A forum of insight and collaboration, gathering industry leaders to shape the future of shipping
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV M&O) convened the 26th meeting of its Hellenic and Black
Sea Committee in Athens, bringing together influential figures from the Greek shipping community
and international maritime experts. The annual forum fosters dialogue on the future of maritime
transport, the energy transition, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Chaired by George Procopiou and hosted by Paillette Palaiologou, Senior Vice President for East Europe,
the Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa, and India (EMA) at BV M&O, the event opened with remarks
emphasizing the importance of transparent engagement between classification societies and the shipping
sector.
Hinda Gharbi, CEO of Bureau Veritas, outlined the Group’s global vision, reaffirming its mission to build
trust and support clients in their sustainability transitions. Matthieu de Tugny, President of BV M&O,
followed with an update on the organization’s strategic focus—highlighting advancements in innovation,
regulatory leadership, and decarbonization efforts.
Dr. John Kokarakis, Technical Director for the SEEBA Zone at BV M&O, delivered a comprehensive
technical update on post-MEPC 83 compliance strategies and the implementation of FuelEU Maritime. He
emphasized a systems-thinking approach to regulatory adaptation and long-term fleet management.
This year’s Committee featured distinguished guest speakers offering diverse perspectives on global
shipping’s transformation. Michal Kurtyka, former COP24 President and Minister of Climate for Poland,
explored the geopolitical and technological forces shaping the industry. Araceli Fernandez Pales, Head of
the Technology Innovation Unit at the International Energy Agency, discussed energy technology supply
chains and their impact on maritime decarbonization.
Vassilios Dimoulas, Director of Technology & Innovation at BV M&O, examined the potential of renewable
methane as a successor to LNG, reinforcing the growing significance of gas fuels in the sector’s
decarbonization roadmap.
Adding a cultural dimension, Eleni Letoni offered a reflective presentation on the historical and symbolic
resonance of St. Constantine and St. Eleni, drawing thoughtful parallels to today’s transformative
challenges in maritime affairs.
The meeting concluded with an open forum and closing remarks by George Procopiou, reaffirming the
Committee’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaborative progress in shipping.
Matthieu de Tugny, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “This Committee remains
a vital platform for constructive dialogue with our partners in the Greek and Black Sea maritime
communities. I’m grateful to our members and guest speakers for their invaluable insights as we
collectively navigate the evolving future of our industry.”
