NOVEMBER 3, 2016 – LONDON: An international audience of industry experts and innovators gathered together for the Ship Efficiency Awards 2016 to celebrate the spectacular array of individuals and organisations committed to driving ship efficiency through technological innovation, strategies and initiatives.

The 3^rd annual Ship Efficiency Awards were hosted in London on November 2, 2016 by Lloyd’s Register and Fathom Maritime Intelligence.

An expert judging panel rigorously assessed all nomination entries and selected the winners for each award category.  The judges were: Mark Cameron, Chief Operating Officer, Ardmore Shipping; Iver Iversen, Director New Technology and Regulatory Affairs Wallenius. Wilhelmsen; Arthur Bowring, Managing Director, Hong Kong Shipowners Association; Craig Eason, Deputy Editor, Lloyd’s List and Tristan Smith, Lecturer in Energy and Transport, University College London.

The Winners:

The Energy Efficiency Solution Award Winner: VAF Instruments – IVY Propulsion Performance Management

The Environmental Technology Award Winner: Wärtsilä Seals & Bearings – Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal

The Initiative of the Year Award Winner: Flinter Management – Big Data Collaboration and Research for Fuel Efficiency

The Sustainable Ship Operator of the Year Award Winner: Stena Line

The One to Watch Award Winner: Genoil – Hydroconversion Upgrader (GHO)

The Lloyd’s Register Outstanding Contribution to Ship Efficiency Award (Winner Selected by Public Vote) Winner: Astrid Dispert of IMO Secretariat, GloMEEP Project

For more information on the Ship Efficiency Awards 2016, visit: www.fathomshippingevents.com/ship-efficiency-awards-2016.html

ABOUT FATHOM MARITIME INTELLIGENCE

Fathom Maritime Intelligence pride themselves as being the information specialists on maritime efficiency. Through a unique mix of highly regarded print publications, online data portals, conferences, bespoke consultancy and more, Fathom creates accessible knowledge on key challenges facing owners, operators and the wider industry, through identifying where information voids exist for specialist insight, guidance and support services to assist and inform decision making.

www.fathommaritimeintelligence.com
ABOUT THE SHIP EFFICIENCY AWARDS

The Ship Efficiency Awards recognise and celebrate organisations and individuals within the maritime sector that are excelling in efficient operations, implementing fresh thinking, offering proven efficiency benefits and advancing technological innovation.

Nominations for the awards were sent in over a period of six months, with the winners deliberated and selected by a panel of judges, comprised of experts from across the maritime industry. The winners were announced during a gala ceremony in London on November 2, 2016.

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has announced it is to open an office in Monaco. The firm will provide legal services in the Principality as Norton Rose Fulbright Monaco S.A.M.

The new office will be located in Rue du Gabian, Monaco, and is scheduled to open for business early 2017. It will primarily service the firm’s shipping and finance clients, some whom are based in or have close connections with Monaco. The office will be headed by Dimitri Sofianopoulos, partner and head of Norton Rose Fulbright Greece, who will divide his time between Greece and Monaco.

Harry Theochari, global head of transport commented:  “Shipping is at the heart of this firm and we are recognised as a global market leader.  Despite the shipping downturn, we have continued to invest in our shipping and wider transport practice. We look forward to extending our global footprint further with the opening of our office in Monaco, which together with our expansion into Vancouver and the addition of a market leading shipping team on Canada’s West Coast, will enable us to provide an even more comprehensive service to our clients.”  

Norton Rose Fulbright’s shipping and finance practice advises on the full range of shipping and offshore matters, from complex tax lease structures to anti-competition actions and ship building disputes. The team routinely advises on shipping finance, mergers and acquisitions, competition and regulation, infrastructure, energy and shipping litigation.

The new office in Monaco follows Norton Rose Fulbright’s recent expansion in the US (San Francisco) and Canada (Vancouver).

 Norton Rose Fulbright is a global law firm. We provide the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. We have 3800 lawyers and other legal staff based in more than 50 cities across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Recognized for our industry focus, we are strong across all the key industry sectors: financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and life sciences and healthcare.

Wherever we are, we operate in accordance with our global business principles of quality, unity and integrity. We aim to provide the highest possible standard of legal service in each of our offices and to maintain that level of quality at every point of contact.

For more information about Norton Rose Fulbright, see nortonrosefulbright.com/legal-notices.

Law around the world

nortonrosefulbright.com

l to r: Michael Chalos, Partner at K&L Gates LLP (New York); Jeff Lantz, Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards at the US Coast Guard; Faz Peermohamed, Partner and Head of Global Shipping at Ince & Co; Chairman of the panel Lord Clarke of Stone-cum-Ebony; Michael Kelleher, Director of West Of England P&I Club; Debate Moderator Capt Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General at InterManager

Bullying, micro-management of his activities and the threat of going to jail while doing his job, remain major pressures for the Masters of merchant ships – and the situation is getting worse.

‘Masters Under Attack – Authority and Responsibility in an Age of Instant Access’ was the topic discussed by an expert panel at the Cadwallader Debate, organised by the London Shipping Law Centre (LSLC), at Drapers’ Hall, London.

The panel, chaired by Lord Clarke of Stone-cum-Ebony, consisted of Debate Moderator Captain Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General of InterManager; Michael Chalos, Partner at K&L Gates LLP (New York); Michael Kelleher, Director at West of England P&I Club; Jeff Lantz, Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards at the US Coast Guard; and Faz Peermohamed, Partner and Head of Global Shipping at Ince & Co.

Whenever there is an accident in the United States Masters face the possibility of going to jail just for doing their job, according to Mr Chalos addressing the packed hall of maritime professionals.

He said: “If you are the Captain and you have an accident and a spill, you are liable. It’s that simple. It’s very hard to defend such cases. Every Master who comes into the US faces the possibility of going to jail after an accident. The same thing is happening around the world.

Dr. Aleka Sheppard and Graham Harris at the pre-debate drinks reception

“With high visibility, press and politicians get involved and Captains get charged and convicted. They are sometimes held for an inordinate amount of time, while the authorities investigate and pursue the matter.”

With the rise of modern technology onboard, Mr Chalos pointed out that “every crew member becomes an agent for the US Government,” given the considerable incentive offered to whistle blowers.

“They have these cell phones and modern technological equipment. If a Chief Engineer does something illegal, these guys record and film what’s going on. They then turn the material over to the US authorities and get 50 per cent of any fine. We always thought the Master was safe from being prosecuted in these circumstances,” Mr Chalos said.

Mr Peermohamed referred to Masters as the “poor relations,” at the event held on on 26^th October.

George A. Tsavliris and his daughter Cassandra

He asked: “Does the perception reflect quality? Is the Master truly under attack? Do the commercial pressures on the Master impinge more significantly than previously? Are the legal burdens on the Master more significant than before? Is there bullying? Is there interference by the authorities? Is criminalisation on the rise?

“Sadly having been involved in many significant casualties, I have to tell you that the perception is indeed the reality in many parts of the world. Masters are often treated as poor relations. In my view, their treatment is different to that, which would be afforded to an airline pilot in similar circumstances.”

He asserted that Masters’ activities were sometimes being micro-managed, leading to a lack of trust.

Mr Lantz spoke about how Masters’ responsibilities had become more shared with others over the years.

During the dinner: at the centre, Peter Hinchliffe talking to Mathew T. Los; to the right Emily Rowley and Helen Kelly

He said: “The burden of the Master is higher than that of other ship entities in the management operation chain. However, there are now laws and regulations which spread that authority and responsibility.”

Mr Kelleher highlighted the role P&I Clubs play. He explained how clubs were wary of providing specific financial support for Masters in the early stages of a case as the authorities’ intentions and the culpability of parties involved were by no means clear. Clubs could protect

Masters more by providing training for members to assist them in learning lessons from events – even near misses.

A panoramic view of the dinner hall

About the Cadwallader Debate
Professor Cadwallader was a teacher of maritime law to many international students at University College London (UCL) between 1963 and 1982. In tribute to his memory and his contribution to the advancement of knowledge in maritime law, the Cadwallader Lecture was established by London Shipping Law Centre (LSLC) Founder and Chairman, Dr Aleka Sheppard in 1998.
Over the years, these prestigious occasions have brought the key maritime players together in a neutral forum for open discussion of the concerns of the industry regarding legislation, thus enabling the sharing of ideas within a friendly intellectual debate. These debates have directly or indirectly engendered further dialogue and have led to action being taken on matters affecting the interests of the industry and the protection of the marine environment.

Aggeliki Koutoulia, Peter Gercans, Amanda Hastings and Alkisti Gazi

The Cad Lectures and the London Shipping Law Centre’s monthly events have raised the awareness of shipping professionals in safety matters and corporate responsibility beyond mere compliance with regulations. www.shippinglbc.com

Sean Moloney, Les Chapman and Andrew Chamberlain

John N. Faraclas

The BDI (Baltic Dry Index) stood at 870 points – up 15 since last Friday but the Wets are now another problem. Add the messy geopolitics and see what you get. John Faraclas daily recap:

The Capers were once again the focal point with 43 points plus ending the day with the BCI 2014 at 1,636 points.

