Aegean at Port Elizabeth
Transcription
Aegean at Port Elizabeth
Aegean News T H E Q U A R T E R L Y M A G A Z I N E O F A E G E A N WINTER 2015-16 Aegean Presents D-Force Bunkering Aegean in Shanghai Interview Ioannis Chiotopoulos DNV GL Plus Flows & Currents Travel with Aegean South Africa Aegean at Port Elizabeth Επιστροφή σε ευρώ με κάθε σας συναλλαγή Ενημερωθείτε αναλυτικά για το πρόγραμμα Επιστροφή στο www.epistrofi-eurobank.gr. editorial Meeting challenges. 2016 is bound to be a year of immense challenges. Today’s global, regional, and local environment presents us with a number of dilemmas that will test our resolve in a number of areas. Within the European Union, and on Greece’s shores, an unprecedented migrant crisis continues to test policy makers, who face a humanitarian problem that extends well beyond our borders. In addition, global markets are experiencing an era of uncertainty that affects diverse factors and multiple players, all looking for signs of stability and growth. Greece itself must continue its path of reform to enter an orientation of sustainable economic recovery. 2016 is also set to be a year of challenge for Aegean as it continues its strategy of smart growth, evolution and business development. Aegean is in the midst of a bold and forward-looking expansion in two key bunkering markets, China and South Africa. The company's historic first in supplying offshore bunkers in the Port Elizabeth area reinforces its well-established practice of being a pioneer. And in other areas, including Environmental Services, Shipping, LNG, Lubricants, and the Retail Market, Aegean is prepared to face the year with a mixture of cautious optimism and realistic market understanding. Responding to global markets conditions, regional instability, and local challenges requires a business model that is determined yet flexible, optimistic yet pragmatic, and visionary yet feasible. We are confident that, despite the numerous challenges ahead, Aegean will proceed throughout 2016 in a manner that reflects its time-honored commitment of providing the best products and services at the best market prices. Aegean Core Activities Retail AEGEAN OIL has established a gas station network throughout Greece, and is one of the fastest growing companies in the retail market. AEGEAN’S gasoline market share in Greece is 8%. Shipping AEGEAN SHIPPING manages a fleet of tankers, ranging from 28.610 to 50,926 DWT, that transfers and delivers oil to our clients throughout the world. All ships meet ISM standards. The Company’s new GreenFleet (http://www.greenfleet.gr) incorporates the latest technologies to ensure reduced operating costs and reduced emissions, while increasing overall performance. All ships are certified by ISM, ISPS and MLC as well as with ISO 9001, 14001, 18001 and 50001. AEGEAN SHIPPING is additionally certified with ISO 22301. Bunkering AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM is a leader in providing the best bunkering services available in Piraeus, Patras, Gibraltar, Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp, Fujarah, Jamaica, Singapore, Trinidad & Tobago, Portland-Falmouth, Vancouver, Montreal, Mexico, Tanger Med (Morocco), Canary Islands, Panama, Barcelona, Algeciras, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Norfolk, Charleston, Los Angeles, Hamburg, the Gulf of Mexico, and St. Petersburg. AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM is the market leader in bunkering. Agency Services RAYMOND MATERA Ships from around the world rely on AEGEAN AGENCY services at Piraeus, Gibraltar, Fujairah, and Jamaica, from loading and discharging, to spare parts and supplies. Publisher Lubricants AEGEAN OIL produces and markets high performance lubricants for vehicles and industrial use, under the AEGEAN brand. AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM trades and supplies lubricants for the marine market under the ALFA brand. WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 1 You're on the move. So are we. Get Aegean News wherever you are. Aegean News iPad version is now available at the app store. Enhanced with video, more photos, and interactive content! WHERE ANY TIME AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM contents 10 Aegean wishes everyone a Happy New Year 16 Aegean is to begin bunkering operations in South Africa 4 AEGEAN UPDATE CODE: 5169 Winter 2015-2016 Aegean News is published quarterly by AEGEAN PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR Raymond Matera CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Alexandra Loli DESIGN Snack PRINTING AND BINDING Korifi Publications SA OWNER Aegean 10 Akti Konydli 185 45, Piraeus, Greece Tel: +30 210 458 6000 Fax: +30 210 458 6241 E-Mail: info@aegeanoil.gr Websites: www.aegeanoil.gr, www.ampni.com Comments and suggestions are welcome. Aegean News is free of charge and is available, subject to availability, to any interested person or organization. Please Recycle 7RETAIL Aegean Presents New D-Force Fuel to Southern Greece Service Station Owners 8CHRISTMAS WITH AEGEAN Aegean Celebrates the Holidays 10NEW YEAR’S PITA CUTTING Aegean Hosts its Annual Vassilopita Celebration 12BUNKERING 22 Ioannis Chiotopoulos, DNV GL Regional Manager, talks to Aegean News 22 THE AEGEAN INTERVIEW Ioannis Chiotopoulos, DNV GL Regional Manager, Regional Office East Med., Black & Caspian Seas 24 STATIONS OF THE MONTH • Anastasios Asmatoglou, Agia Paraskevi • Nikolaos Karalis, Volos 26MARITIME TRADITION The First Online Museum on the Greek Shipping Miracle 27 TRAVEL WITH ΑEGEAN Karpenisi Aegean in Shanghai 14FLOWS AND CURRENTS Trends in Oil, Shipping, and Energy 16 BUNKERING South Africa—Aegean at Port Elizabeth 28CHILDREN AND THE ENVIRONMENT Impressive Underwater Rift Divides Europe and North America 30AEGEAN COLLECTION Step Out in Style WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 3 A E G E A N UPDA T E The Eisbeinessen dinner The Eisbeinessen Dinner Carl Philipp Lange-Wuehlisch (Bunker Trader Trainee), Alexandros Kyriazis (Bunker Trader), Boris Gronenberg (Managing Director Hamburg office), and Anna-Maria Karakasi (Bunker Trader) The traditional Eisbeinessen fest has been held annually by the Hamburg Shipbrokers' Association (Vereinigung Hamburger Schiffsmakler und Schiffsagenten e.V.) since 1948. It takes place every year on the first Friday of November, at the Congress Centrum Hamburg (CCH), and has become an international meeting platform for shipbrokers, shipping agents, ship owners, bunker suppliers and traders, forwarding agents, terminal operators, and all who are directly or indirectly associated with shipping. More than 5.000 people from all over the world attend the gathering. The Eisbeinessen this year took place on Friday, November 6, 2015, and the Aegean Team was represented by the Hamburg office, as well as colleagues from Piraeus headquarters (Anna-Maria Karakasi and Panos Tsikleas), Antwerp (Alexandros Kyriazis) and St. Petersburg (Andrew Ananiev). Aegean also hosted an after dinner party at the Room Club to celebrate the new office in Hamburg. Colleagues from our newly established HEC setup in Hamburg were also in attendance. The event was successful and we hope to make it an Eisbein tradition. Aegean at the 35th Argus Fuel Oil & Feedstock Summit Aegean was present at the 35th Argus Fuel Oil & Feedstock Summit held at the Ritz Carlton South Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida, USA on October 25-27, 2015. This annual energy conference traditionally brings together the traders, the brokers and the suppliers of the fuel industry. Aegean was pleased to once again host a successful event in advance of the Argus Fuel and Feedstock Summit in Miami this past October. The party, which took place at the beautiful 1 Hotel on Miami’s South Beach, was widely attended by industry veterans, suppliers, customers and friends and was a success. Everyone is already looking forward to next year’s party and event. Sal Drago, Chris Roberts, Manolis Ηoclakis and Mike Reilly represented Aegean. Britton Hart, Britt Vasquez, and Lina Mannix Eric Evans and Manolis Hochlakis 4 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 Oriana Reyes, Sara Angel Ini, Lina Mannix and friend Tournament awards ceremony Petroleum Tournament 2015 The latest petroleum tournament took place on September 28, 2015 between several industry companies at the Philothei tennis club and the Milonas stadium in Nea Smirni. Aegean won in the following categories: 1. V olleyball, 1st place: P. Ioannidis, A. Pavlakis, M. Giorgakis, S. Vradis, L. Aslanoglou, and I. Sideris. 