The Corfu Port Authority (OLKE S.A.) featured prominently in discussions at the 9th Infrastructure & Transport Conference – ITC 2026, held in Athens from 28 to 30 September, where Corfu Port Authority CEO Dimitris Apergis presented the strong performance of Corfu’s cruise sector during the first nine months of 2026, together with the Authority’s broader investment plan for the upgrade and development of port infrastructure. The discussion focused on new infrastructure for cruise operations and passenger connectivity, projects across the Authority’s wider port network, and investment aimed at further developing marine tourism.

Apergis participated in the panel entitled “Rebuilding Greece’s Port Industry: The Critical Role of Ferry Services, Cruise, Ports and Shipyards”, alongside representatives of key institutions and organizations, including the Regulatory Authority for Ports, the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies (SEEN), Thessaloniki Port Authority, MSC and Celestyal.

During the discussion, Apergis presented the latest figures on cruise activity in Corfu, highlighting the strong momentum recorded by the port and the continuation of its upward trend in 2026. He also referred to initial estimates for 2027, which indicate that traffic is expected to remain at high levels.

Cruise performance at the Port of Corfu during the nine months of 2026 is reflected in the following key figures:

+20.1% in passenger traffic compared with 2025

+17.9% in cruise calls compared with 2025

The upward trend is expected to continue through the end of 2026, with traffic estimated to exceed 560 cruise calls and 1 million cruise passengers

This momentum further strengthens Corfu’s position as a major cruise destination and underlines the port’s role in supporting the island’s tourism sector and passenger connectivity.

“The strong performance of the cruise sector and the positive trajectory of ferry traffic confirm the important role of the Port of Corfu in supporting tourism and the island’s connectivity. Our next challenge is to ensure that this high level of traffic translates into even better services, an enhanced visitor experience and greater added value for the local economy,” said Dimitris Apergis, CEO of Corfu Port Authority.

Investment in infrastructure and connectivity

Particular emphasis was placed on Corfu Port Authority’s investment plan, with a focus on advancing key projects and upgrading infrastructure serving both cruise and ferry operations.

In this context, Apergis referred to plans for a new cruise passenger terminal, as well as a new terminal serving the Corfu–Albania route. As he noted, the final studies are expected to be completed within the next six months, alongside progress on the necessary approvals and licensing procedures, paving the way for an implementation timetable to be established and available funding opportunities to be explored.

He also referred to the Diapontian Islands and Paxos, where new and upgraded port infrastructure is being planned to strengthen connectivity and support local development. He highlighted the example of Erikousa, where the implementation of a corresponding port infrastructure project has contributed to the island’s development.

Related projects include:

• New ports in Mathraki and Othoni, for which the required studies and project-maturity procedures have been completed, with the projects now at the preparation stage ahead of tendering for construction.
• Agios Stefanos Avliotes Port, with the final design study completed
• Lefkimmi Port, where infrastructure improvements have been included in the NSRF funding programme

Dredging works at 20 ports, as part of the broader programme to improve the functionality of the port network

A notable contribution came from Apostolos Papapostolou, President of the Regulatory Authority for Ports (RAL), who highlighted the significance of cruise activity and its impact across the entire port network managed by OLKE S.A. and on local communities, noting that the Authority’s activities extend beyond the main Port of Corfu to a broad network of 37 ports. He also referred more broadly to the importance of having a comprehensive Master Plan as a key tool for strategic planning and development.

The Corfu Port Authority’s investment in yachting infrastructure forms part of the same broader strategy, with the aim of further developing marine tourism in Corfu and the wider region. Specifically:

• Spilia Marina: expected to be delivered by the end of the year
• Imerolia Marina, Kassiopi: the approval process for the project is progressing, representing a significant investment in the further development of yachting in Corfu
• Mega Yacht Marina: the marina at the western end of the port is moving forward towards implementation, strengthening Corfu’s prospects in the high-end marine tourism market

At the same time, the first call by a luxury small cruise ship to Paxos highlights the potential to broaden the region’s tourism offering and bring new destinations into the cruise and marine tourism landscape.

