Strengthening Maritime Partnerships
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In January, we were honored to receive a heartfelt letter of gratitude, recognizing our ongoing commitment to maritime excellence and our steadfast support of the Cyprus Registry of Ships. Now, as we approach the latter part of the year, this message continues to reflect the strong partnerships we have nurtured within the maritime community. Below, you can find the full letter that encapsulates our shared dedication to upholding the highest standards in the industry.
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Mastermind Group's Strategy for a Sustainable Maritime Future
In 2018, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) took a historic step, setting the maritime world on an ambitious path to phase out CO2 emissions and reshape the future of marine propulsion. This decisive action, reminiscent of the transformative era when seafaring transitioned from sail to steam, has set in motion a quest for zero-emission alternatives that rival the power and economic feasibility of heavy fuel oil (HFO).
HFO has long been the backbone of maritime energy, providing a powerful and cost-effective solution. However, the industry's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint has brought about explorations into green fuels such as methanol and ammonia. These fuels, while less potent than HFO, offer a significant reduction in emissions and are being eyed as the keystones of a more sustainable shipping industry. Yet, these alternatives raise complex questions, as we find ourselves at the crux of what could be termed the 'green energy gap'.
The above graph of Dr. Martin Stopford starkly illustrates this predicament: fossil fuels have consistently met global energy demands, but as we look ahead, the anticipated supply of green energy falls short. This raises a red flag for shipping companies that might rely on a steady supply of green fuels - a supply that may not materialize in time to meet demands.
Further complicating this scenario is the substantial investment needed for the production, storage, and distribution of these new fuels—investments that many scientists agree will far exceed the costs associated with fossil fuels. Such economic challenges cannot be overlooked, particularly when considering the wider societal context and the pressing need to adhere to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, which remain unmet.
Moreover, there are environmental and logistical issues not fully addressed by current discourse. The upscaling of raw materials mining for electric vehicles and renewable energy installations will likely lead to significant ecological and environmental harm. This issue is compounded by the current lack of sustainable solutions for recycling materials like wind turbine blades, creating a sustainability gap that the industry must acknowledge and address.
The Mastermind Group understands that this transition is not just a technological shift but a socioeconomic one. The potential economic impact of transitioning to more expensive fuels could disproportionately affect the less wealthy, widening the gap between the rich and the poor and undermining societal cohesion.
In light of these considerations, the Mastermind Group believes that a multi-faceted approach is essential. It is imperative to establish an extensive framework for cross-sectoral research that unites the shipping industry, academia, and regulatory bodies. This collaborative effort is vital to developing globally implementable solutions that are economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially equitable.
In a tangible demonstration of our commitment to these values, the Mastermind Group has concluded a shipbuilding project for outstanding environmentally friendly state-of-the-art 43,000 DWT General Cargo-Bulkers. These vessels embody our pursuit of innovation and sustainability, boasting a fuel consumption rate that is about 40% less than traditional vessels at equivalent speeds.
Equipped with a permanent magnet shaft generator, a high-efficiency propeller, and a dual-fuel option with methanol (MeOH), these ships are not only designed for today's needs but are also future-ready, poised to incorporate emerging technologies such as shore power connectivity and intelligent battery systems. These forward-thinking capabilities ensure that the vessels will significantly contribute to the reduction of our environmental impact while maintaining our competitive edge.
The delivery of these advanced vessels, scheduled to commence in October 2025, marks a significant milestone for our Mastermind Group and the maritime industry at large. We stand ready to embrace this new era of maritime operations, ensuring that environmental responsibility and economic performance sail in tandem towards a greener horizon.
Mastermind invites our partners, stakeholders, and the global community to join us as we navigate toward a sustainable future, upholding our commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and the prosperity of the shipping industry. Together, we will steer the course for a cleaner, more efficient, and more equitable maritime world aiming not leaving people behind.
International Day of Seafarer – June 25, 2023 in Manila, Philippines
Sunday, June 25, 2023, was a celebration of the International Day of the Seafarers, a day dedicated to recognizing the seafarers' contribution to world trade and economy, and the protection of the marine environment. This year's theme is "MARPOL at 50”
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, in his video message to mark the occasion, acknowledges the immense role that seafarers play in protecting the marine environment. "As the maritime sector works toward making shipping more environmentally sound and sustainable," he said, "seafarers play an increasingly important role in helping to protect the health of our oceans and planet. Every day at sea they have to impose IMO's environment-related treaties by implementing rules on garbage and sewage and air pollution prevention.
In Manila, close to PICC seaside at Liwasang Ulalim, the International Transport Federation, hosted the “ITF Seafarers’ Expo”, supported by Filipino seafarer union affiliates. The Expo was also attended by representatives from international unions. The expo was offered to about 5,000 seafarers and their families with the opportunity to engage and discuss with labor leaders, legal, labor, and health experts. The Expo took place from June 23 to June 25. The event featured a main stage, three activity tents, free lunch, various seafarer welfare and learning providers, ensuring a fun and informative day out for seafarers and their families.
