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16th Annual Capital Link Operational Excellence in Shipping Forum

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at The Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens

In Partnership with

Agenda

October 6, 2026

The Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens

8:30 - 9:10 AM
REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST
9:15 – 9:20 AM
WELCOME REMARKS
President
Capital Link, Inc.
9:20 – 9:30 AM
OPENING KEYNOTE REMARKS
THE GREEK FLEET AND THE PRACTICAL FUTURE OF LOW-CARBON SHIPPING
Vice President, Regional Business Development, Southern Europe
ABS
9:35 – 10:15 AM
FLEET OPERATIONS: STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING IN AN ERA OF UNCERTAINTY

Today’s fleet operators face an unprecedented convergence of challenges—from geopolitical tensions and shifting trade patterns to decarbonization, digital transformation, cybersecurity, evolving regulations, and an increasingly competitive market for seafarers. Success is no longer defined by operational efficiency alone, but by the ability to make strategic decisions in an environment of constant change.

Moderator
Manager, Business Development, Greece
ABS
Panelists
CEO
Columbia Group
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Latsco Marine Management Inc.
Managing Director
Maran Tankers Management Inc.
COO
Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: SBLK)
10:20 – 10:30 AM
FROM DATA TO VALUE: CAN YOU TRUST THE INTELLIGENCE BEHIND THE DECISION?

Presentation by:

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Mr. Steen Lund
CEO
RightShip
10:35 – 11:15 AM
AI IN PRACTICE: WHERE IS IT ACTUALLY DELIVERING VALUE?
Moderator
Vice President, South Europe, Marine
RINA
Panelists
Chief Technical Officer
Contships Management Inc.
Senior Vice-President
Liberian Registry (LISCR Hellas)
Energy & Sustainability Manager
Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: SHIP)
General Manager
Technomar Shipping Inc.
Chief Commercial Officer
Wilhelmsen Ship Management
11:20 – 12:00 PM
FLEET RENEWAL DECISIONS – INVESTING IN THE FLEET OF TOMORROW

Ships, Shipyards, & Fuels

Moderator
Senior Vice President – Shipping Strategy
Lloyd's Register
Panelists
CEO
Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: CCEC); Capital Tankers Corp. (EGO:CAPT)
Chief Operating Officer
Dorian LPG Ltd. (NYSE: LPG)
Managing Director
Dorian LPG Management Corp.
CEO
Global Ship Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GSL)
President
Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE/Euronext: SB)
12:00 – 12:05 PM
FINANCING THE MARITIME TRANSITION: INVESTING IN A COMPETITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Vice President
European Investment Bank
12:05 – 12:50 PM
GREEK SHIPPING - A STRATEGIC ASSET FOR EUROPE AND THE GLOBAL ECONOMY

This panel brings together leading Greek shipowners to explore how operational excellence, investment, innovation and a strong maritime ecosystem can sustain the competitiveness and resilience of Greek shipping, while considering policies that can support its long-term growth and reinforce its strategic contribution to Europe and the global economy.

Moderator
Director – Business Development – Greece
ABS
Panelists
Executive Director
Alpha Bulkers/ Pantheon Tankers/ Alpha Gas
Chairman & CEO
Euroseas Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESEA) ; EuroDry Ltd. (NASDAQ: EDRY); Euroholdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: EHLD)
CEO & Director
Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: SBLK)
Founder
Stealthgas (GASS) / Imperial Petroleum (IMPP) / C3iS inc (CISS)
12:50 - 1:15 PM
SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF THE “2026 CAPITAL LINK MARITIME SUSTAINABILITY AWARD”

to:
HELMEPA

For Institutional Leadership in Advancing Maritime Sustainability

playPlease watch the HELMEPA video here

Ms. Semiramis Paliou, Chairperson – HELMEPA & INTERMEPA; Director & CEO – Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX), received the award on behalf of HELMEPA
1:20 – 2:20 PM
NETWORKING LUNCHEON

Sponsored by:

2:30 – 3:20 PM
THE OPERATIONAL EDGE: HOW OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE CREATES COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGE

Shipowners, charterers, and industry experts discuss how operational excellence, safety, reliability, sustainability, and technology are shaping vessel selection and long-term partnerships. Does superior operational performance really create commercial advantage?

Moderator
M&O Director Greece, Malta & Cyprus
Bureau Veritas
Panelists
CEO
Alassia NewShips Management, Inc.
CEO
ALMI TANKERS S.A
General Manager, Marine Supply and Trading Europe
Chevron
Senior Freight Trader
Olam Agri
Chief Commercial Officer
RightShip
Senior Charterer
Trafigura
3:25 – 4:05 PM
THE FUTURE SEAFARER: BUILDING A SAFE, SKILLED AND SUSTAINABLE MARITIME WORKFORCE

Ships are becoming smarter, regulations more demanding, and the maritime industry is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. This panel will explore how the industry can attract, develop, and retain a skilled workforce while preparing seafarers for digitalization, decarbonization, and the changing nature of ship operations.

Moderator
Regional Maritime Academies Manager Southeast Europe
DNV
Panelists
Regulatory Manager
BIMCO
Crew Manager
Capital Gas Ship Management Corp.
CEO
Heidmar Maritime Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: HMR)
COO
Neda Maritime Agency Co. Ltd.
Vice Chair
INTERCARGO
Crew Manager
TMS Dry Ltd.
4:10 – 4:45 PM
THE VOICE OF THE SEAFARER: LIFE, LEADERSHIP AND THE FUTURE AT SEA

What does it mean to build a career at sea in today’s rapidly evolving maritime industry? In this candid discussion, officers and cadets from the Tsakos Group will share their personal journeys, the challenges and rewards of life on board, and their aspirations for the future.

Moderator
Cross-Departmental HR & Training Manager
TSAKOS Group of Companies
Panelists
Technical Superintendent
Tsakos Shipping and Trading S.A.
Chief Officer
Tsakos Shipping and Trading S.A.
2nd Officer
Tsakos Shipping and Trading S.A.
Electrotechnical and Electronic Cadet
T.E.E.N.S. Maritime Academy
Engine Cadet
T.E.E.N.S. Maritime Academy
Deck Cadet
T.E.E.N.S. Maritime Academy
4:50 – 5:20 PM
THE “2026 CAPITAL LINK MARITIME SUSTAINABILITY AWARD”

Presented to:

 





 

The Tsakos Group & The Maria Tsakos Foundation
For their enduring commitment to maritime education, seafarer training, professional development, welfare and wellbeing, and to the sustainable future of the maritime profession.

 

Minister Niki Kerameus, Minister of Labour and Social Security – Hellenic Republic, offered Introductory Remarks. 

 

Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, Founder & CEO – TEN Ltd. (NYSE: TEN); Chairman – INTERTANKO (2014-2018), received the award on behalf of the Tsakos Group & the Maria Tsakos Foundation.

playPlease watch the Tsakos Group video here

5:20 – 6:20 PM
COCKTAIL RECEPTION