(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) As Vetting Managers, we are all navigating an industry undergoing rapid transformation. With evolving regulatory expectations, growing environmental commitments, and the arrival of more data-driven inspection regimes, our operational landscape has never been more complex—or more interconnected. To meet these challenges effectively, the need for structured, transparent, and recurring dialogue between Oil Majors, OCIMF members, and vessel operators is now essential.
Why Athens?
Athens remains the beating heart of global shipping. With the world’s largest tanker-owning community headquartered here, the city is the natural home for meaningful discussion on standards, performance, and future expectations across the maritime supply chain.
For this reason, we are proposing the formal establishment of an Annual Oil Major Forum in Athens—a dedicated platform where industry leaders can exchange insights, align on vetting expectations, and openly address the practical realities of operating in an era defined by SIRE 2.0 and enhanced safety frameworks.
Purpose of the Forum: Real Dialogue, Real Clarity, Real Progress
The transition to SIRE 2.0 is a significant shift, introducing digital transparency, deeper analytics, and continuous performance evaluations. For operators and charterers alike, the success of this system depends heavily on clarity, consistency, and open exchange.
The annual forum will create a stable environment where:
- Oil Majors, OCIMF members, and shipping companies can address inspection interpretations, expectations, and common challenges.
- Operators can present the practical realities of implementing safety, compliance, and vetting improvements.
- Both sides can collaborate on evolving tools such as TMSA, ensuring they move beyond compliance documents and serve as genuine frameworks for operational excellence and shared learning.
Event Structure: A High-Value, Two-Day Interactive Format
Day 1 – Open Panels & Industry Debate
Focused discussions on:
- Implementation experience with SIRE 2.0
- Sponsors presentations for various related subjects
- Emerging vetting trends and risk indicators
- TMSA development and alignment
- Safety management priorities and lessons learned
- Operator challenges and charterer expectations
The day concludes with a networking dinner to foster informal, constructive dialogue.
Day 2 – One-to-One Meetings
Dedicated private sessions between Oil Majors and individual shipping companies:
- Tailored performance feedback
- Clarifications on inspection findings
- Alignment on improvement plans
- Confidential strategic discussions
Attendance will be limited to 80 participants to maintain engagement quality.
Benefits to the Shipping Community
For Operators:
- Direct access to Oil Majors
- Early insight into inspection and regulatory trends
- Enhanced alignment on expectations
- Peer learning and best-practice exchange
For Oil Majors:
- Clearer communication channels
- Improved consistency in inspection expectations
- Stronger relationships with operators
Sponsorship Opportunity
To ensure sustainability, sponsorship will be open to:
- Shipping companies
- Marine service providers
- Classification societies, P&I Clubs
- Technology providers, training academies, terminals
Sponsorship benefits may include:
- Branding and visibility
- Priority participation
- Exhibition options
- Recognition in all media
Forum Organization
The Annual Oil Major Forum will be organized by AKK Shipping Consulting, in close collaboration with event sponsors—including, Shipping Companies, Classification Societies, and Flag Administrations.
All communication and coordination with Oil Majors for participation and agenda development will be handled directly by AKK Shipping Consulting, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and strong industry engagement.
The Annual Oil Major Forum in Athens is a strategic step toward a more transparent, collaborative, and safety-focused maritime future. With AKK Shipping Consulting leading the organization and sponsor collaboration, this initiative will establish a stable foundation for ongoing dialogue, enhanced vetting clarity, and strengthened operational safety. By supporting this event, the maritime community reinforces its commitment to shared responsibility and continual improvement across the global tanker sector.
Capt Athanasios K.Katsanos
Director and Founder of AKK Shipping Consulting Group of Companies
Iraklio Attikis , Athens - Greece
T: +30 6934376974
