SAFETY4SEA Log I April 2025 I ISSUE 102 I 47 safety4sea.com ART I CLE Session #2: Fuel for thought: Insights on the alternative options Bill Stamatopoulos, VeriFuel, discussed the evolution of the maritime industry, particularly in relation to B100 biofuel. He delved into the introduction of new standards, manufacturer endorsements, and updated standards such as ISO 8217:2024. Diane Gilpin, Smart Green Shipping Alliance, focused on the journey of wind-assisted propulsion from concept to reality. “We’ve seen wind move ships for thousands of years but how do we introduce it into the 21st century?”. Gilpin said, explaining that the modern adoption of wind-assisted propulsion requires a multi-faceted approach that is based on research. Nikos Xydas, World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA), presented on the prospects of using LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) as a marine fuel, focusing on its benefits and growing adoption within the industry. “LPG as it is now, without its renewable alternatives, can be compliant with FuelEU for thoughts on maritime decarbonization saying that “the biggest challenge facing the industry is the uncertainty”. For instance, he expressed his concern about the uncertainties of carbon market measures and the lack of appropriate infrastructure to support the shift towards net zero. Following the discussion, Apo Belokas, SAFETY4SEA, delivered a focus presentation on the role of human factors in the decarbonization era. He pointed out industry uncertainty, the need to move beyond traditional thinking, and the challenge of upskilling costs. Andreas Zontanos, Argo Navis, followed with another focus presentation on the insights gained from sea trials conducted on existing ships for EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index) calculations. His discussion evaluated the relevance of these trials within the context of the evolving decarbonization landscape in the maritime industry. the next 15 years”, Xydas noted. Jean-Philippe Arseneau, ZESTAs, presented on the importance of viable Absolute Zero Emissions solutions such as hydrogen fuel cells and wind power. As he noted: “Hydrogen has not been deployed at a large scale yet and that is the next step that ZESTAs is focusing on.” Antonis Trakakis, CIMAC Greece, pointed out there are other, more viable options such as carbon capture. “It has come to a point to ask ourselves to not only solve a problem but also which problem to solve”, he said, adding that it makes more sense to use the example of other, heavier polluting industries rather than rely on alternative fuels which come with a significant set of challenges. John N. Cotzias, Xclusiv Shipbrokers, explained that there are certain loopholes that create uncertainties. “Being energy efficient and being leaner and cleaner has to make economic sense’’, Cotzias said. He also delved into the implications of TrumpEconomics and how the US President’s tariffs will change the landscape. Session #3: Stepping towards the green transition: Ship Managers’ perspective During the last panel discussion Takis Koutris, Roxana Shipping S.A.; Panos A. Kourkountis Sea Traders S.A; Costas Th. Kontes, Navilands Management Holdings S.A; George Souravlas, Load Line Marine S.A; and John N. Cotzias, Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc, discussed the challenges and opportunities ship managers face in implementing green technologies, managing fuel transitions, and meeting regulatory uncertainties. Explore more at https://events.safety4sea.com/ 2025-green4sea-athens-forum/
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