Page 26 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - SEPT 2025
P. 26
Interview of the month
financing, collaborative initiatives, or Shipping is a dynamic, What advice would you give to the next
access to innovation, many companies fast-paced sector generation of Greek professionals
risk falling behind or even being pushed with plenty of entering the industry today?
out entirely. But the moment we real- opportunities, To the young people stepping into the
ise that we are all part of the answer, but it demands focus industry, I would say that while degrees
real progress becomes possible. What and adaptability. and skills provide a strong foundation,
we’ve seen is that if players across the You need to stay sharp it is hard work, strong ethics, and integ-
industry stay vigilant and work together, and well-prepared rity that make you stand out. Shipping is
they can successfully turn these chal- for whatever a dynamic, fast-paced sector with numer-
lenges into opportunities, enabling value the next day brings. ous opportunities, but it demands focus
to be unlocked and further growth and adaptability. You need to stay sharp
to be achieved through new technolo- and well-prepared for whatever the next
gies, an evolving regulatory framework, day brings. It can be a high-pressure envi-
and alternative financing mechanisms. ronment at times, but the experience you
At Safe Bulkers, we’re embracing decar- gain and the strength of the team around
bonisation's challenges by focusing you really make a big difference.
on reducing our emissions and running Above all, young people need to believe
one of the most efficient fleets in the dry in themselves and not be afraid to pursue
bulk segment. To deliver on this, we are their goals. The maritime industry may be
prioritising two key strategies: i) our com- demanding, but it’s also filled with oppor-
prehensive fleet renewal programme by tunity. With courage and determination,
ordering 18 new modern vessels, acquir- there is not only room to grow, but real
ing younger second-hand vessels, and potential to make a mark in this industry.
selling some older ones, and ii) our ongo- Seeing my children show genuine interest
ing programme for the environmental and get involved in the business we have
upgrading of the fleet’s existing vessels worked so hard to grow is deeply reward-
by integrating newer eco-efficient tech- ing. It means a lot to watch the next
nologies during dry dockings. To date, generation not only carry forward the
25 existing vessels have been upgraded. family’s maritime business but also add
As part of our fleet renewal programme, their own mark to it.
the company has signed contracts for the
acquisition of two dual-fuel newbuilding What motivates your social contribu-
Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels, capable of tion, and how do you see the role of
operating with both methanol and con- successful entrepreneurs in sup-
ventional fuel. When fuelled with green porting broader societal needs?
methanol, these vessels can produce At Safe Bulkers, social contribution isn’t
near-zero GHG emissions, based on the just a moral responsibility; it’s a reflec-
well-to-propeller (WTP) life cycle assess- tion of our values both as a company
ment (LCA) methodology. At the same and as individuals. It’s about recognising
time, following the successful delivery that we’re not separate from the soci-
of twelve Phase 3 newbuilds, Safe Bulk- ety we live and work in. We are our peo-
ers maintains an outstanding order- ple, and by supporting the community,
book for six additional dry bulk vessels, we strengthen the very foundations
including the two dual-fuel ships. All the on which our businesses stand.
newbuildings in our current orderbook I believe entrepreneurs have a real
are designed to meet the highest opera- chance to make a meaningful impact by
tional and environmental standards and leveraging their positions and using their
are fully compliant with the latest IMO influence to support and give back to the
regulations, particularly those focused on local communities. Whether it is through
reducing GHG emissions (EEDI Phase 3) supporting education, sustainability, or
and nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx-Tier local development, our actions have the
III). These vessels, scheduled for deliv- capacity to inspire and touch lives and
ery between 2026 and early 2027, will communities in ways that extend far
proudly fly the Cyprus flag, strengthen- beyond financial returns. When we align
ing the nation’s Registry with some of our corporate goals with social value,
the most advanced green ships in the we don’t just build stronger companies;
market. we help shape a better future.
24 NX