“Our objective is to create infrastructure that responds to the port’s growing needs while further strengthening Corfu’s position as an important hub for cruise activity and passenger connectivity. We want this development to benefit our entire port network and local communities, creating long-term value for the destination,” said Dimitris Apergis, CEO of Corfu Port Authority (OLKE S.A.).

About Corfu Port Authority S.A.

Corfu Port Authority (OLKE S.A.) is wholly owned by the Hellenic Growth Fund and manages the Port of Corfu. The Authority provides port services for vessels, passengers and vehicles, with a focus on safety, service quality, efficiency and sustainable development. It also supports the promotion of Corfu as a leading tourism destination, highlighting its natural beauty, tourism infrastructure, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and strong ferry and air connectivity

Το άρθρο Corfu Port Authority at the 9th Infrastructure & Transport Conference, ITC 2026: Strong cruise growth in the nine months and new investment in Corfu’s port infrastructure εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

The forum brought together shipowners, technology providers, academics and DNV experts to examine the practical readiness of energy-efficiency and decarbonization measures. Discussions focused on measured fuel savings, implementation challenges and the business case for hydrodynamic retrofits, wind-assisted propulsion, LNG and biomethane, shore power, emissions-data management, onboard carbon capture and nuclear propulsion.

Opening the forum, Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, emphasized the continued importance of energy efficiency in shipping’s transition:

“While alternative fuels will play a critical role in decarbonization, improving energy efficiency remains one of the most immediate and commercially attractive opportunities available to shipowners today. The challenge is to understand which solutions deliver measurable value under real operating conditions and how they can be implemented at scale.”

A recurring theme throughout the forum was the need to base investment decisions on measured operational performance rather than theoretical potential.

André Kauffeldt, Principal Engineer at DNV’s Ship Performance Center, presented findings from more than 180 bow-retrofit projects, while Katerina Prifti, HSQE Director/DPA/Vetting at Laskaridis Shipping, shared operational experience from the company’s evaluation of wind-assisted propulsion. The discussions highlighted how fuel savings and payback periods can vary significantly depending on vessel design, operating profile and trading pattern.

The economics of compliance also featured prominently. George Kriezis, Technical Director at Neptune Group of Companies, examined LNG and biomethane as part of long-term decarbonization strategies, highlighting the influence of fuel availability, lifecycle emissions and FuelEU Maritime compliance considerations on investment decisions and fleet economics.

Looking at other decarbonization measures, Lefteris Koukoulopoulos, Regional Decarbonization Specialist at DNV Maritime, discussed the readiness of shore power and the infrastructure challenges that continue to constrain wider adoption. While uptake is increasing in some vessel segments, access to shore-power connections remains limited in many ports.

Trusted and verified emissions data emerged as another key theme. Konstantinos Kordas, Performance Engineer at Navarone S.A., outlined the company’s fleet-level energy-efficiency strategy, while Vasileios Petousis of Seanergy Maritime Holdings, together with Mette Rønning Raabel and Lars Nyflot from DNV Maritime, highlighted the role of verified emissions data in supporting regulatory reporting, performance monitoring and operational decision-making.

The forum also explored technologies that remain at an earlier stage of adoption. Dimitris Koutsaftis, CCS Technical Product Manager at ERMA FIRST, and Chara Georgopoulou, Head of Maritime R&D and Advisory Greece at DNV Maritime, reviewed the opportunities and challenges associated with onboard carbon capture. Closing the event, Professor George Dimopoulos of the National Technical University of Athens examined the conditions under which nuclear propulsion could become relevant for selected shipping applications.

Lefteris Koukoulopoulos said after the forum: “Across the sessions, one conclusion was consistent: maritime decarbonization will not be delivered by a single fuel or technology. For shipowners, the immediate task is to establish an accurate performance baseline, select measures suited to each vessel and trade, test the less mature solutions, and verify results before moving from individual projects to fleet-wide implementation.”

About DNV

We are the independent expert in risk management and quality assurance. Driven by our purpose, to safeguard life, property and the environment, we empower our customers and their stakeholders with facts and reliable insights so that critical decisions can be made with confidence. As a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful organizations, we use our knowledge to advance safety and performance, set industry benchmarks, and inspire and invent solutions to tackle global transformations.

