Applied Technology Review : News

With a record number of exhibitors and a packed conference programme Posidonia’s 28th edition welcomes global maritime community to home of shipping In the presence of Greek Prime Minister Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis , Greek and international ministers, European officials and presidents of all major international shipping organisations, Posidonia 2024 was officially inaugurated during a ceremony held at the main conference hall of the Athens Metropolitan Expo. Posidonia 2024 is the biggest in the biennial event’s six decades of existence with over 2,000 exhibitors from 82 countries and 23 national pavilions ready to showcase their offering on Posidonia’s exhibition floor, which proved too small to meet this year’s demand for space. Furthermore, a total of 68 maritime conferences, forums and seminars are scheduled to take place. Organisers are prepared to welcome at the venue more than 40,000 participants during the week ahead and say that Posidonia 2024 is expected to generate some Euro 80 million revenue for the Greek economy mainly for the hospitality, MICE, transportation and F&B sectors.  Addressing representatives of Greek and international media as well as more than 800 senior leaders from the global maritime community who attended the opening ceremony, the Greek Prime Minister said : “There is no doubt that the field that you lead is facing changes that will determine the future or maritime transport. I want you to know that I will stand by your side in every battle that the Greek shipping industry will fight in order to enhance this value chain, which is centered on our country: from the green transition to safe ports and from the rejuvenation of Greek shipyards to the infusion of our workforce with the skills that developments impel.” And he added: “At a time when Europe is seeking to define the concept of strategic autonomy, the time has come for it to understand that shipping, European shipping, Greek shipping which constitutes the most significant force within European shipping, will play a crucial role in this strategic autonomy.” On her part, Ms Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners said: “Shipping is the backbone of humanity. It guarantees the survival, the subsistence, and the prosperity of the global community under any circumstances. A reality that has been so for millennia, but without true recognition of its profoundness and significance.” She added: “Posidonia fosters the dialogue and the exchange of views, it generates business opportunities, and presents innovations and proposals that respond to the current situation and the demands of the global shipping community.” On behalf of the organisers, Theodore Vokos, Managing Director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A ., said: “We often refer to the achievements of our industry as ‘the miracle of Greek shipping’. It is tempting to do so when one tries to understand how a small nation of 12 million people can be home to the largest and most modern fleet in the world - over six thousand ocean going vessels, tankers, container ships, bulk carriers, and others, trading around the globe and keeping the world economy ticking. “This ‘miracle’ originates in our country’s seafaring traditions, going back thousands of years, utilising the flexibility of the Greek family business and allowing innovation to grow while looking at a world without borders.” He added: “As organisers of Posidonia, we are proud that through our exhibition, the sporting and social events and the many conferences and seminars, we are showcasing the achievements of shipping and the benefits it brings to Greece and to the wider world.” Posidonia is the first exhibition in Greece to receive ISO certification as a sustainable event, underscoring the organisers’ commitment to minimising environmental impact and maximising economic benefits for the local economy and businesses. Posidonia 2024 is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Union of Greek Shipowners and with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee. ...Read more

Exoskeleton technology is transforming European industries like manufacturing, medical, logistics, and agriculture. It utilises advanced material science and AI to enhance productivity and combat fatigue. In Europe, exoskeleton technology is transitioning from a concept in science fiction to a tangible presence in workplaces and rehabilitation centres. These powered suits are revolutionising human interactions with the physical environment, expanding the limits of human capabilities. Europe is spearheading the advancement of exoskeleton technology across various industries, with prominent contributions from several nations: In Germany, exoskeletons are transforming the manufacturing sector, notably automobile manufacturing. These cutting-edge devices aid workers in tasks involving heavy lifting and repetitive actions, thereby mitigating the risk of workplace injuries. French researchers are pioneering the development of medical exoskeletons, primarily aimed at rehabilitation. These innovative devices assist patients with neurological disorders or post-surgical recovery, facilitate mobility restoration and enhance overall quality of life. Meanwhile, Italy is making significant strides in deploying exoskeletons in logistics and agriculture. Italian companies are leveraging these advanced technologies to address the physical demands encountered by workers in these sectors, thereby augmenting productivity levels and combating fatigue effectively. Recent strides in material science and biomechanics have catalysed the progression of exoskeleton technology. Among the noteworthy developments are: Enhanced