Sometimes in life and in particular in business life, seizing the momentum is more than paramount. Last Monday night I had a dinner discussion, which turned out to a live interview with Dr. Sofia Mavrikou, an Assistant Professor of Biotechnology at the Agricultural University of Athens at the tranquil environment of Elia restaurant off Athens’ Mavili Square. She has already contributed articles and write-ups of events, so given this chance, I was more than eager to interview her and pleased that she accepted to use my tape-recorder.
Here below, is the transcript, suitably amended, as we say in shipbroking…
Dr. Mavrikou, you are an Assistant Professor of Biotechnology at the Agricultural University of Athens, and your research focuses on nanobiotechnology, biosensors and innovative technologies for healthcare, food safety and environmental monitoring. At first sight, biotechnology and shipping may seem like two very different worlds. So where exactly do they meet, and why is this connection becoming increasingly important?
Thank you for the initiative. It is a real pleasure to respond to your out of the blue proposal for a live interview and contribute to all those involved in Shipping, particularly Greek Shipping, Seafarers and members of the Greek Shipping community around the world.
Well, at first glance, biotechnology and shipping do indeed seem to belong to two completely different worlds.
When we think of shipping, we think of vessels, ports, cargoes and international trade. When we think of biotechnology, we tend to think of laboratories, research, diagnostics or pharmaceutical applications.
But if we look a little closer, the connection between the two becomes very clear.
As you know better than me Mr. Faraclas, Shipping is the backbone of global trade. More than 80% of world trade by volume is carried by sea. Every single day, vessels transport enormous quantities of grain, fruit, food products, animal feed, fertilizers, pharmaceutical materials, chemicals and many other products across the world.
And the challenge is not simply to transport these goods from point A to point B. We also need to make sure that they reach their destination safely, in good condition and without posing a risk to human health or the environment. This reflects the One Health approach, recognising that human health, animal health and environmental health are closely interconnected. Safe transport is therefore not only an economic issue but also a public health and environmental priority.
This is where biotechnology can make a real difference, so let me elaborate a bit further.
Biotechnology provides us with increasingly sophisticated tools to monitor the quality and safety of products. We can detect pathogenic microorganisms, toxins, pesticide residues, antibiotics and other chemical contaminants that may compromise the safety or quality of a cargo.
One area that is particularly relevant to my own research is biosensor technology. My research group develops portable bioelectric biosensors capable of providing rapid, sensitive and cost-effective analyses for applications ranging from healthcare and food safety to environmental monitoring. Our aim is to translate scientific innovation into practical diagnostic tools that support real-time decision-making in healthcare, agriculture and the maritime sector.
Biosensors are essentially smart analytical devices that combine a biological recognition element with a sensing system. In very simple terms, I often describe them as miniature portable laboratories: devices designed to detect a specific substance or biological agent rapidly and, in many cases, with very high sensitivity.
And this is where things become particularly interesting for shipping, your main field of interest in allaboutshipping.
Imagine being able to perform a rapid test directly at a port, in a warehouse, at a loading facility or, potentially, even on board a vessel, rather than having to send every sample to a central laboratory and wait hours or days for a result.
Being able to obtain an early indication, within minutes, of whether a cargo may be contaminated or whether further investigation is required could have enormous practical value. It could support faster decision-making, reduce unnecessary delays, improve cargo management and, most importantly, contribute to protecting public health.
But the relationship between biotechnology and shipping goes much further than cargo inspection.
Biotechnology can also contribute to environmental monitoring, to the detection of pollutants in marine waters, to more sustainable forms of production and, increasingly, to the development of alternative bio-based fuels and technologies that could support the green transition of the maritime sector, for which a lot has been circulated in the media world-wide over the last thirty years and allaboutshipping as I have found out has a lot of articles.
So I would say that biotechnology should not be seen as something confined to the laboratory. It is increasingly becoming a technology that can operate where decisions actually need to be made — at production sites, at borders, in ports and potentially at sea.
And I believe this relationship will become much stronger in the coming years. The future of shipping will not depend on one technology alone. It will depend on the convergence of biotechnology, engineering, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and environmental science.
Ultimately, we are all working towards the same objective: a maritime sector that is safer, smarter, more efficient and more sustainable.
And perhaps I could put it very simply: Shipping connects countries by moving goods around the world. Biotechnology can help ensure that what we move is safe — for people, for trade and for the environment.
You mentioned biosensors and some of their applications. Let us look at a practical example. Every day, thousands of ships transport cereals, olive oil, fruit, animal feed, fertilisers, pharmaceutical raw materials and many other products across Planet Ocean. How important are the quality and safety controls carried out before these cargoes are loaded and after they are discharged? And how can Biotechnology help make these procedures faster, safer and more reliable?
