CSN London Maritime Forum
Shipping: Predicting an Unpredictable Future
About the Event
Following the success of our events across Europe and Asia, Cyprus Shipping News is proud to present the inaugural CSN London Maritime Forum. The event will take place on 13 October 2026 at the Marriott Hotel Regent’s Park, London.
London remains a pivotal hub for maritime strategy, and this forum is designed purely for senior executives, shipowners, financiers, and key decision makers. We are actively moving away from generic industry talk to focus strictly on hard commercial realities, strategy, and risk.
Welcome to the inaugural CSN London Maritime Forum, themed “Shipping: Predicting an Unpredictable Future”. In an era defined by profound geopolitical instability, shifting regulatory frameworks, and volatile capital markets, the maritime industry faces challenges that demand sharp, strategic foresight. Designed specifically for senior executives, shipowners, financiers, and key decision makers, this exclusive gathering cuts through the generic industry noise to focus entirely on hard commercial realities. Our goal is to provide an independent platform where industry leaders can engage in candid dialogue and dissect the critical issues reshaping the competitive landscape.
Throughout the day, expert speakers and panellists will tackle the most pressing challenges confronting modern boardrooms. The agenda deeply explores the breakdown of the international rule of law, the complexities of capital allocation and ESG linked financing, and the urgent realities of marine insurance and risk management in extreme risk zones. By bringing together the sharpest minds in London’s maritime hub, the CSN London Forum delivers the practical insights and high level strategies necessary to navigate, adapt, and thrive in an increasingly unpredictable world.
LIMITED SEATS
200
SPEAKERS
18
Starting the day
Registration and Welcome Coffee
TBA
Note from the organisers
Adonis Violaris, Managing Director – CSN
Welcome from the chairman of the conference
Neville Smith, Managing Director – Mariner Communications
Welcome address
Dr Kyriacos Kouros, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Kingdom
Keynote Address
Thomas Kazakos, Secretary General – International Chamber of Shipping
International Rule of Law; Is it a thing of the past?
The foundation of global shipping has always been a robust and universally accepted legal framework. However, escalating geopolitical conflicts, unilateral sanctions, and the increasing disruption of vital trade corridors are severely testing the resilience of international maritime law. This premier morning panel addresses a highly pressing question for the boardroom today, asking whether the established rule of law is deteriorating in the face of modern global volatility.
Guided by an exceptional lineup of industry leaders from the IMO, the International Chamber of Shipping, and the commercial sector, the discussion will bypass theoretical legal debate to focus entirely on hard commercial and operational realities. The panel will explore how shipowners, operators, and insurers can navigate a fragmented regulatory landscape, manage liability in extreme risk zones, and maintain commercial viability when the traditional rules of engagement can no longer be guaranteed.
Panel discussion: International Rule of Law; Is it a thing of the past?
Moderator:
Neville Smith, Managing Director – Mariner Communications
Panelists:
– Dorota Lost‑Sieminska, Director, Legal Affairs and External Relations Division – International Maritime Organization
– TBA
– Thomas A. Kazakos, Secretary General, International Chamber of Shipping
Coffee Break
Sponsored by TBA
Session 1
Ship Financing and Investment
Capital allocation in shipping has never been more complex. As the industry faces the monumental financial cost of the green transition, traditional funding models are being rapidly overhauled. This opening session delves into the intersection of green finance and maritime decarbonisation, exploring how owners can secure the capital required to future proof their fleets. Moving beyond standard banking structures, the session will also examine how modernising payment infrastructures and managing foreign exchange risks are becoming essential tools for protecting commercial margins in a highly volatile market.
A central highlight of this session is an uncompromising look at ESG linked financing, asking the critical question of whether these frameworks offer genuine commercial incentives or merely create another layer of regulatory compliance. Bringing together leading financiers, market analysts, and technology experts, the panel will dissect the hard truths of securing investment today. The session will then broaden its lens to address fleet management, exploring how operators must adapt their commercial strategies and daily operations to navigate the severe geopolitical shifts redrawing the global maritime map.
Green Finance and Shipping Decarbonisation. Challenges and Opportunities
Nikos Nomikos, professor at the City University
Beyond Traditional Banking: Optimising Maritime Capital Flows and Managing FX Risk in a Volatile Market
TBA
Panel discussion: Unpacking ESG Linked Financing: Genuine Incentives or Just Another Compliance Hurdle?
Moderator:
John Pittalis, Chief Executive – Jomaro Group
Panelists:
– Tim Power, Managing Director – Drewry
– Richard More, Managing Director – Gibson Capital
– Nikos Nomikos, professor at the City University
– TBA
– TBA
Lunch Break
Sponsored by TBA
Session 2
Marine Insurance and Risk Management
The risk landscape for global shipping is currently undergoing a period of unprecedented volatility. Geopolitical conflicts and regional instability have transformed once routine trade routes into extreme risk zones, forcing a rapid recalibration of marine insurance. This session addresses the immediate commercial realities of operating in this highly unpredictable environment. With war risk premiums surging and a shift towards voyage by voyage underwriting, shipowners and operators are facing complex decisions that directly impact both their commercial viability and crew safety.
Led by a keynote address from the Chairman of the Joint War Committee, the discussion will bring together leading insurance brokers, P&I claims experts, and shipowners to dissect these mounting pressures. The panel will bypass theoretical risk management to focus on practical strategies for navigating this geopolitical turbulence. Attendees will gain essential insights into how the insurance market is reacting to current crises, how claims are being handled in high risk scenarios, and what the maritime industry must do to safeguard its assets and operations moving forward.
TBA
Andrew Moulton, Chairman – JWC
Panel discussion: The reality of keeping up with geopolitical volatility and its impact on the industry
Moderator:
Anna Vourgos, CO-CEO – Aphentrica Marine insurance brokers
Panelists:
– Suzanne Byrne – Group Head of Claims – WEST P&I
– Andrew Moulton – Chairman Joint War Committee
– TBA
– TBA
Who should attend
The CSN London Maritime Strategy & Leadership Forum is exclusively designed for senior decision makers navigating the complex commercial and geopolitical realities of modern shipping. This highly targeted event is essential for shipowners, shipmanagers, C-suite executives, maritime financiers, marine insurers, legal professionals, and technology innovators. If your role involves making critical strategic, financial, or risk management decisions for the future of your enterprise, this forum will provide the practical insights, candid dialogue, and high level networking you need to stay ahead.
Closing remarks from the chairman
Neville Smith, Managing Director – Mariner Communications
Thank you from the organisers
Adonis Violaris, Managing Director – CSN
Download the agenda
SPEAKERS
18
Managing Director - CSN
High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Kingdom
Secretary General – International Chamber of Shipping
Director, Legal Affairs and External Relations Division – International Maritime Organization
Professor at the City University
Chief Executive – Jomaro Group
Managing Director – Drewry
Managing Director – Gibson Capital
Chairman – JWC
Director - Aphentrica Marine Insurance Brokers
Group Head of Claims – WEST P&I
Media Gallery
Media Gallery