The Panamaxes’ BPI gained only four points – now reading 889;

The Supras’ BSI lost four points, now reading 712, and

The Handies’ BHSI lost two points and now reads 431; tough….

So, all in all NOT a good market, as the BDI still struggles. Remember: one size cannot create a market – good or bad!  Still far apart from December 2013 levels…

The Wets were both down; the last published BDTI (Dirties) and BCTI (Cleans) lost two and 21 points respectively, now at 665 and 424 – C A U T I O N!

The WTI was just below the US$ 45 mark and to be precise as these lines are written it stands at  US$ 44,92. Hope it doesn’t get higher as this will be detrimental for the economy!

The Geopolitics continue to be messy; The MIGRANTS maintain their …lead as the most important issue on Planet Ocean, particularly after the UK/ Indian summit! All other issue remain the same: BREXIT, Syria, Turkey, ISIS, Iraq, China, Libya, Greece, you name it!

The USA’s presidential election will soon determine the course of the World’s order. In nearly 30 hours all will be over! Will the superpower be led by a determined for everything woman breaking the impulse or by a maverick populist who has nothing to lose and spells it “all” out..? Whatever the result the world will be on fire! Will the WISTA International AGM in Florida, one of the key states, be the first one to witness a woman’s major achievement in politics?

We will revert with a more extensive report tomorrow; until then be prepared for every eventuality and try to visit the World Travel Market – a great event in ExCel down in the Docklands! Greece aiming high!

Tourism minister Elena Kountoura.

Greek tourism cruises to new heights

by James Brewer

Buoyed by bumper tourism figures, Greece has pledged to increase its backing for the cruiseship sector. Elena Kountoura,  Minister of Tourism, speaking at the World Travel Market 2016 in London, declared: “We are working intensely on strengthening our position in the cruise programmes for 2017 and 2018, including popular and new destinations. 

“We are forming a new national strategy to enhance our cruise product over the next years, through a national committee where 28 public and private sector representatives participate.”

Mrs Kountoura said that the government was pursuing plans for the port of Piraeus to emerge as a key cruiseship and home-porting base for the Mediterranean and Europe in the next years. The new cruise terminal was inaugurated in October, allowing a larger number of cruise ships to dock at Piraeus at any given time. “Our strategic investor, Cosco, has revealed its plans to construct deeper anchorage, so even the largest cruise ships in the world can dock, and aims to more than double cruise arrivals up to 3m passengers.”

She said that Greece was the third leading European cruise destination, and stressed the importance of our sector for the growth of our national economy. She said later that she would be working with other ministries to further the cruise role.

Konstantinos Demenegas COO of the centre

Greece is the largest and most diverse complex of islands in the Mediterranean, with 16,000 km of coastline and more than 100 inhabited islands. “The islands’ close proximity and frequent interconnection, allows visitors to discover multiple destinations, and gain diverse experiences in one trip. Our crustal-clear blue waters are among the safest in the world and are ideal for cruises and yachting.”

News on the opening day of WTM 2016 presented a remarkably healthy tourism picture for Greece given geopolitical problems. Independent surveys showed that travel industry inquiry for the destination to meet customer demand was at a high level.

The minister said that 2016 was “another great year for Greek tourism.” International arrivals grew by 7% in the nine months to September 2016, according to Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority.

July, August, September and October were “the best months ever for our tourism.”  The cruise sector also had a significant increase, of more than 17% in arrivals at Piraeus, and up to 20% in other port destinations. By the end of the year, international arrivals were expected to exceed 27m, including cruise arrivals, which is a new high.

Stavros Niarchos Park and Opera House.

In the last two years, the average yearly growth was at around 7%, much higher than the global average.   “This has not been a random increase,” said the minister.”It was achieved through implementing a specific plan to boost our tourism on a four year period, while at the same time we have taken steps to counteract challenges and turbulent occurring in both 2015 and 2016. Our efforts have been commended by the United Nations World Tourism Organization General Secretary Mr Taleb Rifai who has referred to Greece as a ‘case study’ in terms of overcoming obstacles and maintaining a strong momentum in our tourism growth.”

The appeal of Greece continued to increase in the UK travel market.  Holiday bookings have increased 6% in September, and about 4% since the beginning of the year. The Greek islands experienced an increase in bookings of 7% overall from the UK. Early indications of bookings for 2017 reveal a significant year-on-year increase, said Mrs Kountoura.

Several airlines and tour operators have announced adding new flights to Greek destinations. UK carriers have announced new routes for 2017, including Halkidiki from East Midlands, Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester, and to Chania from Birmingham and Bristol.

Julia Bradbury and some of her Greek family.

Athens alone has witnessed a significant increase in arrivals with more than 4m visitors last year, and a growth of 8% in international arrivals in 2016.

“We are attracting visitors from new and emerging source markets, including China, South Korea, Poland, Israel and countries in the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, we focused on the United States and Russia, from which we witness a strong upwards trend in arrivals to Greece in 2016. But we are also reinforcing our presence in dynamic markets such as the Scandinavian countries and Spain, and of course the UK, which has been and will continue to be a market of high importance to us.”

The minister said that a key plank of the development strategy was for tourism 365 days a year

Among further initiatives were to link the tourism industry to agricultural offerings. “The unique Greek virgin olive oil, pure honey, a great variety of herbs and spices and cheeses, our fresh local produce are fundamental and plentiful in our culinary dishes that are combined with exceptional varieties of Greek wines”

Mrs Kountoura referred to the new Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre in Athens which will be formally handed to the Greek state in January 2017. Most of its functions are already operational, apart from the Greek National Opera which will transfer next year.

She said that the complex was “the city’s newest cultural gem and one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects” that will house a 1,400-seat opera house, a 400-seat theatre, a 2m-book National Library and the 170,000 sq m park on the Faliro Bay shoreline.

The €566m complex was designed by architect Renzo Piano on a site that had been left after the 2004 Olympics.

Stavros Niarchos (1909-96) was one of Greece’s most successful shipping tycoons.

Miltos Karoubas, president of the Hellenic Chefs’ Federation

Konstantinos Demenagas, chief operating officer of Centre, said that the Foundation had given €1.6bn in grants in 111 countries since its inception in 1996. The Centre was a public-private partnership, with the foundation financing construction and the state providing the land. Every element of the project was designed to maintain environmental sustainability.

Television presenter Julia Bradbury said she was half Greek and proud of her Greek family – her grandmother was 99 years old – and heritage. Greece was “a destination that is on everybody’s wish list.  It might be a cliché but it really is one of those destinations that has something for everyone. It was a fantastic sailing destinations, and she loved sailing round the island of Chios “where my family is from.”

Miltos Karoubas, president of the Hellenic Chefs’ Federation, said that people used to think of Greek food in terms of moussaka and retsina, but these days the variety of gastronomy and venues was “sweeping visitors off their feet.” Domestic produce once overlooked was now being rediscovered.

Caroline Bremner and John Strickland.

New business deals set to boost Greek tourist sector

By James Brewer

Greece is set to enjoy a surge in new contracts with international tour operators.

Research carried out for the World Travel Market 2016 indicates that the nation will take a good share of the £2.5bn total deals which the fair organisers say will be signed over the three days of the event.

Some 80% of 748 travel industry professionals quizzed who were in talks with Greek tourism interests expected to sign contracts. A similar percentage (out of 592 executives sounding out possibilities) were looking to do business with Turkey, and 78% (of 347 decision-makers in talks) to reach agreements with Egypt, while Tunisia scored well out of 155 people investigating new agreements, at 72%.

The results have elicited some surprise in the case of Turkey, which has suffered a series of terrorism setbacks, and Tunisia, which had two bad incidents involving foreign tourists. The WTM commentary said that Tunisia’s tourism recovery was taking longer to materialise “but there are early signs of a shift in sentiment. While only 8% of the sample are looking to talk to representatives, more than 70% of those are expecting to sign a deal.”

The World Travel Market 2016 Industry Report was based on a poll of 2,044 tourist board representatives and private sector travel industry organisations and buyers; and on questions to 1,145 British holidaymakers.

The report says that tourism industry optimism is high, with two thirds of industry respondents saying that travel and tourism will grow in 2017.

China is poised to be the main beneficiary of this optimism, with 54% of travel firms anticipating an increase in bookings to the country. Other countries which will benefit include India and Cuba. Some 55% of firms expect to do more business with China in 2017.

Harold Goodwin (left) and Doug Lansky.

There was a surprise winner when UK holidaymakers were asked which ‘emerging’ destinations they were interested in visiting. Iceland came top, with 39%, followed by 24% for Cuba, 21% for China and 20% for India.

Iceland is forecast to welcome 2m tourists in 2017, about five times the number it received in 2010. Reasons given for the soaring popularity of the small nation are its success in the Euro 2016 football cup, and increased sightings of the Northern Lights during a peak in solar activity.

Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, in October announced a co-operation agreement between VisitScotland and the Icelandic Tourist Board, following the inauguration of new air routes.

Cuba is seen as being on the cusp of a tourism boom after the US eased its travel restrictions, and the Airbnb accommodation business is setting up there to meet a shortage of hotel rooms .

Greece to the fore at ExCel venue for WTM day…

Caroline Bremner, head of travel and tourism research at Euromonitor, said that the market to China was buoyed by an agreement signed in October 2016 between the UK and Chinese governments, allowing more than double the number of flights to operate between the two countries. Links between the countries had already been boosted with new services from Manchester and Gatwick.

Since October, foreign tourists arriving in Shanghai on a cruise have been allowed up to 15 days of visa-free stay. Passengers may remain in Shanghai or travel to Beijing, the northeastern port city of Tianjin, and coastal provinces where ships berth.

Ms Bremner said that Iceland was seeing “too much” tourism demand for the infrastructure, and Doug Lansky, a travel writer, said that people had been in tears because they could not get to see the most popular sights. Harold Goodwin, professor of responsible tourism at Manchester Metropolitan University, said there was every sign that Iceland was beginning to struggle with the numbers. John Strickland of JLS Consultancy said there was a need to get people to visit other than the best known sites.

…and Greece to the fore at ExCel venue at WTM at night…

Meanwhile, 47% of tourist industry professional expected Brexit to have a negative effect on their company, 30% saying it would increase prices. In parallel, 47% of holidaymakers were worried about the sterling to euro exchange rate. Forty-two per cent of firms said Brexit would make it harder to recruit staff.

In a topical aside, Mr Lansky warned that if “the orange Muppet” wins the presidency, holidaymakers would be put off going to the US.

Mexico’s huge presence at WTM.

Mexico City still welcomes US travellers after Trump victory

By James Brewer

After president-elect Donald Trump made his campaign threat to deport “illegal immigrants” to Mexico, it has been revealed that the number of US citizens travelling in the very same southerly direction, for vacations in the neighbouring country, is at record levels.

Future relations between Washington and Mexico have been thrust into uncertainty by Mr Trump’s rhetoric. President Enrique Peña Nieto quickly congratulated the victorious billionaire and said he was willing to work with him in favour of the bilateral relationship. Mr Peña Nieto had previously reacted angrily to Mr Trump’s insulting characterisation of Mexican people and his threat to build a “big, beautiful wall” to keep out immigrants.

Magda Sánchez.

Mexico is meanwhile getting ready to strengthen its efforts in markets other than the US, in the event that Washington decides to tear up the North American Free Trade Agreement, and that this and other policy changes impact the valuable earnings the country gets from holidaymakers.

Magda Sánchez, director of major events for Mexico City, was questioned in London about how her country would react to any reduction in US tourist traffic. She had made an enthusiastic presentation at the World Travel Market 2016 about the overall tourism prospects for her city a few hours after the election result was declared.

Lively entertainment in the capital.

Ms Sánchez said that the US and Canada were the city’s two principal markets, and the third was the UK: the British market to the federal capital grew more than 54% in the last three years.

She said: “The reality is that tourism is part of a bigger industry that is called trade, and I think it is going to be a challenge. He will need to work a lot to make the US great again [one of Mr Trump’s slogans is Make America Great Again] and particularly if he wants to bring more investment and growth” he would need to engage.

It was important to participate with other countries in trade shows and exhibitions. “We need to grow new markets. We have a lot of trade agreements with Europe especially. We are working a lot with other markets,” said Ms Sánchez. “This is why we are here [at the World Travel Market in London]”.

The number of US visitors to Mexico City has risen significantly every year: in 2012 the figure was 885,000; in 2013 it was 981,000; in 2014 it was 1.06m; and in 2015 there was another jump, to 1.29m. In the first eight months of 2016 alone, the figure was 1.03m, indicating that 2016 as a whole will see the achievement of yet another peak. Even more visitors head for Acapulco, Cancún and other large coastal resorts.

Magda Sánchez’s WTM presentation.

The New York Times in January named Mexico City number one in its list of “the 52 places to go in 2016,” calling it “a metropolis that has it all.” The paper said that this top destination was attracting travellers “seeking some of the world’s best cuisine, museums and forward-thinking design.” Its writer claimed that there was no more exciting place to eat, and on tourist security commented: “Of course, there are places you should not wander but the city is far safer than it was in the 1990s, and taxi services like Uber and Yaxi make getting around a lot more comfortable.”

One journalist attending the presentation by Ms Sánchez said that he lived in California and spent much of each year in Mexico, and never had the slightest cause to worry about his personal safety.

The country receives 13m visitors a year and the capital’s airport is the largest in Latin America in terms of day to day operations, handling more than 150 direct flights from all over the world. These include six flights a week from London. At the beginning of 2016 Air France introduced an Airbus 380 service carrying more than 500 passengers on each flight.

Mexico City’s airport is a hub for reaching other Latin American regions, so “we are working to encourage visitors to stay in Mexico,” said Ms Sánchez.

Hotel room occupancy rates in the capital are growing, and projects are underway to add to the 53,000 hotel rooms and the “huge” number of properties under the Airbnb branding.

Mexico City claims to have the most museums of any city in the world, more than 180, and the events director added that it boasted a huge variety of entertainment and nightlife.

Population of the city – which is served by the largest metro network in Latin America – is 9m, and of the region 22m.

Analysts hope that once Mr Trump assumes office, he will take a calmer approach to bilateral relationships and be restrained even by some of his allies in Congress, especially as the economy of his nation is intertwined on many levels with that of Mexico.

Beach view on Mykonos.

Mykonos extends timeless welcome to holidaymakers

By James Brewer

Mykonos is fully behind the Greek National Tourism Office’s drive to stimulate year-round tourism nationally. The Cycladic island is blessed with excellent climatic conditions, which means it welcomes visitors outside the cruise season of early April to October or the beginning of November.

Mykonos mayor Konstantinos Koukas was among scores of delegates from the Greek mainland and islands whose presence enabled the country to set up—as is now traditional – one of the largest national pavilions at the World Travel Market in London from November 7-9 2016.

Konstantinos Koukas, the mayor.

Mr Koukas, the youngest mayor in Greece, has played an important role in promoting his homeland’s tourist appeal.

The encouragement of 12 months-a-year tourism chimes well with one of the island’s marketing slogans: “Mykonos and yet more Mykonos! Take your time…”

The island greets each year more than 1m tourists, of whom 700,000 arrive as passengers on standard or fast ferries sailing the 150 km from Athens, departing from Piraeus or from Rafina, the second port of the Attica region, with several services each day during the main season. Mykonos is fortunate too to have its own airport, which opened in 1971 and is served by international airlines and charters during the summer season and by domestic airlines in winter.

Mykonos has been a prime beneficiary of the general rise in tourist interest in Greece, which has defied expectations that the economic woes of the country might put people off. The island has been undergoing a building boom with shops, restaurants and accommodation.

The Aegean resort is a mere 85 sq km and is often represented pictorially by its windmills, built by Venetians in the 16^th century to take advantage of the strong northern winds. Many of the 10,000 residents are independent-minded and consider their island to be almost ‘a separate state’ from Greece.

In Greek mythology, the tranquil spot in the midst of the Cyclades was formed when Hercules buried the bodies of the giants he had killed under huge rocks.

One way of viewing windmills.

A one-time naval power, especially under the aristocratic heroine Mando Mavrogenous, who financed armed vessels to participate in the 1821 revolution against Ottoman domination, Mykonos was also a great entrepôt before the opening of the Corinth Canal.

One of the main attractions is a naval museum with models of ships, and charts, navigation equipment and amphorae. It is one of several cultural highlights including archaeological displays which provide a diversion for tourists from the dreamy beach and sailing life. The temples and other ancient sites of the nearby island of Delos afford an opportunity to combine both types of experience.

Since the 1960s, Mykonos has attracted a wide variety of holidaymakers, including royalty, businesspeople, Hollywood stars and hippies, but mostly these days middle class Europeans and other foreigners including Chinese.

A stroll on Mykonos.

Mayor Koukas says that Chinese tourists take a special interest in the heritage of ancient civilisations visible on Mykonos and Delos, and they often travel in what for the Aegean are off-peak periods.

Now aged 34, Mr Koukas was elected mayor for a five-year term in May 2014. He has his own law firm on Mykonos. He studied at Thrace Law School and holds undergraduate degrees in law and in the civilisation and philosophy of Black Sea nations. He has a post-graduate degree in European and international studies.

Supporting Mykonos Municipality at the South Aegean stands of the World Travel Market were Efthimis Athanasias and Makis Bitzios. The two executives are with Athens-based MTC Group, marketing and tourism consultants to Mykonos Municipality and to other Greek interests.

Myanmar’s message.

A new tourist destination beckons in Myanmar

By James Brewer

Myanmar, seen by travel operators as one of the world’s most promising tourist magnets, attracted more than 5m international visitors in 2015. Hardly any of them got as far as the hilly eastern state of Kayah, but that is set to change in a modest and measured way.

