Fotis Belexis, Technical Director, Star Bulk Carriers Corp

Fotios Belexis is the Technical Director at Star Bulk Carriers Corp., the largest dry bulk shipping company listed on Nasdaq. With 30 years of professional experience, He has held various technical managerial positions in leading shipping firms, overseeing diverse fleets, including LNG and LPG carriers, tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships.

In addition to his role at Star Bulk, he serves as Vice President of the Martecma , Chairman of Verifuel Technical Committee and is an active member of the BV and ABS Technical Committees, Council member of CIMAC NMA Hellas, and member of MERC advisory committee.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Maritime Engineering from the University of Southampton.

 
John Cotzias, Co-founder, Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc; President, Hellenic Shipbrokers Association

John N. Cotzias is President of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association, serving his 4th term since 2013. With 37 years of experience, he represents the 4th generation of Greece’s oldest shipbroking family, active since 1893 in sale & purchase and chartering. In 2017, he co-founded Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc., a leading firm in S&P, projects, and finance.

He serves as Maritime Advisor to NATO’s TGOS and AMSCC and has advised numerous shipping companies, financial institutions, and academic bodies. A frequent moderator, speaker, and panelist at major conferences, he also co-hosted Greece’s first live weekly shipping program on national TV. Throughout his career, he has concluded numerous S&P transactions and structured complex projects involving finance and long-term employment. Mr. Cotzias holds an MSc in Shipping, Trade & Finance from City University Cass Business School and a BSc in Economics from the University of Buckingham.

He is married to Dr. Maria-Evgenia Kosmopoulou and has two daughters.

Michael Fan, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) Ltd

Michael Fan is a naval architect with 37 years’ experience in the marine sector. He was a lecturer in Naval Architecture at the University of Strathclyde for nine years, before holding positions as Technical Authority for the Type 45 Destroyer, and the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier programmes for the UK’s Royal Navy.

He has held the position of Head of Naval Architecture for both Babcock and BAE Systems, before joining Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) in 2017, where he was the Shipbuilding & Engineering Director until 2022, during which time he led the team that won the biggest naval shipbuilding contract in the history of ADSB until that time.

From January 2023, he is the Chief Technology & Innovation Officer of Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) Ltd, the biggest and oldest NYSE-listed shipping company.

He holds a 1st Class BEng(Hons) in Naval Architecture, is a Chartered Engineer (CEng), and a Fellow of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (FSNAME), the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (FRINA), the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (FIMarEST), and the Institution of Engineers in Scotland (FIES).  In 2026 he was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, manufactures & commerce (FRSA). He has 27 publications/public appearances, and since January 2016, he also holds the post of Visiting Professor in Naval Architecture at the University of Strathclyde.

Stamatis Fradelos, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, ABS

Stamatis Fradelos is Vice President in ABS’ Regulatory Affairs Department, responsible for the ABS interface with IMO and IACS, facilitating the application of regulations and maintaining ABS and clients’ awareness on regulatory issues being progressed and developed internationally.

Stamatis is a member of the IACS Board of Directors, the IACS Council and the IACS Sub-Committee on Quality Policy participating in IACS governance and strategic decisions.

Stamatis has a M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, a M.Sc. in Marine Technology and Science and a M.Sc. in Engineering - Economic Systems. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and a Chartered Engineer of the UK Engineering Council.

 
Haris Giantzikis, Technical Manager, Arcadia Shipmanagement Co Ltd

Charalampos (Haris) Giantzikis holds a High National Diploma (HND) in naval architecture, a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in mechanical engineering from City University of New York.

He launched his career in 1979 as assistant superintendent engineer at A. Halcoussis.He worked as superintendent engineer at Tsakos Shipping, Piraeus (1987-1991) and as senior superintendent engineer at Seven Seas Maritime in London (1991-2001). He was fleet manager at Marmaras Navigation (2001-2002) and technical manager at Tsakos Shipping (2002-2005). From 2005 to date he holds the position of technical manager at Arcadia Shipmanagement.

He is member of ABS European Technical Committee, Bureau Veritas Hellenic Marine Technical Committee, DNV GL Greek Technical Committee, Lloyd’s Register Hellenic Technical Committee, Class NK Greek Technical Committee and is a member of the MARTECMA council.

 
Stavros Hatzigrigoris, Advanced Engineering Services; Zodiac Maritime

Stavros has set up his own consulting Co (Advanced Engineering Services) whilst at the same time works for Zodiac Maritime. He held the position of Managing Director of Maran Tankers Management between 1992 and 2014 and in addition he was the Managing Director of Maran Gas Maritime between 2003 and 2020. During his years with the Maran Group Stavros has been responsible for the contracting , construction and delivery of more than 160 new ships in Korea and China including 45 LNGCs in Hyundai Samho and mainly DSME.

