‘Our Family and the Sea’ is a book for young children brought to you by MHSS and The Swedish Club, helping to support the wellbeing of seafaring families. Download this heart-warming story by scanning the QR code and read with your children at home or at sea.
You can keep up to date with the latest news on the ISSA website at www.shipsupply.org and send in your comments and views to the ISSA Secretariat either by phone on +44 (0)20 7626 6236; Fax +44 (0)20 7626 6234 or alternatively email secretariat@shipsupply.org
Foreword
Dear ISSA Members and Maritime Colleagues
Iaddress you only a month or so after what was a momentous ISSA 66 Convention in Seville when the world of quality ship supply rubbed very proud shoulders with buyers and sub suppliers alike to produce one of the best ISSA Conventions in decades.
Over 350 delegates and 22 buyers attended the headline conference as well as the much anticipated ‘Meet the Customer’ afternoons; socialised with their peer groups on and around the 36 exhibition stands; and enjoyed a very memorable ISSA 66 Gala Dinner. It was a joy to see business networking at the highest level and the calibre of speakers and the variety of important topics covered during the headline conference demonstrated how far ISSA has come in having its finger firmly on the pulse of global shipping.
A special thank you has to go to the speakers who gave up their time to make the conference a must attend event, and a huge debt of gratitude goes to our Convention sponsors without whose support, such events would not be possible. Thank you so much.
Convention is at the heart of what ISSA is all about because we believe so passionately about our industry and about the people who work in it. The success that was ISSA 66, will only encourage bigger and even better ISSA Conventions in future years and I would like to thank all of you who attended and made it an amazing occasion. I would also like to thank my colleagues on the ISSA Executive Board; on the ISSA Assembly; the ISSA Secretariat; and in particular Eugenio Mediavilla from my company Bayport, and his colleagues at AESMAR, for the hard work he, and all of those mentioned, put in to ensure the success of our Convention in Seville.
At the culmination of the Gala Dinner, the ISSA flag was ceremoniously passed over to Danny Lien, President of the Singapore Association of Shipsuppliers & Services in anticipation of ISSA 67 and I look forward with great enthusiasm to what will be another great Convention in that beautiful port city next year.
Please see coverage of this year’s Convention in the pages of this edition of The Ship Supplier. u
Happy reading.
Rafael Fernandez ISSA President
South America
Peru mega-port Chancay set to revolutionise trans-Pacific trade
The most important news in port activities in South America will be that, in 2025, the mega port of Chancay, Peru, will revolutionise maritime trade between South America and Asia, becoming the most important trans-Pacific shipping hub.
This will see the ports of Santos (Brazil) and Colon, Panama slip to joint second place in the rankings table.
One of the outstanding characteristics of Chancay is the creation of a special economic zone, which will encourage investment and allow the development of industrial and commercial projects in the region.
This area will offer tax and legal benefits to companies that decide to establish themselves there, so that it will turn that port into an economic powerhouse.
Port service companies in Peru will be happy from 2025, the year in which they will have to equip themselves for the significant increase in operations that will come to them.
Great prosperity is foreseen for our Peruvian ship suppliers and congratulations for a promising future!
As part of our review of South America we present the main ports in South America in terms of capacity and relevance to international trade today.
Port of Colon, Panama: About 5 million TEUs, the undisputed leader.
Port of Santos, Brazil: Approximately 4.4 million TEUs.
Port of Balboa, Panama: More than 3.5 million TEUs.
Port of Cartagena, Colombia: 3.4 million TEUs.
Port of Manzanillo, Mexico: 3.3 million TEUs.
Port of Callao, Peru: About 2.4 million TEUs.
Port of Guayaquil, Ecuador: 2.1 million TEUs.
Port of Kingston, Jamaica: 1.9 million TEUs.
Port of San Antonio, Chile: 1.8 million TEUs.
Puerto Lázaro Cárdenas, México: 1.6 million TEUs.
In graphic form we present the line-up of South American ports’ trade
Time will tell if the weight of the United States of America in the trade balance of Latin America and the Caribbean is decisive.
At this early stage of the transition of power in the USA led by the new president, Donald Trump, opinions are uncertain. However, there are some grounds for optimism.
It is looking likely that a good relationship has been established already with the Argentine government by President-elect Trump which will benefit that country and boost international trade.
Congratulations and success to our Argentine ship suppliers!
In Central America, the book-makers favourite for significant growth in its international trade is El Salvador due to its good harmony with the new government of the United States.
Therefore, it is estimated that its port movements
will grow significantly and that will undoubtedly benefit all the related service companies. Ship suppliers there will benefit.
Finally, reporting on the operating giants, Brazil and Panama, nothing will stop their growth. Their service infrastructure is highly efficient and vast; they are prepared to continue the path of growth to the joy of all the companies involved.
Good luck to our Members in Brazil and Panama!
Finally (in the wake of COP 29 recently staged in Azerbaijan) and supporting our Green ISSA focus, the sustainability of our seas will be not only the goal to be achieved but the obligation of all related companies.
Any action to educate the members of the companies to take care of our seas by making sustainability a daily requirement in operations will be the best success for a better, prosperous, and safe future for maritime trade. u
For all opportunities and magazine advertising please contact: Sales Team issa@elaboratecomms.com | +44 (0)1296 681 428 Editorial tsseditorial@elaboratecomms.com
MEDIA PACK MEDIA PACK MEDIA PACK 2025
Canada + USA
Challenging times ahead for North America
A gathering of the storm clouds appears to be facing the maritime industry in Canada and the United States of America.
The ship supply industry in Canada and the U.S.A faces several challenges, including economic pressures, environmental regulations, and ongoing labour disruptions at major ports.
These issues are creating bottlenecks in the supply chain, which are particularly affecting industries reliant on the timely delivery of goods.
In Canada, labour strikes in 2024 at key ports like Vancouver, Prince
Rupert, and Montreal have caused major disruptions.
The strikes, led by unions such as the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), have brought container traffic to a halt, disrupting the flow of automotive parts, consumer goods, and industrial materials.
These strikes are particularly damaging as Canadian ports serve as essential hubs for goods destined for the U.S.A. and global markets.
The closures have already impacted approximately $800 million in daily trade, forcing companies to seek more costly alternative logistics options.
Additionally, the strikes follow a 13-day labour action in 2023 that took months for businesses to fully recover from, further highlighting the vulnerability of the trade routes.
In the U.S.A., labour issues have emerged at key ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland.
Port of Oakland
Ongoing labour negotiations, work slowdowns, and brief stoppages are exacerbating the challenges faced by the U.S. maritime industry.
With U.S.A. ports serving as major entry points for goods from Asia, any disruption leads to delays in the availability of goods throughout North America. Labour shortages, rising fuel prices, and port congestion continue to stress the industry as it struggles to meet postpandemic demand.
In addition to labour disruptions, the ship supply industry is also adjusting to a changing regulatory environment. Both Canada and the U.S.A. are tightening emissions regulations, pushing ship supply companies to adopt more sustainable and energy-efficient practices.
While these measures align with broader environmental goals, they require significant investment in new technologies, which adds to the financial strain faced by businesses
already dealing with rising labour costs and delays.
Looking ahead, a potential new development is the formation of a new Ship Supply Association in the U.S.A. by former NAMS members.
This association could either operate independently or collaborate with the Canadian ship supply association. The decision is expected to be made soon, and it may offer an opportunity for industry stakeholders to address these challenges together, fostering stronger co-operation between Canada and the U.S.A. maritime supply sectors.
In conclusion, the ship supply industry in Canada and the U.S.A is navigating a complex landscape, marked by labour disruptions, rising costs, regulatory changes, and the adoption of digital technologies.
Its ability to adapt will be critical for maintaining a resilient and efficient supply chain in the years ahead. u
Port of Montreal
Canadian Robert Zeagman elected to the ISSA Board
Well-known Canadian and doyen of the ship supply industry – Robert Zeagman – has been elected to the ISSA Board at its recent Meeting in Seville.
He is the President of Seagulf Marine Industries Inc., a family-owned business established in 1958 by his father, Edward Zeagman.
Raised on Montreal’s south shore in Preville (now Saint Lambert), Robert grew up in a close-knit community, where he spent his childhood alongside his siblings, Lorraine and Brian.