The little-visited region was launched as a ‘new’ destination – the sort of thing that customers everywhere are eagerly seeking out these days – at the World Travel Market 2016 in London.

Travel trade professionals were apprised that Kayah state, which is now accessible by air and road, is keen to receive visitors, having only recently opened up.

Kayah state’s attractions.

Closed for more than 50 years, the region is now described as “one of southeast Asia’s last frontiers for inspiring, authentic travel.” Apart from the logistical difficulties, the area was the scene for six years of clashes involving armed groups claiming to represent minorities. A peace process is now in place, with four meetings – including one gathering of 800 representatives in September 2016 – already having taken place, and the first phase of negotiations cementing trust and co-operation expected to be completed by the end of March 2017.

This is said to have created a calm and totally safe environment for visitors to enjoy the natural landscape and ethnic diversity of Kayah. They will be offered an insight into the markets and crafts of the state capital Loikaw, the activities of authentic local villages and see traditional ways of life. Villagers are being trained as guides to introduce their customs, dress, crafts including weaving, trails and food. Kayah, 500 km from the capital Yangon, is Myanmar’s smallest and least populous state and one of the most culturally diverse.

Tourism minister Ohn Maung.

Political changes symbolised by the assumption of power by Aung San Suu Kyi have spurred interest in travel beyond the usual highlights of the country – especially for the 50- and 60-year-olds “who have already seen it all” – the capital Yangon; Bagan with its more than 3,000 temples and stupas; cruising along the Irrawaddy River; the colonial era atmosphere of Mandalay; and the beauty of Inle Lake. Kayah is south of the lake – six hours by boat and one hour by road (or for those in a hurry a one-hour flight from Yangon) – and at the Thai northern border and fairly near Thai tourist hotspots such as Chiang Mai.

The new Myanmar minister of hotels and tourism, His Excellency Ohn Maung, officially launched the destination initiative during the World Travel Market. A former hotelier, Mr Maung has extended new vocational training courses across the country. He stressed the benefits of tourism including its role in helping educate the people.

Pascal Khoo Thwe.

The tourism push – with the stated aim of being effected with minimum disruption, and respecting local culture and the environment – is the result of a collaboration since 2014 between the International Trade Centre , in partnership with the Myanmar Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, and Myanmar Tourism Marketing.  ITC is a joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging economies to become more competitive in global markets.

Pascal Kho Twe, a Myanmar author and consultant preparing the communities of Kayah for the tourism market, said that working closely with local businesses and citizens would help create jobs and income for the most vulnerable people. He spoke of the nine tribes of the state, including Kayah (Karen), Kayan (Padaung) and Kayin. The Padaung women were instantly recognisable as they wore bright, brass neck coils – his grandmother’s rings were 14 inches high “and rose to her head as though they were supporting a pagoda.” The practice of adorning the neck in this way is dying out, but some women continue with it.

Diversity and dress.

Mr Kho Twe said that tourists would meet Christians, Buddhists and animists on their travels, seeing the totem poles that were 10 times the height of a person, that adherents to the last-named religious belief had erected.

The writer, who grew up among the ethnic minority in neighbouring Shan state, is known for his autobiographical works including a memoir of childhood and escape from the military dictatorship that was in power up to 2011.

Marie-Claude Frauenrath, senior trade promotion officer with ITC, said that tourism, which accounted for 30% of the total exports of Myanmar, had strong potential but it was important to pursue it in a sensitive way. Ms Frauenrath has during her career managed many trade assistance projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Respecting local people.

Peter Richards, a British national based in Thailand, a consultant and specialist in responsible tourism management, said that community-based tourism as fostered in Kayah state “is a perfect add-on to any culture-oriented tour or as an innovative day excursion for resort tourists.” Myanmar is seen as a year-round destination, and as most pleasant in the dry season from October to February.

ITC’s Inclusive Tourism project in Myanmar is being put into practice with the important support of the Netherlands Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBT), an implementing agency of the Dutch ministry of foreign affairs. It is said that local craftsmen and women, and food producers will benefit from training on quality, design, packaging and sanitary measures.

Marie-Claude Frauenrath.

Tour operators will be encouraged to ensure that their businesses meet the international standards expected by visiting tourists. The project includes training sessions for 25 inbound tour operators to help familiarise them with European and Asian markets, and to enable them to acquire practical skills on export marketing, promotion and management.
Staff members of the Yangon-based Union of Myanmar Travel Association and Myanmar Tourism Marketing are being trained in how to coach their compatriots.

ITC will facilitate the promotion of Kayah State at trade fairs and other events, linking up tourism businesses in Myanmar with outside tour operators who may add Kayah state to their itineraries. The plan is to extend the scheme to other selected areas of Myanmar.

Exquisite crafts.

Anne Krinsky

Vis-à-vis:radiant India-inspired paintings by Adria Arch and Anne Krinsky

By James Brewer

Two artists are celebrating a seven week immersion in the culture of northern India, with an exhibition in London of glorious compositions inspired respectively by vibrant fabrics and by shadow puppets of Hindu divinities.

Anne Krinsky and Adria Arch display their striking works at ARTHOUSE1, a gallery in Bermondsey south of the Thames. Friends since college days, the women have produced works joyously on the edge of abstraction which complement each other perfectly.

Andria Arch

Entitled Vis-à-Vis the alluring display continues at the gallery (its name is a play on its London SE1 address) until December 4 2016. With its soothingly subtle decor and wooden flooring, the gallery is managed by the respected designer and ceramic sculptor Rebecca Fairman,

Anne and Adria differ in their artistic practice, but share the ability to produce a colourful acrylic lyricism, Anne conveying pure abstract rhythms and Adria with more serendipitous narratives.

The genesis of the exhibition was an invitation by Anne who is now based in London to Adria who lives in Boston, Massachusetts to join her on a tour beginning with a four week stay at the Sanskriti Foundation in Delhi. Established in 1978, the foundation is a public charitable trust that sets out to be a catalyst in “revitalising cultural sensitivity in contemporary times.” The centre includes workshops and studios, and museums of Everyday Art, Indian Terracotta and Textiles: “Our vision is to build upon our collections and to transform our museums into a central resource hub for all research on the art and craft traditions of India in general, and particularly in our core areas of terracotta, textiles and everyday objects.”

Anne and Adria eagerly seized the opportunity to learn from the skilled craftspeople at the centre, and study textiles and artefacts that are among the foundation’s treasures. At the same time, the visiting duo came to appreciate that the grounds of the foundation were “a serene oasis in the chaos and noise of Delhi traffic and street life. “

Anyone chatting with the two artists today can have no doubt about their utter delight in the whole experience (spelled out too in a beautifully illustrated blogs of the sojourn compiled by Anne and Adria).

Adria’s paintings entitled Leap, and Turn.

They visited markets and museums, met artisans at paper factories and textile workshops, and dipped into the hectic daily life of the capital, “but neither could imagine the unique and exciting inroads they would…make into their already insightful personal aesthetics,” wrote Dr Mary Tinti, curator of the Fitchburg Art Museum for the catalogue of the first exhibition of Vis-à-Vis, which was at Soprafina Gallery in Boston in April 2016. The two found new ways into their practices “vis-à-visdistinct forms of Indian folk art,” affirmed Dr Tinti.

For Adria, who eschews conventional painting methods, the overwhelming moment was viewing an exhibition of shadow puppets of Hindu gods and goddesses. The puppets, mainly from Andhra Pradesh state, were painted on stretched and cured goatskins. with many joints.

The array directly motivated her to the particular ‘poured paint’ compositions that are now on show in London. In this technique, as Dr Tinti says, “contours are choreographed partly by chance, with their lush colour and joyful forms capering through the visual field.” Adria eagerly set to work in her studio in the Sanskriti Foundation complex, spilling paint onto sheets of Mylar resin, “a material that in many ways mimicked the translucency of the puppet parchment.” She cut out and glued the forms to printmaking paper, adding images to construct fanciful narratives.
Anne was struck by the colour combinations and patterns of Phulkari (flower embroidered) textiles from the Punjab, which led her to produce a series of studies on Khadi handmade rag paper attached to panel.

Sideways. By Anne Krinsky.

While appearing washed and weathered, the colours of these works still are gorgeous, with red, marigold and saffron fields competing with geometric lines. Anne discovered by chance that when the paper was folded, it imparted a new dynamic to the layers of paint. “The folds catch and absorb the acrylic differently than the rest of the sheet does. When the paper is folded into volumetric forms, the grid becomes fully three-dimensional.” The result was described by her as evoking “the worn surfaces of India, a result of both natural and man-made forces.”

She says: “I am interested both in the geometric regularity of repeated pattern and in its disruption.”

After her residency in New Delhi, Anne travelled to Jaipur to research textile block-printing methods in workshops and in the collection of printed textiles in the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing.