2. Ping Pong, 2nd place: P. Nikokyris 3. Ping Pong, 4th place: Z. Kirmpeis 4. Tennis, Women’s singles (second chance) 1st place: E. Panagopoulou Aegean, Avin, BP, Chevron, Coral, Eko, Greek Petroleum, Greek Fuels Elinoil, Jetoil, Revoil, Μotor Oil, Shell & MOH, Silk Oil, and Petrogaz took part in the tournament. We thank all our colleagues who participated in the tournament, worthily representing our company. We congratulate them and wish that Aegean always comes home a winner! Top row, from left: Pavlos Ioannidis, Spyros Vradis, Leonidas Aslanoglou, Ilias Sideris Bottom row, from left: Georgios Kagialis (coach), Mara Giogaki, Antonios Pavlakis Awards ceremony at the University of the Aegean Voluntary blood drive Voluntary Blood Drive On December 4, 2015 a Greek Red Cross blood donation mobile unit came to the Aegean facilities in Aspropyrgos to enhance the blood bank of the company. As expected, many Aegean employees participated. The colleagues who donated blood are Athanasios Azaroglou, Christos Vasilopoulos, George Gakis, Eleni Igoumenou, Dimitrios Kamenidis Konstantinos Cantarellis, Panagiotis Kolympiris, Ioannis Komninos, Dimitrios Kordalis, Petros Kordalis, Zafiris Kyrmpeis, Konstantinos Mineos, Kyriakos Bountzikas, Paraskevas Paraskevas, Antonios Pavlakis, Dionysios Symeoforidis, Angeliki Sotiriadou, Constantine Floudopoulos, and Panagiotis Chatzidimitriou. We would like to thank all our colleagues for their participation! Dimitris Melissanidis and Peter Georgiopoulos on the Lloyd’s Shipping Top 100 Lloyd's revealed the top 100 most influential people in the shipping industry for 2015, which amply demonstrates the supremacy of the Greeks at sea. According to this report fleets controlled by Greek shipowners reach 335 million tons dwt, surpassing Japan, which is in second place, by 60 million tons, while China, which holds the third place, has almost half the capacity (178 mil. tons) compared to Greece. Among the Greeks included in the Top 100 list are Aegean founder Dimitris Melissanidis and Peter Georgiopoulos, owner of General Maritime. Aegean Rewards Top University of the Aegean Students Aegean Shipping Management SA showed its continuous support to the academic work of the Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport of the University of the Aegean by participating in the graduation ceremony in Chios and awarding the University’s top students with scholarships. Third year student Petros Christakis was awarded 1,000 Euro. Aegean Shipping Management awarded the top student of the postgraduate Shipping Transport and Commerce program for the academic year 2015-2016, Sophia Atsali, with 2,000 Euro. The Purchasing Manager of the company, Irene Panagopoulos, presented the students with the awards. Ms. Panagopoulos is herself a distinguished fellow of the Department of Shipping of the University of the Aegean. Expression of Solidarity On Christmas Eve Father Dimitrios from the Church of the Holy Trinity in Nikea collected and delivered food and clothing to 300 families in need. Aegean employees, in collaboration with the Human Resources Department, showed great sensitivity and love for their fellow man and filled the warehouse of the church with 40 boxes of food and 30 boxes of clothing. Ηumanitarian Aid at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Nikea Congratulations to all for the remarkable effort! WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 5 A E G E A N UPDA T E Extension of a Successful Banking Agreement for Aegean Following the renewal of a successful cooperation for at least three more years, the management of Aegean Marine Petroleum got together on October 14, 2015 to celebrate with teams of 10 out of 13 international banks that participate in the USD1 billion global multicurrency syndicated borrowing base loan. This loan is financing the international activities of purchasing, storing and distributing bunkers and other products to international shipping companies. The banks that participate in the loan are (in alphabetical order) ABN AMRO, Arab Bank Switzerland, Belfius, BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse, Emirates NBD, ING, KBC, Mashreq, National Bank οf Greece, Natixis, Rabobank, and Societe General. New Employees The following employees have joined the Aegean work force. AEGEAN OIL Athanasios Papachristopoulos Dionysis Foteinopoulos Evaggelos Bardis Iordanis Tsaloglou AEGEAN BUNKERING SERVICES Konstantina Tzanakou Varvara Dritsa Efi Filiopoulou AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM Pepi Sourtzi Sotiris Delidimitriou Mairy Skafida Leonidas Broumas Chrysostomos Merentitis HEC Nikolaos Pantelidakis S. Gianniotis, S. Fokas, and Roger Dekkers (ABN - AMRO) S. Gianniotis, Antoine Schaufelberger (BNP Paribas), and S. Fokas OIL ONE Dimitrios Tzitzinis-Tzitzinakis Aliki Poursanidou Agathoklis Veskoukis MELCO PETROLEUM George Lazaridis Kostantinos Minaios Stylianos Mixaliodis S. Gianniotis, Cecile Tailbot (Natixis), and S. Fokas Wishes for 2016 6 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 S. Gianniotis, Patrick Arnaud (ING), Mathieu Lancaraeu (ING), and S. Fokas AEGEAN SHIPPING MANAGEMENT Fotios Garitos Maria Vetta Christos Tzirtzilakis Ioannis Gennaris Aegean wishes to all its friends, business partners, associates, and clients, in Greece and abroad, a happy, creative, and successful 2016. RE TAIL Aegean Presents New D-Force Fuel to Southern Greece Service Station Owners On December 10, 2015 the presentation of Aegean’s new D-Force diesel fuel took place at Aegean headquarters. S outhern Greece service station owners, in whose stations the new D-Force fuel is now available, attended the event. Iakovos Melissanidis opened the presentation with greetings and a few words. Following Mr. Melissanidis, Anna Papatheocharis, a chemical engineer and the representative of the company that manufactures the additives for D-Force, presented the participants with the properties and advantages of the new fuel, and Antonis Papadakis, Deputy CEO of Aegean Oil, briefed the station owners on the successive stages of tests and checks prior to final selection and marketing of D-Force within the Aegean service stations network. After the presentation the guests enjoyed a reception in an extremely pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. Iakovos Melissanidis Anna Papatheocharis The new D-Force diesel fuel, which is available at selected service stations of the Aegean network, contains the most technologically advanced additives that allow D-Force for cars with a diesel engine to: • increase the cetane number up to three units, which means improved ignition quality, better cold start and more acceleration • reduce fuel consumption by up to 3% • clean injectors, giving optimum spraying capabilities and keeping the entire engine clean • reduce engine noise • provide substantial protection against corrosion and increases engine life Presentation of the new D-Force fuel to Southern Greece service station owners Iakovos Melissanidis and Vera Melissanidou Ioannis Komninos and Tasos Kolokithas WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 7 CHRISTMAS WITH AEGEAN A Christmas Party for Aegean’s Children On December 20, 2015, Aegean, once again faithful to tradition, "opened its arms" and welcomed the children of its employees, together with their parents, at the Christmas Party held in the special events hall on the 8th floor of the company’s