Posidonia 2026 Newsletter Issue 06
RECORD-BREAKING POSIDONIA 2026 DELIVERS DEALS, DIALOGUE AND DIRECTION FOR SHIPPING’S FUTURE
Posidonia 2026 set a new benchmark for the global maritime industry, bringing together the world’s leading shipping stakeholders at a pivotal moment for international trade. Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, evolving decarbonisation regulations, digital transformation and mounting pressures on global supply chains, the exhibition provided a unique platform for dialogue, collaboration and deal-making.
Reflecting the significance of the event, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, who participated at Posidonia and addressed the opening ceremony, highlighted the exhibition’s unique role in fostering industry engagement.
Dominguez said:
“Posidonia is a shipping exhibition that has become a maritime institution.”
“Engagement and dialogue are the basis for the business of global shipping. Honest and open conversations and trust-building are central to negotiations at IMO, to reach consensus, built on understanding of everyone’s perspectives.”
Those conversations unfolded throughout the week across conference halls, exhibition stands and networking events, as shipowners, regulators, policymakers and technology providers examined the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of shipping. At the same time, the exhibition floor was transformed into a hub of commercial activity, with exhibitors announcing strategic partnerships, signing memoranda of understanding and unveiling major investment initiatives.
Among the landmark agreements announced during Posidonia 2026 were a series of strategic collaborations and commercial transactions that underscored the industry’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, digital transformation and industrial growth. Highlights included a Memorandum of Understanding between Skaramangas Shipyards and Hyundai Heavy Industries aimed at strengthening Greece’s shipbuilding capabilities and exploring opportunities in naval and commercial vessel construction. The exhibition also witnessed one of the year’s most significant shipbuilding transactions, with Greek shipowner Dynacom advancing a major VLCC newbuilding programme at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.
Further reinforcing the momentum behind the revitalisation of Greek shipbuilding, ONEX Shipyards and Antipollution signed an agreement for the construction of four advanced anti-pollution vessels at Elefsis Shipyards, with options for additional units. ONEX also announced a strategic cooperation agreement with the Port of Antwerp- Bruges to strengthen connectivity between Greece and Northern Europe through the development of a new “Blue Corridor.”
ABS and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries also signed a joint development agreement to design a U.S.-flagged 50,000 DWT oil and chemical tanker compliant with ABS Rules and U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
Environmental compliance and digitalisation featured prominently among the business announcements, with StormGeo and OceanScore unveiling a collaboration designed to help shipowners navigate increasingly complex emissions regulations. Meanwhile, Samsung Heavy Industries, Lloyd’s Register and Capital Clean Energy Carriers revealed plans to jointly explore floating data centre solutions, highlighting how maritime expertise can support emerging digital infrastructure requirements. A separate agreement between Lloyd’s Register Advisory and Samsung Heavy Industries will further advance the commercialisation of the concept.
Commenting on the breadth of commercial activity generated during the exhibition, Theodore Vokos, Managing Director of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., said:
“Collectively, the agreements announced during Posidonia 2026 reflected the industry’s determination to invest in future-ready fleets, sustainable operations, advanced technologies and resilient infrastructure. From major shipbuilding contracts and environmental initiatives to pioneering digital projects and logistics partnerships, the exhibition once again demonstrated its role as a premier global platform for maritime business, innovation and international collaboration.”
Beyond the business deals and announcements, Posidonia 2026 delivered unprecedented levels of participation and engagement. Over 35,000 visitors passed through the halls of the Athens Metropolitan Expo over the course of the week, generating over €100 million in economic activity for the Attica region and reinforcing the exhibition’s importance not only to the maritime sector but also to the wider Greek economy.
The international nature of the event was reflected in the feedback received from government representatives, industry executives and maritime stakeholders from around the world.
Marina Hadjimanolis, Cyprus Shipping Minister said:
“Posidonia has always been much more than an exhibition.”
“It has long been one of the most important meeting points for the global maritime community.”
Murali Pillai, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport, described Posidonia 2026 as “an invaluable opportunity to meet old friends and other key maritime players to exchange perspectives on the future of international shipping.”
Industry participants echoed similar sentiments. George Marinakis, Managing Director of MT Innovative Solutions S.A. (MTIS), said the exhibition confirmed that the future of shipping will be shaped by organisations capable of combining strong partnerships, operational excellence and intelligent use of technology, while Konstantinos Antoniadis, CEO and Co-founder of EMICERT, noted that the event exceeded expectations and provided a valuable platform for dialogue on the future of shipping and sustainability.
For Orestis Schinas, Co-Founder and Academic Lead of HHX.blue, the quality of discussions surrounding finance, decarbonisation, digitalisation and competitiveness demonstrated why Posidonia remains one of the industry’s most influential gatherings and a catalyst for new business opportunities.
While attendance surpassed every previous edition, the record-breaking numbers also highlighted the need for continued investment in infrastructure capable of supporting events of this scale. Posidonia 2028 will be the 30th edition of the world’s most prestigious shipping trade event and will take place from 5-9 June at the same venue.
Vokos said:
“Each edition of Posidonia raises the bar even higher – not only for the exhibition itself, which is widely recognised as the world’s premier maritime gathering – but also for Greece’s overall profile as a destination for international conferences and exhibitions.”
He added:
“As Posidonia continues to grow, so do the infrastructure requirements needed to support it. Adapting to these evolving needs is essential – not for the reputation of Posidonia, which is already firmly established – but for strengthening Greece’s standing as a world-class destination capable of hosting events of the highest international standard.”
