NAVIGATOR FORUM 2006

The shipping companies have to face a difficult and complex environment, therefore risk assessment & management will help them to improve their performance and operations. That was the main issue of the 6th Annual Maritime Conference “NAVIGATOR 2006” which was held in Athens Ledra Marriott Hotel on 10th May 2006 with the participation of more than 300 Decision Makers from 150 Greek Shipping Companies.

Prof. Alexandros Goulielmos was the Conference’s coordinator while the opening address was made by the General Secretary of the Ministry of Mercantile Marine, Mr Ioannis Tzoannos, who congratulated the organisers and referred to Risk Assessment and Management issues.

Mr. Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, member of the Parliament, also addressed a short speech.

Mr. Tzoannos pointed out that due to the complex legal environment of the Shipping Market it is crucial to achieve efficient management at the minimum cost. It is necessary to find effective solutions by implementing impact analysis of the risk before taking decisions for any matter, while coordination between involved parties on Paris MOU and Tokyo MOU and ISM consultants is also necessary.

The Commandant of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Mr. Ilias Sionidis, spoke about the research and rescue operations and he presented the Hellenic Coast Guard policy on crisis and distress management.

The Ambassador of Panama Mr. Antonio Taquis in his greeting referred to the very close relationships between Panama and Greece. Mr David Rank, Political Military Officer of the Embassy of USA in Greece, also attended the Conference.

The Conference has been conducted with the participation of:

NAVIGATOR LTD. Members

1.     MORAN TOWING CORP (Towing Company in East Coast of U.S.A.).

2.     TOWAGE AND MARINE ASSISTANCE  (Towing Company in Lithuania/Klaipeda).

3.     C.B. FENTON & CO S.A. (Agents in Panama).

Honored Speakers

Mr. Emmanuel Kefaloyannis, Minister of Mercantile Marine
Mr. Ioannis Tzoannos, General Secretary of the Ministry of Mercantile Marine
Mr. Ilias Sionidis, Commandant of the Hellenic Coast Guard
Mr. Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, Member of Parliament  
H.E. Antonio Taquis, Ambassador of the Embassy of Panama in Greece  
Mr. David Rank, Political Military Officer of the Embassy of the United States of America in Greece

Main Speakers
Mr. George Daskalakis, Director of ALLIED SHIPBROKING INC.
Mr. Panagiotis Bachtis, Managing Director of O.W. BUNKER MALTA LTD      
Mr. Ioannis Pachoulis, President of the Union of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association & Managing Director of MEGACHART INC.