Post on 17-Oct-2020
InterviewMiltiadis
Varvitsiotis Minister of Shipping
and the Aegean
Lloyd’s List Greek
Shipping Awards for 2013
Children & The Environment
Recycling
PlusFlows & Currents
Travel with Aegean
Aegean NewsWINTER 2013-14
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
Aegean Acquires Bunkering Operations of Hess
in the USA
Επιστροφήσε ευρώ με κάθε σας
συναλλαγή
Ενημερωθείτε αναλυτικά για το πρόγραμμα Επιστροφή στο www.epistrofi-eurobank.gr.
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 1
The purchase by Aegean of the U.S. east coast bun-kering operations of Hess Corporation marks a key turning point for Aegean. As Aegean moves forward in serving more markets globally, the Hess buyout puts the company in the center of one of the most important bunkering markets in the world. Not only does this strategic move give Aegean its first presence in the U.S.
market as a physical supplier, it paves the way for a future that positions the Aegean brand in a new and important manner.
The U.S. position allows Aegean to build a far stronger brand globally, gain-ing a new customer base that sails the world. In addition, this move provides greater access to the all-important cruise sector, an area that offers Aegean significant upside movement and healthy growth.
The U.S. has traditionally been the most attractive market for businesses of all kinds. Its robust nature is matched by its highly demanding service requests. But it is also a bellwether of global success and traditionally leads to more effi-cient performance.
Aegean welcomes the opportunity to enter this dynamic and challenging market. It welcomes the opportunity to prove, once again, that it can respond to all markets, and all market conditions, whether in North American or Southeast Asia, the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, the Atlantic or the Pacific.
Its service record is based on an “anywhere, anytime” approach that puts the customer at the center of its operations. This approach is what propelled Aege-an to all corners of the world and what will continue to propel it to new heights, new levels of success, and new markets.
Give the customer the best products, the best service, and at the best price. That’s the Aegean promise that makes the Aegean brand trusted, relied upon, and called upon.
24/7. 365.
editorial
RAYMOND MATERAPublisher
RetailAEGEAN 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%.
ShippingAEGEAN SHIPPING manages a fleet of tank-
ers, ranging from 3,500DWT to 100,000
DWT, that transfers and delivers oil to our
clients throughout the world. All ships meet
ISM standards.
BunkeringIn Piraeus, Patras, Gibraltar, Amsterdam-Rot-
terdam-Antwerp, Fujairah, Jamaica, Singapore,
Trinidad & Tobago, Portland UK, Vancouver,
Montreal, Mexico, Tangiers, Las Palmas and
Tenerife, Panama, Barcelona, Algeciras, Bal-
timore, Philadelphia, New York, Norfolk, and
Charleston, AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM is a
leader in providing the best bunkering services
available. AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM is the
market leader in bunkering.
Agency ServicesShips from around the world rely on AEGE-
AN AGENCY services at Piraeus, Gibraltar,
Fujairah, and Jamaica, from loading and dis-
charging, to spare parts and supplies.
LubricantsAEGEAN OIL produces and markets high per-
formance lubricants for vehicles and indus-
trial use, under the AEGEAN brand. AEGEAN
MARINE PETROLEUM trades and supplies
lubricants for the marine market under the
ALFA brand.
AegeanCore Activities
Aegean News iPad version is now available at the app store.Enhanced with video, more photos,and interactive content!
You're on the move. So are we.Get Aegean News wherever you are.
ANYTIMEWHERE
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 3
4 AEGEAN UPDATE
13 CHRISTMAS PARTY
14 FLOWS AND CURRENTS
Trends and News in the Oil and Energy Fields
16 STATIONS OF THE MONTH
• Christos Detsaridis, Alexandroupoulis
• Sophia Konstantinou, Lianokladi, Lamia
18 BUNKERING
Aegean Expands Bunkering Operations
in the USA
24 INTERVIEW Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, Minister of Shipping and the Aegean
26 MARITIME TRADITION ΤThe Aegean Sea and the Origins of Shipping―Chapter III: Byzantium and Liquid Fire
27 TRAVELWITHΑEGEAN Tsagarada
28 CHILDREN AND THE ENVIRONMENT Recycling – Easy as 1 2 3
30 AEGEAN COLLECTION Step Out in Style
18 Aegean acquires bunkering operations of Hess in the USA10 Aegean receives the Award
for Achievement in Safety and Environmental Protection
24 Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, Minister of Shipping and the Aegean, speaks with Aegean News
AEGEANMARINEPETROLEUM
Aegean News iPad version is now available at the app store.Enhanced with video, more photos,and interactive content!
You're on the move. So are we.Get Aegean News wherever you are.
ANYTIMEWHERE
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
contents
Winter 2013-2014Aegean 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.
CODE: 5169
Please Recycle
4 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
Participation at the Platts 2nd Annual Mediterranean Bunker Fuel ConferenceThe Platts 2nd Annual Mediterranean
Bunker Fuel conference was held on
December 4th, 2013 at The Hotel Rey
Juan Carlos, Barcelona, Spain. Platts,
the leading global provider of energy
information and a premier source of
benchmark price assessment, orga-
nized the event.
Platt’s conference covered the issues
and challenges of the region. It is
the only such meeting to look at the
Mediterranean and its marine fuel
markets in its entirety, with sessions
addressing developments at key hubs
and local markets, from Gibraltar
to Turkey, and overcoming regional
challenges.