DNV in the maritime industry

DNV is the world’s leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry. We enhance safety, quality, energy efficiency and environmental performance of the global shipping industry – across all vessel types and offshore structures. We invest heavily in research and development to find solutions, together with the industry, that address strategic, operational or regulatory challenges. For more information visit: www.dnv.com/maritime

Το άρθρο DNV’s 2nd Energy Efficiency & Technologies Forum puts operational evidence at the centre of maritime decarbonization εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

The 12th ShipIT Conference was successfully held on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, at the Eugenides Foundation, jointly organised by AMMITEC and BOUSSIAS Events.

Bringing together senior maritime executives, institutional representatives, CIOs, CTOs, academics and technology specialists, the conference delivered a clear message: digitalisation in shipping is no longer simply a technology choice, but a core driver of operational resilience and competitiveness.

Discussions focused on Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity and cyber resilience, data utilisation, connectivity, energy efficiency and decarbonisation, with growing emphasis not only on adopting new technologies, but on turning them into measurable operational value.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Matthew Maheras, President of AMMITEC, highlighted the need for technology adoption to remain closely linked to business value, security and governance.

“The objective is not to adopt more technology. It is to adopt the right technology, with security, proper governance and clear operational value.”

He also pointed to the rapid shift of Artificial Intelligence from experimentation into day-to-day maritime operations.

“AI is already moving from experimentation into real operations. The next challenge is to make that transition with structure, governance and human oversight.”

Against this background, AMMITEC announced the launch of its new AI Working Group, which will focus on practical AI adoption in shipping, use cases, governance and shadow AI, as well as the development of benchmarks, training and practical guidance for the maritime community.

Speakers included Spyridon Papageorgiou, Secretary General for the Protection of Critical Entities; Vassilios Demetriades, former Shipping Deputy Minister of the Republic of Cyprus; Professor Christos Xenakis; Professor Stefanos Kollias, Chairman oφ GRNET; George Xiradakis, President of the Association of Banking and Financial Executives of Hellenic Shipping; and senior representatives from leading shipping and technology organisations.

Across keynotes, panels and lightning rounds, the conference highlighted a common direction for the industry: the next phase of maritime digitalisation will be defined not by who has the most technology, but by who can use it securely, intelligently and with tangible operational impact.

AMMITEC – Association of Maritime Managers in Information Technology and Communications

Το άρθρο 12th ShipIT Conference: Shipping Moves from Digital Transformation into the AI Era εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

Since its founding in 2015, PortXL has connected startups and scale-ups with corporate partners, investors and mentors across the maritime, energy, logistics and chemical industries. Over the last ten years, 141 startups have been part of PortXL’s acceleration program, boasting an impressive 76% survival rate. Over €202 million of funding has been raised by its alumni.

“PortXL’s second decade starts with a cohort that reflects where the sector is heading,” says Koen Vogel, Director of PortXL. “Resilience, security and the energy transition are converging in the port and maritime sector, and these startups & scale-ups work right where they meet. Our shared goal over the coming weeks is to turn introductions into tangible value for both our partners and the founders.”

Accelerator program

The 2026 cohort will take part in an accelerator program running in Rotterdam from 6 October to 3 December. The 3 weeks of the program are focused on access to market, access to capital and establishing a network of peers and mentors. During this period, the cohort will come together in Rotterdam for three separate weeks to work with mentors and explore opportunities with our lead program partner Port of Rotterdam Authority and various innovation partners such as the Ministry of Defence and Municipality of Rotterdam.

Additionally, PortXL is proud to welcome a number of new innovation partners to which the startups will be introduced, including Damen and Royal IHC. Together with this industrial network, the ecosystem and knowledge partners, the participating startups and the scale-ups will be taken to the next level in their development, actively contributing to a more sustainable, resilient, and efficient port & maritime industry.