This is a very important question because most consumers only see the final product on a supermarket shelf. What they often don’t realise is the long and carefully controlled journey that the product has taken before reaching them.
International trade in food and agricultural commodities is governed by very strict quality and safety standards. Before a cargo is loaded onto a vessel, official inspections and sampling procedures are carried out to ensure that the products comply with national and international regulations. Similar inspections are often performed again when the cargo reaches its destination, verifying that its quality has been maintained throughout the voyage.
These inspections go well beyond simply checking the products themselves.
Authorities also assess the conditions under which the cargo has been transported. They inspect cargo holds, verify that previous cargoes could not have caused cross-contamination and evaluate whether appropriate hygiene and storage standards have been maintained. Depending on the type of cargo, samples may be analysed for pathogenic microorganisms, mycotoxins, pesticide residues, veterinary drug residues or other contaminants that could compromise food safety or quality.
These procedures are essential because they protect consumers, facilitate international trade and ensure confidence throughout the global supply chain.
Traditionally, many of these analyses are carried out in specialised laboratories. While laboratory methods provide excellent accuracy and reliability, they often require sample transportation, laboratory
preparation and specialised personnel, meaning that results may take hours or even several days.
This is precisely where Biotechnology can offer significant added value.
Modern biosensors are being developed to perform rapid on-site screening, providing results within minutes rather than days. Instead of waiting for laboratory reports before making an initial assessment, inspectors could obtain an immediate indication of whether a cargo appears to comply with safety requirements or whether further laboratory investigation is needed.
How interesting, please continue…
I would like to emphasise one important point.
Biosensors are not intended to replace accredited laboratory analyses. Official laboratory testing will always remain essential for regulatory compliance. Rather, biosensors are complementary tools that can support faster decision-making by identifying potential problems at a very early stage.
This approach offers significant advantages for everyone involved in the supply chain. It can reduce unnecessary delays in ports, optimise inspection procedures, minimise economic losses and allow competent authorities to focus laboratory resources where they are most needed.
Ultimately, faster access to reliable information benefits not only inspectors and shipping companies, but also producers, exporters, retailers and, above all, consumers.
In today’s world, where global trade depends on efficiency as much as on trust, technologies that improve both speed and reliability are becoming increasingly valuable.
And I believe this is one of the areas where Biotechnology can make a real contribution to the future of international shipping and global food security.
Excellent!
Dr. Mavrikou, today, sustainability has become one of the biggest priorities for the maritime sector. We hear a great deal about green shipping, alternative fuels, decarbonisation and the protection of our oceans. Many people assume that these are challenges to be addressed mainly by naval architects and marine engineers. But where does Biotechnology fit into this picture?
I believe that the transition towards greener and more sustainable shipping cannot be achieved by engineering solutions alone. It requires collaboration across many scientific disciplines, including engineering, environmental sciences, chemistry, biology and, of course, biotechnology.
In fact, Biotechnology is already becoming an important contributor to this transition.
One area where biotechnology can make a significant impact is the development of next-generation biofuels. Researchers are exploring the production of sustainable fuels from microalgae, agricultural residues and other renewable biological resources. These innovative approaches have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels.
Another equally important contribution is environmental monitoring.
Protecting our seas requires accurate and continuous information about the condition of the marine environment. This is where biosensors can play a transformative role.
Modern biosensors can be designed to detect oil-derived pollutants, heavy metals, marine toxins, harmful chemicals and other contaminants in seawater quickly and with high sensitivity. Instead of discovering pollution after serious environmental damage has already occurred, these technologies offer the possibility of detecting problems at a much earlier stage, allowing authorities to take preventive action.
Biotechnology also contributes to an exciting field known as bioremediation. Certain microorganisms naturally possess the ability to degrade or neutralise specific pollutants. Scientists are investigating how these natural biological processes can help restore contaminated marine environments in a safe and environmentally responsible way.
Climate change is making this work even more important. Rising sea temperatures, changing ocean chemistry and increasing environmental pressures are affecting marine ecosystems worldwide. As a result, we need better tools not only to monitor these changes but also to understand and respond to them more effectively.
Ultimately, protecting the marine environment is about much more than conserving nature. Healthy seas support fisheries, tourism, international trade, coastal communities and public health. For a maritime nation like Greece, the sea is not only part of our history—it is also an essential part of our economy and our future.
This is why investing in research and innovation is not a luxury; it is a necessity. You see, Biotechnology offers practical solutions that can help make shipping cleaner, more sustainable and better prepared for the environmental challenges of the future.