An avid sports enthusiast, Robert found joy in ice hockey, football, baseball, and golf—passions he continues to pursue today.
After completing high school at McDonald Cartier and studying business at the Montreal School of Business, Robert joined the family business in 1978, initially unsure if he would stay.
Working from the ground up, he gained hands-on experience that included roles in the warehouse and delivery, giving him insight into the importance of accuracy and customer satisfaction in the ship supply industry. This foundational experience sparked his entrepreneurial drive and deepened his respect for the business his father had built.
Over the years, Robert became a key figure in Canada’s marine supply industry, serving as President of the Canadian Ship Supply & Services Association (CSSA), an organisation his company helped establish.
Recognized by peers globally, he was recently elected to the Executive Board of the International Ship Suppliers & Services Association (ISSA).
His leadership extends beyond business into community service: as President of the Grunt Club, a goodwill organization supporting the marine community, he initiated annual donations to Montreal Children’s Hospitals. Robert also served as President of Mariners House of Montreal, a safe space for visiting sailors, and remains active on its board.
Today, Robert continues to lead Seagulf Marine Industries with his sons, Alexander and Austin, who are preparing to take on future leadership of the company. His daughter, Allyssa, has followed her own path as a nurse practitioner. Robert takes pride in his family’s achievements, both personal and professional, and considers his children his closest friends.
Outside of work, Robert cherishes family time with his wife, Heather, and their seven grandchildren, all born within the last five years, bringing new energy and joy to his life.
Balancing his business responsibilities with leisure, Robert enjoys ice hockey, skiing, golfing, pickleball and traveling, sharing these pursuits with loved ones. His life and career reflect dedication to family, community, and the values of hard work and integrity. u
Green ISSA
More sailing cargo ships boost successful partnership
France-based water treatment pioneer BIO-UV Group has secured an agreement with shipbuilder Piriou Group to supply its BIO-SEA ballast water treatment technology to a further six wind-powered cargo ships building for French operator TOWT (TransOceanic Wind Transport).
The new deal follows an initial 2022 contract to supply BIO-SEA systems to the first two vessels in the series, both of which – Anemos (Greek for wind) and Artemis (Zeus’s daughter, the Greek goddess of nature) – have now been delivered. Six sisters are scheduled to follow in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Each of the new 81m long vessels will be fitted with a D-2 compliant low flow L03-0090 BIO-SEA system in a split skid arrangement to treat ballast water flow rates of 90m3/hour.
Due to machinery space constraints and a small system footprint, the BIO-SEA unit will include a Hydac filtration system designed to optimise ballast holding times.
BIO-UV Group CEO Laurent-Emmanuel Migeon said: “Both these Piriou-designed wind-powered ships mark a decisive step in the development of sustainable navigation.
“BIO-UV Group is committed to working with shipowners and shipyards that are pushing the boundaries of innovation and design to build a new generation of ships that respect the marine ecosystem.”
Sailing cargo ships particularly suit the ultra-compact, easy-to-use BIO-SEA L series due to their low flow rate ballasting requirements, ranging from 13 to 120m3/h. System components are delivered all-inclusive and can be supplied in various configurations, such as modular, split skid or full skid versions, allowing maximum adaptability for onboard system integration. u
www.bio-uv.com
Photo credit: @TOWT @Ronan Gladu
Medical & Safety
Zelim successfully demonstrates ZOE MOB detection system to Canadian Search & Rescue Services
Zelim, the Edinburgh-based maritime safety and survival innovator, is co-operating with CASARA, Canada’s Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, following the successful demonstration of its ZOE Intelligent Detection and Tracking system. The trials took place in September, in British Columbia, Canada. during the National SAREX 24 Search and Rescue exercise.
CASARA, a volunteer organisation that participates in many of the county’s search and rescue missions at sea and on land, tested the AI-enabled ZOE system with its drone capability the better to detect persons in the water during realistic ocean search scenarios.
Co-developed with the US Coast Guard, ZOE is an AIpowered search tool designed autonomously to detect and track people and objects in water, in real time.
Since the development of the ZOE system, Zelim has been collecting data across a huge range of search scenarios and weather conditions to train artificial intelligence detection models.
The technology was put to the test during SAREX 24, where drones were flown over a section of coastline that had mannequins floating on the sea surface. As the drone flew over the water on its search, ZOE spotted the mannequin in the water and raised an alarm, drawing the search operator’s attention to their whereabouts.
Other objects that were thought to be persons in the water detected by human searchers and other detection methods that rely on frame differencing were correctly ignored by ZOE. These other objects turned out to buoys, lobster pots and light reflections on the water.
Zelim CEO Sam Mayall said: “We’re thrilled to have been invited to participate in the Canadian National SAREX and to work with the teams from CASARA and the RCAF to demonstrate ZOE’s search capabilities in an operational search.”
Following the success of the trials, Zelim is now working with other organisations in Canda to optimise their search and rescue operations and hopes to deploy ZOE operationally with CASARA in the coming months. u
www.zelim.com
:The demonstration under way in Canada
Technology
All MSC Vessels migrate to the Source2Sea Digital Marine Platform
Shipping company MSC has announced that all their 700+ vessels have joined the Source2Sea Digital Marine Platform for storing their ships.
The company has taken this bold step of streamlining their supply operation by embracing the real-time digital platform offered by Source2Sea.
An added benefit of going digital is the ability to chart a path to transparent, streamlined procurement leading to accurate, time efficient deliveries.
In addition, the regular supply categories are covered including provisions, stores, spare parts, chemicals, paints, and lubes.
MSC’s direction has been clear from the start of discussions: make a digital transformation of their procurement and supply processes that substantially improves efficient working ashore and at sea, “easy-to-use” assisting with crew welfare onboard.
“The first and most important step in this transformation journey has been to acknowledge that, until now,
CEO, Mikael Weis
the industry has not been ready to an extent necessary to drive the transformation.
“Our close collaboration with Source2Sea and key suppliers of ours has accelerated this journey that has been pivotal for MSC and is poised to be so for the marine supply industry as well.
“We are now rapidly expanding to other suppliers who are either already on the platform or coming on the platform in the coming period,” says Luigi Staccoli, Chief Procurement Officer, MSC.
Luigi Staccoli continues “We needed to create a common framework with suppliers and move from generic items to specific items through a digital platform.”
Sharing data is critical to the new supply arrangements. This, Source2Sea willingly provides.
With this shared data, there is only one source of truth for both the shipping companies and their suppliers, thereby preventing misunderstandings and mis-deliveries.
Now, MSC Procurement, MSC Technical Management, MSC Fleet and the suppliers know exactly what is being ordered and delivered and the price.
“In essence, we have seen a development where the Source2Sea platform has made provisions ordering and delivery as well as controlling vessel spend a much easier process across our procurement and fleet management functions as well as the fleet itself. Errors have been almost eliminated.
“I am particularly pleased about this transformation,”
Luigi Staccoli concludes.
Despite its small share of Operating Expenditure (OPEX), having the right provisions, stores and consumables onboard has an outsized impact on seafarers’ wellbeing and safety.
Mikael Weis, CEO Source2Sea explains: “The shipping and ship supply industries have been slow to join the digital transformation, but now that broadband satellite connectivity has become available onboard all vessels, things are changing fast.
Editorial credit: MartinLueke / Shutterstock.com
“Our digitalisation of marine procurement and supply reduces complexity, enables reduced cost through greater efficiency and transparency, and will finally benefit all stakeholders in the supply chain, including the vessel crews.”
The shared data is accessible in real-time on the Source2Sea platform. It is seamlessly integrated with shipping companies’ Fleet Management Systems and the ship suppliers’ ordering and ERP systems.
Mikael Weis continued “On the supplier side, the processes have also become much more efficient and effective. The former analog ordering – and at times unintentional communication disconnect – was inefficient, time consuming and costly for both MSC and the provisions, stores and consumables suppliers.
“In place is now an efficient process eliminating endless Requests-for-Quotation and orders that have to be more or less interpreted by suppliers.
“Instead: hassle free delivery of the right products in the right quality onboard the vessels reducing returns to almost zero and – most importantly – strong customer satisfaction at all levels”.