The 2026 PortXL startup and scale-up acceleration program’s cohort consists of:

Maritime & Offshore

Bluefins

BioHalo

Elnav

Marine Weather Intelligence

Shipsonic

Energy & Infrastructure

CLHYNN

Meterspersecond

PointCanvas

Dual Use

Aetherion Defence

Cleardrop

Copsys 

Bluefins (France)

Bluefins has developed a retrofittable auxiliary propulsion system for ships, shaped like a whale’s tail, that reduces fuel consumption by up to 20 percent. The system is designed for all types of ocean-going vessels and targets a return on investment of three to five years.

bluefins-systems.com

BioHalo (Denmark)

BioHalo develops non-PFAS, biodegradable surface-modifying ingredients for coatings, including a biotech-based component for antifouling paint that could not previously be synthesized chemically and requires less energy to produce.

biohalo.io

Elnav (Croatia)

Elnav builds human-in-the-loop maritime AI technology for the moments where onboard systems, procedures and professional judgement have to align, including active watchkeeping support, critical-procedure support and emergency leadership training.

elnav.ai

Marine Weather Intelligence (France)

Marine Weather Intelligence provides weather routing and forecasting for shipping, offshore, heavy transport and towage, and yachts, aimed at reducing fuel use, emissions and operational risk.

marine-weather.com

Shipsonic (The Netherlands)

Shipsonic supplies ultrasonic antifouling technology that uses vibrations to keep ship hulls free of fouling without maintenance or chemicals, and is already in use by shipowners across the Netherlands.

shipsonic.com

CLHYNN (France)

CLHYNN has developed a fuel cell with its own integrated hydrogen source, built without rare metals, other critical raw materials or PFAS, positioned as a new form of decentralized energy.

clhynn.com

Meterspersecond (The Netherlands)

Meterspersecond builds vertical wind turbines with double the energy density of conventional designs, developed as an alternative to diesel generators for powering dockside operations.

meterspersecond.co

PointCanvas (United Kingdom)

PointCanvas turns 3D site scans of complex infrastructure into usable spatial insights within hours instead of weeks, and has already run a pilot in the Scottish oil and gas sector.

pointcanvas.ai

Aetherion Defence (Luxembourg)

Aetherion Defence builds an EU-sovereign distributed radar mesh that detects low-altitude drones around ports, critical infrastructure and defence sites, using distributed sensors to reduce the risk of individual sensor failure.

aetheriondefence.com

Cleardrop (France)

Cleardrop keeps optical sensors clear of rain, snow, salt residue, sand and mud using acoustic waves and a small amount of power, allowing autonomous systems to keep operating in conditions that would otherwise blind them.

cleardrop.tech

Copsys (Canada)

Copsys develops a digital, self-sensing coating for ship hulls and infrastructure that supports antifouling, corrosion detection and proactive maintenance, reducing the need for manual visual inspection.

copsys.ca

For media inquiries, please contact:

• Sebastiaan Berkman, marketing & communications manager
• info@portxl.org
• portxl.org

About PortXL

PortXL is a port and maritime accelerator, based in Rotterdam. Its mission is to accelerate innovative companies in the maritime, energy, logistics and chemical industries. PortXL works with a global network of partners to connect startups and scale-ups with corporate partners, investors and mentors. Alumni of the program have an incredible 76% survival rate. In addition, these alumni have raised over 202M EUR of funding.

www.portxl.org

Το άρθρο PortXL presents its 2026 cohort of 11 maritime startups and scale-ups εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

·         The ship will set sail from Orlando’s Port Canaveral, Florida (U.S.) from November 2027

·         MSC World Atlantic is designed to blend MSC Cruises’ signature European style with American comfort and will offer 7-night and 14-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings to some of region’s most iconic destinations

Geneva, Switzerland – September 30, 2026 – MSC Cruises has celebrated a major milestone in the construction of its next flagship, MSC World Atlantic, as the ship touched water for the first time at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France this past week.

The float out marks an important stage in the ship’s journey towards joining the MSC Cruises fleet, where the newly built vessel is moved from the construction dock into the water, where she will undergo the next phase of her completion ahead of delivery.

Set to become the 25th ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC World Atlantic will also be the fourth LNG vessel in the line’s pioneering World Class series.

MSC World Atlantic is designed to blend MSC Cruises’ signature European style with American comfort and will offer alternating 7-night and 14-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings to some of the most iconic destinations – including Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas from November 2027.

On board, guests will have the chance to experience a seamless blend of cultures, flavours, and styles from both sides of the Atlantic brought together in one thrilling destination at sea, with seven distinct districts, each offering its own atmosphere, facilities and entertainment.