headquarters in Piraeus. Exciting and interactive games, dancing to the sounds of Christmas songs, the appearance of Karagiozis (a popular fictional character of Greek folklore), and a rich buffet with a variety of delicacies and sweets, kept the interest of young and old unabated. Rudolf, the red-nosed reindeer, greeted the children at the beginning of the celebration. At the end the children received presents from Santa Claus and, full of joy and enthusiasm, promised to meet again at next year’s party. Best Wishes, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to all! 8 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 Traditional Carols On December 24, 2015 the Pontian Association of Korydallos, Nikea, sang traditional carols for Aegean on the ground floor of the company headquarters in Piraeus. The entire dance group was present, as well as the two little “stars” of the Pontian Association of Korydallos, Artemis and Yorgos, who performed the dance of the knives and received a warm applause. As a special surprise, renowned signer Pela Nikolaidou made an appearance. While Dimitris Ksenitopoulos and Panayiotis Kanonidis played the lyra, the dance group performed the traditional Pontian tik and kotsari dances, which gave a special touch to the festive atmosphere with the beautiful spectacle they presented. Aegean founder Dimitris Melissanidis thanked the club for their kind performance and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Pontian Association of Korydallos dancers The Aegean NWE Christmas Party The annual Christmas party of Aegean North Western Europe (NWE) took place on December 16, 2015 at the Wijnen Despert, a venue located very close to the offices of the company in Antwerp. It was a very cozy and warm evening where all personnel accompa- nied by their spouses had the opportunity to relax and enjoy the excellent food prepared by Chef Xavier. In his speech General Manager Tony Vertommen thanked the personnel for their efforts throughout the year and encouraged everybody to continue, with even more determination, in 2016. The highlight of the evening was of course the singing performance of our colleague Geert Boden, who once again was outstanding. Until next Christmas, Happy New Year from Antwerp! From left: Silvia Gutierrez and her husband Wouters, Yves Roblain, and Sarah Van Bossuyt Patrick Simmons, Ken De Bisschop, and Andreas Athanasiadis Alec Sansen, Wim Vissers, An and Tom Vercauteren, and Cedric Collard Ken De Bisschop, Alex Kyriazis WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 9 NEW YEAR’S PITA CUTTING Aegean’s 2016 Vassilopita Cutting On January 28, 2016 Aegean hosted its annual New Year’s Vassilopita celebration at Diogenis Studio nightclub in Athens. In Greece the cutting and sharing of the Vassilopita, a New Year’s cake, is the traditonal manner to greet the new year. The event began with a greeting and speech by Dimitris Melissanidis, who reviewed the positive results of the previous year, and asked all Aegean personnel to keep up their efforts so that the company may continue its leading performance in the global oil market. Mr. Melissanidis cut the Vassilopita and Aegean Agency was the winner of the coin hidden within. Following a draw, five lucky Aegean 10 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 employees won one gold British pound each, gifts from the Aegean Shop with a total value of 500 Euro, and 500 Euro worth of fuel. After the cutting of the Vassilopita, Aegean hosted a dinner for the 1300 employees and guests attending the event, who were entertained till the early morning hours in the festive atmosphere created by the nightclub’s performers, Antonis Remos, Christos Nikolopoulos, and Fotini Darra. A Happy and Healthy New Year to All! WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 11 B UNKER I NG Aegean in Shanghai Aegean has officially opened a new representative office in Shanghai, dedicated to better reach customers in China, as it expands its presence in Asia. A egean’s latest expansion into Shanghai aims to better serve Chinese customers and provide dedicated sales and marketing of marine petroleum products across Aegean’s physical network and other worldwide ports to meet Chinese shipowners’ requirements. On October 14, 2015 Aegean host- ed an opening party at the Puli Hotel in Shanghai for their customers and suppliers. Dennis Ho, General Manager of Aegean Bunkering Singapore; Winny Lye, General Manager, Trading (Asia); Panos Tsikleas, Manager, Marketing & Bunker Trading Division, and Phoebe Li, Assistant Manager (China) represented Aegean and wel- Bian Zhi Hao, Panos Tsikleas and Dennis Ho (Aegean) 12 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 comed the guests. From the decor to the food and drinks menu, no effort was spared so that the guests enjoyed a professional and fruitful evening. Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to mingle, create new business relationships, learn about the Aegean family, and share the latest updates within the shipping industry. Chimbusco Shanghai Bian Zhi Hao, Winny Lye(Aegean), Phoebe Li (Aegean), Dennis Ho (Aegean), Huang Li and Hu Zhong Bin Shanghai The City of Shanghai 上海市 Shanghai is the largest city in the world, with a population of more than 24 million. Located in the Yangtze River Delta in East China, Shanghai is a global financial center, and a transport hub with the world's busiest container port. For centuries Shanghai has been recognized as a major administrative, shipping, and trading town. Shanghai grew in importance in the 19th century due to European recognition of its favorable port location and economic potential. The city was one of five opened to foreign trade following the British victory over China in the First Opium War while the subsequent treaties of Nanking (1842) and Whampoa (1844) allowed the establishment of the Shanghai International Settlement and the French Concession. As a result the city then flourished as a center of commerce between east and west. However, with the Communist Party takeover of the mainland in 1949, trade was reoriented to focus on socialist countries, and the city's global influence declined. In the 1990s, the economic reforms introduced by Deng Xiaoping resulted in an intense re-development of the city, aiding the return of finance and foreign investment to the city. Today Shanghai is a "showpiece" of the booming economy of China and a popular tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as the City God Temple and Yu Garden as well as major museums including the China Art Museum. Location: Shanghai Municipality in China Coordinates: 31°12'N 121°30'E Country: People's Republic of China Settled: 5th–7th century Divisions County-level: 15 districts, 1 county Township- level: 210 towns and subdistricts Government Type: Municipality Mayor: Yang Xiong Area Municipality: 6,340.5km2 (2,448.1 sq mi) Water: 697km2 (269 sq mi) Elevation: 4m (13 ft) Population (2014) Municipality: 24,256,800 Rank: 1st in China Density: 3,800/km2 (9,900/sq mi) Metro (2010): 34,000,000 Time zone: China standard time (UTC+8) Postal code: 200000–202100 Area code: 21 GDP (2014) Total: CNY2.356 trillion US$383.55 billion (12th) Per capita: CNY97,555, US$15,880 (3rd) Growth: Increase 7% Website: www.shanghai.gov.cn Chimbusco Tianjin, Sinopec Zhoushan, Chimbusco Beijing Liu Cheng Ge, Hao Jun, Joey He, Kenny Lv, Gu Jia Qing Dennis Ho and our partners in Asia Source: Wikipedia WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 13 FLOWS AND CURRENTS Athens-Based Fleet Value at $86.7 Billion Fleet ownership analysis traditionally focuses at a regional or national level. However, many owners are actually located in and around a select number of major cities. Owners in just ten locations control approximately 42% of the estimated world fleet. Athens, as the largest one, is at the top of this list. Shipowners based in Athens control a combined fleet of 4,538 vessels, with an estimated cumulative value of $86.7 billion. Greek owners based in Athens account for approximately 84% of the estimated value of the total Greek owned fleet. 