It is a vital feature for MSC that they are now able to ensure that the items meet their ESG demands.
This information is made accessible for the crew, which helps MSC manage their waste on board – mitigating overspends and food waste.
Source2Sea aims to empower crews and purchasers as well as incentivise suppliers, all the while reducing costs and increasing transparency. The marketplace is developed in close collaboration with and for leading industry players on both the supply and demand sides.
Source2Sea is already serving leading shipping companies and suppliers globally with solutions at scale –and growing rapidly. u
www.source2sea.com
Shipping invoicing all set for a digital makeover
Shipping is notorious for its unpredictability and uncertainty, both of which are not ideal for effective business planning.
Rising operating costs and expenses, from fuel and maintenance to ensuring vessels are compliant with new environmental regulations, have resulted in razor-thin financial margins for maritime players. Moreover, it is forcing shipping companies to make tough decisions and look for more innovative strategies to navigate uncertain financial waters.
Digital platforms are coming online to help eliminate manual pain points for shipping companies that often have an ‘oldschool’ approach to day-to-day operations. These platforms are doing their part to make shipping companies more effective and enable crucial cost savings to be found, sometimes in the most niche of areas.
The latest sector looking to adapt to a more technological approach to operations is in the realm of marine procurement invoicing.
Athens-based Procureship’s latest offering to the maritime sector is its e-invoicing platform, which utilises automation and Machine Learning to optimise a process that is both time-consuming and challenging within the procurement cycle.
The feature uses automatic recognition to identify and match invoice items line-byline for any type of invoice from vendors. With shipping companies often having to pay hundreds of invoices at any one time, this system is designed to streamline the invoicing process, giving procurement teams and financial leaders a great deal more time to focus on more business-critical activity, as well as bring down costs per invoice.
Its development, however, began from a spur of the moment encounter with a shipping company’s finance team that showcased the traditional challenges that ship owners face.
“We were presenting Procureship’s purchasing module to a prospective client with a live demonstration in their office.
“When we left the room, there were two people standing there with a lot of printouts and papers, as well as a ruler and a pen. When we asked what they were working on, they said they were doing e-invoice checking, ensuring that their invoices matched against the purchasing orders.
“They were manually checking lists of hundreds of items, a situation that is all too familiar to the maritime procurement sector, in what we immediately realised was a painful process and one that did not add value,” said Aris Manassakis, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Procureship.
“It was at this point we realised we could develop a sophisticated feature within the Procureship platform that could automate this process, cutting down on time spent checking invoices for both procurement and finance teams.
“Today, Procureship’s e-invoicing feature is being used by several of our global clients and can identify invoice items on any type of invoice and automatically map them with relevant delivery orders, offering a huge advantage when it comes to time saved and reduction of errors.
“The feature speeds up the entire invoice collection, matching and submission process by more than 60% and these numbers are improving consistently.”
With paper-based purchase orders, legacy software and infrequent data updates still commonplace, Mr. Manassakis noted that trying to break the hesitancy of shipping companies and their buying teams remains a major hurdle.
At a time when budgets for niche but business critical areas such as procurement are getting ever tighter, shipping companies are leveraging every opportunity to find savings.
Most importantly, however, a little less paperwork is best for everyone. u
Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Procureship
Aris Manassakis,
Compliance
The
shipping industry’s long voyage toward supply chain transparency: more companies are recognising the necessity of better reporting and considering how a collaborative approach can help, writes Dr Paul Stanley, the CEO of Achilles.
Acombination of tightening regulation and the trend towards ESG reporting are creating market pressure for supply chain due diligence and transparency across many sectors. The maritime industry is no different.
From ports and shipyards to suppliers, shipowners and operators, organisations are increasingly seeking to understand how their partners perform in terms of labour standards, human rights and environmental protection.
Vessel owners and operators in Norway and the European Union were some of the first to come under pressure from clients and investors to comply with ethical sourcing programmes and to report on labour practices and human rights in their supply chain.
Now, interest is growing in the Middle East and Asia, especially where carriers are operating assets and moving cargo for western clients.
Given the gradual spread of regulation and a desire for best practice, it is surprising how little attention supply chain due diligence has received until now.
Despite some residual cynicism around the topic of ESG in the shipping industry, vessel operators are beginning to address it with greater seriousness. However, there is a need for these often-internal dialogues to evolve from an arm’s length view to recognition of the near-term risks.
Even where national legislation doesn’t demand detailed reporting, there is a growing desire to align with the prevailing trend. This increased awareness reflects the emergence of the issue as a reputational risk, particularly thanks to investigations by the media, NGOs and IGOs.
Beyond the baselines of the OECD best practice framework and ISO standards, the primary driver to the increased focus on reporting are two European Union instruments, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
The related ESRS reporting index will introduce new rules for maritime companies to report on their social and environmental credentials.
The measures are estimated to affect 50,000 companies globally and are already in force for qualifying EU-domiciled businesses. The EU has given until 2028/29 for non-EU companies that do business in the EU to meet its requirements.
Other countries with whom the EU is a major trading partner are developing similar requirements and aligning them with the directives. Nations including Canada, Australia and Singapore have either enacted or are considering regulations, while others have developed voluntary guidance on due diligence from a human rights perspective.
For some actors in the industry, the desire to look closely at their supply chain is tempered by the understandable concern about what they may find.
Audits conducted by Achilles have uncovered troubling conditions at construction and repair facilities in the Middle East and Asia. Facilities in these regions commonly employ migrant labour recruited through agencies and abuses have included debt bondage, passport retention and even forced labour.
In some cases, companies are paying lip service to the issues. Many have a modern slavery statement on their website, and they probably believe this indicates they are taking the issue seriously.
A well drafted statement could run to 20 or 30 pages. We know of at least one maritime company whose statement extends to just two pages.
Highlighting the issue in a July 2024 publication, maritime lawyers Norton Rose Fulbright noted that: “The maritime shipping industry remains an area of high modern slavery risk given the vulnerabilities of seafarers, recognised as among the most essential yet vulnerable working populations in our global economy.
“These vulnerabilities are exacerbated by the fragmentation of regulatory oversight among flag states, limited visibility of conditions on board, complex supplier
arrangements and practical limitations on effective enforcement of working standards.”
The truth, as anyone familiar with the shipping industry knows, is that standards vary widely, whether by flag state, vessel operator, port or inland carrier.
Some sectors, including fishing fleets have become regular targets for activists concerned about the treatment of workers based on historic issues of abuse.
It can be easy to underestimate the due diligence required for ESG and supply chain reporting and across a large fleet. What appears a simple process can quickly become unwieldy. Internal and external audits are a continuous source of pressure and stress both for suppliers and buyers – in part because there are no agreed standards.
Most companies employ a manual onboarding process using spreadsheets, since legacy purchasing systems do not support the full breadth and width of the data sets required, including sanction checks.
Often the forms designed to gather information from suppliers include poor levels of data quality, lack detail or contain no questions about environmental performance or labour practices.
Service providers are typically asked to disclose supply chain data multiple times by different clients. In a cost-sensitive trading environment it makes little sense to duplicate this effort, wasting both time and money.
Even some of the largest companies are not doing as well as they might. By sharing data with a neutral third party there is an opportunity to improve reporting for buyers and suppliers alike. By recognising the scale of the challenge, this can be done in a collaborative way that generates a wider industry benefit. u
www.achilles.com
Ports & Agency Services
Ship agents look for synergy as Europe’s offshore wind sector booms. As Europe’s offshore wind industry experiences unprecedented growth, ship agents are leveraging synergy and cross-border collaboration to manage the complex logistics of massive international projects in the North Sea.
With the offshore wind industry experiencing unprecedented growth in Europe, the complexity and scale of projects in the region have reached new heights.
Offshore wind farms have evolved from modest installations to massive infrastructures spanning international waters. Turbines are now taller, blades longer and capacities greater than ever before. This escalation in size and complexity demands a co-ordinated effort across multiple countries, ports and regulatory environments.
COLLABORATION
The North Sea is witnessing an era where interconnectivity and collaboration between surrounding nations are
not just beneficial, but essential. This is particularly the case for ship agents that are being called upon to tap into the benefits of multiple offices and regions to offer logistical and marine energy support for increasingly gargantuan projects.