He holds a B.Sc.degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from University College London as well as an M.Sc. in Marine Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens. He has studied Management of Ship Operations in the University of Strathclyde.

He is a member of numerous national and international shipping bodies and committees.

 
Dieter Hilmes, Senior Sales Director, TGE Marine

Dieter Hilmes is Senior Sales Director at TGE Marine, bringing a unique combination of technical expertise and commercial leadership to the marine energy sector. He began his career in the combustion engine industry, where he built a strong foundation as a Sales Engineer specializing in gas and dual-fuel engines and fuel gas preparation systems.

Since joining TGE Marine's Business Development & Sales Department in 2019, Dieter has focused on Fuel Gas Systems (FGS) and FSRU projects, working closely with shipowners, engine manufacturers, and shipyards. His deep understanding of alternative fuel technologies and maritime operations enables him to help customers navigate the industry's transition toward cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.

Originally trained as a mechanic, Dieter holds an engineering diploma from Fachschule Maschinentechnik Osnabrück, Germany, as well as a Master Professional certification in Technical Management from the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCI).

Barry Kidd, Business Development Manager, Vessel Performance, International Paint Ltd

Dr Barry Kidd is a Vessel Performance Manager based in UK, leading a customer facing team focused on ship efficiency and operational performance.

Brings strong expertise in AIS data analysis, vessel performance optimisation, and the impact of hull condition on fuel consumption and carbon intensity.

Specialises in fouling control coatings, including selection and in-service performance management, using data-driven insights to support effective maintenance strategies and lifecycle efficiency improvements.”

Jakob Gjørtsvang Knudsen, Principal Promotion Manager, Two-stroke Promotion, Everllence

Education:

Marine Engineer Bsc

Employment:

• 2024-now | Everllence Copenhagen, Principal Promotion Manager, Two-stroke Promotion

• 2020-2024 | Everllence Copenhagen, Manager, Operation Department (fuel, hydraulics and mechanics)

• 2017-2020 | Everllence Singapore Pte Ltd, Superintendent Engineer

• 2013-2017 | Everllence Copenhagen, Superintendent Engineer

• 2008-2013 | Torm A/S- Tanker, clean petroleum products, Seagoing Engineer
  
  

John Kokarakis, Technical Director, SEEBA Zone, Bureau Veritas

Dr Kokarakis a 1979 graduate of National Technical University of Athens, holds PhD (1986) and Masters degrees in Naval Architecture (1983) and Mechanical Engineering (1984) from the University of Michigan.

He worked for over ten years as a consultant undertaking technical problems worldwide. His specialization was in the area of technical investigation of marine accidents. In his capacity as a forensic engineer he participated in the technical investigation of the Exxon Valdez grounding, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the drillship Sea-Crest capsize, the Piper Alpha fire and explosion, the Aleutian Enterprise foundering in Alaska as well as many other accidents of less notoriety.

The last twenty years he works in Greece, in the area of classification. He is today the Technical Director of Bureau Veritas in the Hellenic and Black Sea & Zone, responsible for the smooth technical operation in the Zone as well as in the harmonic cooperation with the BV offices worldwide to the benefit of the BV clients.

He is a member of SNAME since 1976 and a Fellow of the Society. He served in various capacities, being currently the Chairman of the Greek Section since 2014.

Lefteris Koukoulopoulos, Regional Decarbonization Specialist, DNV

Lefteris Koukoulopoulos is a Regional Decarbonization Specialist at DNV Maritime, with a background as a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer from NTUA and over five years of experience in Maritime Advisory and R&D.

Lefteris is distinguished for his in-depth expertise in computer-based simulation for complex ship energy systems and has a track record of successfully executing projects related to compliance with environmental regulations, including EEXI and CII.

 

George A. Kriezis, Technical Director, Neptune Lines Shipping and Managing Enterprises SA & Neptune Dry Management

Dr George Kriezis is a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer.

Education: B.Sc, M.Sc and PhD from MIT in the department of Ocean Engineering.  M.Sc from MIT in Ocean Systems Management.

Experience: More than thirty years of experience in technical ship management in various positions in Greek shipping companies dealing with different ship types such as Bulkers, Tankers, Containerships and Car carriers. The last 18 years as Manager/Director of the technical department of Neptune Lines and Neptune Dry dealing mostly with car carriers in short sea shipping and bulk carriers.

Member of SNAME, Executive committee of Martecma, Technical and Executive committee of Intercargo, and the Technical committees of DNV and Lloyd’s Register.

Jan-Oscar Lid, Technical Sales and Support Manager, Survitec Group

Jan-Oskar Lid is a maritime safety specialist with Survitec, where he supports customers worldwide in enhancing vessel safety, fire protection and regulatory compliance.

With decades of industry experience, he combines technical expertise with practical operational insight to help shipowners improve safety outcomes and reduce risk across their fleets.