And I believe that, as we move towards a more sustainable blue economy, biotechnology will become an increasingly valuable partner of the maritime sector.
Well said!
Another issue that has attracted increasing international attention is ballast water. Many of our listeners and viewers in allaboutshipping, may have heard the term, but perhaps they are not entirely familiar with what it is or why it is considered such an important environmental challenge. Could you explain what ballast water is, why it matters, and how Biotechnology can contribute to addressing this issue?
This is an excellent question because ballast water is one of those issues that most people never think about, yet it has a profound impact on our marine ecosystems. You do have a lot of articles and reports in your site and there is a lot that I have seen at the IMO one on Ballast Water.
Large commercial vessels use ballast water to maintain their stability, balance and safe navigation, particularly when traveling without cargo or with only a partial load. Seawater is taken into dedicated ballast tanks in one part of the world and later discharged when the vessel reaches another port.
The challenge is that this water is not just water.
It contains thousands of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, algae, plankton, larvae and many other marine species. When ballast water is discharged into a different marine environment, these organisms may be introduced into ecosystems where they do not naturally occur.
Some of them fail to survive, but others can establish themselves successfully, becoming what we call invasive alien species. These species may compete with native organisms, alter local ecosystems, affect fisheries, damage biodiversity and even cause significant economic losses to coastal communities.
In some cases, ballast water may also transport pathogenic microorganisms that could pose risks to marine life or, under certain circumstances, even to human health.
Recognising these risks, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the Ballast Water Management Convention, which requires ships to implement ballast water management systems designed to minimise the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms between different regions of the world.
This is another area where Biotechnology can make an important contribution.
Advanced biosensors and rapid molecular diagnostic techniques have the potential to detect harmful microorganisms and invasive species much faster than conventional laboratory methods. Instead of waiting several days for analytical results, inspectors and port authorities could obtain valuable information much more quickly, helping them make informed decisions regarding ballast water management.
Molecular biology tools, including DNA-based identification methods, are also becoming increasingly valuable. They enable scientists to identify organisms with remarkable accuracy, even when they are present in very low concentrations or are difficult to distinguish using traditional microscopic techniques.
Looking ahead, I believe that the combination of biosensors, molecular diagnostics, artificial intelligence and digital monitoring systems will transform the way ballast water is managed. Continuous monitoring systems could provide real-time information, allowing shipping companies and regulatory authorities to respond proactively rather than reactively.
Ultimately, ballast water management is about much more than complying with regulations. It is about protecting marine biodiversity, preserving healthy ecosystems and ensuring that global shipping remains environmentally responsible.
As global trade continues to grow, protecting our oceans must become an integral part of the way we transport goods around the world.
I am very impressed with the way you stress the importance of Ballast Water Management so everybody gets the message! Let’s have a break…
Now, I guess the wine was “necessary” and refreshing charging our batteries to continue.
Greece is a country with one of the world’s longest coastlines – if I remember well we are 11th by rank in the world, twice longer than Turkiye, and fisheries and aquaculture are among the most important sectors of its blue economy. How can Biotechnology help ensure that seafood products become safer, more sustainable and more competitive in international markets?
The sea has always been an integral part of Greece’s identity. It has shaped our history, our culture and our economy. Today, fisheries and aquaculture continue to play a vital role, providing high-quality food, supporting coastal communities and contributing significantly to exports and economic growth.
However, these sectors are also facing increasing challenges.
Climate change, rising sea temperatures, pollution and emerging diseases are putting growing pressure on marine ecosystems and aquaculture production. At the same time, consumers are becoming increasingly demanding. They no longer want to know only that a fish is fresh—they also want reassurance about its origin, traceability, quality and safety.
This is where Biotechnology can make a real difference.
One important application is traceability. Modern molecular techniques, including DNA-based methods, allow us to verify the identity of seafood products and combat food fraud. This is particularly important because, unfortunately, cases of species substitution still occur worldwide, where lower-value fish are marketed as more expensive species. Biotechnology helps protect both consumers and honest producers by ensuring authenticity and transparency throughout the supply chain.
Biosensors also have enormous potential in seafood safety. They can rapidly detect pathogenic microorganisms, environmental contaminants and other biological or chemical hazards, providing an early indication of potential problems before products reach the market.
Biotechnology is equally important for aquaculture itself.