“Today’s offshore wind projects in the North Sea are no longer confined to a single nation’s waters,” says Sebastian Jonsson, Managing Director of GAC Denmark. “More than ever, they stretch across borders, requiring seamless coordination between all the stakeholders across multiple municipalities to ensure everything runs smoothly.”
Increasingly, agents are being called upon to manage the intricate supply chain for offshore wind projects in the North Sea. From customs clearance and crew changes to procurement and emergency response, their experience becomes even more critical when projects span multiple countries, each with its own set of regulations and logistical challenges.
Sebastian Jonsson - Managing Director of GAC Denmark
“The role of a port agent is multifaceted. We are the eyes and ears on the ground, ensuring that vessels can dock, unload, and depart without unnecessary delays. In the context of offshore wind, any delay can have significant financial and operational repercussions on the entire project,” notes Jonsson.
His team in Denmark has recently worked closely with their counterparts in Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom on several offshore energy projects in the North Sea. Such crossborder collaboration has helped bring them in on time and on budget.
“Our strength lies in our network backed by a unique combination of shipping, logistics and marine expertise,” he adds. “By interconnecting with fellow ship agents across borders, we can more easily anticipate challenges, share knowledge and skills, and provide relevant solutions more effectively. It also builds confidence in offshore projects, knowing that ship agents are becoming increasingly prepared to service all aspects of offshore energy projects and their logistical complexities.”
He cites the journey of a turbine blade as an example. It might be produced in Germany, shipped to a port in Denmark for assembly, and then transported to an installation site off the coast of the UK.
“Each step involves different regulations, customs procedures, and logistical considerations. Without coordinated port agents facilitating these transitions, the potential for delays and increased costs is significant,” Jonsson notes.
NAVIGATING REGULATIONS
Navigating the regulatory landscape is one of the more challenging aspects of offshore energy projects in the North Sea. Each country has its own set of laws regarding environmental protection, labour regulations, and maritime operations.
Understanding and complying with these regulations is nonnegotiable. Ship agents need local
expertise to keep abreast of all local laws and required standards to both help keep projects on schedule and build trust with local communities and stakeholders.
Jonsson believes that collaboration extends beyond the internal network of port agents. Building strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and even competitors is vital in an industry where shared challenges require collective solutions.
LESSON
“The offshore wind sector is unique in that our competitors today might be our partners tomorrow. By fostering a collaborative spirit, we can tackle industry-wide issues such as supply chain bottlenecks, regulatory hurdles, and technological advances more effectively,” he adds.
“This is a lesson for other regions of the world that are looking to enhance their own offshore energy capabilities. The North Sea has become an offshore wind powerhouse precisely because of Europe’s interconnectivity. Developing nations that have similar
Evidence of the burgeoning North Sea wind farming sector
access to wind power, such as Asia, cannot go it alone. You need partners to be successful.”
As offshore wind projects continue to grow in size and ambition, the role of ship agents will become even more critical. GAC Denmark is preparing for this future by expanding its network, investing in necessary technology, and continuing to develop its workforce.
“We see immense opportunities on the horizon for offshore wind,” says Jonsson. “The transition to renewable energy is a global priority, and offshore wind is at the forefront of that movement. By enhancing our capabilities and strengthening our international connections, we aim to support this transition and contribute to a more sustainable future both in Europe and around the world.
“For decades, ship agents have been the main point of contact between vessels, port authorities, terminal operators and other stakeholders at port. Our experience of the advance of offshore wind in the North Sea puts us in the ideal place to cater to the growing and demanding needs of offshore energy projects.” u
Life Saving Equipment
LALIZAS expands Its Commercial Presence in the Americas: New Branch in Canada
Afew months after the announcement of the acquisition of Revere Survival in Jacksonville, LALIZAS is pleased to announce another significant expansion: the establishment of LALIZAS Canada. This new branch will enhance the company’s presence in the Americas.
LALIZAS is a family-owned company, whose vision is to produce high quality products that ensure safety at sea and distribute them in international markets through its wellestablished distribution network.
The manufacturer currently owns 10 branches in Spain, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, the UK, Turkey, China, the UAE, South Africa, and the USA, having a commercial presence in over 130 countries and more than 40 years of experience in the industry.
Recognising the unique challenges faced by the commercial industry, shipbuilders, and marine professionals, LALIZAS is prepared to provide safety equipment solutions that meet diverse customer needs and comply with all necessary approvals, ensuring safety on board.
LALIZAS Canada is located in Vancouver at 1275 Venables St, Unit 380, BC V6A 2C9. The branch is equipped with a fully stocked warehouse to offer a comprehensive range of equipment. Along with its B2B platform and other systems, it is committed to delivering high-quality solutions with a customer-centric approach.
Miguel Norato has been appointed as the Country Manager of LALIZAS Canada. He brings extensive experience in the maritime safety industry.
“As we set our roots in Canada, we are committed to encouraging strong relationships with local dealers and partners. We believe in the power of synergy and are eager to work together to enhance maritime safety across the country,” he said.
Stavros Lalizas, founder & CEO of the LALIZAS Group, stated, “This year, we proudly announced the acquisition of REVERE Survival, and now we launch our own branch in Canada. This shows that we are always open to identifying opportunities and are ready to take action.” u
London Club looks to develop green hydrogen risk solution Insurance
As green hydrogen becomes more prominent both in the maritime sector and in regional energy mixes, the need to understand the potential insurance liabilities related to the transport and storage of this product has become more pronounced.
Part of the solution could well come from traditional marine mutuals that already have experience and products in offshore and gas carrier shipping.
In August, the London P&I Club signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with H2Terminals to evaluate and develop insurance solutions for the shipping of green hydrogen into the UK market. The deal is thought to be the first of its kind in green hydrogen shipping and could play a significant role in the transition process to clean energy shipping.
“The London Club has a strong focus on sustainability and we recognise the potential of green hydrogen in the maritime sector,” said Reto Toggwiler, Chief Underwriting Officer at the London P&I Club.
“We hope that this project will be replicated as the benefits of green hydrogen and the way it is transported are appreciated around the world. We certainly see it as having the potential to be a trailblazer for the future.”
As part of the MoU, the London Club is looking to develop tailored insurance solutions, including specialised coverage for H2Terminals’ three types of hydrogen-powered
vessels, their patented liquid hydrogen storage systems, and innovative features such as onboard fuel cells and autonomous operations.
Crucially, the partnership is set to develop a customised insurance framework and best practices for insuring bulk liquid hydrogen transport.
“As a marine insurer, we want to understand more about how green hydrogen can be transported safely,
London P & I Club and H2 Terminals ink the MoU
what are the interactions with the offshore and onshore terminals, and the insurance liabilities that could potentially arise throughout the process,” Mr Toggwiler noted.
“The challenge is that green hydrogen is still a relatively new product and is therefore not commercially proven. We will work closely with H2Terminals to understand how they plan to produce green hydrogen for the UK market and how they plan to ship it,” he added.
At present, H2Terminals plans to produce green hydrogen up to 100 km offshore at Energy Island, using wind, solar and other renewable sources to electrolyse and liquify the fuel. It will then be transported via advanced LH2 carriers that will also be powered by green hydrogen fuel cells. Green hydrogen will then be distributed through power barges to deliver liquid and gas hydrogen, electricity and other byproducts at scale.
Although in the early stages of development, with a goal of producing up to 2 GW of green hydrogen by 2027, Mr Toggwiler noted the positive developments that have already taken place between H2Terminals and the London Club.
“We have been talking with them in increasing detail recently. It’s been a very interactive process and we are working to understand their plans and identify insurance and risk considerations that should be taken into account.
“The task is to determine what can and can’t be covered, and what cover needs to be placed elsewhere. For example, in principle, the London Club is happy to insure the offshore terminal and fleet, based on our expertise in offshore and gas carrier shipping,” he noted.
“However, another challenge is calculating the pricing without historic data as this is such a new product. We also need to be aware of expanding risk profiles, particularly surrounding the carriers’ interaction with the offshore and onshore terminals.