Following her float out, MSC World Atlantic will remain at Chantiers de l’Atlantique as work continues on her interiors, public spaces and final technical elements.

She is scheduled to be officially delivered to MSC Cruises in 2027, ahead of her inaugural Caribbean season from November.

Itineraries aboard MSC World Atlantic are now available to book.

For more information visit: https://www.msccruises.com/int/our-cruises/ships/msc-world-atlantic

Το άρθρο MSC Cruises marks float out of the Cruiseline’s next U.S. flagship, MSC World Atlantic εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

Despite the volatile geopolitical environment, the total revenues of PPA S.A. amounted to €111.9 mn., decreased by 8.9% compared to €122.8 mn. in the corresponding period of 2025. Net profits after taxes amounted to €35.4 mn. versus €46.7 mn. in the first half of 2025, recording a decrease of 24.4%. During this period, PPA S.A. implemented investments amounting to €106.7 mn. in infrastructure projects and equipment, thereby significantly accelerating its investment program. Total assets reached €750.3 mn., showing an increase of 8.8% compared to the end of 2025.

The decrease in revenues and, consequently, profits compared to the corresponding period of 2025 is attributed to the reduced performance of Pier I. This is primarily due to the comparison with the elevated domestic cargo throughput recorded during the first half of 2025, driven by fears at the time of potential tariffs being imposed on global trade. Furthermore, the Mandatory Investment 5.5 and 5.7 projects are currently being implemented at Pier I. These projects have led to a temporary reduction in storage capacity within the stacking areas, thereby affecting throughput capacity. It is important to emphasize that these investments are of strategic importance and are expected to bring substantial improvements in capacity, productivity, efficiency, and the overall operational capacity of Pier I in the coming years, ensuring it is ready to handle the increased cargo volumes expected following the full reopening of the Suez Canal.

Additionally, revenues from Piers II and III have also increased, and in fact, this positive sign is driven by better throughput performance in recent months, significantly contributing to the Organization’s revenues and profitability. This positive shift is even stronger from July onwards and will be reflected in the third quarter of Financial Year 2026.

The CEO of PPA S.A., Mr. Su Xudong, stated:

“The performance of the first half of 2026 confirms the resilience of the Port of Piraeus and its readiness to lead in a demanding global market. Guided steadily by digital and ecological transformation, we are implementing an extensive investment program that not only enhances our operational capabilities but also safeguards our sustainability and minimizes our environmental footprint.

In particular, we are accelerating our pace towards the realization of the Logistics Centre, which will generate new revenue streams and increased added value for the local community. We believe that despite the challenging economic environment and numerous uncertainties, we have solid reasons to be optimistic about the prospects of the Piraeus Port Authority.”

About PPA S.A.
Piraeus Port Authority SA, a Euronext Athens listed company, is engaged in the management and operation of Piraeus Port, Greece’s largest port and one of the largest integrated harbors in Europe, providing a complete range of services. Some of the company’s activities involve cruise, coastal (ferry/passenger), container and car terminal services, as well as general cargo, ship repair, logistic and free zone services. The main shareholder of Piraeus Port Authority S.A., with a stake of 67 percent, is COSCO SHIPPING, one of the largest maritime companies in the world. Over the last decade the company has experienced a remarkable growth in all port activities, which is still underway, largely contributing to the country’s economy, while driven by green development and increased digitalization, alongside a people-first approach and a spirit of giving back to society.

PPA holds the ”ECO PORT” PERS status, is included in the Euronext Athens ESG index and is one of the “Most Sustainable Companies in Greece 2026”.

For more information, please visit https://olp.gr

Το άρθρο PPA S.A.: Presentation of 1H 2026 Financial Results Resilient Revenues – Acceleration of the Investment Program εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

An independent jury of experts, chaired by former ESPO Chair Eamonn O’Reilly, selected the four projects from a total of eleven submissions.

This year’s award focuses on “Dual-Use Port-City Projects”, recognising port managing bodies that have developed infrastructure and spaces that serve their primary port functions while also creating opportunities for use by the city, either simultaneously or at different times.