Note from the organisers
Adonis Violaris, Managing Director – CSN

Welcome from the chairman of the conference
Henrik Jensen, CEO – Danica Crewing Specialist

Welcome address, Stavros Avgoustides
Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in Athens

“Championing Diversity and Inclusion”
Anna Pittalis, Commercial Director, Head of Shipping & Trading – Intergaz Ltd / President – WISTA Cyprus

“Crew Wellbeing and Emerging Global Connectivity Options”
Julien Ledoux, Account Manager for Content Services – KVH Media Group Communication Ltd

“Navigating the Future. Welfare, Skill development and digitalisation for seafarers”
Capt. George Papanelopoulos, Head of Vetting, Training & Development Dept. – Cyprus Sea Lines Co Ltd

Panel discussion: “What are the key challenges in implementing comprehensive crew welfare programs on board ships?”

Information about ASAP Athens
Konstantina Fanara, Account Manager – ASAP Athens

Adonis Violaris, Managing Director of CSN will conduct an On-Stage Spotlight Interview with Stylianos Psillakis, Technical Director at Columbia Group

“Safe, Skilled & Empowered: Redefining Crew Performance at Sea”
Chrysoula Vasiliki Patrikiou, Chief Business Officer – Pyli Net

“Steering Maritime Competence, Wellbeing, and Compliance: Assess, Train & Retain”
Aashish Puri, Chief Revenue Officer – MARITIME TRAINER

Panel discussion: “How can shipping companies balance the need for safety and compliance training with the importance of fostering a positive work culture and employee motivation?”

Closing remarks from the chairman
Henrik Jensen, CEO – Danica Crewing Specialist

Charity Ceremony
Stella Violari, Editor – CSN
Dr. Ioannis Patinionis – Founder of SHiPScraft method
LifeLine Hellas – Dr. Angeliki Margariti-Andrews

Thank you from the organisers
Adonis Violaris, Managing Director – CSN

3rd CSN Mediterranean Crewing Conference Vidcast with Zoe Morphitou
Sales Director EMEA – KVH Industries

3rd CSN Mediterranean Crewing Conference Vidcast with Katerina Palla
Head of Global Marine Training Center – RINA

3rd CSN Mediterranean Crewing Conference Vidcast with Capt. George Papanelopoulos, Head of Vetting, Training & Development Dept. – Cyprus Sea Lines Co Ltd

3rd CSN Mediterranean Crewing Conference Vidcast with Dr. Ioannis Patiniotis Founder of SHiPScraft method

3rd CSN Mediterranean Crewing Conference Vidcast with Henrik Jensen
CEO and Founder – Danica Crewing Specialists

3rd CSN Mediterranean Crewing Conference Vidcast with Capt. Vasiliki Ketse, Alt.DPA/CSO | HSEQ Superintendent – Dorian LPG Management

3rd CSN Mediterranean Crewing Conference Vidcast with Julien Ledoux
Account Manager for Content Services – KVH Media Group Communication Ltd

3rd CSN Mediterranean Crewing Conference Vidcast with Amalia Marcou
Crew Director – ENESEL Group

3rd CSN Mediterranean Crewing Conference Vidcast with Anna Pittalis
Commercial Director, Head of Shipping & Trading – Intergaz Ltd / President – WISTA Cyprus

3rd CSN Mediterranean Crewing Conference Vidcast with Theophanis Theophanous, Managing Director – BSM Hella

3rd CSN Mediterranean Crewing Conference Vidcast with Capt. George Vlachos – Training Consultant – Mediterranean Maritime Academy
Location
London Marriott Hotel Regents Park
Conference Room: Primrose Hill
128 King Henry’s Rd, London NW3 3BY, United Kingdom
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