Nikolaos Michas, Marine South East Europe Tanker Key Account Manager, RINA

Nikolaos Michas is currently working for RINA as Tanker segment Manager and is based in Piraeus, Greece.
Previously he worked as Global Tanker Segment Director, for Lloyd's Register, based in Dubai.
He has worked for DNVGL as Technical Service Manager & Tanker Segment Director for the South-East Europe and Middle East Region.
Additional have worked for eleven years with DNV GL in China in different positions. As the Production & QHSE Manager at Area Central China managing the production in 15 shipyards and Ship in operation service for the whole area.
As District Manager North of China based in Dalian and as Site manager in various shipyards.

Before joining DNV GL he worked as Superintendent Engineer for a period of 4 years, and he has sea going experience of 2 years.
He holds a Master of Engineering for Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture from the University of Newcastle and an MBA from the University of Hertfordshire.

 
Gregory Spourdalakis, Managing Director, Columbia Shipmanagement Greece

With over two decades of experience in the maritime industry, currently serves as the Managing Director of Columbia Shipmanagement Greece, a leading ship management company operating a diverse fleet of vessels. He stepped into this role in December 2023, following more than three successful years as General Manager.

Armed with a strong background in marine engineering and international shipping, he has led major projects involving ship repairs, conversions, and technological upgrades, consistently championing innovation, safety, and sustainability. His mission is clear: to deliver world-class services to clients while ensuring full compliance with international regulations and fostering long-term partnerships across the global maritime sector.

A firm believer in continuous improvement and smart leadership, studied marine engineering (Aspropyrgos). He also holds an MBA from Southampton University, an MSc in Marine Technology from Newcastle University, and a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from Brighton University. Passionate about driving progress in the maritime world, he remains committed to advancing the industry through strategic vision and operational excellence.

Peter Stoyles, Global Marine Sales Manager, Advanced Polymer Coatings

Peter Stoyles is Global Marine Sales Manager at Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC), where he leads worldwide sales strategy and customer engagement for the company’s marine coatings business. With more than a decade of experience in the marine and chemical sectors, he brings deep expertise in sales leadership and technical product specialization.

Prior to APC, he spent eleven years at Drew Marine, driving sustained growth across Northern Europe and building relationships with major global shipping companies. Known for connecting technical performance with commercial outcomes, Peter focuses on delivering practical solutions that enhance operational efficiency, strengthen partnerships, and support customers navigating complex marine environments.

Markus Tauriainen, Commercial Director, New Green Solutions, DESMI

Markus Tauriainen has nearly 20 years of international experience within marine technology, sales, business development, and commercialization of complex technical solutions.

He has worked with LNG and other marine gases since 2015, with experience spanning alternative fuels, pumping systems and emerging marine technologies. Before joining DESMI, Markus held positions with Rolls-Royce Marine (now Kongsberg), Wärtsilä, Alfa Laval and Svanehøj, working with international customers and technology-driven marine solutions.

At DESMI, he is responsible for the commercial development of new green solutions, including pumping technologies for LNG, LPG, methanol and ammonia, as well as solutions related to PtX and CCS.

Markus holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, an MEng in Portfolio Management and an EMBA from the University of Gothenburg. His MBA thesis focused on shipowners' future fuel decision-making process and the factors influencing the transition to alternative marine fuels.

Panos Theodossopoulos, CEO, ERMA FIRST

Panos Theodossopoulos is a Mechanical Engineer with a Ph.D. from Imperial College London and an MSc from Tufts University. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of ERMA FIRST, a leading provider of sustainable maritime technologies and solutions, where he leads the company’s strategic and operational direction across environmental compliance, energy efficiency and decarbonization.

Previously, Panos served as CEO of METIS, a maritime technology company specializing in advanced digital solutions for shipping, and as Chief Digital Officer at Oceanking. He also co-founded a maritime technology start-up in 2015. He has more than 25 years of management experience across technology and maritime, with leadership roles in sales, business development, services and marketing.

 
Panagiotis Zafet, Managing Director, Balthellas Group

Panagiotis Zafet is the Managing Director of Balthellas Group, a ship management and shipbroking company he founded in 1991. He took over the family ship-agency business and expanded the company into full-scale management of dry cargo vessels. In the years 2016-2017, he has organized, consummated and led a new venture currently operating Panamax/Kamsarmax bulk carriers. During the years of 2004-2008, he co-founded and led as CEO and Co-Chairman Seanergy Maritime Corp, a Blank Check financial vehicle initially listed in the AMEX and currently at NASDAQ.

Prior to founding Balthellas, he served as the CEO of Hellasco Shipping Ltd during 1986-1991 and as the company’s Director during 1991-2016, a company specializing in the liner shipping industry, active in the forest products trade through a regular shipping service between Scandinavia and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Panagiotis holds a Bachelor of Law from the Aristoteleio University of Thessaloniki and is married with three children. He is a Board Member & Governor of the Propeller Club of Piraeus.