In an indication of the variety of her experimentation, Anne at one stage wrote: “I have painted and printed on heavy Khadi papers, on the last of my fragile cilantro paper, on rice paper and on indigo and betel-nut burnished papers with their lovely dark grounds and smooth surfaces. I have been printing on both sides of the papers, leaving open the possibility of later using them as elements of an installation that could be viewed from multiple locations.” She added: “Some of these Khadi papers seem quite indestructible.”

She stayed with Devena Singh who runs ArtInn Jaipur, a guest-house that offers block-printing workshops on the premises, a cottage designed by a German architect which hosts many overseas visitors. “The day after I arrived, I began printing blocks on the fabric-covered printing table, with the expert guidance of printer Gopalji, who also prints fabrics for Devena.”

A Weathered Space 1 and A Weathered Space 2. By Anne Krinsky.

After visiting a family business of block-printers outside Jaipur, Anne commented: “Chemistry, botany, geometry, skilled craftsmanship and hard labour underlie traditional block-printing and dyeing.”

Seeing an exhibition of woven fabrics from remote tribal areas, Anne wrote: “The instinct to make something beautiful seems universal. Why else go to the trouble of dyeing cotton and silk and weaving intricate and sophisticated patterns when simply functional cloth would suffice?”

Adria added: “All that local colour, the markets, the painted trucks along the highway, the beautiful Hindi script everywhere mashed up with ads for Pepsi, Vodaphone and Airtel. I came back to Sanskriti with all that colour and all those baroque Indian shapes in my head.

“The Taj Mahal is one of the great wonders, but honestly, I loved the markets more.”

“Part of the experience of doing a residency at Sanskriti Foundation in Delhi is having access to extraordinary exhibitions like [Threads of Change at the Indira Gandhi Centre for the Arts] where weavers set up shop during the day.”

Of the field trip seven hours distant to Jaipur with another artist friend, Hartash Dale who produces abstract paintings and screenprints in her studio in southeast London, Adria wrote: “Jaipur is the heart of north Indian textiles and papermaking. We were very fortunate to visit several factories and watch the process. We might as well have been in the 18th century. Hard physical labour and painstaking hand work which would cost a fortune here in the first world is available at a fraction of the cost in India.”

For her research into Indian textiles, Anne received an Artists International Development Fund grant from Arts Council England and the British Council.

The friends concur that: “life’s rich pageant is made richer through cultural exchange. Spending a month in a foreign country drinking in the cultural differences is an experience we all cherish, if we are so fortunate, but for artists, this kind of opportunity is gold. The sights, smells, sounds, textures, and visual stimulation of another country are like no other inspiration – it is a total sensory infusion.”

‘In the Field’ hangings by Anne Krinsky.

Anne has meanwhile been furthering her Tide Line Thames project which is part of the Totally Thames Festival and was revealed to the public in an exhibition at Thames-Side Studios, Woolwich, in September 2016. In September 2017 she will take this an ambitious step further with an installation of projected imagery in the Thames Tunnel Shaft, Brunel Museum, Rotherhithe – the display will consist of projections because it is forbidden to hang artworks in the tunnel.

Anne says that her installations take as their subject “the shifting riverscape and its architectural structures – embankments, piers and river stairs – between the Thames’s high and low tide lines.” For this, she made an archive of photos of the river and its structures over six months. She completed five acrylic paintings, layered with fluttering pieces of tape and architectural drafting film, creating images “of fragile tactility,” as the critic Jessica Clifford states, “embedding the history of the River Thames.” Ms Clifford goes on to give a 1929 quotation from politician John Burnes: “The St Lawrence is mere water.  The Mississippi is muddy water.  The Thames is liquid history.”

Vis-à-vis, paintings by Adria Arch and Anne Krinsky, runs until December 4 2016 at ARTHOUSE1  45 Grange Road, London SE1. www.arthouse1.co.uk

Hans Christian Seim,

The Norwegian Hull Club is pleased to announce it has opened its first underwriting office outside of Norway on Lime Street in the heart of the City of London’s financial district.

The office will allow the Club to strengthen client and broker relationships in London, providing easier access to the Club’s wide range of products, experience and expertise. The office will initially have a staff of four, including two underwriters, Ole Wikborg and Andrew Hannay.

Hans Christian Seim, CEO of Norwegian Hull Club, says: “Our new London office reflects our increased international presence and our continued desire to work closely with all our brokers and clients wherever they are based. London has a long history and a strong reputation as the main hub for international insurance. We have developed good relationships in the London market over many years, and our new office will further strengthen these relationships with brokers and clients alike through face-to-face engagement. It will also increase our growth potential, in terms of general business and new insurance products, involving working with dedicated specialist brokers, whilst continuing to deliver the service and expertise that our brokers and clients know and expect from Norwegian Hull Club.”

Norwegian Hull Club ranks as one of the world’s largest pure marine underwriters and insures around 10,000 vessels and units. It already has underwriting offices in Bergen and Oslo, whilst its Marine Benefits medical insurance subsidiary has a service office in Manila.

About Norwegian Hull Club
Norwegian Hull Club is a mutual marine insurance company serving members and clients worldwide. The Club ranks among the largest pure marine insurers in the world, founded on 1st January 2001, with roots back to 1837. The Club insures approximately 10,000 vessels and units, with around 5,000 as Claims Leader. Our mission is to secure lives, health, environment and property. Our slogan, “Expect More”, reflects our efforts to fulfil and exceed the expectations of our customers and business partners. We offer solutions that are adapted to the demands of today and for the future;
where the needs of the clients are essential and where we are the preferred business partner. We shall meet, fulfil and exceed all clients’ expectations in all cases.

16/11/2016  – Increased outreach is a key element of IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim’s vision for the Organization, and on our Facebook page you can find a rich source of news, pictures, films, comment and other information about IMO and its work. We now have more than 200,000 “likes” and the number is growing. So if you haven’t yet “liked” us, do it now to have all the latest news and features delivered automatically to your timeline. And if you already have, why not get your friends to like us too?

For more news please see  http://www.imo.org/en/Mediacentre/WhatsNew/Pages/default.aspx

Simon Moore

The B Atlantic case: will the Supreme Court hear an appeal?

War risk underwriters in the marine insurance market are anxiously waiting to learn if the Supreme Court will grant permission for a shipowner to appeal in the long-running B Atlantic case. It is expected to be early 2017 before the Supreme Court decides whether there can be a re-run of the main issue – almost 10 years after the dry bulker was detained in Venezuela as a result of a drugs swoop (in which the owner is said to have been an innocent party).

Members of the International Maritime Industries Forum heard at a luncheon meeting on November 16 2016 an update from lawyers at Stephenson Harwood, who represented underwriters in the tussle over interpretation of exclusion clauses.

The Court of Appeal found in favour of underwriters, saying they were justified in refusing to pay a claim by the owner. That court dismissed the owner’s application for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, and the owner is asking the higher court itself to let it go ahead.

Simon Moore, a partner in the marine and international trade team, and Paul Hofmeyr, an associate, detailed the Stephenson Harwood view of the ongoing B Atlantic case (Atlasnavios-Navegação v Navigators [2014] EWHC 4133 Comm) which brought into focus standard war risks clauses. The issue was whether an owner is covered for detentions and confiscations of a vessel where the loss arises from a detention in connection with drug smuggling.

Stephenson Harwood is representing the underwriters.

Paul Hofmeyr

The 24-year-old, 38,500 dwt dry bulk carrier B Atlantic was held in August 2007 and the crew charged with complicity in drug smuggling. The B Atlantic loaded a cargo of coal at Lake Maracaibo, meant for discharge in Italy. During loading, two underwater inspections were carried out. In the first, divers found a grappling hook, a saw, a rope and other tools behind a grille that was loose on the hull. A second Inspection found 132kg of cocaine strapped to the hull near the rudder.

Most of the crew were released within a few days but the master and second officer were charged with complicity in drug trafficking. (Capt Volodymyr Ustymenko and second officer Yuriy Datchenko, citizens of Ukraine, were held in Venezuela until their trial in August 2010, and sentenced to nine years in prison, although returned to their home country after a short while – where they faced further imprisonment.) Mr Moore believed that had the trial been in London, the two would not have been convicted.

The owner tried to get the Venezuelan court to release the vessel: at the time of the incident it was insured for $18m, although on the collapse of the freight market its presumed value fell to $10m or perhaps as low as $5m, said Mr Moore. .  Because of its continued detention (and the freight market still being terrible) the owner abandoned the vessel to the court in September 2009.

Simon Moore and Paul Hofmeyr at the Q&A session

The owner presented a claim to underwriters for constructive total loss under London Institute War and Strikes Clause 1 October 1983, highlighting wording that “this insurance covers loss of or damage to the vessel caused by…capture seizure arrest restraint or detainment, and the consequences thereof or any attempt thereat…any person acting maliciously or from a political motive…confiscation or expropriation.”

Underwriters relied heavily upon the following: “This insurance excludes… loss damage liability or expense arising from arrest, restraint, detainment, confiscation or expropriation by reason of infringement of any customs… regulations.”

