Green Maritime Technology is an independent maritime consulting and surveying company, focusing on new technology and innovative solutions for the marine industry. The company offers project management services, aiming to improve the environmental performance of shipping companies, whilst lowering operational costs. CEO Nikolaos Kretsis explained more to Hannah Barnett.
The experience and depth of knowledge offered by Green Maritime Technology (GMT) is a key attribute of the business. It means the company has the ability to understand a client’s requirements and deliver superior tailormade services and solutions.
“At GMT, we think that coupling extensive hands-on experience in shipping with new technologies and enthusiasm is a key to success,” said Nikolaos Kretsis, CEO. “We have extensive experience in shipping, including in newbuilds and operations. When combined with the new digital tools available in the market, this creates the basis for successful results.”
Green Maritime Technology (GMT) was founded in 2014. After a decade in the industry, the company has now grown into one of the leading consulting companies with significant experience in Green Abatement Technology Solutions.
The company offers services like ballast water treatment systems, engineering studies and installation, scrubber retrofit studies, mooring systems, and vibration analysis. In the last couple of years, the company has also engaged in solutions related to the future requirements of maritime legislation.
Working from sites in Limassol, Cyprus, and Ano Glyfada, a suburb of Athens, the
company employs 30 engineers with a diverse background and experience in the maritime industry. GMT also has trusted partners in Dubai and China.
Significant projects
Over the last five years, GMT has performed over 1,200 Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) retrofits and successfully overseen more than 100 Exhaust Gas Cleaning (EGCS) installations and retrofits. “We are one of the leading companies in the fields of BWTS and EGCS design, retrofit, installation and supervision,” Mr Kretsis said.
One significant project in 2023 involved fitting tailor-made EGCS equipment onboard different types of vessels. “The main challenge with that project was fitting a new funnel structure onboard, without exceeding the allowable limits of the vessel’s weight distribution,” Mr Kretsis explained. “We also had to satisfy the proper system’s
operation conditions, without interfering with the vessel’s normal operation.”
Also in 2023, GMT undertook a BWTS engineering study on an MR tanker. A new pump was installed in the engine room, which was used for ballasting through the new BWTS. Strong knowledge of hydrodynamics and crude oil tanker regulations were crucial for this complex project.
“After the installation of the BWTS, the new pump was used in all ballasting operations and the existing Framo submerged ballast pumps were used in all de-ballasting operations,” Mr Kretsis explained. “The only exception was the ballasting and de-bal lasting of the Aft Peak Tank, which will continue to take place with the existing fire, bilge and general service pumps.”
In case of failure of the new ballast water pump, the existing Framo pumps can be used for emergency ballasting of the water ballast tanks.
The power of Posidonia
GMT will be present at Posidonia, the most dynamic date in the maritime calendar.
“Shipping is a very demanding industry, so naturally the people working within it are very busy,” said Mr Kretsis. “Posidonia provides an excellent opportunity to interact directly with some of our existent clients and partners, to discuss issues of importance and address concerns.”
The transition to green shipping is a key topic at this year’s Posidonia, and GMT intends to seize the opportunity to demonstrate its decarbonisation services.
“We have been working on carbon capture solutions with some trusted partners for the last couple of years,” Mr Kretsis explained. “Considering the prominence decarbonisation has in the maritime industry, we feel that this will be an area of interest in the years to come.”
In addition, the company now offers solutions that improve a customer’s
Carbon Intensity Indicator. This will be paramount in extending the competitive operational life cycle of older vessels and will require additional investment from shipowners and ship operators.
GMT will also showcase an innovative new venture at Posidonia – one that seeks to provide engineering solutions for the industry. “We will offer services specifically related to two-stroke engines,” Mr Kretsis explained, “particularly the overall condition of main engines. We also have solutions for the management of the engine room in terms of compliance, best maritime and best engineering practices in our industry.”
A future of success
GMT has developed strong relationships with suppliers over its decade of operations. These include, but are not limited to, Ecospray Technologies, Erma First, Kangrim, Alfa Laval and Langh Tech. “Together with these companies, we share a mutual understanding of the importance of customer satisfaction, which was our primary focus, and the focus of our partners,” said Mr Kretsis. “We enjoy great relationships with our partners.”
Turbulence in the industry has been multifaceted over the last few years. The biggest challenges the company now face stem from the ever-changing
geopolitical environment which makes the transportation of goods more demanding Global supply issues also affect availability of good and services, while increasing cost.
“Since the end of the pandemic period, we have also faced issues with finding suitably qualified people that are prepared to work in a demanding and dynamic environment like shipping,” added Mr Kretsis.
Despite these challenges, GMT intends to remain the preferred service provider of its existing customers by continuing to meet and exceed expectations.
In addition, the company is in the process of diversifying services and offering a wider range of products including surveying, decarbonisation
consultation and advice, digitisation solutions, and additional services that will help clients and crew meet the increasing demand for a set of regulatory and operational requirements.
Indeed, helping clients find interesting, and often innovative, solutions to challenging situations is one of the most motivating parts of working in the maritime industry, according to Mr Kretsis.
“It is also rewarding to be appreciated by our clients when we manage to help them resolve issues or save money and effort,” he concluded. “There are no dull moments in shipping, and that is one of the most fulfilling experiences for any individual who is striving towards continuous improvement.” n