71% of fleet value found in the bulker and oil tanker sectors. Source: Clarksons More Newbuildings in 2016 Newbuilding activity has picked up over the course of the past weeks, in what appears to be a representative sample of what we shall be seeing for the most part of 2016. Many new orders start to emerge for dry bulk vessels, while the tanker sector is still holding considerable interest, translating into another wave of new orders. The containership sector is facing considerable difficulties these past couple of months and it appears that orders have subsided. 14 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 New LNG Safety Studies LNG as a ship fuel holds great potential for shipping because it can increase operational efficiency, while reducing its environmental impact, especially in the inland navigation sector. The Pro Danube Management and the Port of Rotterdam, in collaboration with more than 50 companies and stakeholders, initiated the DNV GL LNG Masterplan safety studies as part of the EU funded project for RhineMain-Danube. The recently published studies focus on the technical, safety and operational risk aspects of LNG bunkering, as well as LNG loading and unloading. LNG Masterplan for Rhine-Main-Danube is one of the biggest innovation projects in the 2012 TEN-T Call with a budget of almost 34 million Euro, co-financed with a funding rate of 50% from the Trans-European Transport Network Program of the European Union. It aims to create a platform for the cooperation of authorities and industry stakeholders and to facilitate the creation of a harmonized European regulatory framework for LNG as fuel and cargo in inland navigation. It also sets out a number of technical concepts for LNG use and transport in new and retrofitted vessels, as well as a several pilot deployments of vessels and terminals. The end result is a comprehensive strategy and detailed roadmap for the implementation of LNG in line with the EU transport, energy and environmental policy goals and actions. Source: DNV GL Alaska's First Ocean-Going Electric Vessel The U.S. Coast Guard has approved the structural design for the nation’s first ocean-going pure electric vessel. Its name is Tongass Rain, a 47-passenger catamaran, which will be built in Washington. Tongass Rain will be a purely electric vessel with 88 batteries and two industrial electric marine motors. “Our goal is to travel 50 nautical miles at 7-8 knots while maintaining 30 percent reserve capacity and we will be able to recharge using commercial hydroelectricity at dockside in 7-8 hours,” says Bob Varness, president of TREC, who took part in the design of the vessel. Increase in Ship Operating Costs Increased Transits Through the Suez Canal Recent Suez Canal traffic data revealed that 320 ships transited the canal with a total load of 18.101m tons in the last week of November 2015. Two weeks before, 316 vessels have transited the canal carrying a total load of 19,088m tons. About 46 ships per day transited the canal on average in a recent week with an average load of 2.6m tons per day, an increase of 1.3%. Average per shipload reached 56,567 tons, compared to 60,404 tons during the same period the previous year. Source: Daily News Egypt Boost in LNG Exports Experts predict that the global natural gas trade should increase much more rapidly than pipeline gas over the next 25 years. The International Energy Organization (IEA) in their annual World Energy Outlook 2015 (WEO) report provides a forecast to 2040 about the supply/ demand picture for natural gas, oil, coal and alternative fuels, including renewables, through 2040. Specifically, in the United States, IEA is predicting that coal will be supplanted by natural gas as the largest source of U.S electricity generation in the 2020s, and by the mid2030s, gas should overtake oil as the most utilized fuel in the nation's primary energy mix. According to latest reports, the cost of operating cargo ships is going to rise over the next two years after falling in 2015. The average decline in ship operating costs across the sectors was 1.0%. Weak freight markets have forced ship owners to trim costs, while they have also been able to take advantage of falling commodity prices and lower insurance costs. Operating costs are likely to rise in the future, as the scope for further cost cutting is in most cases quite limited. The expected increases in 2016 and 2017 are likely to be small, as inflation in the global economy also remains low, and relate to the cost of lubricants and other goods. Modest increases in manning costs are to be expected given the uplifts that have been agreed in International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) wage scales. Also, if freight markets improve, hull values for modern vessels will rise and this should lead to higher premiums. Over the past few years of low economic growth, expenditure on repairs and maintenance has for many owners been cut back. When markets improve some “catching up” will take place. Source: Drewry Source: www.naturalgasintel.com WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 15 B UNKER I NG South Africa Aegean at Port Elizabeth 16 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 Aegean is to begin offshore bunkering operations in South Africa. S The Port of Port Elizabeth The Port of Port Elizabeth is a geographically well-positioned, customer-centric, multi-cargo port that prides itself on flexibility and service excellence. It is the gateway for expanding markets, and is not only linked with the rest of the world, but it also has direct transport links into the heart of the African continent. Situated in Algoa Bay, on the south-eastern coast of Africa. The port has a container terminal, one of only five (Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town) in South Africa. Being a congestion free port allows it to maintain high cargo handling rates, fast and efficient ship turnaround and unparalleled service levels. The port is equipped to handle dry bulk, bulk liquid, general cargo and container cargo. Passenger ships usually make use of one of the fruit terminal berths when calling at Port Elizabeth. outh Africa is ideally positioned within the East–West shipping routes as there are few bunker supply alternatives in this key maritime region. Traffic and product exports via South African Ports are growing rapidly and the Asia/Americas route is strategically important for global trade and transport. Per annum, 12,000 vessels call South African ports and Aegean anticipates to attract passing ships with its new operation. Except for the anchorage Bay of Algoa Bay, no South African ports allow bunkering Usually, ships can only get supply in port at oil jetties and cannot get supply while in commercial activity, meaning double port costs as ships have to shift, added waiting time and course deviation for some. WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 17 B UNKER I NG Bunkering at Anchorage in Algoa Bay by Barge A Historic First for Aegean— And South Africa The natural Bay of Algoa, which includes two ports, Port Elizabeth and Coega, is the first bay in South Africa where bunkering vessels at anchorage is officially accepted and where Aegean operates. The Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias was the first European to reach Algoa Bay by boat in 1488. Today, five centuries later, Aegean is able to offer bunker products to ships passing the South-East coast of South Africa. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) Mission To promote South Africa's maritime interests and development and position the country as an international Maritime Centre while ensuring maritime safety, health and environmental protection. SAMSA delivers four main outputs consistent with its mandate and responsibilities: • Safety and environment protection standards for responsible maritime transport operations; • An infrastructure for monitoring and enforcing compliance with safety and environment protection standards; • The capability to respond to marine pollution incidents and other maritime emergencies; and • The capability to detect, locate and rescue people in maritime distress situations. http://www.samsa.org.za/ 18 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 Algoa Bay anchoring area lays North East of the Cape of Good Hope. The Bay is very large, allowing more than 50 ships to be anchored at the same time, with good ground handling, a smooth slope to allow miles of anchorage and is well protected. Up to 30 miles away from shore, the water depth reaches about 100 meters, providing a superb anchorage area. Access to the Bay from the high seas is wide open with almost no deviation (8 to 10 miles) for the passing ships rounding South Africa. Algoa Bay’s advantage for Aegean is catching the passing ships cutting their time loss, with no deviation, and eliminating significant port expenses. Following an application by Aegean, SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) gave Aegean an agreement to deliver bunkers and perform ship-to-ship transfers (STS) in Algoa Bay. Aegean also has obtained Bunkering Licenses from Transnet National Aegean is the first and the sole bunkering company to perform ship-to-ship and operation of bunkering delivery within a South African anchorage Ports Authority (TNPA) in Port Elizabeth and Coega Ports. supply ships with RMG 380 and Marine Gasoil. Aegean Bunkering Marine Services Pty Ltd. Value Added—Training Young South African Cadets Aegean has established a local private company, Aegean Bunkering Marine Services Pty Ltd (ABMS) to serve the interest of Aegean Marine Petroleum locally, with a 26% share allocated to a South African partner. (BEE) Vessels will be able to get bunker products by barge at anchorage without berthing in ports, thus reducing considerably deviation time, waiting time and usual fees inherent to entrance in port. A full range of services for ships will also be available providing first class service expected by all ships when calling a port. Aegean will offer the possibility to In addition, SAMSA and ABMS have agreed to a program leading to cadet training sponsored by the Government of the Republic of South Africa, through SAMSA, whose aim is the attainment, by cadets, of a South African qualification as Officer of the Watch in full compliance with STCW requirements. For this program Aegean is to provide experiential training on board its ships operating in South Africa, and internationally, as well as to provide job opportunities to qualified South African seafarers at various levels of authority on board Aegean ships. Transnet National Ports Authority Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is one of five operating divisions of Transnet SOC Ltd. TNPA is responsible for the safe, effective and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity. Transnet National Ports Authority provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight South African commercial seaports. TNPA’s service offering is targeted at mainly port users (which include terminal operators, shipping lines, ship agents, cargo owners and clearing & forwarding agents). As such, it manages the eight commercial seaports along South Africa’s 2 954-km coastline. These ports are Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay, Cape Town and Saldanha. WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 19 B UNKER I NG South Africa—A Land of Diversity South Africa is a medium-sized country, with a total land area of 1 219 090 square kilometers. It is one- eighth the size of the US, about a third the size of the European Union, twice the size of France and over three times the size of Germany. I t measures some 1,600km from north to south, and roughly the same from east to west. The country lies between 22º and 35º south, flanked on the west by the Atlantic Ocean and on the east by the Indian Ocean, whose waters meet at the country's – and Africa's – most southern tip, Cape Agulhas. The coastline stretches 2 798 kilometers from a desert border in the northwest, down the icy Skeleton Coast to Cape Agulhas, then up along the green hills and wide beaches on the coast of the Indian Ocean, to a border with subtropical Mozambique in the northeast. The low-lying coastal zone is narrow for much of that distance, soon giving way to a mountainous escarpment that separates it from the high inland plateau. A subtropical location moderated by ocean on three sides of the country and the altitude of the interior plateau, makes South Africa a warm and sunny country. But it's also dry, with an average annual rainfall of about 450mm, with about 21% of the country receiving less than 200mm a year. The world average is 860mm. While the Western Cape gets most of its rainfall in winter, the rest of the country is mostly a summer-rainfall region. South Africa is a nation of diversity, with 55-million people (2015) and a variety of cultures, languages and religious beliefs. It is a multilingual country. The country's democratic Constitution, which came into effect on 4 February 1997, recognizes 11 official languages, to which it guarantees equal status. Afrikaans and English are the most widely spoken. 20 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 Key Facts Official name: Republic of South Africa Form of state: A federal state, comprising a national government and nine provincial governments. Legal system: Based on Roman-Dutch law and the 1996 Constitution. Population (Census 2015): 55 million Currency: One rand (R) = 100 cents Internet domain: .za Area: 1 219 090 square kilometers Capitals • Pretoria (administrative) • Cape Town (legislative) • Bloemfontein (judicial) Economy GDP composition by sector (2015): agriculture 2%, finance 22%, government 17%, trade 15%, manufacturing 13%, transport and communication 10%, mining 8%, personal services 6%, construction 4%, utilities 4% Key industries: Mining (world's largest producer of platinum, chromium), automobile assembly, metal- working, machinery, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizers, foodstuffs, commercial ship repair. Main trading partners (2012) [The Observatory of Economic Complexity]: • Exports – China 8.3%, US 8.1%, India 7.8%, UK 7.2%, Japan 5.4%, Germany 4.9%, Zimbabwe 2,6%, Netherlands 2.3%, Switzerland 2.1%, Mozambique 1.4% • Imports – China 13%, Germany 7.4%, US 6.9%, Saudi Arabia 6.7%, UK 5.5%, Nigeria 5.3%, India 4.1%, Japan 2.9%, Italy 2.3% WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 21 THE AEGEAN INTERVIEW Ioannis Chiotopoulos DNV GL Regional Manager, Regional Office East Med., Black & Caspian Seas Ioannis Chiotopoulos talks to Aegean News about the services provided and the main activities of DVN GL. Please tell us about DVN GL in brief. DNV GL was created from two highly respected companies (DNV and GL), whose parallel histories span more than 150 years. DNV (Det Norske Veritas) and GL (Germanischer Lloyd) merged and officially launched their operations as DNV GL on 12th September 2013. In 2015, DNV GL decided tο make Greece its third home market by carrying out the following: • DNV GL Greece will have segment directors for bulk and tankers based in Piraeus. • It will reinforce the Piraeus office and establish a service centre for Direct Access to Technical Experts (DATE) there, to cover the region – this has started from 1st September. • Local approval centres will be enhanced in order to do all fleet in service approvals locally. • The local Research & Innovation centre will be more commercialized so that the local market can benefit from the results of their research and also create an advisory department to carry out pre-contract services in Piraeus. • DNVGL Greece will be enhanced with higher decision-making authority. • DNV GL Greece will have a chief surveyor stationed in Piraeus, so all grey zone area issues, process problems, potential quality issues can be solved on the spot. • Last but not least DNV GL will establish a global network of Greek speaking surveyors for fleet in service and new building activity. Greek owners will have access to this network for surveys on board their ships worldwide. What services do DVN GL provide in the maritime sector? 