / International Marine Coatings

Trevor Solomon is the Sustainability and Fouling Control Business Development Manager at International Marine Coatings.  His role is focussed on working with our customers to help them achieve their sustainability ambitions whilst also leveraging our strength and knowledge on fouling control and associated regulations.

Trevor has worked for International Marine Coatings for over 32 years since graduating with a first-class degree in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in 1993.  Over that time Trevor has held several senior positions in R&D and marketing as well as our corporate sustainability group.

Through-out his career, Trevor’s work has always combined sustainability, product development and marketing with the aims of maximising product efficiency whilst minimising environmental impacts.

Key highlights include development and introduction of a number of firsts; the first high solids tin-free self-polishing copolymer technology, the first voluntary carbon credit scheme for shipping and the now market-leading first biocide-free technology Intersleek 1100SR incorporating slime release.

 
Gregory Spourdalakis, Managing Director, Columbia Shipmanagement Greece

With over two decades of experience in the maritime industry, currently serves as the Managing Director of Columbia Shipmanagement Greece, a leading ship management company operating a diverse fleet of vessels. He stepped into this role in December 2023, following more than three successful years as General Manager.

Armed with a strong background in marine engineering and international shipping, he has led major projects involving ship repairs, conversions, and technological upgrades, consistently championing innovation, safety, and sustainability. His mission is clear: to deliver world-class services to clients while ensuring full compliance with international regulations and fostering long-term partnerships across the global maritime sector.

A firm believer in continuous improvement and smart leadership, studied marine engineering (Aspropyrgos). He also holds an MBA from Southampton University, an MSc in Marine Technology from Newcastle University, and a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from Brighton University. Passionate about driving progress in the maritime world, he remains committed to advancing the industry through strategic vision and operational excellence.

Vasileios Tsarsitalidis, Energy Saving Technologies, ERMA FIRST

Vasileios Tsarsitalidis is a Nacal Architect and Marine Engineer (third of class) from NTUA and also holds and MSc in Computational Mechanics (Also NTUA)

In 2015 got his PhD in Marine Hydrodynamics and Propulsion and more specifically in non-conventional (biomimetic) propulsion. Meanwhile, he was an Assistant tutoring for the hydrodynamics and propulsion related courses. Since 2010 he worked in several commercial projects, including performance prediction of energy saving devices, trim optimizations and propeller retrofits.

After the PhD, Vasileios served in the Hellenic Navy from which he was discharged with honors for the development of loadicator software for the S-class frigates and other consulting services.

He continued research in biomimetic propulsion as a post-doc of NTUA and did a series of cooperation projects. In April 2017 started with Vector Marine Software as Ship Performance Engineer.

From 2019 Vasileios worked with ABS, as Senior Engineer II in the global ship systems center, until 2020, when he took the role of Domain Expert in the R&D team of DeepSea. 

From 2023 Vasileos Joined ERMA FIRST, as the leader of the Energy Saving Technologies Department, where FLEXCAP, DLEXRING and FLEXFIN were developed. Aside of the existing products, his team is pushing forward the development and improvement of other products (existing and new) within the portfolio of the ERMATECH Group.

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

Professional Experience

• 01/2020 – Present | Fleet Manager, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Hellas)

• 10/2013-12/2019 | Technical Superintendent, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Hellas)

• 01/2012-09/2013 | LPG Technical Superintendent, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Singapore) Ltd

• 11/2010- 12/2011 | Fleet Management Trainee, Bernhard Schulte GmbH & Co KG (Hamburg)

• 01/2010- 11/2010 | Newbuilding / Hull supervision, Schulte Marine Concept (China)

Education

• 2016-2017 | IMO World Maritime University Postgraduate in Executive Maritime Management

• 2007-2008 | University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK | MSc in Naval Architecture (Distinction)

• 2004-2007 | University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK | BEng in Marine Engineering

• 2002-2004 | Moraitis School, Athens - International Baccalaureate (IB)

Languages

Greek native, English fluent, German basic competence in writing, speaking, reading

Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Skaramangas Shipyards

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 Vice President and CEO of the Skaramangas Shipyards under the new ownership after privatization.

Albrecht Wandel, Business Development Manager Marine, LEWA GmbH

With over 18 years of experience in pump technology, Albrecht Wandel is a seasoned mechatronics engineer with deep expertise in industrial fluid systems and marine applications. For more than 12 years, he has been a key contributor at LEWA, playing a vital role in global service operations and strategic business development.

Albrecht’s career includes extensive international assignments as a service engineer, working in refineries, offshore oil platforms, and FPSOs. His technical leadership was further demonstrated during his two-year role as Service Manager for Southeast Asia, based at LEWA Singapore.

Currently, Albrecht leads the Business Development Marine segment at LEWA and serves as Team Lead for the Process Industry. His combination of hands-on engineering experience and strategic vision continues to drive innovation and growth across both marine and industrial sectors.

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. He has 43 years of diverse experience in shipping including newbuilding supervision and sailing with bulk carriers and oil tankers.

Since 1997 he is the Technical Director of Atlantic Bulk Carriers in Greece and, since 2004, a member of the Greek Delegation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

In cooperation with major Korean shipyards, he has applied several energy-saving ideas, some of which have become industry standards.

He is a member of Technical Committees of several ship classification and professional societies, the Union of Greek Shipowners, BIMCO Marine Environmental Committee, and in the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, HELMEPA and MARTECMA.

He has written numerous technical guides, papers and articles and is the recipient of several international shipping awards.

 
Panagiotis Zafet, Managing Director, Balthellas Group

Panagiotis Zafet is the Managing Director of Balthellas Group, a ship management and shipbroking company he founded in 1991. He took over the family ship-agency business and expanded the company into full-scale management of dry cargo vessels. In the years 2016-2017, he has organized, consummated and led a new venture currently operating Panamax/Kamsarmax bulk carriers. During the years of 2004-2008, he co-founded and led as CEO and Co-Chairman Seanergy Maritime Corp, a Blank Check financial vehicle initially listed in the AMEX and currently at NASDAQ.

Prior to founding Balthellas, he served as the CEO of Hellasco Shipping Ltd during 1986-1991 and as the company’s Director during 1991-2016, a company specializing in the liner shipping industry, active in the forest products trade through a regular shipping service between Scandinavia and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Panagiotis holds a Bachelor of Law from the Aristoteleio University of Thessaloniki and is married with three children. He is a Board Member & Governor of the Propeller Club of Piraeus.