A business trip that reflects the extroversion and cooperative spirit of the Greek shipbuilding and repair industry, trading and manufacturing of marine equipment.
With the aim of exchanging know-how and maritime culture, the Hellenic Maritime Club of Hamburg organized a conference on the challenges of shipping.
In his opening speech, the president of ENSA Capt. Demokratis Tatanis referred to the purpose of the Club, which is to strengthen the ties between Greeks working in the Hamburg shipping cluster.
The event was sponsored by Danaos, Diaplous, Uteco and WIMA.
In his presentation, the CEO of Danaos Management Dimitris Theodosiou presented the topic “The Challenge of AI in Shipping ERP”. He said that the Danaos AI platform can provide email automation, artificial intelligence assistance, large language models that integrate with the company’s correspondence.
The system can also dictate to employees if they are achieving the company’s goals.
It should be noted that Danaos has 39 years in shipping with 12 offices around the world and 650 customers worldwide. The strategy is to achieve digital transformation using big data analytics and performance models, developing programs that cover the entire spectrum of shipping operations, such as training, technical support, crew management and other activities.
Angelos Lazaridis of Diaplous and Nikos Georgopoulos discussed the topic “Key Takeways from Experience in the Middle East Region”. They commented on the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the ability to continue terrorist activity in the future. The potential still exists and the Houthis will likely continue to threaten maritime trade in the region, the speakers said.
The next presentation was by Stamatis Zisi of Psyctotherm who spoke on the topic “Refrigerants in Shipping: F-Gas Regulations and Future Alternatives / Waste Heat Recovery Ranking Cycle (ORC): Maximizing Fuel Efficiency & IMO Compliance”.
The speaker developed the ORC technology and presented the benefits of the system such as energy efficiency and cost savings. He also referred to the history of refrigeration in shipping.
Thanasis Bourlios of SQ Learn spoke on the topic “Choosing the Right Training for Regulatory Compliance”. The speaker said that for SQ Learn, compliance means sustainability, safety and operational excellence. The company has an extensive online library based on STCW standards that provides training solutions for every type of vessel. He also referred to the personalized training for Rightship inspection and survey preparation. More specifically, Mr. Bourlios presented the Vetti application. an innovative software for surveys and CaptAIn a revolutionary educational tool for optimizing training and skills development in the maritime sector. He focused on the strengths of SqLearn, such as internationally approved programs by most flag states, training available on board 24/7, support via email and chat and much more.
George Paradisis of Uteco presented the topic “Sensors – Cables – Automation / Network of Technical Solutions Partners”. Uteco has been active in marine automation for more than 50 years and holds a leading position in the market in Greece in all kinds of sensors and instruments for various types of vessels. The speaker presented a wide variety of sensors that measure pressure, temperature, flow level, etc.
Finally, Uteco is also involved in electrification and renewable energy.
The event concluded with the WIMA “Overview of its Member Companies”, the speech of WIMA President Elias Hadjiefreimidis and the presentation of all WIMA members.
Mr. Hadjiefreimidis said that WIMA reflects the power of cooperation between a network of certified companies that cover all the needs of a shipping company from the acquisition, maintenance and dismantling of a ship.
Finally, he referred to the milestones of WIMA especially in various joint projects delivered in recent years such as the repairs of the passenger ship “Amet majesty”, Ropax ships “Pantokrator”, “Elysian”, “Sunny”, “Corse” and many more.
The event was held at The Westin Hamburg and on the 2nd day of the business trip to Hamburg, WIMA members had the opportunity to visit two shipyards, Emden shipyard and dock GmbH and Fassmer GmbH & Co. KG., which are located 2:30-3 hours away from Hamburg.
Emden Shipyard
It is one of the largest shipyards for the construction of warships and the repair of merchant ships. Until 2005 it was robust and employed 6,000 workers, but it faced significant financial difficulties and for a period of time it ceased operations.
It should be noted that it has built the world’s largest dredger vessel.
Today it operates under the regime of land use concessions and facilities with 150 permanent employees and is engaged in the conversion of warships, drydocking, construction of pylons for wind turbines, canal doors and other special works. However, it is fully booked for 2025, having 1 Drydock and two floating docks.
Meyer werft
This shipyard is impressive. It is building 3 cruise ships and is booked until 2034. It also builds warships and special mission vessels as well as platforms.
This shipyard faced serious financial problems due to covid but was subsidized by the state and today it operates successfully looking to the future with optimism.
Issued: April 10, 2025