Lightweight and Flexibility: Incorporating carbon-fibre composites and pioneering materials such as Carbon-based Ionic Conductors (CIC) has resulted in exoskeletons that are not only lighter but also more flexible. This advancement significantly enhances user comfort and expands the range of motion. Augmented Power and Precision: The evolution of battery technology and the miniaturisation of electronics have paved the way for exoskeletons equipped with prolonged battery life and heightened control over movement. These advancements offer users enhanced power and precise manoeuvrability. Integration of AI Assistance: The integration of artificial intelligence has revolutionised exoskeleton functionality by enabling them to anticipate and respond to user movements. This AI-powered assistance provides a more natural and intuitive user experience, enhancing overall usability and effectiveness. Exoskeletons present a range of advantages in various fields. They mitigate work-related injuries by supporting heavy lifting and awkward postures, effectively reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in numerous industries. Moreover, exoskeletons facilitate enhanced worker productivity by enabling individuals to engage in physically demanding tasks for extended periods, potentially resulting in heightened efficiency. Additionally, medical exoskeletons play a pivotal role in healthcare rehabilitation processes. They offer vital assistance during physical therapy sessions, accelerating recovery times and fostering improved patient outcomes. As technology advances and production costs decrease, exoskeletons are primed to shape their widespread adoption. Standardisation efforts in exoskeleton design and functionality will streamline accessibility and integration within existing workplaces, facilitating their seamless incorporation into diverse operational settings. Moreover, a shift towards specialised exoskeleton models tailored to specific tasks and industries will likely emerge, addressing different user groups' unique requirements and ergonomic considerations. Additionally, the potential integration of exoskeletons with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies presents an exciting avenue for enhancing their capabilities and efficacy in both operational performance and training scenarios. This convergence could significantly augment user experience and proficiency, propelling the utility of exoskeletons to new heights across various professional domains.   ...Read more

Leading Experts to Set Global Maritime Agenda in Athens from 3-7 June Posidonia 2024, the world's most prestigious shipping exhibition, is set to commence from June 3rd to 7th at the Athens Metropolitan Expo for a week packed with more than 65 thought-provoking and informative seminars and conferences where a strong line-up of prominent industry leaders and decision makers will cover a spectrum of critical topics shaping the future of shipping. With Posidonia known as the Home of Shipping, the “TradeWinds Shipowners Forum” once again is expected to attract much of the attention. This year the forum will delve into the roles of shipowners, charterers, financiers, and regulators in fostering a new paradigm against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, economic flux, and climate crisis considerations. Distinguished leaders such as Katerina Bodouroglou, Dr John Coustas, Angeliki Frangou, Evangelos Marinakis, Leon Patitsas, Charis Plakantonaki, Alexander Saverys, Mikael Skov, Dr Nikolas Tsakos, Harry Vafias, Chris Wiernicki and others will explore the push for cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly fuels in relation to the need of shipping companies to maintain robust financial health. The forum will also enjoy an exclusive session featuring Jan Dieleman, president of Cargill Ocean Transportation. Coinciding with World Environment Day, the “HELMEPA Conference” will delve into sustainability and climate issues impacting the industry. Top experts will discuss the impact of climate change on maritime operations, fostering awareness and strategies for sustainability. The conference will feature a high-level panel discussion -exclusively for shipowners- to explore the multifaceted impacts of climate change on global shipping, covering both operational challenges and financial implications fostering awareness and igniting actionable strategies for resilience and sustainability. Sustainability will be the focus during the “Greener Shipping Summit 2024” . Under the theme “New Technologies and Education”, the day-long summit, organised by Newsfront/Naftiliaki and supported by MARTECMA (Marine Technical Managers Association), will host panel discussions focusing on managing the next generation of ships, education for the future of shipping and green shipping technology. Prominent figures including Dimitris Fafalios, Panos Kourkountis, David Taylor, Dimitris Fokas, Venetia Kallipolitou, Panos Zachariadis and others will contribute their insights on a wide range of topics spanning technology, jobs, energy transition, digitalisation, training and education onboard, Artificial Intelligence as threat and tool of marine education, energy-efficient new and second-hand vessels, carbon capture and many more. The 9th Maritime Leaders’ Summit, organised by Capital Link , yet another high-profile event under the auspices of Posidonia, will be titled ‘Dashing Ahead - Leadership in Action’. This year’s Maritime Leaders’ Summit will provide invaluable insights into critical industry topics and highlight the sector's impact on the global economy. In partnership with ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), the summit anticipates a record turnout of industry