Alexandros Arampatzoglou, Vetting Manager, Latsco Marine Management Inc

Capt Alexandros Arampatzoglou is a highly skilled Master Mariner with extensive experience on board oil/chemical tankers and LPG vessels, currently Vetting Manager for a well-established shipping company. Very experienced on SIRE and CDI inspections, an excellent team player with proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, continuously seeking ways to improve the performance of the business.

Experience

Latsco Marine Management Inc

– July 2019 – today, Vetting Manager [responsible for fleet of 35 vessels – 12 VLGCs (LPGs), 11 MR2, 12 LR2]

Responsibilities: • Ensuring that the company’s Health, Safety, Quality, Environmental and Energy Management System is established, implemented and maintained • Responsible for the vetting performance of the entire fleet, establishing the vetting plan, responding to oil majors • Setting up the strategy towards improving the vetting performance of the fleet, and developing the necessary tools in this direction • Investigating and following up on any raised observation along with all involved personnel

– May 2014 – June 2019, Marine Superintendent

Responsibilities: • Monitoring all Marine related matters for a fleet of 5 LR2s, and 4 oil/chemical carriers • Attending vessels for verifying implementation of company’s procedures and pre-vetting preparations • Conducting Navigation Audits on board vessels, in order to evaluate the implementation of company’s relevant procedures • Responsible for the pre-employment evaluation of all Deck Senior Officers

Education

• May 2016 – Diploma in Ship Superintendency / Maritime Training Academy, University of Portsmouth

• 2008 – 2009 – Master Mariner (A’ Class License) / KESEN

• 1996 – 2000 – Certificate of Maritime Competency / Merchant Marine Academy of Syros

Fotis Belexis, Technical Director, Star Bulk Carriers Corp

Fotios Belexis is the Technical Director at Star Bulk Carriers Corp., the largest dry bulk shipping company listed on Nasdaq. With 30 years of professional experience, He has held various technical managerial positions in leading shipping firms, overseeing diverse fleets, including LNG and LPG carriers, tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships.

In addition to his role at Star Bulk, he serves as Vice President of the Martecma , Chairman of Verifuel Technical Committee and is an active member of the BV and ABS Technical Committees, Council member of CIMAC NMA Hellas, and member of MERC advisory committee.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Maritime Engineering from the University of Southampton.

Maria Bertzeletou, Market Analyst, The Signal Group

With over 16 years of experience, Maria Bertzeletou has established herself as a leading authority in dry bulk freight market analysis and maritime sector decarbonization. Her deep understanding of global shipping trends, combined with her innovative approach to data-driven insights, has made her a highly sought-after expert in the field.

Maria's career has been marked by significant milestones. In 2017, she received the prestigious Greek International Women Award in London, recognizing her exceptional contributions to shipping research and her transformative impact on the global maritime industry.

Beyond her analytical expertise, Maria is a passionate advocate for sustainability in shipping. As a thought leader, she frequently shares her insights at international conferences, shaping critical discussions on market trends, decarbonization strategies, and the future of maritime logistics. Her work continues to influence policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers worldwide, solidifying her reputation as a driving force for innovation and sustainability in the shipping industry.

Andrea Capuani, Chief Commercial Officer, Vanzetti Engineering

Andrea Capuani joined Vanzetti Engineering in 2022 after spending more than 25 years' experience in Aerospace & Defence and Industrial & Automotive sectors.  He holds a Ph.D in Aeronautical Engineering and a Master in High Defence Studies.

He covered several senior executive roles in program management, business development, sales and strategy in Avio (GE Company), Fiat Powertrain (Stellantis) and Elettronica (Thales and Leonardo subsidiary) including direct involvement in many M&A projects.

In Vanzetti Engineering, as Chief Commercial Officer, he is in charge of the business management including program management, sales, marketing and aftersales for Automotive, Industrial, Air Gases, Marine and Aerospace Markets. In the last years he has developed a Fuel Transition Roadmap to support Vanzetti Engineering Product Strategy.

Stefanos Chatzinikolaou, Assistant Professor, Ship Technology, Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus

Dr. Stefanos Chatzinikolaou is a naval architect and marine engineer with over two decades of experience in the shipping industry. His career combines maritime research and innovation with a strong commitment to knowledge transfer and people development across industry and academia.

He is currently a faculty member at the University of Piraeus, where he teaches ship technology, while leading academic research on ship decarbonization.