Eamonn O’Reilly, Chairman of the Jury stated that: “In 2010, ESPO published the Code of Practice on Societal Integration of Ports and, with the ESPO Award still in its infancy, an important journey began in our industry. Europe’s ports meet the needs of society in many ways beyond their core function of facilitating trade and travel and supporting major industries. Responding to the wider contribution they must make to society is, nowadays, central to port strategies across Europe. This year’s theme for the ESPO Award showcases how ports contribute to the built and lived environment at the port-city interface and has attracted eleven excellent examples of how ports in very different situations have responded to this shared challenge. All of this year’s entries offer valuable insights of innovative approaches and, together, create a valuable resource to inspire other ports across Europe.”

The ESPO Award 2026 will be presented during the annual ESPO Award Ceremony and Dinner on 10 November at the Vanhaerents Art Collection in Brussels.

In the run-up to the ceremony, ESPO will introduce each of the four shortlisted projects on its website. A special booklet showcasing all eleven submissions will also be released on 10 November.

Το άρθρο The ports of Cork, Dublin, Reykjavik and Tarragona are competing for the ESPO Award 2026 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

Capes on a High

The Capesize market has emerged as one of the clearest examples of how improved cargo demand, stronger tonne-mile fundamentals and tighter vessel availability can translate into materially better freight earnings and asset values. Based on Signal Ocean data, between 1 January and 25 September 2026, Capesize dry bulk movements reached 1,198.68 million MT across 9,555 voyages, up 4.4% from 1,148.06 million MT and 9,367 voyages during the same period of 2025. Australia remained the dominant loading origin, with volumes rising 3.9% to 658.42 million MT, while Guinea recorded the most significant expansion, increasing 36.9% to 149.88 million MT and overtaking Brazil, where volumes slipped 1.4% to 133.82 million MT. China remained overwhelmingly the main destination, receiving 854.97 million MT, up 5.1% year-on-year, while South Korean imports increased 16.1% to 74.23 million MT.

More importantly for Capesize demand, the increase in cargo volumes was accompanied by stronger tonne-mile generation. Weekly tonne miles averaged 218.31 billion during the 2026 period, 5.3% above the 207.24 billion average recorded in 2025. The rapid expansion of long-haul Guinean bauxite exports towards China has been particularly supportive, increasing sailing distances and vessel utilisation. This stronger demand environment was reflected directly in freight performance. The BCI averaged 4,068 points during 2026, compared with 2,261 points during the corresponding 2025 period, an increase of around 80%, while the index rallied from 3,108 at the beginning of the year to 5,939 by 24 September, having peaked at 6,427 earlier in the month.

The C5TC(182) paints essentially the same picture in earnings terms. Average earnings during the 2026 period were approximately USD 36,900/day, versus around USD 20,500/day during the comparable 2025 period, representing an improvement of almost 80%. The 2026 market briefly approached USD 58,300/day at its early-September peak and remained above USD 52,000/day in late September. By comparison, on 25 September 2025 the C5TC(182) stood at USD 29,636/day. Importantly, the difference is not simply the result of one short-lived rally. Earnings across much of 2026 have operated from a substantially stronger base, reflecting the combination of additional cargo, greater tonne-mile demand and periods of tighter tonnage availability in both Atlantic and Pacific basins.

Unsurprisingly, this improvement has also filtered into the S&P market. In March 2025, the 2010-built Mitsui Capesize Mount Austin, then 15 years old, was sold in the mid-USD 27 million range. By August 2026, the similarly aged 2011-built Imabari vessels Mount Dampier and Orange Tiger were sold at around USD 38 million and USD 37 million respectively, implying an increase of roughly USD 10 million for comparable vintage Japanese tonnage. The same trend is visible among younger vessels: Bulk Ginza, a 2020-built Imabari, changed hands in June 2025 for around USD 64 million, while the 2020-built JMU Lady Deena was rumoured sold in July 2026 at around USD 71 million. Taken together, cargo volumes, tonne miles, freight earnings and secondhand prices all point in the same direction. Capesize fundamentals during 2026 YTD are considerably stronger than during the corresponding period of 2025, and, importantly, the improvement is broad-based across the entire market chain. Increased long-haul demand is supporting utilisation, stronger utilisation is feeding into higher earnings, and improved cash generation and sentiment are being capitalised directly into secondhand asset values.

