The SMN Vision
Smart Maritime Network is returning to Greece on 10 May 2023 for the 4th annual SMN ATHENS CONFERENCE.
The maritime industry's digital economy continues to grow with enhanced connectivity among ships, devices, people, stakeholders and processes. Efficient data collection, measurement, and analysis are vital for this interconnectivity and utilising this data can drive growth, development, and transformation for companies. Data-driven decision making enables shipping companies to make better choices, boost efficiency, and enhance safety.
Recent announcements, such as the commitment made by all nine members of the DCSA to adopt electronic bills of lading (eBL) by 2030 and the Smart Maritime Council's publication of a Standardised Vessel Dataset (SVD) for Noon Reports, suggest that the industry is increasingly open to digitalisation advancements.
However, rapid transformation brings challenges such as investing, partnering, and effectively communicating change while also addressing employee impact. Companies must find ways to use technology to improve operations, set a vision for digital transformation, and allocate resources to implement new systems. They must also overcome challenges such as data security and regulatory compliance, and lead and manage a workforce that may be impacted by automation and other technological changes.
SMN Athens 2023 will be an executive-led platform to accelerate action for sustainable growth and ensure competitiveness in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
For more details please contact: cathy.hodge@smartmaritimenetwork.com

With an expert line up ready to share their knowledge and experience:
- Andre Simha, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, MSC
- Ayşe Aslı Başak, Port Captain & Operations Manager, MID-SHIP Group
- Angelica Kemene, Head of Data Analysis, Optima Shipping Services & Managing Partner, Kaiyo2 Capital
- Ben Palmer, President, Inmarsat Maritime
- Bill Dobie, Founder & CEO, SEDNA
- Bjørn Ørving, Head of Digital, Maersk Tankers
- Claus Reimers, Deputy Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, Lloyd's Register
- Dimitris Pavlidis, Fleet IT Manager, Euronav
- Elena Tassioula, General Manager, Greece, BIMCO
- Estelle Linget, Senior Advisor Roland Berger, Start-up Strategic Advisor Board
- Frank Paleokrassas, Head of Data Governance & Analytics, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement
- Gina Panayiotou, ESG Manager, West P&I
- Himanshu Chopra, Managing Director, Anglo-Eastern
- Ioannis Rizos, ICT Manager, Millenia Maritime Inc.
- Manos Papadakis, Standards Executive, GS1 Association
- Marina Comninos, Co-Head, ICE Digital Trade
- Minas Seimenis, Special Consultant to the CEO, Heraklion Port Authority
- Nikolas Pyrgiotis, VP of Technology Ventures, The Signal Group
- Nils Schnapauff, Data Solutions Specialist & Senior Project Manager, Kuehne+Nagel
- Nir Gartzman, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, theDOCK
- Pankaj Sharma, Digital Performance & Optimization, Columbia Shipmanagement
- Panos Theodossopoulos, Chief Digital Officer, Oceanking
- Rob O’Dwyer, Chief Network Officer, Smart Maritime Network (SMN)
- Stelios Sabanis, Head of ICT, GasLog Ltd.
- Themistoklis Sardis, Head of IT, Costamare Shipping Company & President, Association of Maritime Managers of Information Technology & Communications (AMMITEC)
- Theofano Somaripa, CIO, Newport S.A.
Learning
Learn from our expert speakers and get up to date on the latest technology developments.
Sharing
Share ideas on how to transform the shipping business using digital technologies.
Networking
Reconnect with your peers in the maritime IT sector and make new contacts to benefit your business.
Conference Agenda // 10 May 2023
- Led by: Andre Simha, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, MSC 0945
Opening Fireside Chat: Paperless trade: Why eBL matters (so much)?
• A deeper look at the 100% adoption target by 2030
• The eBL benefits and journey explained
• How well do you know about eBL?
Andre will be joined by:
Marina Comninos, Co-Head, ICE Digital Trade - Ben Palmer, President, Inmarsat Maritime 1045
Shaping Connected Future
- Panel Discussion: Optimising efficiencies through standards, collaboration, and data exchange 1545
Hosted by: Rob O’Dwyer, Chief Network Officer, Smart Maritime Network (SMN)
Panellists include:
Claus Reimers, Deputy Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, Lloyd's Register
Elena Tassioula, General Manager, Greece, BIMCO
Himanshu Chopra, Managing Director, Anglo-Eastern UK
Manos Papadakis, Standards Executive, GS1 Association
Nils Schnapauff, Data Solutions Specialist & Senior Project Manager, Kuehne+Nagel
- Conclusions, followed by the SMN Athens Oceanside Party 1720
Summary of conference followed by the SMN Athens Oceanside Party - kindly sponsored by Inmarsat

PHOTO GALLERY
MARITIME DIGITALISATION ADVISORS
International experts covering a range of maritime digitalisation technologies will be on hand at the Smart Maritime Network Athens Conference, ready to discuss how your company can leverage its data to improve processes and drive efficiency in an increasingly connected market
Accommodation Options
SMN has arranged a special rate for our delegates and partners attending our Athens conference:
– €185 per room/per night (single superior room) + €4.00 tax/night, American breakfast buffet included.
– €205 per room/night (double superior room) + €4.00 tax/night, American breakfast buffet included.
To book please contact:
E: reservations@divaniapollon.gr
T: +30210891100
and quote ‘Smart Maritime Network Conference 19/20 October 2020’
All rooms subject to availability.
Located just opposite the Divani Apollon, SMN has also arranged a special rate for our delegates and partners at the Amarilia Hotel:
Dates: 19-21 October 2020 (2 nights)
– €100 Double/Twin for Single use (run of house)
– €110 Double/Twin (run of house)
Quoted rates are per night, per room, including American buffet breakfast and taxes. Should taxes change, the hotel has the right to adjust rates accordingly.
Note that quoted rates do not include the tax accommodation fee of €3 per room per night.
Complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms, common areas and meeting halls.
Check in after 15:00 / Check out till 11:00.
T: +30 210 8990391/+30 210 8990392
Please quote “Smart Maritime Network”
All rooms subject to availability.
Registration
Shipping Company VIP Pass
- Free conference registration for qualifying vessel operators (includes ship owners, ship managers, ship builders, ports & terminals, and selected stakeholders - subject to confirmation by the organisers).
Conference Delegate Pass
- Delegate pass for admission to all conference sessions, and the evening Networking Party. (*Additional Discounts are available for multiple delegate bookings).