150 years of experience in classification has put DNV GL among the classification leaders in every ship type. Services we offer include classification of ships, mobile offshore units, statutory certification, advisory services 22 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 (design optimization, energy management and everything which is beyond classification) and training courses. We also provider software for shipping companies. How are rules and standards evolving for vessels? In 2015, DNV GL merged the rules from DNV and GL into a new rule for the classification of ships. In an extensive external hearing process before the rule set was published and entered into force on 1 January 2016, more than 800 customers and stakeholders gave their feedback on the new rules. In all, more than 2,000 detailed comments by yards, manufacturers, owners, academics, flag states and other maritime stakeholders were submitted. This extensive consultation process resulted in more than 700 rule modifications – adjustments triggered directly by industry expertise. How does DVN GL customize services for its maritime clients? DNV GL works closely with the industry in joint development projects to develop new concepts, technologies and services that meet the maritime sector’s needs. DNV GL also develops new class notations based on industry/customers demands to close any gaps in international regulations. For example, the DNV GL Gas Bunkering Notation sets standards for gas fuel transfer operations in ports and addresses safety concerns in this field and covers gas bunker vessels design and additional requirements to support the development of gas fuelled shipping and bunker operations in ports. The myDNVGL portal combines features from GL’s and DNV’s previous production systems and provides easy access to features such as ordering surveys and audits or an overview of certificates and reports. In case customers have queries or experience an incident during operations, they can use the DATE service (Direct Access to Technical Experts) which involves more than 400 experts in five countries providing answers to customer queries related to technical issues, rule interpretation or survey requirements within 24 hours. One DATE center is in Piraeus. To what extent is technology part of today’s operations and how important is the human element? Digital innovation continues to shape the maritime industry, making operations more efficient and increasing vessel performance. Smart onboard data collection tools that carry out plausibility checks against ship specific data help shipping companies reap significant gains, even on a tight budget. Currently, many shipowners already monitor engine performance and speed-consumption for different operational patterns. To get to the next level, however, monitoring schemes need to improve further and include an analysis of a vessel’s power consumption at all relevant speeds, drafts and trims. A tool we have developed, DNV GL’s COSSMOS, helps customers optimize energy efficiency in design and operation. For example in finding the optimal sequence of steam valve openings to minimize fuel consumption during cargo heating in oil tankers. COSSMOS creates a “digital twin” of a ship, so that for every real object, there is a digital duplicate, modelled to exactly recreate its properties. COSSMOS also simulates and optimizes complex and integrated ship machinery systems. The environment is key in today’s world. What are you doing to address green issues? Working with industry partners to develop technologies, concepts, and standards that reduce shipping’s environmental footprint is a key part of DNV GL’s research and innovation program. Helping customers prepare for and evaluate their best options for complying with upcoming regulations such as the Ballast Water Management Convention (BMC) is another key focus area for DNV GL. As the convention’s entry into force remains unconfirmed, the industry also has a long way to go in preparing to achieve compliance with the BMC. DNV GL is currently testing or approving 25 different ballast water treatment systems and is consulting with customers from different shipping segments on such systems. How do you view companies such as Aegean in today’s challenging market? Today shipping is faced with many challenges that owners are Ioannis Chiotopoulos COSSMOS creates a “digital twin” of a ship, so that for every real object, there is a digital duplicate called to overcome: new requirements, tighter and regional environmental regulations, and more stakeholders, are only a few. These, in combination with the bad market experienced in many shipping segments, create a volatile environment in which shipping companies are called to operate. Aegean, among whose other activities is also shipping, has a responsible attitude towards their operations by respecting their assets, people and the environment. Although this way of operation might be more challenging for a big organization like Aegean, it remains the only sustainable way of going forward and overcoming today’s difficult hurdles. Furthermore Aegean is continuously striving to upgrade their assets with the newest technologies to make them future proof and is also looking for innovative solutions to meet and exceed current and forthcoming regulations. These are the types of companies that give us pleasure to work with. In conclusion we would like to congratulate Aegean for their achievements so far and we look forward to a continued partnership. WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 23 STATIONS OF THE MONTH Intimacy, Understanding, Warmth Anastasios Asmatoglou & Co., Agia Paraskevi The service station of Mr. Asmatoglou is located on Halandri Avenue in Agia Paraskevi, just before the intersection with Mesogion Avenue. This is a very central location; this road connects the municipalities of Agia Paraskevi and Halandri. We spoke to him about his business and his cooperation with Aegean. Mr. Asmatoglou's service station How long have you been a service station owner? I was born and raised in this profession, as my family has been in the fuel business for 50 years. My grandfather opened the first service station in Palia Kokkinia, Nikea. My father, and then I, followed in his footsteps. Tell us about your business. What kind of services do you provide? How long have you been collaborating with Aegean? In our service station we sell car fuel and heating oil, and we operate a car wash on the side. We also perform oil changes. We participate in the Eurobank "Epistrofi" program. We have been with Aegean for five years, since 2010. Tell us a bit about your costumers and your work. 80% of our clientele are loyal customers from the region. 