In a trial of preliminary issues Mr Justice Hamblen (who has been since 2015 a Lord Justice of Appeal) determined that underwriters did not need to show that the owner or its servants or agents were privy to or complicit in any infringement of customs regulations in order to be able to rely on the exclusion. It was also capable of applying to loss caused by any person acting maliciously.

Mr Hofmeyr said that when the case came before Mr Justice Flaux in December 2014 he ruled in favour of the owner and ordered that underwriters pay “the substantial sum” of $23m (the value of the vessel, plus interest, plus costs). Mr Justice Flaux said that the exclusion did not apply because underwriters conceded that in a scenario where there was a “put up job” – such as that the authorities could have arranged for drugs to be attached to the hull to facilitate confiscation – the exclusion would not be triggered. This was said to point to the fact that underwriters accepted there was an implied limitation to the scope of the exclusion.

Mr Justice Flaux granted underwriters permission to appeal, but not a stay of execution as the owner was, at that time, a substantial trading company, which owned other bulk carriers against which a Court of Appeal judgment could be enforced.

l to r: Paul Hofmeyr, Simon Moore with host Julie Clegg

Following the transfer of the judgment sums, though, all three of the owner’s bulk carriers were sold, one by one. In March 2015 the owner and underwriters agreed – said Mr Hofmeyr – that the judgment sums would be paid into escrow (as security for the appeal) in return for interest being waived. Eventually the owner’s lawyers sent a message denying the existence of the escrow agreement.

In June 2015 on behalf of the underwriters, Stephenson Harwood won a worldwide freezing injunction as a result of which $23m in the owner’s bank account was seized, and the money paid into escrow.

Mr Moore said that in August 2016, the Court of Appeal reversed the decision of the lower court, ruling that insurers were not liable for the loss. This was significant as the legal principles on the correct interpretation of insurance contracts were of broad application. Underwriters received their money back.

The Court of Appeal reasoned that the structure of the clauses is that the risks covered are the perils “subject always to the exclusions.” The exclusion was meant to target detention by Customs, as supported by previous cases such as the Kleouvoulous of Rhodes and the Anita.

The court, it said, should be reluctant to read words into policies which are not there, especially in respect of those clauses which are for use in insurance contracts throughout the world.

Mr Moore said that in order to obtain Supreme Court permission to proceed further, the owner would need to demonstrate that there is a sufficiently arguable point of law; and that there is a point of general public importance at stake. Underwriters say there is no basis for such points.

What has become clear, he said, is that the smuggling of drugs or contraband is not a war risk, and not covered by standard policies. Owners should purchase additional cover in the market if they wanted to protect themselves against such a risk

Victoria Mott

He underlined that the courts continued to sway towards a more literal reading of contracts between two commercial parties –the principle being that a contract means what it says and says what it means even if it leads to disastrous consequences for one of the parties.

Finally, if the proximate cause of the loss is an excluded peril the loss is excluded.

On behalf of the IMIF audience, and of Jim Davis, the organisation’s long-time chairman who stepped down from the post a year earlier and who was unable to be present, Victoria Mott thanked Mr Moore and Mr Hofmeyr for their presentation; and expressed appreciation to Stephenson Harwood partner Julie Clegg and her colleagues at the law firm for their hospitality.

Mr. John M. Hadjipateras delivering his speech

Last night we witnessed one of the best ever events organised by the Oinoussai Benevolent Fund in support of people in multiple needs.

Once again this was organised at the London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square, attracting nearly 350 members, guests and their friends from the international shipping fraternity mainly in the United Kingdom and Greece.

The reception room was bursting to its seams during the pre-dinner drinks – quite a unique atmosphere with all participants in a jovial mood.

After the drinks all guests were asked to proceed to the Westminster Ballroom for dinner.

from the drinks reception; Anny Zade, Aggeliki Koutoulia, Eleni Papadakis and John Dimitrakopoulos

When all were seated and everything was set the very eloquent president of the Oinoussai Benevolent Fund John M. Hadjipateras delivered not just the usual fit to the occasion annual speech, but a very powerful one including the very serious migrants problems the island and all Greek islands face in the Eastern Aegean Sea, the relentless provocations by Turkey. Special mention was made of the islet of Panagia which lately has become the focal point given the despicable actions by Turkish forces intruding on Greece’s and Europe’s airspace pushing the patience of the locals and that of all Greeks worldwide to the limit. The words of Mr Hadjipateras can be read in full at the end of this report*.

Approaching next year the 75^th anniversary of the Oinoussai Benevolent Fund the president stressed the work that has been done after the successful involvement of the islanders with respect to the calls of big ferries at the Oinoussai port, the Merchant Marine Academy issue and he thanked all for continuing the fundraising for the various purposes which each individual identifies.

A view of the Westminster Ball Room

Just about the entire Square Mile was present supporting the event with representatives/guests from classification societies, P&I clubs, shipbroking firms, accountancy companies, marine insurers, legal practices, marine equipment & products and services. Among all these were DNV GL, Bureau Veritas, Lloyd’s Register, the American P&I Club, JLT, the London P&I Club, Moore Stephens LLP, the Chartworld Group, Seadock Marine Agencies, Seascope Insurance Services, TLT LLP, Fidentia Insurance Brokers, the West of England P&I, Victoria Steamship, Anemoi Marine Technologies and many others.

Good to see so many young people who continue to have an interest in the maritime adventure networking and participating and behaving as equal amongst equals!

The food and drinks were excellently selected as well as the service by the hotel’s personnel. DJ Avgoustinos continued, as last year round, to excite us with his music selection and fill the dancing floor…

One of Chartworld’s tables

The 14 raffle prizes were a treat for all winners and more importantly a big thanks to those offering same!

The scope of the evening too exceeded that of last year as it included the real charitable work and issues we have never heard in detail before such as “Volunteering in Chios” and many photographs of the work done as well as important visits and events on those blessed islands. More contributions in the form of advertising denotes the support of the international shipping community towards this charitable society; excellent!

Obviously most of you have read the acknowledgements in this year’s programme; one of them goes again to Stavros Haidemenos for his help in sourcing and supplying the Skinos Mastiha drink-shots in the appropriate glasses and temperature… Now you can see why we are all in high mental spirits…

A group of joyful guests from Bankserve

Continue to visit the charity’s website www.oinoussaibenevolentfund.com  and spread the charity’s good work for all its scope!

See you all next year at the 75^th anniversary event!

______

*Mr. John Hadjipateras’ speech:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends of Oinoussai,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this year’s Oinoussian Ball.

On behalf of the Oinoussai Benevolent Fund, I thank you all for being here, and for your continued support towards our cause.

Niki Tiga with Carolyn Vullo

The Fund has now been operating for 74 years, since 1942, offering financial assistance to poor and sick compatriots, whether on the island of Oinoussai or in wider Greece.

Over the decades, the Fund has also supported the educational, cultural and athletic institutions on the island.

Having completed my first eighteen months as President, I’d like to update you on the main events which have recently affected our island. But before that, I should mention three recent events, coincidentally all starting with the letter B, which are likely to change the world we know. Firstly, the Baltic Exchange, which is now in the hands of SGX, Singapore. Secondly, we have Brexit…………or do we?, and finally, we have the Buffon Blond, who will be moving into the White House early next year. Indeed interesting and challenging times ahead.

Carry on dancing; Demeter Laura Bond with swirling Lilian Evgenides

Going back to our Benevolent Fund and Oinoussai, perhaps the most important and significant development was the commencement of the direct ferry service from the port of Piraeus, last November. As soon as the new jetty on Oinoussai was completed, Blue Star Ferries began a twice weekly service, linking the island with Piraeus, via Mytilene, Psara and Chios. This has put Oinoussai well and truly on the map and has greatly facilitated the delivery of goods and building materials to the island.

Secondly, as I mentioned lastyear, Oinoussai did not escape from the migrant crisis which affected Greece and all of Europe. Being situated only a few miles from the Turkish coast and the port of Cesme, the island became a regular stepping stone for migrants seeking a route to Western Europe. During 2015, approximately 20,000 people passed through the island – an island which has one village with a winter population of around 500 people. Clearly the island’s resources were stretched, despite the migrants usually spending only around 48 hours on Oinoussai before being transported to Chios. Several young Oinoussians of the diaspora volunteered to help in the migrant camps in Chios and at the front part of your programmes there is an interesting first-hand account by Costas and Sophia Hadjipateras of their volunteer work experiences.

Dr. Dora Skoura, her sister Vanessa (extreme left) and friends dancing

Thirdly, there were territorial claims and provocation by the Turkish military around Oinoussai’s eastern-most islands of Panayia and Vatos. Whilst Vatos is uninhabited, Panayia’s island accommodates the Greek military look-out and guard-house, as well as a small chapel dedicated to the Zoodochos Pighi, or Life-Giving Spring. In order to protect the boundaries of Oinoussai, which are also the boundaries of the Diocese of Chios, a boundary of Greece and a boundary of Europe, the Metropolitan Bishop of Chios instigated a campaign to nominate the small chapel as a place of national pilgrimage.