“For now, there is nothing different from the thousands of vessels we already insure so we are looking to put our knowledge and experience into practice to ensure green hydrogen can become a viable fuel for both the maritime sector and the UK energy market,” Mr Toggwiler added. u
www.londonpandi.com
It’s time to be serious about sanctions
By Roger Symes, Director, Marine Debt Management
As the world becomes a more difficult and dangerous place, ship suppliers have typically adopted the age-old slogan, “Keep Calm and Carry On”. Despite increased delays in receiving goods and higher costs, ISSA members are committed to meeting their customers’ needs.
In the urge to “get the job done”, regardless of obstacles, the issue of sanctions has been given insufficient thought by some. Thinking sanctions were irrelevant to their businesses has left them out of pocket. Therefore, as the scope of sanctions is certain to increase in 2025, it is worth evaluating whether it’s time to amend your business practices.
Sanctions are defined as a variety of measures imposed by one country or group of countries (for example, those in the European Union) against another country, organisation, or individual to encourage a change in behavior, punish
non-compliance with international norms or laws, or achieve specific policy objectives.
We often hear, “Sanctions don’t work”! The argument is that, since a particular trade continues after the introduction of sanctions, they serve no purpose. That is to misunderstand the role of sanctions. Their job is often to allow business to continue, whilst making it more difficult and, consequently, more costly. Sanctions can be imposed incrementally, with their scope being widened as restrictions are tightened. At the same time, particular goods and services may be excluded from sanctions if their uninterrupted supply is thought beneficial.
So, what are the implications for ship suppliers? Naturally, all ISSA members are keen to comply with the laws of the countries in which they operate. However, suppliers everywhere should also keep up to date on the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union. These three can and do impose secondary sanctions on foreign individuals and organisations they consider facilitate the breaching of sanctions.
Larger, multi-national ship suppliers usually have procedures in place to assess sanctions risk as part of their KYC (Know Your Customer) and credit risk procedures. Many others may think the issue is not relevant to them, whilst some believe sanctions present opportunities to secure business against reduced competition.
It is easy to sympathise with someone who argues, no one else has the right to say with whom they can do business. It is also true to say that we are not aware of any ship supply company that has been directly sanctioned, either by its own government or another. That said, there are two reasons for extra vigilance by all.
The first is that customers who are sanctioned tend to go out of business pretty quickly, often leaving debts unpaid. So, it is important to be alert to customers that are at risk of being sanctioned.
Secondly, there is no one more fearful of the imposition of sanctions than the banks. Almost all need to transact business in US Dollars via the United States. For a bank to be sanctioned would have a disastrous effect on it and its customers. This means banks are increasing their KYC checks and will rush to close the accounts of customers if ever there is a hint they might be trading with entities with the potential to be sanctioned.
Sanctions are with us for the long-term. Every business needs to take account of them. u
www.marinedebtmanagement.com
A Convention to top all ISSA Conventions
(and that was what the buyers were saying)
ISSA Board and Secretariat
As the saying goes: How many delegates and exhibitions stands does it take to create the most talked about ISSA Convention in years? Well in excess of 350 delegates, 36 exhibition stands (of the highest quality); not to mention 22 top industry shipowner and ship manager buyers; a high-level industry-matching conference agenda with international speakers to match; as well as an exquisite Gala Dinner with some of the best business networking in town.
And that is before we even talk about the beautiful Spanish City of Seville, the amazing Andalusian hospitality and the superb facilities and amenities afforded by the venue for this year’s ISSA Convention, the 5-star Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento hotel, looking amazing with its ISSA signage. And what a venue – a hotel wellknown for its architecture and design that evokes the Guggenheim Museum in New York, capturing the interest of the visitor at first sight. Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, a short walk from the Alameda de Hércules, famous for its bars and restaurants, and just a few minutes from all the historic sites of interest in Seville. What a treat.
As Rafael Fernandez, President of ISSA, said ahead of the official opening of Convention: “It is with so much pleasure and delight that I welcome you to the beautiful city of Seville for this year’s ISSA66 Convention. And I can promise you a few days of the best business networking and social interaction with your industry peers, as well as with your customers, the buyers.
“Convention is an important annual event for ISSA because it gives us an opportunity to showcase quality ship supply to the wider world. And we will be doing that in spadefuls here in Seville this week, especially as we have an even larger number of our valued customers participating through our ever-growing ‘Meet the Customer’ initiative.
ISSA Timeline
Gurdip Singh MTC
Opening Ceremony
Plenary Room
“Massive thanks must go to the very many sponsors of this year’s ISSA 66. We cannot hold an event like this without their support, and for this we are truly grateful. Many of these wonderful companies are exhibiting this week so please visit their booths and see how they can help you grow your businesses.
“I would also like to sincerely thank my colleagues at the ISSA Secretariat and on the Executive Board for all their help in organising ISSA 66 and this week would not be happening without the massive contribution from my Bayport and AESMAR colleague Eugenio Mediavilla. He has been a stalwart and must take a lot of credit. I hope you all enjoy your stay here in Seville and I look forward to catching up with you all during the week,” he stressed.
And a success it truly was, with the Assembly voting Abdul Hameed Hajah from Singapore; Miss Li-Li from China and Robert Zeagman from Canada onto the ISSA Executive Board for a three-year term. The President took the time to thank the Assembly members and to wish the new Executive Board, which will sit from January 1st, good luck and good fortune for the year ahead.
ISSA is well practiced in putting on Conventions but the onset of the Covid lockdown put a hold to face-toface meetings. Fast forward a few years to this October, and you have an industry that was keen to meet in person and do business. Combine that with a compelling business agenda, and a ‘Meet the Customer list’ comprising of some of the biggest movers and shakers in global procurements and you have the recipe for an event to be remembered.
Diamond Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors Faisal. M. Higgi
Sponsor
Thank you for taking part in the panel session
Ocean Rich meets Arcadia – MTC
MTC Room
Exhibition Stand
Bayport MTC
ONN Denizcilik
Arcadia Shipmanagement Co Ltd
Bernhard Schulte Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd
Densay Ship Management
Eolos Ship Management
General Procurement Company Limited - GenPro
Globus Ship Management Corp
Intership Navigation
Lomar Shipping Limited
Marcas International Limited
Newport SA
Oldendorff Carriers
Safety Management Overseas SA
TORM
T Soechi Lines Tbk
Aegean Shipping
Grehel Shipmanagement Co
Island View Shipping Service
MCTC
Bright Navigation
MTM Ship Management (I) Pvt. Ltd
Exhibition Hall
Networking
Diamond Sponsor
Opening the Conference and Exhibition Hall
Welcome Address by ISSA President
Panel Session Day 2
Welcome from ISSA Secretary Mr Sean Moloney
Gala Dinner
Question from the Floor - Bob Zeagman
Gala Dinner Entrance
AVS Present The ISSA President with a gift
George Saris
Eugenio receiving award
Snippets from Linkedin
The first panel of the conference brought together Bob Zeagman, owner of Seagulf Marine; Vahit Simsek, Chairman at AVS Global Ship Supply; Kyriacos Georgiou, Group Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, MCTC Greece; and Constantinos Dritsakis, Chairman, AESMAR, to discuss the important issue of the role of quality shipsupply in an efficient global supply chain. The second panel session on the issue of Sustainability: Who should be setting the standards for a greener future, involved strong debate by the panellists John Davey, ISSA Executive Vice President; Maria Theodosiou, Managing Director, GenPro; Eric Kroken, Managing Director, Alligator Group; and Carl Forsman, ISSA Assembly Member.
The important work undertaken by OCEAN, ISSA’s European special committee, and how its replication in other parts of the world could boost trade between the main trading areas of the world, came under the spotlight with strong discussion by the panellists Arne Mielken, Consultant, Customs Manager Ltd; Costantino Zavoianni, Chairman of OCEAN; Danny Lien, President of SASS; Waleed Shaikh, Director International Operations, Global Ship Services.
