“The Bulk Carriers of the Greeks”: From Exhibition to Expert Panel

On the evening of February 18, 2025, ICS students had the privilege of attending an insightful event at the Eugenides Foundation, graciously invited by Isalos.net.

Hosted under the auspices of INTERCARGO, the event offered a comprehensive exploration of the significance of bulk carriers in the Greek shipping industry.

Guided Tour of the Exhibition (17:00 – 18:00)

The evening began with a guided tour of the “The Bulk Carriers of the Greeks” exhibition. This immersive experience, led by Panagiotis Korakas, Head of Cultural Heritage and Blue Synergies, Naftika Chronika & Isalos.net, with support from Spilios Varelas, Analyst at Naftika Chronika, allowed participants to explore the pivotal role of bulk carriers in global trade and the strategies employed by Greek shipowners in managing and expanding their fleets. The tour was an excellent educational opportunity, offering historical context, operational insights, and economic perspectives on one of the most prominent vessel types in Greek shipping.

Thematic Event: “Bulk Carriers: A Reliable Investment Choice” (18:30 – 20:00)

Following the exhibition, attendees joined the thematic event titled “Bulk Carriers: Priorities and Challenges for Greek-Owned Shipping Enterprises”. The discussion focused on the financial and strategic considerations of bulk carrier ownership, particularly in light of market trends and capital markets.

The event featured a distinguished panel of industry experts, including:

• Antonis Faraklas, CEO, Charterwell Maritime S.A., Chartworld Shipping Corporation & Chartworld Maritime Management Corporation
• Yiannis Platsidakis, Costamare Shipping Group, Board Member of the Union of Greek Shipowners & Honorary Chairman of INTERCARGO
• Konstantinos Oikonomou, General Secretary, Union of Banking & Financial Executives of Greek Shipping & Head of Shipping Finance, Pancretan-Attica Bank
• Adamantios E. Katsampis, Commercial Manager, Eurobulk Ltd.
• Michalis Karras, Deputy Managing Director, Target Group
• Nikos Triantafyllakis, CEO, W Marine Inc.

Under the moderation of Professor Ioannis Theotokas, Chairman of the Department of Maritime Studies at the University of Piraeus, the panel discussions addressed key issues, including:

✔️ The future of bulk carrier management companies in international capital markets

✔️ Business strategies, priorities, and challenges for Greek-owned fleets

✔️ Investment opportunities and the evolving landscape of bulk shipping

The Impact on ICS Students

The event was a valuable experience for ICS students, who gained insights into the operational and financial challenges of the bulk carrier sector. By engaging in discussions, students were able to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industry realities.

The exhibition and thematic event successfully highlighted the strategic importance of bulk carriers and reinforced the crucial role of Greek shipowners in shaping the global shipping industry. Participants left with a deeper appreciation of the sector’s dynamics and future opportunities.

A special thank you to Isalos.net for inviting our students to be part of this enriching experience for all attendees.

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Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and educational opportunities in the shipping industry!