20% are passers-by. Our location is very busy and convenient for drivers. How is working with Aegean as your supplier? I have been collaborating with Aegean only for a short while, and I have nothing but the best to say. Aegean maintains the status of a very large oil company, although it has been active in this sector for just a few years. How- 24 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 Agia Paraskevi is a municipality in the district of the Northern Sector of Attica at the eastern end of the county. With an area of 7.935 sq.km. Agia Paraskevi is a commercial center and extends to the foot of Mount Imittos. As a suburb it is characterized by its natural beauty and lush vegetation. The settlement, which was originally a summer destination, dates from around 1929. My 2016 wish is that Aegean keeps moving up ever, the most positive aspect is that it has the warmth of a family business. There is intimacy and understanding to problems and shortages. What is your relationship with your customers like? How do they respond to the Aegean brand? There are definitely a lot of drivers who are fans of the Aegean brand and come to our service station for this reason. But there’s also plenty of our customers who are loyal because they trust me personally. Would you like to share with us your wishes for 2016? I would like to wish to Aegean that they keep moving up, as they have so far, and develop further. I also wish that things will change for the better in our country for all of us. An Outward-Looking Philosophy Nikolaos Karalis, Volos The service station of Mr. Karalis is located near the port, on Larissis Street, which is the main road in and out of the city of Volos. We talked with Mr. Karalis about the business he maintains in this key location. The service station of Mr Karalis petition with an outward-oriented approach, quality, and service. Price is not the Alpha and the Omega. It “We take care of your smile!” makes no sense to focus only on fuel prices and not quality and service. We are a company with structure and organization. Our motto is ”We take care of your smile!” Volos is a city in Thessaly, at the foot of Mount Pelion, on the Pagasitikos Gulf, which nears the site of ancient Iolkos. This is one of the major cities and also one of the most important ports in Greece. Please tell us about your business. In our business we focus on cars and we sell car fuel -gasoline and D-Force, the new fuel for diesel engines, and lubricants, as well as a few car accessories. The area where our station is located is busy because of the proximity to the port and the city of Volos and due to the fact that Larissis Street is a main road. Our station is one of 14 in the area and one of about 100 in total in the wider region of Volos. We are the only service station that sells Aegean products in an area of heavy competition. Before us there was no station in the region under the Aegean brand. We have made the com- pany known to consumers through numerous advertisements, events and sponsorships. How do you deal with competition? I have always embraced an outward-looking philosophy. We participate in several promotions, including various advertisements on television and the radio. Also, our service station, where I employ a staff of 10, has a group that is involved in car racing. We also have a Facebook company page (Aegean Autogas Caralis) that has information and photographs about the actions we are involved in. So as you can see, we fight the com- How long have you been in the fuel business? When did you open your service station? My family opened this service station in 1976. While I have been involved for many years helping my family, I have been in charge since 2005. How did you choose Aegean? How long have you been selling Aegean fuel and how is the collaboration with your supplier? We partnered with Aegean three years ago. As a person I always make my decisions based on the human factor, so my choice was based on my personal contact with the people of Aegean. Our cooperation is on a growth trajectory and the best is yet to come. What would you like to wish for 2016? Health, luck and lots of love for everyone! And let’s all keep smiling! WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 25 MARITIME TRADITION The First Online Museum on the Greek Shipping Miracle The online museum, “Greek Shipping Miracle” is the first of its kind and aims to demonstrate, with every possible detail, the admirable journey of the Greeks in the international shipping arena over the past 150 years. F or over a century and a half, the Greeks have carved an extremely creative course in the world of shipping, guided by their steady vision in serving international seaborne trade with quality and consistency, strictly operating under competitive terms. The timeless commitment of Greeks toward the sea has resulted in tiatives performed solely abroad. The online museum includes historical data from 1873 up to the 21st century on the miracle of Greek shipping. Visitors can also tour the rich photographic material and special sections on the history of many Greek-owned vessels, the Greek shipbuilding art, the charitable work “I hope that the timeless achievements of the Greek shipping industry will be appreciated all over the world and at the same time will serve as a model of willpower and creativity for young people”—GEORGE M. FOUSTANOS achievements that have been characterized as a miracle. The successful evolution of Greek shipping at the top of the industry is indeed a miracle given that less than a century and a half ago Greek seafarers were struggling to accomplish the transition to the steam era, while most Greek owners had to start nearly from scratch in order to reconstruct their decimated fleets after the end of WWII. Their accomplishments look even more impressive if one takes into account that they have been the result of entrepreneurial ini- 26 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 of Greek shipowners, important documentation, information on marine conferences, events and exhibitions, and statistical data. The creator of the online Greek Shipping Miracle museum said: “The foundation of this online museum was supported by distinguished members of the Greek shipping community to whom I wish to express my gratitude. This project aims to demonstrate, with every possible detail, the admirable journey of the Greeks in the international shipping arena over the past 150 years. I hope that the timeless achievements of the Greek shipping industry will be appreciated all over the world and at the same time will serve as a model of willpower and creativity for young people, who dream of a world where the achievements of one person have a positive impact on the lives of many. For only then will the Greek Shipping Miracle fulfill the vision behind its creation.” We thank the Greek Shipping Miracle, and especially its creator, George M. Foustanos, for kindly providing the material for this article. For more information, please visit the museum website at www.greekshippingmiracle.org TRAVEL WITH AEGEAN Karpenisi In the center of Greece, in the region of Evrytania, surrounded by forests and high mountains, Karpenisi offers unique experiences, action, adventure, and relaxation. U ntouched by time, historical monuments, folk museums, monasteries and churches are hidden in the incomparable natural beauty that is Karpenisi. Activities in nature, great history, long-lived traditions, culinary delights,and warm hospitality make Karpenisi and the surrounding villages an ideal winter destination offering an authentic natural lifestyle. The wider region of the municipality of Karpenisi has been inhabited for many centuries as Karpenisi has been a settlement since the Byzantine era. During the Ottoman era residents took part in the uprising of 1600 and 1611 and other significant battles until the liberation of Greece from the Turks. Karpenisi also took part in the revolution of 1821. During WWII, in August of 1944, Karpenisi and another hundred villages of southern Evrytania were burned to the ground by the Germans. Must See Ski Center On the beautiful slopes of Mount Tymfristos the modern facilities of the Velouhi Ski Center welcome visitors every winter offering them all the amenities to enjoy their favorite sport or simply the sight of the whitewashed snowy landscape. Proussos Monastery The Monastery of Proussos is a place of pilgrimage for believers from all over Greece. According to tradition, the foundation of the monastery is placed in the time of the iconoclast Emperor Theophilus (829-842 AD) and is connected with the appearance of the sacred icon of the Virgin Mary from Proussa (Asia Minor) in a cave in Evrytania. The shelter of the picture is the current site of the monastery, surrounded by an imposing and wild landscape. Kefalovryso In 1823 the historic battle of Kefalovryso, one of the most important military events of the Greek revolution for independence, took place in this village. Domnista