Reflections on an epic week: OTG Odyssey at Posidonia

Posidonia is one of the most prestigious and influential events in the maritime industry, drawing participants from around the globe to Athens, Greece, every two years. Renowned for its extensive exhibition and robust conference program, Posidonia serves as a vital platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and showcasing the latest innovations in shipping, shipbuilding, and related maritime services.

Blessed with being a key service provider to such a large part of the Greek shipping community, OTG was there in full force enjoying valuable time together with customers, industry partners and maritime friends.

On Tuesday, we were honoured to put pen to paper on a game changing contract with the Tsakos Shipping and Trading S.A. which will see its whole fleet transition to the Ocean Learning Platform. The partnership also includes all of Tsakos Group’s manning offices globally, allowing all of its seafarers access to the learning platform and certified courses from any location.

Mr Harry Hajimichael, Director and President of Tsakos Shipping & Trading SA, signed the agreement in a ceremony at the Tsakos Group offices in Athens, with Johan Gustafsson Chief Revenue Officer, Stephan Dimke, Senior Director EMEA, and Apostolos Poulovassilis, Director, Greece representing Ocean Technologies Group.

Captain Panagiotis Tsakos, Founder and Head of the Tsakos Group, thanked Apostolos and emphasised the critical role of lifelong learning in the advancement of both the Tsakos Group and the entire maritime technology sector.

Wednesday was another big day for us with a co-hoisted seminar in the afternoon and our social event in the evening.

Seminar

The seminar, “Beating the Talent Timebomb: Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Top Maritime Talent,” which we co-hosted with customer Danica Crewing Specialists, focused on the pressing issue of the shortage of skilled seafarers. The seminar explored innovative strategies to secure a competent crew pipeline and develop the necessary skills for the future.

The event featured a star studded panel of industry leaders who shared their insights on recruiting and retaining top talent. Capt Ioannis Anysis MBA AFNI of 88Aces Maritime Services Inc., Atty. Iris Baguilat of Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc., Dimitris Vasalakis of Danaos Shipping Co. Ltd, Simon Grainge of International Seafarers’ Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN), and Dr. Loukas Barmparis of Safe Bulkers Inc, Panagiotis Bitsakis of Optimum Ship Services Ltd (Affiliate of Scorpio Group), Amalia Marcou of Enesel Group , and Francesco Gargiulo of The International Maritime Employers’ Council Ltd (IMEC). This amazing lineup over two panels produced some great takeaways which we will be sharing over the coming weeks so watch this space.

Maritime Mixer

Evening parties are a big part of Posidona, not only are they a great way to celebrate together they are also a place to connect face-to-face and strengthen the relationships on which our Industry depends. Moreover making time for informal conversations can provide valuable insights spark innovative new ideas to propel us forward.

Wednesday evening saw us host our very first Maritime Mixer in Athens, where we welcomed around 200 guests to our exclusive event on the shores of the Saronic Gulf, to escape the heat of the exhibition space, meet friends old and new, and dip their toes in the sea.

Thank you everyone who hosted us, contributed to and attended our events and that chose to spend time with us during the week, we can’t wait for the next one.

Efharisto Poli!