Normally a miracle has to be recorded in order to become a place of pilgrimage. In this case, the awe-inspiring achievement of this remote chapel was deemed to be the contribution of Oinoussian shipping to the area and to the Greek nation as a whole. This was unanimously agreed by the Greek Orthodox Church and a decree was passed by the Greek Parliament in July of this year. The Bishop of Chios has nominated the first wardens of the chapel to be the ambassadors of Oinoussai on a local, national and international level. As ambassadors for the Oinoussian diaspora overseas, the Oinoussai Benevolent Fund has been appointed one of the six trustee wardens. A celebratory service was held on the island in August and some photos from the event can be found in your programmes.

Maria M. Hadjipateras on centre stage!

Returning now to the activities of our Fund, we continue to find that, whilst capital controls remain in place, we are of great use, being situated outside of Greece and thus able to offer assistance to compatriots who, for example, have had their pensions slashed, or who require medical assistance which the state can no longer subsidize, or whose medications have drastically increased in cost.

We are pleased to report that the island’s infirmary and doctor’s surgery are presently undergoing a complete refurbishment, fully financed by the Oinoussai Benevolent Fund. This important project is critical for the infrastructure of the island.

Furthermore, due to the state’s cutbacks, the schools on the island, including the prestigious Naval Academy for Merchant Mariners, have all suffered due to lack of financial and material resources.

Aggeliki Koutoulia, Antonis D. Faraklas, Anny Zade and Helen Blioka

Recognising the importance of these institutions to life on the island, the Fund has continued to proudly support the Subsistence Fund which provides subsidised meals for the students of the Naval Academy. This Fund was set up and run by the late Alexandros Lygnos and the current mayor, Captain Stefanos Voyatzis. Sadly, Alex Lygnos, passed away in August, and is greatly missed by all of us. He passionately supported the pastoral care of the students of the Naval Academy and gave so much of his own time to ensure that the reputation of the Naval Academy was upheld.

By focussing on the medical and educational facilities on the island, the Oinoussai Benevolent Fund is helping to keep a strong sense of community, always in good and close cooperation with our brother organisation, the Society of Friends of Oinoussai (SFO), and the Municipal Office.

Sofia Konstantopoulou Papadopoulos with Iris Liaskoni and Janaina Baxevanis

Our thanks, as always, go out to SFO’s President, Mr George Daniil, and the Mayor of Oinoussai, Captain Stefanos Voyatzis, for their continued support and cooperation.

I also thank all the members of the Executive Committee for their support and assistance in the smooth running of the Fund.

The Ladies Entertainment Committee deserve all of our great thanks for their tireless efforts in putting together this wonderful evening.

It is worth noting that the voluntary nature of both of these Committees and of the Membership all confirm the Fund’s purpose.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our members, fellow-Oinoussians and you all, who by being here tonight are showing your support and faith in our cause. On behalf of the Oinoussai Benevolent Fund, I thank you all for joining us tonight.

l to r: Iris Liaskoni, Pailette Paleologou, Christina Sinopli. Pappas and Anny Zade

Finally, I remind you that next year, the Fund will be celebrating its 75^th anniversary and I do hope that you will all join us for a very special celebration. Details will be announced early next year.

Meanwhile, please enjoy this evening’s food, wine and entertainment.

Chris Evans

29 November 2016, London, UK. Uncertainty around Brexit has caused a slowdown in the number of government tenders to the technology sector according to technology solutions provider hSo (http://www.hso.co.uk/). In the run up to the Brexit vote in June, government tenders were steadily being issued, however since the vote and confirmation that the UK electorate wishes to leave the European Union there has been a slowdown.

In the nine months running up to the UK’s EU Referendum in June of this year there had been 815 tenders per month on average, but in the subsequent five months there have been only 652 per month, representing a decline of 20% (see chart at the end).

There remains a strong pipeline of government tenders being issued to private sector firms in a bid to drive efficiencies and cost savings, however the evidence suggests that the uncertainty caused by Brexit is the reason for the marked slowdown, stalling the good progress that had been made in the run up to the referendum when many more competitive tenders were being issued. Up until this summer the process has helped government departments cut costs by overhauling their internal infrastructures and using alternative IT and network solutions that are more cost effective than better known household names.

Chris Evans, Managing Director of hSo said of the findings:

“There is plenty of economic data and evidence suggesting that the UK economy has been resilient in the face of the Brexit vote. We were particularly encouraged by the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement with the focus on investment in infrastructure and improving productivity, which will give rise to many more opportunities for hSo in the private sector as companies find ways of becoming more efficient and keeping costs down.

“However, in respect to public sector government tenders issued, there has been a slowdown since the EU Referendum. It’s understandable, given we have recently had the appointment of a new Prime Minister that the new administration is accustoming itself and looking to make its mark. However, this shouldn’t prevent them from maintaining the momentum that was evident earlier in the year ahead of the Brexit vote.

“We saw important infrastructure projects such as Hinkley Point temporarily put on hold straight after the referendum, but we remain optimistic that the news flow around these large scale national infrastructure projects will not impact the government’s tendering process into the New Year. However, with the recent political uncertainty presented by Trump’s victory in the US, there are potentially more reasons for inertia to set in at a time when the UK economy needs as much help and stimulus as possible.

“Before the Brexit vote there was clearly a big push by private and public sector SMEs to reign in their IT and network infrastructure spend, but since then as economic activity has slowed there’s now even greater reason for businesses to look at more cost efficient network, telephony and hosting solutions. Just as the political, financial and services sector landscapes are being disrupted, hSo is disrupting the technology space by challenging the more established traditional providers of choice.”

Source: Data collated from Crown Commercial Service http://ccs-agreements.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/contracts/rm1045

About hSo
Founded in 2000, HighSpeed Office Ltd (hSo) is a leading and award winning network service provider specialising in delivering bespoke cloud solutions for voice, data and IT security. hSo provides UK organisations with whole of market site-to-site connectivity, Internet access, hosted telephony, virtualisation and direct connections to Public Cloud Services providers.

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(l to r): Nicholas Marshall, Commercial Director Armitt,, Clemence Cheng, Managing Director Hutchison Ports Europe (seated), Allan Seedhouse, Director Armitt, Charles Gray, Managing Director Armitt (seated), Mark Taylor, Director, Hutchison Logistics (UK)

ARMITT GROUP SIGNS CONTRACT WITH HUTCHISON PORTS TO BUILD STEEL HANDLING FACILITY AT LONDON THAMESPORT     

The Armitt Group, a respected UK shipping agent and specialist logistics company, has signed an agreement with Hutchison Ports for a purpose built, 120,000 square feet specialist steel handling facility at London Thamesport.

Construction of the first phase of 60,000 square feet is currently well underway with completion expected by the end of April 2017. Freight will move through the facility as early as May 2017.

The opening of a specialist steel terminal at London Thamesport is significant. This deep water facility will offer reduced sea freight distances for both short and deep sea steel importers as well as superb rail links straight into the heart of the United Kingdom.

Commenting on the agreement, Nicholas Marshall, Commercial Director of The Armitt Group, said:

“With no lock, beam or draft restrictions to be concerned about, delivering break bulk into London Thamesport is an attractive proposition for importers.

“Sailing times will be cut by three to four days compared to ports on the UK’s west coast or those further up the east coast. When you consider the savings to be made on fuel, travel time and port costs, plus the reduction in CO2 emissions, delivering into London Thamesport is an easy decision for importers to make.

“We have had significant enquiries from current and prospective clients who realise the multiple advantages in sailing directly into a rail connected, deep water facility and being able to use larger vessels over shorter sailing distances.”

The new facility will internally accommodate a complete cargo train to facilitate fast, straightforward train loading. With direct access to a five track railway linking to the Midlands and North of England, a significant amount of traffic will be taken off the already congested UK road network.

Charles Gray, Managing Director of The Armitt Group, said:

“We see this new relationship with London Thamesport as a great opportunity to open up a new supply chain corridor for The Armitt Group to service European and Far Eastern markets. It is a critical link in our plan to develop a fully integrated supply chain across the UK.

The new facility will be operated by The Armitt Group and has been designed specifically for the handling of high quality steel products. The investment is the first in a three stage plan by The Armitt Group to develop similar multimodal facilities in the Midlands and North of the UK within the next three years.

From 1 January 2020, a new global sulphur cap on marine fuels will come into effect which will turn the whole bunker industry upside down; and World Fuel Services is urging the shipping, bunkering and energy sectors to work together to meet this new challenge.

The 2020 deadline for the new 0.50% cap, which is a significant reduction on the 3.50% global limit currently in force, was confirmed at the 70^th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). This will be a huge undertaking but it is not unexpected. The industry has already had many years to prepare for this reckoning.

MARPOL Annex VI was first adopted almost two decades ago back in 1997 and came into force in 2005.The global sulphur cap was set at 4.50% before being lowered to 3.50%. Given that the average level of sulphur in marine fuel oil in 2015 was 2.45%, these limits were not so onerous. However, the maritime community and their bunkering partners have had to meet rigorous targets in the Emission Control Areas (ECAs) – where a 1% sulphur limit was introduced in 2010, and a 0.10% cap in 2015. This experience in the ECAs will be invaluable preparation for 2020.