Advanced diagnostic tools enable the early detection of diseases affecting farmed fish, allowing producers to intervene before outbreaks spread throughout an entire production unit. Early diagnosis not only improves animal health and welfare but also reduces economic losses and contributes to more sustainable production systems. As climate change continues to alter marine ecosystems, climate-resilient aquaculture will increasingly depend on rapid diagnostic technologies capable of detecting pathogens and environmental stress before disease outbreaks occur.
Another area receiving increasing attention is the monitoring of marine waters.
As sea temperatures continue to rise, we are witnessing a growing frequency of Harmful Algal Blooms, commonly known as toxic algal blooms. Certain species of microscopic algae produce toxins that accumulate in shellfish and other marine organisms. If these contaminated products enter the food chain, they may pose serious risks to public health while also causing significant economic losses for fisheries and aquaculture.
Modern biosensors and molecular monitoring techniques have the potential to detect these events much earlier than traditional monitoring approaches. Early warning systems allow authorities and producers to take preventive measures before harmful blooms become a public health or environmental crisis.
Ultimately, Biotechnology is not only about solving problems after they occur.
It is increasingly becoming a preventive science—providing early warning, supporting sustainable resource management and helping protect marine ecosystems before irreversible damage takes place.
You are absolutely right! Prevention, preventive science as you say! Please continue…
For a maritime nation like Greece, this is particularly important. Healthy seas are essential not only for biodiversity but also for food security, economic resilience and the long-term sustainability of our blue economy.
I believe that combining scientific innovation with responsible environmental management will allow Greek fisheries and aquaculture to remain among the most competitive and respected sectors worldwide.
Every year as you know, the maritime industry transports millions of tonnes of food products, pharmaceuticals and other sensitive goods around the world. How close are we to a future where “smart packaging” and advanced sensors will be able to tell us, in real time, whether a product has been compromised during transportation?
Well, I believe that what once seemed like science fiction is rapidly becoming reality.
Today’s global supply chains are more complex than ever before. A shipment of fresh seafood, fruit, dairy products, vaccines or biological medicines may travel thousands of miles, passing through ports, warehouses, distribution centres and multiple modes of transport before finally reaching consumers.
Yes, indeed. Intermodalism at its best. Carry on please…
Throughout this journey, maintaining the integrity of the product is absolutely critical.
This is where smart packaging and biosensor technologies are opening exciting new possibilities.
Traditionally, packaging has had one primary function: to protect the product. In the future, however, packaging will become much more than a passive container. It will become an active source of information.
Imagine a package that can continuously monitor the condition of the product it contains.
Integrated biosensors could detect biological changes associated with spoilage, monitor microbial growth or identify specific compounds released when food begins to deteriorate. At the same time, other sensors could continuously record temperature, humidity, mechanical shock or interruptions in the cold chain throughout transportation.
These data could then be transmitted through Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to digital platforms, where Artificial Intelligence could analyse them in real time. Artificial Intelligence will not replace scientific measurements; rather, it will enhance their interpretation by integrating biosensor data, environmental information and logistics data into predictive decision-support systems. This will enable faster, more accurate and evidence-based decisions throughout the supply chain.
Instead of discovering that a shipment has been compromised only after it reaches its destination, logistics operators could receive immediate alerts the moment an abnormal condition is detected.
This has enormous implications for the shipping industry.
For example, imagine a refrigerated container transporting fresh fish from Greece to Northern Europe, or vaccines that require strict temperature control during intercontinental transport. If refrigeration systems fail or storage conditions deviate from acceptable limits, intelligent monitoring systems could immediately notify the crew, logistics managers or receiving facilities, allowing corrective action to be taken before the products become unusable.
The benefits extend far beyond food safety.
These technologies can significantly reduce food waste, minimise economic losses, improve traceability, strengthen consumer confidence and optimise supply chain management.
Looking ahead, smart packaging is expected to evolve alongside Digital Product Passports and other digital traceability systems, enabling continuous verification of product quality, origin and handling conditions throughout the entire supply chain.
The pharmaceutical sector is another area where these innovations are becoming increasingly important. Many biological medicines, vaccines and advanced therapeutic products are extremely sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Smart monitoring systems can verify that storage conditions remained within acceptable limits throughout the entire journey, providing an additional level of quality assurance for healthcare providers and patients.
Although some of these technologies are already being introduced commercially, I believe we are only witnessing the beginning of a much broader transformation.
As biosensors become more affordable, nanomaterials continue to evolve and Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly sophisticated, smart packaging will gradually become an integral part of modern logistics.
In the future, every shipment may carry not only a tracking number, but also its own digital health record—continuously reporting its condition from the point of origin to its final destination.