In Tent No. 4, The Mission to Seafarers (MTS) gave a seminar. First, it explained its goal. “The Mission to Seafarers is existing to support the men and women working at sea when they need us most. To compensate for the lack of facilities available, all of our Seafarers Centres, spread across 50 countries, in 200+ ports, aim to provide Seafarers with access to WiFi Internet and SIM cards and a comfortable place to rest and relax. In the Philippines MTS provides support and building a caring community for the seafarers’ families thru the MTS Family Network. All of these are operating due to donations. It also conducts training sessions about Wellbeing.
The seminar introduced "WeCare" and “Financial Wellbeing” conducted by Lala Tolentino Rahon of MTS. It was attended by seafarers and families participating in the Expo including the 14 Pre-Sea cadets of LMM/ MSM as seen below in the photo.
The Protocol for the 21st century shipping industry, turns 15: Happy Birthday SHIPDEX Protocol!
2023 marks the 15th anniversary of SHIPDEX protocol. SHIPDEX, a not-for-profit organization that has been leading the way in digitalization and life-cycle management of technical data in the shipping industry, was founded with the primary objective of introducing digitalization to the maritime technical data sector, including technical manuals and in-service data feedback.
Here below the very first reason SHIPDEX was developed: avoiding old style technical manuals.
The present Chairman of SHIPDEX and CEO of Mastermind Shipmanagement, Capt. Eugen Adami, highlights the importance of technical documentation, which is often overlooked in the digitalization of the maritime industry. However, standardization, integration, dissemination, and maintenance of manufacturers’ technical data are crucial to ensuring safety, security, and environmental performance, as well as innovation.
Over the years, SHIPDEX has consolidated its position as a pioneer in digitalization and optimization of on-board maintenance processes and in-service data feedback. The organization has remained committed to its VISION of improving and optimizing the digitalization and life-cycle management of technical data, with a focus on promoting a safer and greener shipping industry.
SHIPDEX driving force is its VISION: “We need to bring the shipping industry into the 21st century” says Capt. Adami. “I am so convinced of the SHIPDEX VISION that our next new buildings order will be developed under the SHIPDEX Protocol”.
It is time for the shipping industry to lead that change instead of delaying it. SHIPDEX has proven to be a valuable protocol in many aspects of the industry, and its adoption could trigger an unprecedented domino effect that could speed up the digitalization of the maritime industry as a whole. Capt. Adami calls upon ship-owners, ship managers, shipbuilders, manufacturers, classification societies, and IT companies to share the organization’s VISION and make it a worldwide reality.
Ocean Technology Group meet with MSM/Lydia Mar Manila
Ocean Technologies Group (OTG), the maritime e-learning company formed by the merger of Videotel, Seagull, COEX, Marine Training Services (MTS), Marlins and Tero Marine, has combined all its offerings on a single platform, under the new company name, Ocean Technologies Group.
On 27 March 2023, Elaine Forrester, the Tier 1 Customer Success Leader of OTG and Joannah Magbanua, the OTG Philippines Regional Team Manager, visited the Mastermind / Lydiamar Manila team.
One part of MSM’s quality service is the attention given to constant training to develop highly skilled personnel and seafarers. The latest technology on deck, bridge and engine room, and changes in maritime rules and regulations is being continuously followed and evaluated. MSM signed a contract with OTG to supplement the training programs.
In the OTG team’s visit, Mrs Elaine Forrester explained in depth the Online Learning Platform (OLP), which is available on any mobile device using internet. OLP is a blended approach to content, including e-learning, videos for group viewing, interactivity in assessments and exercises to evaluate the application of knowledge.
The seafarer logs in to OTG website, where training requirements are set by MSM Training Director, Mr. Nikolas Adami. The trainees are scheduled for certain courses, based on rank and vessel. After completing the course an assessment is mandatory, which is then linked to crewmembers’ personal records in the company.
Marites Domingo (LMM Accounts), Joannah Magbanua (OTG-Manila), Alex Nunez (IT-LMM), Rodelita Homecillo (Pres-LMM), Elaine Forrester (OTG-Main), Jenny Delgado (LMM-MSM Crewing), Capt. Antonio Palenzuela (MSM Trainer)
MSM sponsors upgrade of Mission to Seafarers facilities in Limassol
The Mission to Seafarers has recently unveiled its newly updated crew area at the Limassol port in Cyprus. The new facility has been designed to provide seafarers with a comfortable and welcoming environment during their time onshore.
The crew area features comfortable seating, Wi-Fi access, television screens, and a selection of books and magazines for seafarers to enjoy. The space has also been decorated with artwork created by local students, adding a personal touch to the facility.
The Mission to Seafarers is a global charity that provides practical and emotional support to seafarers around the world. The updated crew area in Limassol is just one of the many ways in which the organization is working to improve the lives of seafarers and ensure that they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Speaking about the new facility, the Mission to Seafarers' Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Revd Canon Andrew Wright, said, "We are delighted to be able to offer this updated crew area to seafarers in Limassol. We know that life at sea can be tough, and we hope that this facility will provide a much-needed space for seafarers to relax and unwind during their time onshore."
The Mission to Seafarers is committed to continuing its work to support seafarers around the world, and the updated crew area in Limassol is just one example of the organization's dedication to this important mission.
