The Hellenic Institute of Marine Technology (H.I.M.T.) successfully organised the 18th Annual Conference of Marine Technology at the Eugenides Foundation on the 10th and 11th of December 2024. The event was a resounding success, attracting over 500 delegates.
The President of H.I.M.T., Dr. N. Liapis, opened the conference by emphasising its dual objectives: to present the latest developments and achievements in marine technology and to foster dialogue and collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions. Among the key conclusions was the need for closer cooperation between the maritime industry and educational and research institutions to position Greece as a global hub for maritime technology. Dr. Liapis further highlighted that shipping is not merely an observer of geopolitical developments but a pivotal player, capable of influencing and being influenced by such developments. He stressed that adaptability, innovation, and investment are the foundational pillars for the future of shipping.
The conference began with introductory remarks by the Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Mr. Stefanos Gkikas; the General Secretary for Research and Innovation, Dr. Tasos Gaitanis; the President of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Vassilis Korkidis; the Rector of the National Technical University of Athens, Prof. Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou; and the Maritime Affairs Advisor of the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Alexandros Lagouros, who shared the perspectives of their respective organisations during the opening ceremony.
Throughout the two-day event, 10 scientific and research papers were presented, focusing on critical topics such as decarbonisation, alternative fuels, autonomous ships, advancements in ship engines and propulsion systems, and the evolving landscape of regulations, technologies, and market demands. Delegates also had the opportunity to learn about emerging product trends and developments from both Greek and European researchers and internationally renowned companies.
The maritime industry’s participating companies showcased advanced technologies and smart applications, demonstrating their potential to shape and support both current and emerging trends.
During a panel discussion on the legal aspects of autonomous ships, Mr. Nikos Gerasimou underscored the importance of addressing the legal challenges associated with these vessels. He stated that autonomous ships represent a groundbreaking innovation poised to transform international maritime transport. He concluded that new international agreements will be essential to establish the legal framework necessary for the safe operation of autonomous ships.
A detailed roundtable discussion examined the risks posed to the shipping industry by geopolitical instability. Four main challenges were highlighted: threats to the freedom of the seas, sanctions, the rebalancing of energy and trade, and environmental issues. The significance of logistics and supply chains was also emphasised, with participants agreeing that geopolitical developments remain unpredictable and become apparent only through long-term analysis.
On the second day of the conference, Dr. N. Liapis announced new scholarships offered by H.I.M.T. to promote education, one of the institute’s primary objectives. The announcement included the recipients of two scholarships for the academic year 2024–2025: one for the Master’s Programme (MSc) in Marine Engineering Management at BCA College and another for the Master’s Programme in Shipping Operations and Management at the University of Limassol (UoL).
The conference concluded with a Gala Dinner at the Piraeus Marine Club, dedicated to the sponsors and supporters of the event. Speeches were delivered by Dr. Nikolaos Liapis, President of H.I.M.T.; Mr. Manolis Koutoulakis, General Secretary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy; Dr. Tasos Gaitanis, General Secretary for Research and Innovation; and Dr. Dionysia–Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Environmental Protection and Member of the Hellenic Parliament.
The three gold sponsors of the conference – ASSO.SUBSEA, ECONOWIND, and INMARTEK – also delivered closing remarks.
Sponsors
ASSO.SUBSEA, ECONOWIND, INMARTEK, ARISTON NAVIGATION CORP., BCA COLLEGE, CMA D. ARGOUDELIS & CO S.A., KATRADIS GROUP OF COMPANIES, MARICHEM MARIGASES, RINA, SEAMARK, SEC, TECHNAVA SA, ABS, ALPHA MARINE ENGINEERING SA, BUREAU VERITAS, CLASS NK, C&A STAVROS KASSIDIARIS SA, CROSS TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD, DANAOS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS S.A., DEEPSEA, DNV, EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN MARITIME, ERMAFIRST, FURUNO, GMCG, INTERNATIONAL REFRIGERATION SUPPORT, LIBERIAN REGISTRY, LLOYD’S REGISTER, MARITA HELLAS SA, MEDITERRANEAN MARITIME ACADEMY, METIS, MINOAN LINES, OCEANKING, OKEANONE, PHOENIX, SEMAC GROUP, ST VETTING – MARINE SOLUTIONS, MARSHALL ISLANDS REGISTRY.
Supporters
FEAC ENGINEERING, FORTUNE TECHNOLOGIES, WIMA