S&P Activity:

Dry S&P

On the Kamsarmax sector, German buyers acquired the “GCL Hazira” – 82K/2021 NACKS for USD 39 mills basis surveys passed, while the sister vessel “New Wavelet” – 82K/2021 NACKS changed hands for USD 38.4 mills basis delivery Q1 2027 and the “Babitonga” – 82K/2019 Tsuneishi changed hands for USD 38.5 mills.

On the Panamax sector, Chinese buyers acquired the “Good Hope Max” – 77K/2005 Sasebo for USD 12.5 mills. Moving down the sizes, on the Supramax sector, the “YC Aequor” – 57K/2012 Ningbo was sold for high USD 13 mills. Finally, on the Handysize sector, the “CS Calla” – 37K/2011 Tianjin Xingang found new owners for USD 11 mills basis surveys due.

Tanker S&P

The tanker S&P market saw significant activity this week, particularly in the VLCC sector. Clients of ADNOC acquired the “Seaking” – 319K/2013 Hyundai Heavy for USD 177 mills, while the “Olympic Target” – 320K/2011 Hyundai Heavy and the “Olympic Light” – 317K/2011 Hyundai Samho were sold enbloc for USD 300 mills. On the same sector, the “Atherina” – 319K/2011 Hyundai Heavy changed hands for USD 146 mills. On the Suezmax sector, the “Stella” – 165K/2011 Hyundai Samho was sold for USD 83 mills, while Turkish buyers acquired the Aframax “TP Affinity” – 114K/2016 Hyundai Samho for USD 73 mills. The “Eurointegrity” – 105K/2009 Hyundai Heavy was sold for USD 60 mills. On the Panamax/LR1 sector, the “London Star” – 74K/2006 New Century changed hands for USD 21.5 mills basis SS/DD due. On the MRs, the scrubber fitted “Puffin Pacific” – 50K/2020 STX was sold for USD 49 mills, while the “Virgen Del Cisne” – 50K/2009 SPP for USD 25.5 mills. The “Atlantic Crown” – 47K/2007 Hyundai Mipo and the “Ocean Sunrise” – 49K/2006 Iwagi Zosen were sold for USD 19.1 mills and USD 17.5 mills, respectively. Finally, the “Vitality” – 37K/2002 Hyundai Mipo and the “Sunflyte” – 37K/2001 Hyundai Mipo were sold enbloc for USD 17 mills.

Το άρθρο [xclusiv] S&P Report 28th September 2026 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

In September 2006, I took the first steps — slowly, but steadily — towards turning a dream into reality: building my own firm.

Twenty years later, I can say that the dreams I had back then were not nearly as big as what reality eventually brought.

Looking back, I feel deeply grateful.

Grateful to all my colleagues and associates, to our clients, and to the wider maritime community for their trust, support and friendship throughout these years.

A special thank you to KATERINA KONSTANDARA, Christina Chomata and Sarandos Vloyiannitis Vlogianitis, who have stood by my side from day one.

And, above all, my most heartfelt thanks go to my mother and to my late father. Their values, support and inspiration have been a guiding force throughout my entire journey. I carry them with me every day.

Twenty years is an important milestone — but certainly not the destination.

There is still much to build, much to learn, and much more to dream about.

More is yet to come.
Because, “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”

Το άρθρο 20 years of Margetis Maritime!!! εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

Nicholas G. Gerassimou

The recent approval by the IMO of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code has, for the first time at the international level, established an important framework for the operation of autonomous vessels, i.e., unmanned vessels operated by a Remote Operating Centre (ROC) or fully autonomous vessels. The above MASS Code is not man datory for the time being. It is estimated, however, that, based on the outcome of the development of a framework for an Experience-Building Phase (EBP) and the subsequent review of that framework by the relevant sub-committees, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) will consider various amendments to SOLAS, leading to the adoption of the final MASS Code by 1 July 2030. It will then become mandatory, and it is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2032.

Naftika Chronika-September Issue – Gerassimou

Το άρθρο The MASS Code is soon to be a mandatory instrument within the international shipping industry εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.