Following an illuminating presentation by Dr Katerina Konsta, CEO of the World Maritime Academy, backed up by Jim Costalos, ISSA Executive Vice President, on the important issue of training tomorrow’s ship suppliers through ISSA’s Education Programme, the debate then switched to Geopolitics and the impact on trade lanes and global ship supply sanctions and what ship suppliers need to be aware of. Thanks must go to Tony Giner, Head of Procurement at Torm, Andro Stylianou, Managing Director of National Ship Chandlers in South Africa, and Arne Mielken for an excellent panel session, packed full of good information. Delegates were then presented with an interesting keynote speech on the future of ISSA: Building on ISSA’s Strengths, by George Saris, ISSA Treasurer. This was followed by a panel debate with the panellists Rafael Fernandez, ISSA President; Deepika Wijesuriya, Managing Director Deep Ocean; Gurdip Singh, Senior Manager at MTM Ship Management; and Ms Li Li, newly elected ISSA Executive Vice President and President of the China Friendship External Supplier Association of Commerce; and Fabio Rodriquez from DSF Services and Ship Supplier in Brazil.
Convention culminated spectacularly with the traditional Gala Dinner on the last night and the handing over of the ISSA flag, this time to the Singapore Association of Shipsuppliers & Services (SASS), who will host ISSA 67 in Singapore next year. We all look forward to it immensely. u
ISSA Assembly votes in new Executive Board
ISSA National Associations rounded off a very successful Assembly meeting in Seville by voting in the new Executive Board members who will take their seats from Jan 1st 2025.
Ms Li Li, President of the China Friendship External Supplier Association of Commerce; Bob Zeagman, Vice President and ISSA Representative for the Canadian Ship Supply & Services Association; together with Abdul Hameed Hajah, past ISSA President and ISSA Representative for Singapore, were all voted onto the Executive Board – Bob and Li Li for the first time.
They will join Board colleagues Rafael Fernandez, ISSA President; George Saris, ISSA Treasurer; Saeed Al Malik, ISSA Senior Executive Vice President; and current ISSA Executive Vice Presidents Mr Kouame Aduo Luc; Mr Jim Costalos; Mr Alfredo Tosato; and Mr John Davey.
Welcoming Bob and Li Li to the Executive Board, ISSA President Rafael Fernandez said: “I would like to congratulate Li Li, Bob and Abdul and I am very excited about working with them and the rest of the ISSA Executive Board. This year was a very busy year for ISSA, culminating in one of the best ISSA Conventions here in Seville. Next year will be equally as busy so it is important to be able to draw on the expertise and experience of our Executive Board.” u
Rafael ‘The Shark’
A
personal
message
from Abdulvahit Şimşek, Chairman –AVS Global
Ship Supply & Management SA
The International Shipsuppliers & Services Association (ISSA), a cornerstone of the maritime supply industry, is embarking on a new era under the leadership of its president, Rafael Fernandez. Renowned for his visionary leadership, Rafael is poised to drive ISSA into a transformative phase that blends tradition with innovation.
With extensive experience and a strategic outlook, Rafael’s presidency focuses on addressing industry challenges through innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Under his guidance, ISSA is embracing digital transformation by developing tools to streamline operations and enhance global collaboration. Rafael’s commitment to reducing the maritime sector’s carbon footprint through sustainability projects reflects his forward-thinking approach.
To celebrate this new chapter, Rafael was presented with a handmade gift: a shark figurine crafted from teak wood and coated with epoxy. This meaningful gesture symbolizes Rafael’s strength, determination, and adaptability—qualities that define his leadership. The shark represents power and resilience, while the teak and epoxy materials highlight durability and elegance, aligning perfectly with Rafael’s vision for ISSA. By presenting this unique gift, Rafael’s identity as ‘The Shark’ was firmly established, marking him as a dynamic force in the industry.
The ISSA Convention in Seville showcased Rafael’s inclusive and collaborative leadership style. Together with the new board, he embraced members with warmth and unity, setting a clear direction for the association’s future. This event highlighted ISSA’s commitment to evolving with the times while retaining its core values, creating stronger global networks and fostering partnerships across diverse regions.
On this occasion, I would like to share that I am a candidate for the presidency of the Turkish Ship Supply Association in the upcoming elections on December 20th. If elected, one of my key goals will be to host the ISSA Convention in Istanbul in 2026. I believe this would be an excellent opportunity to showcase Turkish hospitality and further strengthen ISSA’s global connections.
Working alongside Rafael is an honour and a source of great joy. His ability to inspire and unite members under a shared purpose makes this era of ISSA both promising and exciting. u
ISSA and Ship Supply News
British Association of Ship Suppliers celebrates election of Jane Watson as new Chairman
The British Association of Ship Suppliers (BASS) is proud to announce the appointment of Jane Watson as its new Chairman.
Jane is Managing Director at Mrs J C Altham & Sons Ltd, based in the north-west of the UK.
Her longstanding involvement with BASS reflects her commitment to the industry, having served on the association’s council for many years, during which time she has been an active advocate for the interests of ship suppliers across the UK.
Her work with BASS has allowed her to play a key role in helping to shape the future of the industry in the UK and ensuring the association remains responsive to the challenges of the Ship Supply industry, particularly as the UK navigates the postBrexit landscape.
Jane’s business, Mrs J C Altham & Sons, was founded in 1856 and is one, if not the, oldest Ships Chandler in the UK.
She joined the business in 1994 and worked alongside her father, John Altham, who was also a well-known figure in the British Ship Supply industry. Under Jane’s stewardship, the business has grown from strength the strength, furnishing her with unrivalled knowledge of the practicalities and challenges of being a Ship Supplier. John Altham sadly passed away in 2021; however he was incredibly proud of his daughter’s
achievements and left this world knowing that the business was in fantastic hands.
In October, Jane attended the International Shipsuppliers & Services Association (ISSA) conference in Seville, where she had the opportunity to meet with industry peers and discuss the latest trends and challenges facing the global shipping supply chain.
She found the event invaluable, particularly in highlighting some of the more pressing issues all members should take time to focus on and found the panel discussion on ESG principles very interesting.
Jane was involved in the discussion around how national associations and ISSA can further benefit its membership across the world and looks forward to continuing to contribute to this topic in her new role going forward.
The event was brilliant for fostering international connections and learning from the experiences of others in the industry and provided Jane with new perspectives and ideas on how best to represent the interests of the British members.
As Jane assumes the position of Chairman, BASS looks forward to benefiting from her wealth of experience, her passion for the industry, and her unwavering commitment to the continued success of the ship supply sector in the UK and abroad. u
Jane (right) with from left to right Andrew Hunter, Sarah Mellows (BASS Secretary) and John Davey
AVS Global strengthens Asia-Pacific operations through new Sri Lanka office
AVS Global, the Istanbul-based ship supply, catering, supply management, logistics, and procurement services business, has expanded its international footprint by opening a new office in Sri Lanka.
The office, which is based in Kolonnawa, near Colombo, was officially opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Invited guests included H.E. Semih Lütfü Turgut, Turkish Ambassador to Sri Lanka; Deepika Wijesuriya, Managing Director of AVS Sri Lanka, Deep Ocean (Pvt) Ltd; Devika Wijesuriya, Managing Director of Penguin Group Sri Lanka; and Dulip Wijesuriya, Director of Penguin Group.
Other notable participants included Mr. Priyantha Punchihewa (CEO, Hayleys Free Zone Limited); Ms. Tamara Bernard (Deputy General Manager, Corporate Banking, Commercial Bank of Ceylon Ltd); and other key figures who supported AVS Global’s vision for growth in Sri Lanka.
AVS Global’s new Sri Lanka office will play a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s operations in the Asia-Pacific region and enhancing its presence in the global supply chain network.
Addressing his guests, Abdülvahit Şimşek, AVS Global Chairman, said it was a great “honour and privilege to celebrate the opening of AVS Global’s office in Sri Lanka with all of you here today. The company has grown from humble beginnings in 1985 to become a global leader serving over 1,500 ports across 126 countries. Our mission remains the same: to exceed customer expectations, drive innovation and uphold a standard of excellence.”
Describing the new office as more than just a business expansion, Mr Şimşek highlighted it as testament to AVS Global’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s dynamic potential. “Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, the determination of its people, and its immense future potential have always been a source of inspiration for us,” he said.
He emphasised the office’s role in integrating Sri Lanka further into the global supply chain and maritime sectors.
Mr Şimşek expressed AVS Global’s dedication not only to business growth but also to impactful social responsibility projects. “We aim to grow alongside local communities by offering educational programs, creating employment opportunities, and supporting sustainable initiatives. Through these efforts, we are determined to position Sri Lanka as a key player in the global supply chain industry,” he stated.