Prudent shipping companies and bunker suppliers have already been honing their strategies and making their preparations years in advance. For many, this has been a case of not just planning, but also doing. With the introduction of the ECAs, bunker suppliers have already begun to establish their sources of low sulphur fuel supply.

In addition to buying low sulphur fuel, shipowners can reduce their sulphur emissions by installing exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS or scrubbers). Using alternative fuels is another avenue that some shipowners have followed. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the best known and has been winning support. In addition to LNG, shipowners can also look at other “clean” energy sources, such as methanol, ethanol, biofuels, solar power and fuel cells. They won’t be appropriate for all ships, but they will play their part in the overall energy mix.

IMO has not set specific sanctions and/or fines for not complying with the new regulations: instead these will be determined by the individual States. But we can be sure that the consequences to non-compliance will not be trivial.

Communication will be vital in the run-up to 2020. The world’s refining sector, the fuel storage operators, the port and flag state authorities and, of course, the bunkering community will have to work together constantly to make sure that the tanks are full with the right kind of fuel on 1 January 2020. And on every day thereafter.

For shipowners lifting bunkers in ports all over the world and buying on the spot market from suppliers whom they have perhaps known only fleetingly, there could be considerable uncertainty. In many cases, bunker buyers will be looking to their trading partners to bridge this information gap – and this will become an increasingly important part of the trader’s role in the post-2020 bunker market.

A global organization such as World Fuel Services (WFS) does not just extend credit, it also provides credibility. Fuel buyers can have confidence that they are dealing with a partner who, with extensive expertise, is fully familiar with the fuel supply situation in every major port and has a clear understanding of each supplier’s reputation. Indeed, WFS will have a close knowledge not just of the supplier but of every player in the supply chain.

The WFS technical team will be tracking all the developments, filtering out the noise and getting the real news to their customers. Preparing for 2020 will be a costly business; and for companies that get their strategy wrong, it could be a very costly business indeed. WFS will be helping its clients make the right investments that will bring an environmental and operational return, and avoid the mistakes that could put their business in jeopardy.

About World Fuel Services

World Fuel Services is a global energy leader providing fuel and energy solutions to aviation, land and marine customers.  Services include support in distribution, logistics, operations, finance, consulting and technology.  World Fuel Services operates in more than 3,000 airports, 1,200 sea ports and 1,000 fuel stations in 200 countries and territories around the world – with one million barrels of liquid products supplied every day and two million financial transactions processed every year. As the trusted partner to the transportation and energy industries, World Fuel Services delivers expertise and single-source fuel solutions to keep business moving forward.

Dr. Yianni Doumenis

Quantimetrica:  Control any device with short voice commands

by Dr. Yiannis Doumenis   

Quantimetrica Ltd. is a company based in London, UK with a footprint also in San Francisco, California, Austin, Texas, USA and Athens, Greece. Quantimetrica specialises in voice recognition software and hardware which enables voice control of a variety of devices such as toys, wearables, cameras, and home or office automation products – all at low cost and without requiring an Internet connection! Applications to shipping cover surveillance, cyber-security and hands-free operation of security alarms or other equipment (e.g. emergency requests for help by immobilised crew). New applications emerge regularly as the markets become aware of Quantimetrica’s unique combination of powerful features, simplicity of use, wide applicability, and ease of integration.

Unlike most potential competitors, Quantimetrica’s solutions focus on:

• Powerful voice recognition, making it fun and more convenient to interact with controlled devices (see picture where any device with no further installation can be voice enabled by plugging it to the voice activated sockets shown – one under TV and one on the left);
• Small, affordable, low-power voice controllers which require no Internet connection and whose hardware specifications can be tailored to the price/functional needs of the controlled device;
• Easily updatable firmware to enable improvements on the user experience without additional capital costs and
• A cloud platform to collect data on the performance of the Quantimetrica solution and the controlled device, enabling iterative improvements in future versions.

Voice activated plugs in the living room; one under TV another to left

Quantimetrica’s advisory team comprises seasoned engineers such as Dr. David Tupman who developed several generations of iPod and iPhone products at Apple and who leads Quantimetrica’s technical advisory board; as well as Mr. Apostolos Lerios, a seasoned Silicon Valley entrepreneur who built Facebook’s infrastructure for image processing, and whose latest venture, Metanautix, a Big Data Analytics infrastructure startup funded by Sequoia Capital, was recently acquired by Microsoft.

Quantimetrica’s latest technical development includes a redesigned controller board which:

• Supports audio prompts and simple conversational/confirmation scripts for applications where the end-user should not activate the device by accident.
• Supports an external microphone, thus easing integration with and customisation by devices that already possess a microphone, or employ special-purpose microphones (under-water, far-range, etc.).

At its core, Quantimetrica’s mission is to help any device be controlled by voice, and thus create a more natural human interface. This is part of a broader industry trend evidenced both by existing commercial products such as Amazon’s Echo, Apple’s Siri, as well as research projects that will lead into future products, such as this example from the field of eldercare:

http://news.rice.edu/2016/12/08/rice-and-ibm-explore-watson-powered-robot-designed-to-aid-elderly-and-caregivers/

Although Quantimetrica’s current market focus is monitoring devices and toys, the company is actively exploring prototypes with partners. Quantimetrica welcomes inquiries by future partners who would like to add new communication capabilities to their devices, helping them catch up to the smart phone revolution, and ultimately broaden market reach and increase revenues.

For further information about Quantimetrica please visit www.quantimetrica.com or contact the company via email to info@quantimetrica.com.

…

London, UK, Wednesday, 14th December 2016 – Journalists and editors from across the supply chain and maritime industry were recognised for outstanding writing at The Seahorse Club’s awards in London last week at a full house in  the Steelyard, off Upper Thames Street in the Square Mile…

Twelve winners were awarded for articles, publications, and social media campaigns covering topics from the North Sea Passage to Amazon’s investment in transport and innovative ship design.

Lloyd’s List’s Janet Porter, Editor-in-Chief, was named Seahorse Journalist of the Year and was also the John Richman Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

Janet Porter, Editor-in-Chief, Lloyd’s List, the winner of the John Richman Lifetime Achievement Award and News Journalist Awar

“Janet is a phenomenal journalist, who is much loved by industry contacts and her newsroom colleagues,” said Peter Owen, Chairman, The Seahorse Club.

“Her passion for the subject at hand and attention to detail are second to none and she is a force within any organisation.”

Ines Nastali having just received her award

One of the awards was the first of its kind, the Journalism on Innovation Award, with Ines Nastali, Industry Reporter at The Marine Professional, scooping first prize, as well as taking home the Newcomer of the Year Award.

Julian Bray, Editor-in-Chief of Tradewinds, was named Seahorse Journalist of the Year, whilst Nicola Good, Executive Editor of Fairplay, was awarded International Editor.

David Harris, Editor of Cargo Facts, scooped Air Cargo Journalist of the Year, and Carly Fields, News Editor at Breakbulk won home Environmental Journalist.

Nicola Good, Executive Editor, Fairplay, awarded the International Editor Award with Pamela Wilczek, Head of Marketing, Hansa Heavy LiftThe Supply Chain Journalist of the Year award went to Mike King from Flying Typers, whilst Greg Miller, Senior Commerce Editor at Fairplay, won Social Media Journalist Award.

Other winners of the night included Helen Kelly and Gary Howard from Lloyd’s List, who were jointly named Feature Journalist of the Year. This category is always difficult to judge, and never more so than this year with over 40 entries.

Peregrine Storrs-Foxx, Risk Management Director at TT Club, was named winner of The John Rose Personality of the Year Award.

Gary Howard, News Editor, Lloyd’s List, Eric Derrer, Honorary Member, and Helen Kelly, Europe Editor-in-Chief, Lloyd’s List, winners of the Feature Journalist Award.

Great support for the nominated charity TRANSAID; a fantastic Christmas Catd Raffle in support of this very special cause!

The Seahorse Club is a networking group for journalists and professionals in the freight transport, shipping, and logistics sectors founded in 1963.

To find out more visit seahorseclub.co.uk

About Seahorse Club

The Seahorse Club is a lively networking group; a forum for public relations, marketing, advertising and journalism professionals within the freight transport, shipping and logistics sectors.

The Network was founded in 1963 with the main aim of providing a positive social and professional forum ‘promoting the promoters’ of sea travel. Since that date it has broadened its scope to embrace all other forms of transportation products, systems and services. The common bond is that Seahorse members enjoy the industry and enjoy sharing their experiences with other members.

Whether you represent transport principals or promote an in-house service, the Seahorse Club provides an excellent opportunity to meet others with similar jobs and interests. We hold regular events designed to inform, entertain and create debate, drawing on the experiences of members, special industry guests and trade journalists; in particular these include The Christmas Party and Journalist Awards and the Summer Barbecue.

Click here for more information.