Grimaldi Group - Experts & Thought Leaders

Latest Grimaldi Group news & announcements

Celebrating Dimitri Fafalios's tenure at INTERCARGO

Figures across the dry bulk shipping sector have joined in paying tribute to Dimitri Fafalios, who concluded his chairmanship of the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) on 31 December 2024, after six years of distinguished leadership. Fafalios's pivotal role Industry pioneers have praised Mr. Fafalios's pivotal role in strengthening international shipping standards during a period of unprecedented change, noting his success in expanding INTERCARGO's influence, while advancing crucial safety and sustainability initiatives. Under his stewardship, INTERCARGO's membership reached historic levels, with approximately 260 companies across 30 countries now representing more than one-third of the global dry bulk fleet by deadweight. Landmark initiatives Several landmark initiatives, including the Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence and INTERCARGO's first-ever ESG Review His tenure saw the successful launch of several landmark initiatives, including the Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence and INTERCARGO's first-ever ESG Review. These achievements built upon his previous decade of service as Technical Committee Chairman, during which he established a strong foundation for the Association's technical leadership. All-rounded shipping knowledge Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners and a Member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, said, "We at the Union of Greek Shipowners are extremely proud of Dimitri Fafalios' great achievements as Chairman of INTERCARGO." Melina Travlos adds, "His all-rounded shipping knowledge and in-depth technical expertise have been an asset for INTERCARGO. His Chairmanship was marked by a strong enhancement of the dry bulk sector's representation, by instrumental collaborations and inspired leadership." Honorary Chairman of INTERCARGO John Lyras, former President of the European Community Shipowners Associations, stated, "I would like to warmly congratulate Dimitri J Fafalios for his successful term as President of INTERCARGO following on from a decade of chairing the Organisation's Technical Committee." John Lyras adds, "This achievement is one of several for Dimitri Fafalios whose services to Shipping both nationally and internationally have been longstanding and outstanding and are continuing. The title of Honourary Chairman of INTERCARGO constitutes due recognition and is entirely deserved." Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence John Xylas, incoming Chairman of INTERCARGO, said, "During his six-year tenure, Dimitri led our Association through unprecedented challenges, while achieving remarkable growth and innovation. His vision was instrumental in establishing the Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence, launching our first ESG Review, and expanding our membership to historic levels." John Xylas adds, "Dimitri’s unwavering commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence has set a strong foundation for INTERCARGO's future. We are fortunate that Dimitri will continue to contribute his wisdom as Honourary Chairman." Safety standards and operational efficiency Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, said, "On behalf of the International Chamber of Shipping I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dimitri Fafalios for his outstanding leadership over the past six years." Emanuele Grimaldi adds, "During his tenure as Chairman, Dimitri has played an important role in improving safety standards and operational efficiency in dry bulk shipping, and across the wider industry." Addressing future challenges Emanuele Grimaldi continues, "Under his guidance, INTERCARGO has achieved significant milestones that will have a lasting impact. Dimitris' efforts have strengthened the foundation of his organisation, ensuring it is well-positioned to address the challenges of the future. It has been a pleasure working with Dimitri and I wish him, and his successor, Mr. John A. Xylas every success in the future." Mr. Fafalios continues to contribute his expertise to INTERCARGO as Honourary Chairman, supporting the leadership team headed by John Xylas. 