Correctly, as we are only familiar with the tracking process and facility, so everybody can now understand your point on the condition! Please continue…
This represents a fundamental shift in the way we think about global transportation. Rather than reacting to problems after they occur, we will increasingly be able to anticipate them, prevent them and make better decisions based on real-time information.
And I believe that this is precisely where the future of Biotechnology and Shipping comes together.
Dr Mavrikou, as we conclude our discussion, let me ask you a broader question. Greece is the world’s leading maritime nation, while at the same time it has an outstanding scientific community and internationally recognised universities. Looking ahead, what role do you believe Greek science—and Biotechnology in particular—can play in shaping the future of global shipping?
I believe that one of the greatest challenges of our time is bringing different worlds together.
For many years, sectors such as shipping, biotechnology, engineering and digital technologies evolved largely in parallel. Today, however, the challenges we face—whether they concern climate change, food security, sustainable transport or environmental protection—are far too complex to be solved by a single discipline.
The future belongs to collaboration.
Greece is uniquely positioned to contribute to this transformation.
We are not only the world’s leading maritime nation; we also have excellent universities, internationally recognised research centres and a new generation of highly talented scientists who are producing innovative research across many disciplines.
If we succeed in bringing these strengths together, we can create solutions with global impact.
Biotechnology can help improve food safety and cargo monitoring. Artificial Intelligence can support smarter decision-making. Advanced materials and nanotechnology can lead to new sensing platforms. Environmental sciences can help protect our marine ecosystems. Together, these fields can transform the way shipping operates.
I also believe that universities have an increasingly important role to play.
Modern universities should not simply generate scientific knowledge; they should actively collaborate with industry, public authorities and society. Research should not remain confined to laboratories or scientific publications. It should be translated into technologies, products and practical solutions that improve people’s lives and strengthen economic competitiveness.
This is exactly the philosophy behind many of the European initiatives in which we participate, where universities, businesses, policymakers and society work together to address common challenges through innovation.
Shipping has always connected countries and continents.
Today, it also has the opportunity to connect science with industry, innovation with real-world applications and sustainability with economic growth.
For me, this is the future—not only of shipping, but of science itself.
And if I may leave one final message, especially to young people reading today our live discussion, it would be this:
Never be afraid to work across disciplines.
The most exciting discoveries often happen where different fields meet. Curiosity, collaboration and openness to new ideas are the driving forces behind innovation.
Whether you are a biologist, an engineer, a computer scientist or a maritime professional, we all have something valuable to contribute.
The future will not be built by one discipline alone. It will be built by people who are willing to work together. I firmly believe that the greatest innovations emerge where different disciplines meet. Shipping, biotechnology, engineering and artificial intelligence are no longer separate worlds—they are becoming part of the same ecosystem.
Thank you Dr. Mavrikou for accepting the above impromptu interview, but I guess the time was right and over the summer holidays many our our international readership and fellow Greeks all over Planet Ocean will study same and collaborate for a better future to all intents and purposes.
May I also take the opportunity to wish you have a nice summer holiday and look forward to more discussions and articles from your end, as well as on behalf of www.allaboutshipping.co.uk wish you further success and recognition in your academic career!
I would like to thank you Mr. Faraclas and allaboutshipping for the opportunity to share my thoughts on the growing connection between Biotechnology and the Maritime World.
I hope this discussion highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages stronger links between research, innovation and the maritime sector. By working together across disciplines, we can develop practical solutions that contribute to a safer, healthier and more sustainable future.
Thank you for this stimulating discussion.
*Dr. Sofia Mavrikou is an Assistant Professor at the Laboratory of Cell Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, specializing in bioelectrical biosensors. She obtained her B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the Agricultural University of Athens, where she specialized in cell-based biosensors and in vitro toxicology.
She is also Co-Founder and CEO of Ce.B.Tec. P.C., an academic spin-off company of the Agricultural University of Athens developing innovative biosensors and advanced cell-based testing platforms. Her research focuses on biotechnology, food safety, environmental monitoring, toxicology, sustainable development, and One Health approaches, while she actively participates in national and European research and innovation initiatives.
Dr. Mavrikou is actively involved in EU-CONEXUS (European University for Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability), contributing to education, research and international collaboration for the sustainable development of Europe’s coastal and island regions. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Biotechnology Cluster (HBio), promoting biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship, and on the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Association of University Women (ELEGYP), supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in science and higher education.
With family roots in Karpathos, Rhodes and Skyros, she has developed a lifelong connection with the sea and the Greek islands, inspiring her scientific interest in the contribution of biotechnology and agricultural sciences to food security, marine environmental protection, sustainable shipping, the blue economy, and the sustainable development of coastal and island communities.
N.B. All pictures by GM