leaders, including prominent Greek and international shipowners. Critical industry topics will be tabled about the sector's profound impact on the global economy and trade dynamics which underpin the thought leadership that shapes the discourse and direction of the industry. And with the recent geopolitical upheavals in key shipping routes, supply chain disruptions, port bottlenecks and safety concerns, the “Marine Insurance Greece Conference” is expected to attract many delegates to Athens also the week before Posidonia, providing the platform where brokers, insurers and industry experts will discuss the latest trends and challenges in marine insurance affecting the region. The welcome party is sponsored by Polygreen S.A., a leading provider of environmentally sustainable solutions for the maritime industry. Other key events include the “Challenges by Japan” seminar , which will focus on greenhouse gas reduction measures and alternative fuels towards decarbonization, organised by the Japan Ship Exporters' Association, and the 4 th Trading in U.S. Waters Seminar “Future Trends & Innovations in the Maritime Sector”, which will discuss the geopolitical developments impacting global shipping, and explore future trends and innovations in the maritime sector, including digitalisation and decarbonisation. The US Seminar is organised by the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AmChamGR), the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), the U.S. Embassy in Athens with the support of the Int’l Propeller Club of the United States, Int’l Port of Piraeus, and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping - Maritime Hellas Shipping Cluster. Also, a “SHARK TANK: Competition of Innovative U.S. Maritime Technologies” will be held during the Posidonia week and the judge panel includes many prominent officials and industry leaders, including George J. Tsunis, U.S Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, George Pateras, President, Hellenic Chamber of Shipping & Deputy Chairman, Contships Management Inc., Costis Frangoulis, President, International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus & CEO, Franman, Panos Xenokostas, President & CEO, ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group & President, Hellenic Shipyards Association, Semiramis Paliou, CEO, Diana Shipping & Chairperson, HELMEPA & INTERMEPA, and others. Another official participation will be the “4 th Korean-Hellenic Maritime Cooperation Forum”, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE). This event serves as a platform for esteemed experts and businesspeople from both Korea and Greece to engage in fruitful discussions regarding maritime and shipping policies and the latest advancements in eco-friendly shipping and shipbuilding technologies. Posidonia 2024 delegates will also get updates on the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) at a seminar that will provide insights into the inclusion of the maritime sector in the EU ETS and its implications for shipowners. Macquarie Group , a global financial services provider, has been an active participant in the EU ETS for more than a decade and will host the event. Nuclear Energy in Maritime, a presentation of Fission and Fusion is the title of the seminar organised by the Greek Branch of SNAME. It will explore if nuclear energy is a viable and possible option for ships. The panel will include the CEOs of Fliber (pioneer of Molten Salt Reactor Technology) and nT-tao (compact fusion power) as well as major shipowners, discussing if nuclear power is the way forward. Crew management will be in the spotlight at the Crew Insights @ Posidonia 2024 conference , organised by Kyvernitis Leading Travel Companies. The event will focus specifically on the facets of managing crew needs and HR within the shipping industry and is designed to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss and exchange ideas that will chart the future of crew management. The conference will feature three targeted panel discussions over the course of an afternoon, each packed with insights from some of the most esteemed professionals in the industry. Staying in Europe, the “POLAND – Thinking out of the box about the maritime industry”, organised by the Polish Embassy, will cover thematic blocks such as Polish seaports, renewable energy, shipbuilding and maritime logistics, showcasing the country’s role in the maritime industry. The seminar is organised in cooperation with the Polish Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Infrastructure, Economic Development, and Technology. Experts and market participants will convene to discuss the impact of geopolitics, changing trade dynamics, and energy transition on shipping markets at the “S&P Global Commodity Insights Forum”. They will focus on issues around the increased geopolitical tensions and their impact on commodity trade dynamics and freight markets. During the three sessions of the “ UES: The Ferry Experience” series of seminars, participants will focus on enhancing the passenger and operator experiences in ferry travel, featuring insights into seating design and operational considerations. UES, a leading provider of ferry seating solutions, will showcase its latest innovations and success stories. With such a robust and diverse programme of knowledge-sharing events, Posidonia 2024 promises to be an unparalleled gathering of industry leaders, fostering dialogue and innovation to propel the shipping industry towards a sustainable and prosperous future for the global maritime community. Posidonia 2024 is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Union of Greek Shipowners and with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.  ...Read more