Alongside the opening of its new office, AVS Global has also forged a strategic partnership with Deep Ocean to provide more efficient services across all ports in Sri Lanka. This collaboration focuses on offering supply and agency services, particularly for Turkish vessels, while positioning Sri Lanka as the central hub for regional operations. The partnership combines the strengths of both companies, creating value locally and globally.
He extended his gratitude to the AVS team, partners, and guests who made this special day possible. He expressed confidence in achieving remarkable success alongside Sri Lanka’s hardworking and talented people.
“Today, we are not just celebrating the opening of an office but also sharing our hopes and vision for the future. By working together, we can build a brighter tomorrow for Sri Lanka and the global maritime sector,” Mr Şimşek concluded. u
Colourful display of food on the occasion of the office opening
Jim Costalos – The Golden Years
When it comes to the towering figure of Jim Costalos it is tempting to employ well-worn clichés: iconic, doyen, wise, a staunch friend and ally – the list is endless.
When it comes to compiling a review of what we have dubbed Jim’s Golden Years – 50 of them spent within the ship supply industry – we do need to employ several such descriptions if we are to reach this…wait for it….true doyen of our industry!
It was way back in 1974 – an unbelievable 50 years ago – that Jim started in the family business. As so often in ship supply newly-joined Jim was tasked with assisting his Father. However, it wasn’t long before he had gained sufficient stature and experience that allowed him to board vessels and secure orders from the Masters.
Ah those halcyon days when the Master was all powerful and decided what he needed – and wanted – on board.
Ever modest Jim confirms that he made good friends with Masters who were engaged in those days in the liner trade. Return port calls were regular; his easy-going style meant the bulk of the orders on offer came Jim’s way.
Time passed and by 1984 he was (in his own words) “thrown in at the deep end” when tasked with marketing his offers to overseas customers – an expanding client base.
Two years later, though, the family business was acquired by an Australian giant – Metro Meat Ltd (a division of Adelaide Steamship).
Recognising the gleam of a diamond in the rough, Jim was plucked from routine ship boarding to take on several consecutive State Managership positions in the new set-up.
His career blossomed and flourished and he soon found himself Managing Director.
Jim had his eye on the future and weathered the sometimes-turbulent times the Company went through. Ever an entrepreneur he saw that breaking away from Metro Meat Ltd was the way forward. Thus was born the company which we are all familiar with – Southern Cross Marine Supplies.
This was owned initially as a kind of co-operative of local Manager operators – another canny move that meant the owners were also the stake-holders.
Eventually Southern Cross was bought by the Superior Group who were wise enough to retain Jim as Consultant.
Clearly Australia was not big enough for Jim’s ambitions and in 2017 he was head hunted by the Everise Group necessitating a re-location to Singapore.
With the previous owner of the business Jim and his team built up Everise to the point where it was acquired by the ship management giant Bernard Schulte Group.
Additional purchases of HMS Far East and the Seven Seas Group world-wide in 2023 elevated Jim to be the Group’s leading consultant.
It all sounds effortless doesn’t it? So we asked Jim if he would share the secret of his success.
“A successful ship supplier needs to understand the marketplace as well as the customers’ requirements,” was his insightful response.
There seems to be no quick path to unimagined wealth; slow and steady wins the race.
Jim continued: “You need to be available 24/7 and ensure you and your colleagues have top class organisational and problem-solving skills.”
Touching on a favourite topic of his – training and bringing young people into the industry – Jim said whilst a good education was a bonus, a willing and enthusiastic
Jim - The Family Man
Jim-theearlyyears
Jim - The Networker
youngster can carve out a career for themselves by watching and retaining the daily lessons learned in this complex environment.
Networking and relationships are vital elements as well, said Jim.
Luckily the industry requires a lot of travel and so networking is almost a given as new opportunities are sought and identified.
A strong supporter of ISSA and regular Delegate to our Convention, he has embraced the wider areas of the industry outside his usual operational areas of Australia, Singapore and China.
He continued: “This part of the business is the most enjoyable and building friendships at these events is what I love.”
Jim said he found every aspect of the business rewarding and he loved the challenge of identifying an in-bound vessel, getting on board and buying and selling the requirements to service the ship.
Over the years he agreed that he had had some wonderfully memorable encounters. Chief amongst these was when the Royal Yacht Britannia came to Australia for the bi-centennial celebrations. The 10-day visit of the Royal Yacht resulted in firm friendships being forged and a text-book supply operation delivered. The commemorative plaque in his Office in Adelaide is a constant reminder of this happy and satisfying time.
When it comes to staffing Jim agreed that youngsters were not fond of the 24/7 always on call element of the job.
In Singapore he makes a point with his young team there of getting together after hours to create loyalty and dedication amongst an already keen work force.
Not surprisingly Jim confirms he can identify genuine people very quickly.
He also is firm in his view that ship supply is a lifestyle choice. For those that succeed the rewards and job satisfaction can be great.
His contribution to the industry he clearly loves includes the chairmanship of the Australian Ship Suppliers & Services Association, acting as the IMPA Ambassador to Australia and an Executive Vice-President of ISSA. He has recently appointed as a consultant to the Singapore Association of Shipsuppliers & Services
In conclusion has Jim got any final words of advice?
“Be professional and look at both sides of a situation. Ensure if you give your word you honour it. Most importantly ensure you have fun whilst doing it!”
And any regrets along the way?
“The only thing I would do differently is when I was approached to re-locate I should have accepted. I was a parochial and proud South Australian and that held me back a little.”
We wish Jim all the best going into his second half century. May those up-coming years glitter with gold as well. u
Market News
Wescom Group promotes Jack Sharland to Head of Sales, Electronics
Zelim’s SWIFT man overboard recovery device has received full type approval from Lloyd’s Register, paving the way for the maritime industry’s widespread use of the sea survival safety system.
A Certificate of Type Approval was presented to Zelim following the successful completion of extensive inwater performance tests at Fleetwood Testing Laboratory and Heavy Weather Sea Trials (Sea State 4).
The SWIFT Rapid Man Overboard Recovery system, a rescue conveyor that pulls to safety conscious and unconscious individuals from the sea in less than one minute, was successfully demonstrated in May 2023 at a windfarm offshore Ramsgate, in the Southern Bight of the North Sea.
During the three-day trials, the Zelim SWIFT recovered a test dummy two nautical miles offshore, in high sea states, and more than twenty times faster than it takes to save souls using conventional man overboard equipment.
“Type approval certification assures the global maritime and offshore industries that SWIFT is compliant with SOLAS and can be adopted as a primary means of man overboard recovery for ships and offshore installations,” said Zelim CEO, founder and innovator Sam Mayall.
Developed by operational SAR personnel, SWIFT is treadmill-like conveyor belt system of various sizes hinged to a rescue crafts’ stern or
side. Once the rescue vessel nears the casualty, SWIFT is lowered into the water and the conveyor belt activated. Casualties are simply and quickly pulled free of the water upon traction with the conveyor belt system, which is powered by a 240v motor.
“Sea survival is hugely dependent on the time it takes to retrieve individuals from the water, but often high sea states make recovery difficult,” said Mayall. “When rescue vessels approach, many survivors do not have the strength to pull themselves to safety. It is staggering the number of souls lost that could have been saved.”
Industry reports indicate that only 17% to 25% of passengers that fall from cruise ships’ voyages survive. And of all the 308 man overboard incidents reported to the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Board (MAIB) between 2015 and 2023, 40% lost their lives.
Zelim COO Stewart Gregory (pictured above), a former Vice President for Innovation & New Product Development at Survitec, said: “The maritime and offshore industries now have a fully type approved certified system capable of rapidly rescuing people from the sea in all weather conditions.
“Lives lost to man overboard incidents could be reduced substantially if every rescue boat, crew boat, pilot boat or tender was equipped with SWIFT as a matter of course.” u
Wisestella founder assumes Managing Director role as tanker operators navigate new vetting rules
Ship management specialist Ferhat Abul, a co-founder of Singapore headquartered maritime software developer and consultancy, WiseStella, has agreed to take on the role of Managing Director.
