Bureau Veritas Hellenic Marine Technical Committee meets in Athens
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) recently hosted the 37th Hellenic Marine Technical Committee meeting at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Athens. This important event brought together maritime leaders and technical experts to discuss pressing issues that are shaping the industry. The meeting served as a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among key stakeholders in the maritime sector.
Opening Remarks and Industry Collaboration
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from George Sarris, the Chairman of the Committee and President of Enterprises Shipping & Trading S.A. In his opening address, Sarris emphasized the critical need for collaboration in tackling the challenges facing the maritime industry. He highlighted that the sector is undergoing significant changes, and collective efforts are essential for navigating these transformations effectively.
George Andreadis, Marine Chief Executive for Greece at Bureau Veritas, echoed Sarris’s sentiments. He reaffirmed BV’s commitment to supporting the Greek maritime community. Andreadis noted that the maritime industry must adapt to evolving regulations and technological advancements. He stressed that BV is dedicated to providing the necessary tools and guidance to help stakeholders meet these challenges head-on.
The atmosphere was one of optimism and determination as attendees engaged in discussions about the future of maritime operations. The emphasis on collaboration set a positive tone for the presentations and discussions that followed, underscoring the importance of unity in addressing the industry’s complex issues.
Key Presentations and Regulatory Updates
The event featured a series of insightful presentations from industry experts. Dr. John Kokarakis, Technical Director for the SEEBA Zone at Bureau Veritas, provided an overview of the latest regulatory updates affecting the maritime sector. His presentation highlighted the importance of staying informed about changes in regulations to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
Maria Lambardaki, Project Developer for the SEEBA Zone at BV, shared valuable insights on the FUEL EU framework and a biofuels assessment study. Her discussion focused on the developments that will shape future compliance strategies for the maritime industry. Lambardaki emphasized the need for stakeholders to adapt to these changes to remain competitive and sustainable.
Bill Stamatopoulos, Global Business Development Director at BV Verifuel, introduced new charter party clauses for fuels and biofuels. These clauses are aligned with ISO 8217-2024 and aim to enhance clarity and compliance in fuel contracts. His presentation sparked an engaging Q&A session, allowing attendees to delve deeper into the implications of these new regulations.
Innovative Solutions and Future Directions
The afternoon session focused on safety considerations for alternative fuels, led by Vassilios Dimoulas, Technology & Innovation Director for the SEEBA Zone at BV. Dimoulas discussed the importance of ensuring safety as the industry shifts towards more sustainable fuel options. His insights highlighted the need for rigorous safety protocols and innovative technologies to mitigate risks associated with alternative fuels.
The agenda also included the launch of MOVE, an innovative collaborative platform introduced by George Stefanis, Commercial Manager for the SEEBA Zone. MOVE aims to facilitate collaboration among maritime stakeholders, enhancing communication and efficiency in the industry. This platform represents a significant step towards fostering innovation and cooperation in maritime operations.
The event concluded with an in-depth discussion of IACS Rec 34 (Rev.2), led by Quentin Derbanne, Scientific Director at BV. This discussion provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the recommendations and their implications for the maritime industry. Overall, the meeting was a resounding success, fostering collaboration and innovation among maritime leaders.