With extensive experience in funded research projects, he actively engages with key EU-level networks, driving collaboration in applied research to advance sustainable solutions for the maritime transport sector.

Dimitris Fafalios, Secretary of the BoD, Union of Greek Shipowners; President / Director, Fafalios Shipping SA; Honorary Chairman, INTERCARGO

Dimitris Fafalios serves as President/Director of Fafalios Shipping S.A. since 2008.

From 1984 to 2008, he has held various positions in Fafalios Ltd, London, including Technical manager, Technical Director with responsibilities for vessel Maintenance, Newbuildings, S&P, and Technical support for Chartering, Insurance, Post-Fixture and other departments.

He has worked closely with IMO, IACS, the major classification societies and international shipping organisations to develop rules for the safety of ships and environmental protection of the seas. Much of his work in the last 15 years has centred on the technical and regulatory aspects of greenhouse gas emissions reduction from shipping.

He has served as Chairman of Intercargo from January 2019 to December 2024, having been Chairman of its Technical Committee since 2009 and one of the first members of the Technical Committee since 1999. He was given the title of Intercargo Honorary Chairman from January 2025.

He is also Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) since February 2022. In addition, he is the Chairman of the Maritime Safety and Marine Environment Protection Committee of the UGS. He has been a Member of UGS since 2015.

Dimitris Fafalios holds senior positions on ABS, DNV, HCS, ICS, INTERCARGO, LR, NK and UGS committees. Mr. Fafalios has attended IMO on behalf of the Hellenic Republic.

He received his B.Sc in Naval Architecture and Ship Building from Newcastle upon Tyne University in 1980 and M.Sc in Ocean Systems Management from MIT in 1982.

In 2023, he received an honorary PhD from the University of the Aegean, Department of Maritime and Business Management.

Dimitris Fokas, Training Manager, Angelicoussis Shipping Group; Chairman of Human Element Committee, INTERTANKO

Dimitris Fokas is the Training Manager of the Angelicoussis Shipping Group. He graduated as a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer from the National Technical University of Athens in 1983.

He joined the Hellenic Ministry of Mercantile Marine as an officer of the Hellenic Coast Guard in 1984. He served as Port State Control and environment protection officer in Piraeus port authority until 1993, when he was transferred to Merchant Ships Inspection Service until 2001, as head of the PSC department.

In 2001 he was appointed as the technical representative of Greece and councellor to IMO in London for 2 years, where he participated in all IMO meetings. He then joined the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) in Brussels as senior assessor of Classification Societies for a period of 3 years until 2007.

He served as Director of Safety of Navigation in the Hellenic Coast Guard, responsible among others for the Joint Rescue Coordination Center, for 2 years until his retirement in 2009. He then worked as Area Quality Manager of Germanischer Lloyd, responsible for Mediterranean-Middle East areas, until June 2011, when he joined the Angelicoussis Shipping Group as Training Manager.

He is the chairman of INTERTANKO Human Element in Shipping Committee.

 
 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.

  Jennifer Harrison, Vice President, Training Solutions, ABS

Jennifer Harrison’s career in the maritime industry spans nearly 30 years, with more than two decades spent working with ABS. She served in various capacities in software consulting, business development, marketing, public relations and training. During her time in the learning technology development space, Jennifer spearheaded ABS’ first learning management system and in-house development team.

Since 2022, Jennifer has overseen the technical training development function for employees, including delivering programs at ABS Academies in Houston, Shanghai, Singapore, Busan, Doha and Athens. In October 2024, Jennifer took on the role of Vice President of Training Solutions, focusing on developing a training business line to assist ABS clients in upskilling their shoreside and shipboard personnel to comply with new technologies and regulations.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Psychology from the University of Houston, a Master of Human Resource Development from Indiana State University and a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University.

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.

 
Venetia Kallipolitou, Cross-Departmental HR & Training Manager, Tsakos Group

Venetia Kallipolitou was born in Piraeus; she has graduated the National Technical University of Athens, Department of Electrical Engineer & Engineer of Computing Systems, and has also obtained a master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Essex.

In 2017 she joined Tsakos Group of Companies, as Deputy Managing Director of Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement, responsible for Human Element and Training. In 2018 she undertook the responsibility, as coordinator, to establish and operate the Tsakos Enhanced Education Nautical School in Chios island. In 2020 was assigned as Tsakos Group Maritime Training & Education Advisor running TEENS as member of the administrative board and legal representative of Tsakos Maritime Education nonprofit company under which TEENS is operating.

