From October 1 through 3, ONEX Shipyards in Syros hosted the proceedings of two important committees of the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO): the Safety and Technical Committee (ISTEC) and the Bunker Subcommittee (BSC), providing a strategic and collaborative venue for senior executives of the international shipping industry. During the meetings, critical issues regarding regulatory compliance, technology, and sustainability in the tanker sector were discussed.
The ISTEC#68 meeting
The ISTEC#68 meeting, chaired by Mr. Dimitrios Heliotis (Horizon Tankers Ltd SA), focused on key topics such as the IMO Net Zero Framework, Lifecycle Analysis (LCA), and Onboard Carbon Capture Systems (OCCS). The challenges of implementing the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime regulations, strategies for emissions compliance, and the need for clearer guidance on the transition to alternative fuels were also discussed. Among the specific topics discussed regarding tankers were the use of Onshore Power Systems (OPS) under CARB’s At-Berth regulation, digitalization priorities, and the implications of the revised IACS Recommendation 34 on the Common Structural Rules (CSR). The Committee also examined challenges in PSC inspections, remote inspections, and the increasing regulatory burden on crews.
The BSC#55 meeting
The BSC#55 meeting, chaired by Ms. Meropi Mantzouranidi (Minerva Marine Inc.), focused on marine fuel management and sustainability. The focus was on the IMO guidelines for fuel sampling, the FuelEU documentation requirements for non-fossil fuels, amendments to SEEMP Part II, as well as the ongoing Sustainable Fuel Certification Schemes (SFCS) under the IMO NZF. The Subcommittee supported the separation of the Fuel Lifecycle Label (FLL), placing particular emphasis on the strategic importance of biofuels and the need for clearer certification and compliance frameworks.
INTERTANKO expressed its sincere gratitude to ONEX and Mr. Panos Xenokostas, for their hospitality and support in organizing the ISTEC and BSC meetings, which contributed significantly to fostering a constructive dialogue and strengthening cooperation within the industry.
For his part, Mr. Panos Xenokostas, Chairman and CEO of ONEX Shipyards & Technologies and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Shipbuilders’ Association, stated: “We are particularly proud of the trust shown in us by Greek and international shipowners, who have chosen the ONEX Group’s facilities at the Syros shipyards to host such an important conference. The recognition of our shipyards’ leading role, our love for shipping and the sea, and our passion for ships make this the ideal destination for the successful execution of such a large-scale, multi-day event. On our island, history, unique architecture, natural beauty, and culture combine with the exceptional hospitality of the capital of the Cyclades, which is also the seat of the South Aegean Region. Warm congratulations to the entire ONEX Group team, both at our shipyards in Syros and at our headquarters. We sincerely thank the organizers of INTERTANKO for their trust, and we are committed to continuing to improve so that we always remain the first choice for shipowners.”
The proceedings concluded with a tour of the shipyard facilities, where participants had the opportunity to learn about the successful completion of the first five-year phase of the historic shipyard’s rescue and revitalization, as well as the multifaceted investment program of over 14 million euros in equity capital currently underway for the holistic reconstruction of the Shipyards, with the aim of transforming them into a multifunctional industrial hub in the heart of the Aegean.