MTN SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS SHOWCASED STAREDGE HORIZON™ AT POSIDONIA 2026
MTN Satellite Communications used Posidonia 2026 to launch StarEdge Horizon™, its most advanced maritime connectivity solution to date. The product introduced private Layer 2 connectivity for vessel operators requiring heightened network security and centralised control, bypassing the public internet entirely to link ships directly to headquarters, data centres, and cloud platforms over a dedicated path. The Fort Lauderdale-based company, a returning Posidonia exhibitor, specialises in fully managed Multi-LEO connectivity solutions serving the maritime, enterprise and energy sectors, with support infrastructure spanning six continents. Looking ahead, MTN identified the maturation of LEO constellations, tightening real-time data regulations, rising crew welfare expectations and IoT-enabled smart ship applications as the key forces reshaping maritime connectivity demand. The company’s hybrid, fleet-ready infrastructure is backed by SLA-guaranteed redundancy across all network layers.
CARETTA ERP MAKES POSIDONIA DEBUT WITH V2.0 PLATFORM LAUNCH
Istanbul-based maritime software developer Caretta ERP made its Posidonia debut at the 2026 edition of the Athens show, using the occasion to launch Caretta ERP v2.0, a significant upgrade to its integrated ship management platform currently deployed across more than 500 vessels worldwide. For Caretta ERP, Posidonia 2026 represented a strategic milestone in its international expansion, providing direct access to shipowners, fleet managers, and technical decision-makers from across the global maritime community.
Alex Cakiroglu, Chief Commercial Officer, said:
“Posidonia is one of the most influential platforms in the global maritime industry. At Caretta ERP, we are focused on delivering systems that bring structure, traceability, and real operational control to ship management. With the launch of Caretta ERP v2.0, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing scalable and practical digital solutions that directly address the evolving needs of shipowners and fleet managers.”
LLOYD’S REGISTER MARKS MILESTONE-LADEN POSIDONIA 2026 WITH LANDMARK SIGNINGS AND DIGITAL SHOWCASES
Lloyd’s Register (LR) reinforced its position as one of the maritime industry’s most consequential technical and digital partners at Posidonia 2026, combining a series of high-profile agreement signings with the latest advances in classification, digitalisation, and decarbonisation advisory services. The London-headquartered classification society, present at every Posidonia since 2000, used the Athens show to unveil the latest iteration of its Global Maritime Trends Barometer, a multi-year research programme offering forward-looking insight into the energy and digital transitions reshaping global shipping. LR also showcased expanded capabilities through its OneOcean platform, which supports voyage optimisation, fleet intelligence and regulatory compliance across more than 30,000 vessels worldwide, with stand-based demonstrations focused on real-world data applications across the vessel lifecycle. The company’s stand was also the venue for a concentrated programme of agreement signings with Hyundai Heavy Industries, KSOE, Hyundai Glovis, Global Marine Services, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. Chief Executive Officer Nick Brown captured the company’s positioning at the event:
“Posidonia remains a vital forum for Lloyd’s Register to engage directly with the Greek shipping community and the wider international maritime industry. As owners face growing pressure to improve efficiency, adopt digital technologies and navigate the energy transition, our focus is on providing practical, trusted solutions that can be applied today while preparing for the future. Posidonia 2026 allowed us to demonstrate how technical excellence, digital innovation and long-standing partnerships come together to support safer, more sustainable shipping.”
TURBO TECH IN SAFE HANDS
Turbo General Ltd came back to Posidonia this summer for the 8th time in a row, continuing a strong presence at the exhibition that has helped the company build long- standing relationships with shipowners, managers, and technical decision-makers worldwide. Specialising in turbocharger repair, maintenance and lifecycle support, the company provides services across all major turbocharger brands, supported by advanced reconditioning techniques such as TIG welding, thermal spray, and laser cladding. With ISO-certified facilities and a global 24/7 support network, Turbo General focuses on minimising downtime and enhancing fleet reliability. At Posidonia 2026, the company highlighted its latest service developments and enhanced technical capabilities, offering visitors in-depth technical briefings on maintenance strategies, efficiency optimisation, and lifecycle extension solutions tailored to modern marine and industrial engines.
Founder Vasilios Chrysopoulos said:
“Posidonia has always been a strategic meeting point for the global maritime community.”
“Our continued investment in advanced technologies, training, and international collaboration enables us to support shipowners in improving efficiency, reliability, and compliance in an increasingly demanding environment.”
OVER 4,000 MARITIME PROFESSIONALS EMBRACED THE SPIRIT OF POSIDONIA GAMES 2026
The Posidonia Games 2026 once again demonstrated that the global shipping community thrives not only in business but also in sport. Bringing together maritime professionals from around the world, this year’s programme featured six events across sea and land, offering participants the chance to compete, connect and celebrate the spirit of teamwork that defines the industry.
The Games commenced with the Posidonia Cup sailing race on May 29, before continuing on May 30 with the newly introduced Posidonia Tour cycling event and the popular Posidonia 3×3 Basketball tournament. The sporting programme reached its climax on 31 May with the Posidonia Running Event, the Posidonia Golf Tournament, and the Posidonia Shipsoccer Tournament.
Hosted at venues across Athens and Piraeus, the events attracted over 4,000 participants and drew enthusiastic support from colleagues, friends and family members. Beyond the competition itself, the Posidonia Games added an energetic and social dimension to the world’s leading shipping exhibition, strengthening bonds within the maritime community while supporting a range of charitable causes and NGOs through event proceeds.
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