Mr Abul will work with his fellow co-founders Chief Technology Officer Ali Demiral and Board Advisor Dr Rafet Emek Kurt to leverage on the company’s rapid success in the global tanker sector, following the launch of the WiseStella safety management platform in March.
“As Managing Director I can continue to drive WiseStella forward in its mission to support shipping companies embrace the new requirements transforming the tanker vetting landscape,” said Mr Abul.
“The WiseStella platform helps elevate safety standards to an altogether new level. It goes beyond existing safety management tools in that it helps foster
the culture of teamwork necessary to enhance ship safety through collaborative, evidence-based decisions.”
Commenting on Mr Abul’s decision, WiseStella cofounder and Board Advisor Dr Rafet Emek Kurt, a leading academic in human factor risk mitigation, said: “We are pleased Ferhat has agreed to take on the MD role. His experience and expertise resonate perfectly with our commitment to keep shipmanagers ahead of the curve with research-informed solutions that address the gamut of safety challenges they face.”
Chief Technology Officer Ali Demiral, a renowned business intelligence and IT expert, added: “By positioning WiseStella at the intersection of technology, safety, and compliance, Ferhat can drive a step-change in maritime safety and operational excellence. Ferhat’s decision to lead the company comes at a pivotal moment in our growth journey.”
“By combining advanced data analytics with digital visual capability, the WiseStella platform provides shipping companies with unprecedented insight into their operations, with automated tools that fully comply with the stringent safety standards imposed by oil majors, charterers and regulators. It just makes the vetting process and compliance smoother and faster,” said Mr Abul. u
Pictured below left to right: WiseStella Co-founders: Managing Director Ferhat Abul, CTO Ali Demiral Board Advisor Dr Rafet Emek Kurt
MAN PrimeServ Hamburg enters agreement with COSCO
MAN PrimeServ Hamburg has signed an agreement with Hanyuan Technical Service Center GmbH, a subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING Group, to provide one-stop support services for spare parts, materials, inspections and repairs for all COSCO SHIPPING vessels arriving in Europe, North Africa and the Near Middle East.
The Service Co-operation Agreement is set to last for an initial period of two years and was signed at the 2024 SMM maritime trade fair in Hamburg (pictured).
“The signing of this service agreement is a win-win for Chinese shipowners, MAN PrimeServ Hamburg and Hanyuan, making the co-operation between MAN and COSCO SHIPPING more
comprehensive and in-depth,” said Jun Xiong, General Manager of HANYUAN Technical Service Center GmbH.
Olaf Gunia, Vice President and Head of MAN PrimeServ Hamburg, said: “As one of the largest shipping companies globally, COSCO SHIPPING Group is already one of our Global Key Accounts and we co-operate closely in – among other aspects – the supply of spare parts.
“With this Service Co-operation Agreement, we aim to enhance our mutual business in technical services, especially in providing services for COSCO SHIPPING vessels sailing to Europe.
“Looking forward, we also see the possibility to extend the service co-operation with other Chinese customers.” u The deal is clinched at SMM
Out & About
We bring you the dates of significant maritime events…
December 2024
• Ports & Customs Week – 3 - 4 December 2024 – Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
• High-Level Conference on Green Shipping in the Nordic Region - 3 December 2024 – Copenhagen
• World Maritime Technology Conference WMTC India 2024 – 4 – 6 December - Chennai
• Seatrade Maritime Salvage & Wreck 2024 – 11 – 12 December – London
• Breakbulk Middle East 2025 – 10 – 11 February – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
March 2025
• Vietship 2025 – 5 – 7 March - Hà Nội, Vietnam
• Sea Asia 2025 – 20 – 25 March – Singapore
• Maritime Week Africa – 24 - 27 March - Mauritius
The family album unfurled in Berlin
For his first solo exhibition with Galerie Judin, the young painter Kiriakos Tompolidis decided to unfurl his family album. He invites us to follow the footsteps of his Greek grandparents, who left their homeland to find a better life in Germany. All his family members and their contrasting attitudes are featured in the works of this exhibition, including himself. They are about life between two “worlds”, as Tompolidis describes it, an in-between space that the young painter explores in his 16 paintings. But while the prevailing theme is indeed family and cohesion, almost all the figures are depicted as solitary. They are left to their own devices, alone with their hopes and fears. This loneliness and melancholy pervades his work.
Galerie Judin
Potsdamer Strasse 83, Berlin, Germany
To 25th January 2025
Now don’t forget….
Memory is far more than a record of the past. In this groundbreaking tour of the mind and brain — named one of Barnes & Noble’s Best Books of the Year (So Far) — one of the world’s top memory researchers reveals the powerful role memory plays in nearly every aspect of our lives, from recalling faces and names, to learning, decision-making, trauma, and healing.
Why We Remember
by Charan Ranganath, PhD
With thanks to: Penguin Random House
A truly global affair
You can’t put Kiln in a box. The food you’ll sample throughout the two-and-a-half-hour, 18- to 20-course tasting menu is a truly global affair: a little bit Scandinavian meets Japanese meets Californian with a touch of French finesse, courtesy of the tableside pours of luscious buttery sauce on your dry-aged mackerel. There’s no meal quite like those at Kiln because there’s no chef quite like John Wesley. Yes, it’s very much a fine-dining restaurant with white tablecloths and Michelin-starred ambitions, and yet loud hip-hop blares through the speakers while tattoo-armed cooks walk each course to your table. Come as you are and get ready for a ride.
Kiln, 149 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States www.kilnsf.com
At your service – the team at Kiln San Francisco
“Soft – 2024”
After Hours
The
route(r)
to happiness
So we have the technology – but it is extremely clunky. Anyway, you can’t get hold of anyone to sort out your temperamental router. We understand full fibre WiFi addresses these problems but when it will be universally available is anyone’s guess.
In the meantime, you might like to try installing a Mesh Router. Mesh routers use multiple devices to relay a better Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, but location matters when you’re setting them up. While a traditional Wi-Fi router sends out a signal from a single point in your home, a mesh system uses multiple devices to emit signals from various points in your home. That makes it more like a team of routers that work together to relay your traffic back to the modem. For a full tutorial visit: www.cnet.com
What if a gadget could order an Uber for you without having to go through your phone? You’d just use your voice. Or if you could order your favorite burger from a local restaurant, or see what food you could make at home just by pointing its camera at some ingredients? That’s the promise of the Rabbit R1, a retro-chic $199 AI device that looks way cooler than it performs. Oh-oh! AI? Isn’t that going to wipe out humanity? Read on. On the plus side it has a fun and light design; voice search can be useful; can help you get stuff done without apps (sometimes!). On the negative side it has a poor interface and sluggish scroll wheel; can be slow to respond; has a short battery life; its vision feature is unreliable; Uber and Door bell cam integration do not work well – or at all In fairness some of these glitches have been addressed recently but at $199 it’s maybe worth waiting until every bug is fixed.
Read or watch any interview with Jin and you’ll quickly come to feel that happiness is something that’s often not far from his thoughts. It’s a subject the BTS singer touches on often, whether he’s sharing how he wants to present a happy front to the group’s fans instead of showing them the darker feelings he experiences or acknowledging the happiness that those same fans get from supporting the seven-piece. It makes perfect sense, then, that Jin’s long-awaited debut solo album takes that keyword ‘Happy’ as its title and runs with it. Over the six tracks that make up the record, he creates a bubble of positivity, filling it up with brightness and levity while acknowledging the shadows and struggles that allow that cheerful spirit to shine harder when it finds you. Even Jin and his commitment to constant joy know you can’t appreciate the light if there isn’t any darkness.
A pleasure in store for you: George Frederic Handel and The Academy of Ancient Music with Concerti Grossi Op. 6. It is another rendition of The Maestro’s baroque genius. Not a new recording but still exquisite. Featuring the Academy of Ancient Music and Andrew Manze, this album is a must-have for any classical music lover.
The CD format ensures that you can enjoy the music in high quality, while the run time of 9401 seconds will transport you to the world of 18th-century music. Released in 2017 by Harmonia Mundi, this album is a perfect addition to any music collection. With its stunning cover design and comprehensive booklet notes, it is a true gem for those who appreciate the beauty of classical music. www.ebay.com
