The Hellenic Institute of Marine Technology (H.I.M.T.) successfully organised the 20th
Annual Marine Technology Conference, held on 6 and 7 October 2026 at the Eugenides
Foundation, preceded by a pre-conference event on 5 October at the V.Ships Auditorium in
Piraeus. This year’s conference was of particular significance, marking the twentieth
anniversary of an established institution that has become a reference point for scientific
knowledge, technological innovation and collaboration across the maritime sector.
With more than 900 registrations, the Conference brought together representatives from
the shipping industry, academic & research institutions, public bodies and businesses,
confirming the strong interest in the technological developments shaping the future of
shipping.
The Conference was officially opened by Mr. George Pratikakis, President of H.I.M.T.,
who highlighted the significance of the anniversary and the Conference’s longstanding
contribution to scientific dialogue and the exchange of expertise. He emphasized that the
Institute, founded in 1972, continues to operate as an independent scientific organization,
bridging research, academic knowledge and the shipping industry. Emphasis was placed
on the challenges of the energy transition, digitalization, artificial intelligence and
cybersecurity, with innovation and investment in human capital identified as essential
prerequisites for the competitiveness of Greek shipping.
Opening addresses were delivered by Mr. George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic
Chamber of Shipping; Mr. Charalampos Simantonis, President of the Hellenic Shortsea
Ship-owners Association and the European Shortsea Network; Mr. Vassilis Korkidis,
President of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Dionysios Theodoratos,
President of the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies; Dr Matthew Maheras,
President of A.M.M.I.T.E.C.; Dr Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou, Rector of the National Technical
University of Athens; Dr Dimosthenis Kyriazis, Rector of the University of Piraeus; Dr George Galanis, Dean of the Hellenic Naval Academy; and Dr Thomas Mazarakos, President of the Department of Naval Architecture at the University of West Attica.
The pre-conference event on 5 October, entitled “Research and Education in the Service
of Innovation”, focused on connecting research and education with the needs of the
shipping industry. The first panel explored the role of Industrial PhD programmes in
fostering collaboration between universities and businesses, while the second addressed
the technological transformation of Merchant Marine Academies and the evolving
requirements for education and professional training. The discussions brought together representatives from universities, government, shipping companies and educational
institutions.
The two main days of the Conference featured scientific papers and presentations of
advanced technological applications, covering a broad range of marine technology
topics, including energy efficiency and alternative fuels, emissions reduction, propulsion
systems, digitalization, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, ship and equipment safety, and
developments in the shipbuilding industry. The Conference also provided companies with
an opportunity to showcase their solutions and innovations, fostering networking and
collaboration among participants.
Two major panel discussions addressed the challenges and prospects of modern
shipping. The first, entitled “Powering Shipping Through Uncertainty: Alternative Fuels,
Safety Challenges and Geopolitical Realities”, examined the challenges associated with
the transition to alternative fuels, safety considerations and geopolitical developments.
The second, entitled “Profitable Waters Ahead? Navigating Market Volatility in a Changing
Maritime Economy”, focused on fluctuations in the shipping market and the prospects for
sustainable growth and profitability in an increasingly dynamic economic environment.
The Conference proceedings culminated in a roundtable discussion entitled “Ships Are
Changing Faster Than People: Building the Maritime Workforce of the Future”, moderated
by Dr Nikolaos Liapis, Director of H.I.M.T. The discussion featured Mr. Miltiadis Varvitsiotis,
former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy and CEO of Skaramangas Shipyards;
Mr. Charalampos Simantonis, President of the Hellenic Shortsea Ship-owners Association
and the European Shortsea Network; Ms. Danai Bezantakou, President of the International
Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, and CEO of Navigator Shipping Consultants Ltd.; and Ms.
Elena Athoussaki, Chief Sustainability Officer of Motor Oil Group and Principal Organizer of
the ESG Shipping Awards. The discussion highlighted the need for the maritime workforce
to adapt to rapid technological and operational changes, as well as the importance of
developing new skills to meet the demands of the shipping industry of the future.
The Conference concluded on the evening of 7 October with the official Conference
Dinner, held at 20:00 at the Piraeus Marine Club. During the event, α plaque of honor was
given to the late Mr. George Vozikis. Through his longstanding commitment and continuous
contribution, Mr. Vozikis played a significant role in the work and development of H.I.M.T.,
forming part of the collective effort that has consistently supported the Institute’s mission.
The 20th Annual Marine Technology Conference reaffirmed H.I.M.T.’s vital role in
advancing scientific knowledge, technological innovation and collaboration between the
shipping industry and the research community. Reaching this twentieth-anniversary milestone represents both a significant achievement and a starting point for new initiatives
aimed at strengthening the international outlook and global presence of Greek marine
technology. The Institute extends its sincere thanks to all participants, speakers, authors of
scientific papers, sponsors and supporters who contributed to the success of the
Conference.
