The 25th NAVIGATOR 2026 – The Shipping Decision Makers Forum will take place on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at the Lighthouse of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), marking 25 years of dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of ideas across the Greek and international maritime community.
Since its establishment in 2001, NAVIGATOR Forum has become an established meeting point for shipping decision-makers, bringing together shipowners, senior executives, international maritime industry representatives, institutional stakeholders and members of the diplomatic community around the same table.
This milestone edition will address some of the most pressing issues shaping the maritime industry today, including geopolitical developments, decarbonisation, sustainable finance, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and the human element. The discussions will explore how shipping can navigate the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly complex and rapidly changing global environment.
Leading maritime figures gather at the 25th NAVIGATOR Forum
The Forum will open with remarks by Danae Bezantakou, CEO of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS, followed by welcome addresses from Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, and Vassilis Korkidis, President of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Among the highlights are two Fireside Chats hosted by Danae Bezantakou. The first will feature Panos Xenokostas, Founder, President & CEO of ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group and President of the Hellenic Shipyards Association, exploring the prospects of the Greek shipbuilding industry and its role in the future of shipping. The second will welcome George Mangos, Principal – INTERUNITY GROUP, for a discussion on the key developments, challenges and priorities currently shaping the maritime industry.
The programme will also feature a special presentation by Professor Athanasios Platias, Strategy Chair at the University of Piraeus, offering insights into the evolving geopolitical and strategic landscape. Michele De Iudicibus, Senior Vice President – Fincantieri NexTech, will present his vision for a more connected, intelligent and technologically advanced maritime ecosystem.
The Forum will be presented by Olga Bezantakou, Chief Legal Counsel / COO of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS LTD.
Thematic panels 2026
From Regulation to Reality: Delivering Shipping’s Energy Transition
As the industry faces growing regulatory and environmental pressures, the discussion will explore how shipping can move beyond compliance towards practical implementation. From alternative fuels and emerging technologies to operational and financial considerations, the panel will examine what it takes to achieve a realistic, commercially viable and effective energy transition.
Connected Ships, Empowered People
Digitalisation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies are transforming the way vessels and shipping companies operate. The discussion will examine how technological innovation can empower people rather than replace them, strengthening safety, efficiency and decision-making both onboard and ashore.
Green Funding or No Funding
Sustainability is increasingly influencing the way shipping companies access finance and attract investment. With ESG requirements, environmental performance and evolving financial criteria reshaping the lending landscape, the panel will address whether the green transition is becoming a prerequisite for securing the financing of tomorrow.
The Sea at the Heart of Geopolitics
Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and shifting global alliances, the maritime industry finds itself at the centre of international developments. From conflicts and trade rivalries to the security of strategic shipping routes, the discussion will highlight the critical role of maritime transport in global trade, economic stability and international relations.
From NAVIGATOR Assembly 2026 to the anniversary Forum
The Forum will build on discussions initiated at NAVIGATOR Assembly 2026, held in Athens last March, which brought together senior maritime executives for closed-door thematic discussions on Decarbonisation & ESG, Smart Shipping & Human Element, and Geopolitical Developments.
The insights and conclusions from the Assembly will contribute to the wider dialogue at the anniversary Forum, ensuring that the industry’s perspectives and priorities remain at the heart of the discussions.
25 years of NAVIGATOR Forum
At the heart of NAVIGATOR Forum lies the vision of Capt. Dimitris Bezantakos, founder of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS, and Ioanna Bezantakou, founder of NAVIGATOR Forum. Their commitment to connecting people and strengthening relationships across the maritime community laid the foundation for a Forum that, 25 years later, continues to bring generations together, foster meaningful dialogue and create lasting connections.
As it celebrates this milestone, the 25th NAVIGATOR Forum looks beyond its anniversary, creating new opportunities for conversations, ideas and partnerships that will help shape the next chapter of shipping.
25 Years of NAVIGATOR Forum – And the Conversation Goes On.
For further information, the detailed programme and registration: 25th NAVIGATOR Forum 2026.
About NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS
Founded in 1991, NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS celebrates 35 years of operations in 2026, continuing a family maritime tradition spanning more than 50 years. Through an extensive global network of partners, the company provides towage and shipping agency services across more than 1,500 ports worldwide.
Since 2001, the company has organised NAVIGATOR – The Shipping Decision Makers Forum, bringing together leading figures from the Greek and international maritime communities to promote meaningful dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Alongside these initiatives, YES Forum, founded in 2014 by Danae Bezantakou, is dedicated to inspiring, educating and connecting the next generation with the maritime industry. Through educational programmes, school visits, mentoring opportunities, career orientation events and the maritime educational book “Destination Sea”, YES Forum has reached more than 150,000 students across Greece.
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