Nowadays she has been assigned as the Tsakos Group Cross-Departmental HR & Training Manager.

She is also member of the Human Element Committee of Intertanko and WISTA.

Previously she has served the Hellenic Coast Guard for over than 21 years dealing mainly with issues of shipping policy for more than 10 years, representing the Hellenic Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy in IMO and other International and EU Fora and Organizations. She served as maritime attaché of Greece to the Council of the EU in Brussels for three years and she was the national coordinator at the Greek EU Presidency in 2014 for Shipping. From 2014 till 2017 she served as Director of the Seafarers’ Training Directorate in the Hellenic Ministry of Shipping. She has retired from HCG with the rank of Commander HCG.

[During her whole career has been awarded the following honours: - COMMANDER’S CROSS OF THE ORDER OF HONOUR - COMMANDER’S CROSS OF THE ORDER OF PHOENIX - MEDAL OF MILITARY MERIT B’ CLASS -MERITORIUS COMMAND MEDAL C’ CLASS -MERITORIUS STAFF OFFICER COMMENDATION MEDAL B’ CLASS.]

 
Woosung KIL, Principal Surveyor, AI Convergence Center, R&D Division, KR (Korean Register)

Woosung KIL is a principal researcher of the AI Convergence Center at the R&D Division of KR (Korean Register), leading advancements in video data analysis, 3D ship reconstruction, and extended reality-based vessel familiarization solutions. With a strong background in AI, computer vision, and immersive technologies, Woosung KIL is dedicated to driving digital innovation in the maritime industry.

Prior to joining KR in 2011, Woosung KIL contributed to the development of corps-level UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) simulator systems for the Republic of Korea Army at Korean Air’s Aerospace Division. Earlier in his career, he worked on developing real-time camera and graphics compositing technology for broadcast applications.

Woosung KIL holds a Master’s degree in Information & Communications Engineering from Pai-Chai University, specialized in image processing, computer vision algorithms, and multi-view scene reconstruction. His expertise continues to shape the future of AI-powered solutions in the maritime sector.

 
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.

 
Takis Koutris, Managing Director, Roxana Shipping SA

Takis Koutris graduated from the National Technical University of Athens as Naval Architect & Marine and Mechanical Engineer M.Sc. He was employed in Alfa Laval (1983-1984) and then in Avin International S.A. (1984-2000) and Athenian Tankers (2000-2001).

Since 2001 he is Managing Director in Roxana Shipping S.A. & ROKS Maritime Inc.

Natassa Kouvertari, Senior Lead – Human Competency, Lloyd’s Register

Natassa Kouvertari holds the role of the Senior Lead – Human Competency within the Human Safety & Risk team of the Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, representing the Hub as a project manager in the ‘baseline training for seafarers in decarbonisation’ project that is led by the Maritime Just Transition Taskforce, the first global sectoral task force dedicated to a just transition. Natassa first joined Lloyd’s Register in 2004 supporting the marine business functions of the Organisation and has, since then, undertaken several positions as environmental specialist, product manager and project manager in Marine & Offshore.

Natassa holds a Master of Science in Environment & Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and has built up professional expertise in managing projects related to GHG emission reduction, new fuels adoption and workforce training for shipping’s green transition. She is also an Associate Member with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and has a genuine interest in projects that foster innovation towards a sustainable and equitable ocean economy. You can connect with Natassa on LinkedIn to learn more about her contributions to maritime decarbonisation. 

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.

 
Katerina Palla, Head of Marine Training, RINA

Katerina Palla is the Head of Marine Training Centre at RINA. She holds a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece, and a Master’s degree in Forensic Science from the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Her career began with a focus on marine incident analysis and root cause investigations. With over ten years of experience, she has led hundreds of incident investigations, working both with shipping companies and as a P&I Club Correspondent.

Katerina specializes in maritime training, focusing on regulatory compliance, safety management, incident investigation, emergency preparedness, and professional development. She has extensive experience delivering training to shore-based personnel and seafarers, helping them enhance their technical knowledge, soft skills, and overall performance.

Marina Papaioannou, Regional Maritime Academies Manager, Region South East Europe, DNV

Marina is currently the Regional Maritime Academies Manager for DNV’s Region Southeast Europe.