Valenciaport showcases zero emission projects to EU delegation

A delegation of European representatives of the Environment visited this morning the Port of Valencia. Led by Patrick Child, deputy director general of Environment of the European Union (EU), the group of ten officials -from six different EU nationalities-, three representatives of the City of València, and Maider Etxebarria, mayor of Vitoria, have toured the site in order to see the environmental projects that Valenciaport has underway. Along with Child, have visited the Port of València Clara Goerlich, Deputy Director General for Research and Innovation of the EU; André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities; Sissel Knutsen Hegdal, Mayor of Stavanger with her advisor; Elina Rantanen, Deputy Mayor of Turku and her advisor Maria Granlund; Dagur Eggerston, Deputy Mayor of Reykjavic and his advisor Hrönn Hrafnsdóttir; and Filipe Araujo, Deputy Mayor of Porto. Antonio Garcia, General Director of Green Capital, José Marí, Councillor for Major Projects, and María del Mar Ferrer from Valencia Innovation Capital attended on behalf of the Valencia City Council. Maider Etxebarria, mayoress of Vitoria, also joined the tour. Functioning of the Valencian enclosure The operation of the hydrogen plant is completed with the pilot of the real use of the Reach Stacker Antonio Torregrosa, director of the Valenciaport Foundation, has been in charge of explaining the functioning of the Valencian enclosure and solving the doubts about the environmental projects that are being implemented in the Port of València. Thus, after a first stop at the Martillo (end of the southern counterlike), they visited the facilities of the hydrogen plant, a pioneering facility in a European port area that uses hydrogen technologies to reduce environmental impact. Framed in the H2Ports project, the operation of the hydrogen plant is completed with the pilot of the real use of the Reach Stacker (container stacker that will be powered with this energy) – which is being tested at MSC Terminal Valencia-, and the pilot of use of the conventional 4×4 tractor head – which is tested in the loading and unloading operations at Valencia Terminal Europe of Grimaldi Group. Environmental facilities and initiatives Likewise, the European representatives have also shown great interest in the operation of the solar panels installed in the Príncipe Felipe dock and in the progress of the construction of the photovoltaic plant in the VTE silo. These environmental facilities and initiatives-developed by Valenciaport with the aim of achieving climate neutrality: Zero Emissions goal-are developed with the objective of increasing the competitiveness of the customers of the Valencian docks through the efficient and sustainable provision of logistics and transport services and are a benchmark in the European port system.

ICS Publications releases fifth edition of ‘Shipping and the Environment: A Guide to Environmental Compliance’

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Publications announces the launch of the fifth edition of ‘Shipping and the Environment: A Guide to Environmental Compliance’. This latest edition offers comprehensive updates and expanded insights into the intricate relationship between shipping operations and environmental protection. The fifth edition is a definitive guide, providing a holistic introduction to companies and crew members navigating this complex subject matter. Recognising the need for accessibility, this edition is designed to be a user-friendly resource for individuals with varying levels of familiarity with MARPOL regulations and the environmental impact of day-to-day shipping. Access comprehensive guidance Existing resources on shipping and the environment are often either overly complex Existing resources on shipping and the environment are often either overly complex, such as regulatory documents, or overly simplistic, such as generalist online sources like Wikipedia. Additionally, pertinent information is scattered across niche publications, making it challenging for stakeholders to access comprehensive guidance in one consolidated source. "We identified a pressing need for a single, authoritative resource that addresses the key environmental issues facing the shipping industry," said John Stawpert, Senior Manager (Environment and Trade) at the International Chamber of Shipping, adding "With this new edition, we aimed to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive yet accessible guide that addresses the dynamic regulatory environment." Net zero carbon emissions Emmanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, commented: “As a shipowner I have heavily invested in energy efficiency practices, as well as new green technologies, to move forward in reaching the International Maritime Organisation’s net zero carbon emissions target by or around 2050. This new overarching guide by the ICS provides the industry with practical guidance and peace of mind in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.” In response to the dynamic nature of environmental regulations, ICS plans to review and produce updated editions of ‘Shipping and the Environment: A Guide to Environmental Compliance’ every two to three years. This commitment reflects the organisation's dedication to ensuring that stakeholders remain informed and empowered to adopt sustainable practices, recognising the evolving regulatory framework and environmental best-practices. Key environmental requirements The fifth edition promises to be an invaluable resource for companies, crew members, training institutions, administrations, and policy-makers alike.  By consolidating key environmental requirements and factors into one authoritative publication, ICS aims to foster greater awareness, understanding, and action towards sustainable shipping practices.

vfd