National Resistance Monument History enthusiasts can visit the monument of National Resistance in the village of Domnista, where on June 7, 1942 Aris Velouchiotis launched the fight against the Germans. Folk Museum in Megalo Chorio In this model museum visitors will revive the past through its rich exhibits, which demonstrate the continuity and evolution of the wider region. Aegean service station Activities in Nature The mountains and rivers that surround Karpenisi are ideal for hiking, climbing, skiing, and many other activities that will delight nature lovers. WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 27 CHILDREN AND THE ENVIRONMENT I Protect the Environment-I Safeguard my Future By staying informed about what is happening in the world and by passing the information on to others, we are taking a significant step toward the protection of our planet. Impressive Underwater Rift Divides Europe and North America Our oceans are full of secrets. Ocean water covers 71% of the Earth's surface and amounts to 97% of the planet's water. Yet more than 95% of the underwater world remains unexplored. We cannot help wondering what is hiding deep beneath the surface. Over the years underwater explorers have discovered ruins of fascinating and marvelous, long-forgotten ancient kingdoms, mysterious objects of unknown origin, entire rivers and jungles, and even huge canyons. One such exploration revealed the meeting point of the tectonic plates of Europe and America, creating a magnificent underwater rift. The Silfra rift is located in Lake Thingvallavatn (Þingvallavatn) in Thingvellir National Park in Iceland, at the point where the diverging tectonic plates between North America and Eurasia meet. The formation of The Silfra Tectonic Fissure and the Tihngvellir valley is a consequence of the gradual shift of tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America. Every year, these plates move away from each other about 2 cm, a phenomenon which results in the accumulation of tension between the plates and the earth in the layers above. An earthquake about every ten years releases this tension. During these earthquakes cracks and fissures are formed, such as Silfra, which is one of the major rifts and has started as a deep cave. Silfra, because of its location, contains clean cold water. Due to high visibility and its interesting geological morphology it attracts divers who have the chance to swim literally between two continents. The deepest point of Silfra is 63 meters, where only experienced divers attempt a dive. The middle and more accessible part of the rift is more than 100 meters long and offers stunning visibility (up to 70-80 meters), which makes it one of the 50 most popular diving destinations in the world. I BECOME INFORMED - I INFORM OTHERS - I ACT 28 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 29 AEGEAN COLLECTION Step out in style with the Aegean Collection Aegean and renowned designer Robbi di Kappa have teamed up to design a brand new look for today! The Aegean sport line, with its nautical influence, is perfect for stepping out in style, in the city, by the sea, or on country walks—for him and for her. Bundle up or travel light in polos and t-shirts. At home, relax in luxurious bathrobes. And stash your gear in versatile and stylish Aegean bags. Discover the new Aegean look at the Aegean Shop or online at www.aegeaneshop.com Aegean Shop at the Aegean Headquarters— 10 Akti Kondyli, 18545, Piraeus, Greece 30 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016 WINTER 2015-2016 AEGEAN NEWS 31 Aegean Energy for the Future Aegean is Greece's most dynamic energy, petroleum, and shipping group. The company has a network of retail gas stations throughout Greece, is active in marine fuels and lubricants, and operates a fleet of tankers and barges internationally and domestically to transport petroleum and bunkers for its global base of clients. RETAIL MARKET Through its fast-growing network of gas stations, Aegean supplies drivers in Greece with gasoline and automotive lubricants. Aegean’s modern, well-maintained gas station network has won the trust of drivers due to the high quality products and services it offers at competitive prices. In addition, Aegean directly supplies large industrial clients with petroleum products of all grades, owing to the consistency and service of its transactions. BUNKER FLEET NYSE listed Aegean Marine Petroleum Inc., with an exclusively double hull fleet—of which nine ships are newbuildings—is the natural supplier of marine fuels at 12 of the most significant ports in the world. Furthermore, with its 22 newbuildings program in progress and the continuous opening of new stations, it is one of the most dynamically developing divisions Of the Aegean Group. BUNKERING Aegean provides one of the most efficient and responsive bunkering services to clients worldwide. Its ships never stop sailing and its services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Aegean operates bunkering stations in Piraeus and Patras, and in Gibraltar, Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp, Fujairah, Jamaica, Singapore, Trinidad & Tobago, Portland UK, Vancouver and Montreal, Mexico, Tangiers, Las Palmas and Tenerife, Panama, Barcelona, Algeciras, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Norfolk, Charleston, Los Angeles, Hamburg, the Gulf of Mexico, and St. Petersburg. All its products are ISO 8217 certified. The Company, which is a member of IBIA and is ISO 9001 certified, is well positioned on the FOBAS White List. SHIPPING Aegean's fleet of ships is at the heart of its superior service worldwide. Its vessels operate in full compliance with EU and international standards, are all certified by ISM, ISPS and MLC as well as with ISO 9001, 14001, 18001 and 50001 and are in complete compliance with SOLAS and MARPOL regulations. Aegean continually adds to its fleet of ships, which transports oil cargoes worldwide on behalf of major oil companies, commercial clients, and Aegean customers. Its new GreenFleet (http://www.greenfleet.gr) incorporates the latest technologies to ensure reduced operating costs and reduced emissions, while increasing overall performance. LUBRICANTS Aegean produces and markets high performance lubricants for vehicles and industrial use under the Aegean brand and, for the marine market, under the ALFA brand. ALFA marine lubricants are certified and approved by the largest marine engine manufacturers in the world. The resources of our company and our follow–up service create our successful relationships and allow Aegean to supply lubricants in more than 550 ports worldwide. ENVIRONMENT-HEC The Hellenic Environmental Center collects, transports and processes oil residues from ships and land units (industrial, shipyards), while it also manages all liquid residues produced by ships. In order to carry out its work HEC has the most state-of-the-art equipment, consisting of floating separators, a fleet of pollutant-collecting tankers, and well-equipped tank trucks. HEC acts to protect the marine environment and at the same time contributes significantly to the saving of energy with the recycling procedures it uses to transform the reclaimed pollutants into energy resources. TRADING Aegean is dynamically active in the trading of crude oil and petroleum products worldwide. The Trading Department is comprised of dedicated and professional individuals who combine high level expertise and a great many years of experience in the oil industry. Petroleum products are supplied to a broad spectrum of customers who comprise the company's portfolio. Aegean has acquired its credibility from the high quality of the services it provides to suppliers and ship owners, a fact that supports the company’s ambitions for the achievement of long-range goals in the energy sector worldwide. Aegean’s websites www.aegeanoil.com www.ampni.com 32 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2015-2016
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