She holds a Degree in Geology and a PhD in Geophysics and has participated in various scientific projects, prior to her involvement in shipping in 2000.

She is herself a trainer for the Academy, is managing the development of new courses, qualification of trainers and the Academy business for the Region.

Marina has an active presence with articles in various shipping magazines/portals and participations in national and international conferences as a speaker/panelist, with numerous publications.

Marina was awarded the GIWA (Greek International Women’s Award) for shipping in April 2021.

Amongst other, she is a member of the WMU-GOI Senior Advisory Group under the auspices of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework funded project BUGWRIGHT2 and a Mentor of the MSc in Shipping Management  Program of the University of Piraeus.

 
Stylianos Pappas, Professor, Head of Automation Control Systems Laboratory, School of Engineering, Merchant Marine Adademy of Aspropyrgos

Stylianos Pappas graduated from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electrical Engineering and Electronics and a Master of Science in Advanced Control in 1998.

He obtained his Ph.D. in data-signal processing and optimization from the University of the Aegean, Samos, Greece, in 2008 and earned a Master’s degree in Management and Financial Planning for Public and Private Sector Executives from the University of the Peloponnese in 2023.

Since 2004, he has been teaching in Higher Education and has participated as a senior researcher in various European projects (SEETSOC, Flexitranstore, Smart5Grid, ENFLATE, and Resonance) and National initiatives (Archimedes III). Additionally, he has supervised and designed numerous industrial and domestic electrical installations as a freelancer. He has also worked as an IT Engineer for the Greek Ministry of Culture and in Big Data Analysis for EYDAP S.A.

Currently, he is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Merchant Marine Academy of Aspropyrgos.

He is the author of two book chapters, nineteen journal publications, and nine conference papers in the fields of high-voltage transmission, electric load forecasting (both long- and short-term), wind speed prediction and electrical insulation materials, with over 800 citations.

Constantinos Triantafillou, Head of Strategy & Development, HELMEPA

A passionate marine sustainability professional with a demonstrated history of 25+ years working in the maritime industry and the dynamic landscape of non-profit NGOs with a focus on maritime decarbonization, sustainability and marine conservation.

With academic studies in the fields of environmental science, marine resource management and sustainability in shipping, Constantinos holds the position of Head of Maritime Affairs and Stakeholder Development and coordinates the activities of HELMEPA’s certified Maritime Training Centre. He is a technical advisor of the Greek delegation attending IMO meetings and a regular member of UN/EU scientific advisory committees and industry expert boards (Green Award, Korean Register).

Nicholas Tsouvalis, Professor, Director of Shipbuilding Technology Laboratory, School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, National Technical University of Athens

Nicholas Tsouvalis was born in Athens, Greece in 1964. He studied at the National Technical University of Athens and received his Diploma and his PhD in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Currently he is Professor in the area of Marine Materials and Shipbuilding Technology in the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at NTUA and director of the Shipbuilding Technology Laboratory.

His scientific research areas are the mechanical behaviour of composite materials especially in marine environment, structural design and numerical modelling of marine structures, structural design of composite underwater vehicles, steel-to-composite joints, effect of material and geometry imperfections on their structural response and containment systems for alternative fuels.

He is author or co-author of more than 85 papers in journals and refereed international conferences and of more than 120 technical reports, and coordinator / scientific responsible or prime researcher in more than 30 National or EU projects.

Spyros Vlassopoulos, Managing Director, Ionic Group

Spyros Vlassopoulos has been with the Ionic Group in Athens, Greece since the company’s inception in 2013. He was responsible for the establishment of the technical  and commercial management company currently totaling 18 modern bulk carriers and tanker vessels that are actively in service.

Prior to joining Ionic, Mr Vlassopoulos was engaged with the Hellespont group of companies for 15 years starting his career in 1999. In 2004, he was the first member of the group to establish Hellespont Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG based out of Hamburg, Germany and held the position of Managing Director, where he concluded his tenure with the group in Hamburg in 2013.

Mr Vlassopoulos has over 25 years of professional experience with areas of expertise both in the tanker and dry bulk shipping markets as well as industry safety and quality standards.

Mr Vlassopoulos earned his Bachelor of Applied Science, Maritime Studies (Honors) at Southampton Solent University in the UK. He is a Director of the UK P&I Club, a Member of the Marshall Islands Quality Council (MIQC) and a Member of the American Bureau of Shipping.