Panels were comprised of leading pro-
fessionals in the industry and clients
of Aegean. Participants discussed
the outlook for the Mediterranean
tanker markets and there was also an
HSFO (High Sulfur Fuel Oil) market
overview, with an in-depth analysis of
arbitrage economics, rates of flow and
changing European dynamics.
Participants included the region’s
leading ship operators, owners, bro-
kers, fuel suppliers, refiners and other
key organizations working in the
marine fuel industry.
Piraeus HQ Bunker Trader Anna-Maria
Karakasi represented Aegean.
A E G E A N U P D A T E
World Coastal Cleanup Day
The Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA) annually coordinates
World Coastal Cleanup Day in Greece, held on the third Saturday in September.
This initiative increases awareness of the shores that we use for our pleasure and enter-
tainment.
Hundreds of organizations and thousands of citizens from 80 countries of the world partici-
pate in World Coastal Cleanup Day.
In 2013, International Coastal Cleanup Day was on September 15.
As every year Aegean, with the contribution of its employees, showed sensitivity in matters
of environmental consciousness and proceeded in the meticulous cleaning of the beach
around the pier of Aspropyrgos.
The result of the operation was very satisfactory and the pier appeared cleaner than the best
organized beach!
Everyone needs to contribute to such efforts, especially in matters concerning our future!
Beach cleaning at Aegean’s main facilities at Aspropyrgos
Logging OnCustomers and associates may log on at: www.aegeanoil.comCustomers and associates of Aegean Marine Petroleum may log on at: www.ampni.com
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 5
Supply of FGS Oker
Supply of FGS Oker in HeraklionOn October 11, 2013 Aegean sup-
plied the German Navy ship, FGS Oker
in the harbor of Heraklion, Crete.
The collaboration was excellent at
every level, both in terms of commu-
nication between the ship's crew and
Aegean personnel, and in relation to
the order delivery speed and commu-
nication with the agent representing
the client and port authorities.
During the process all participating
parties complied with all security
requirements.
As part of the continuous training of the
staff of Aegean, Lucia Fokas participated
in a 5-day training seminar in Cambridge,
England, entitled Trading Oil on International
Markets, on October 14-18, 2013.
This course covered, in five days, the entire
chain of the oil industry.
In particular, it analyzed a wide range of
topics related to the economics of trading
and the management of inherent price risks.
The seminar covered the following topics in
depth:
• Economics of Trading
• Price Risk Management
• Legal, Operational, and Shipping Aspects
of a Contract
• Deal Negotiations
• Credit Management
• Shipping Documents
• Best Trading Practices
The lecturers analyzed, in detail, numerous
aspects and different factors which may in-
fluence a decision and need to be considered
before taking a position in oil markets. The
lecturers were highly experienced, with a
good grasp of the oil market, both in theoret-
ical terms and in professional practice. They
shared with the attendees business secrets
from past deals and providing their analysis
on the present status, and their prediction on
the future, of the oil industry, trading, geo-
politics and how all components correlate
with each other.
This seminar was attended by managers
from a number oil companies, such as Lukoil,
Gazprom, and Total.
Seminar on Trading Oil in International Markets
Training participants
Seminar attendees
Trading TrainingOn November 26 and 27, a Fuel and Marine Gasoil gathering successfully took place at Aegean's headquarters in Piraeus with the support and collaboration of BP's Business Training and Development team. Trading Foundations were developed and analyzed, with the assistance of interactive live simulations. The fundamentals of both markets were presented and a thorough discussion of future developments, given the specification changes forthcoming in the bunkering business in 2015, was made during the event. Aegean's Sales and Supply & Trading teams attended the event.
6 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
Aegean Among Singapore’s Top 20 SuppliersThe Maritime and Port Authority of
Singapore (MPA) listed Singapore's
20 leading accredited bunker suppli-
ers by volume for 2013, among which
was Aegean Bunkering, in 17th place.
1 BP Singapore
2 Sentek Marine
3 Transocean Oil
4 SK Eenrgy
5 Shell Eastern Trading
6 Global Energy Trading
7 Tankoil Marine Services
8 Universal Energy
9 Chemoil International
10 Costank
11 Exxonmobil Asia Pacific
12 Bunker House Petroleum
13 OW Bunker Far East
14 Sirius Marine
15 Singapore Petroleum Company
16 Searights Maritime Services
17 Aegean Bunkering (Singapore)
18 Golden Island Diesel Oil Trading
19 Consort Bunkers
20 Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services
A E G E A N U P D A T E
Self-Operated Station Network Lubrication Training SeminarOn December 4-5, 2013 Aegean, in their modern lubricants production facilities, held a
training seminar related to passenger car lubricants. The Director of the facilities, Nikos
Panagopoulos, escorted the staff of Aegean’s self-operated station network, as well as
select Aegean partners, through the chemistry laboratory. The facility provides quality con-
trol services according to the most demanding lubricant approval procedures from engine
manufacturers such as VW, MB, BMW, MAN, Scania, Volvo, Wartsila, and MTU. The seminar
familiarized the participants with the advantages of Aegean’s lubricant production process,
packaging, as well as the shipping methods used for affiliates or subsidiaries of Aegean in
Greece and abroad.
The technical component of the seminar covered new technologies of new petrol and diesel
engines, the advantages of the high quality raw materials of Aegean lubricants, lubricant
endurance in the wide range of temperatures of new engines, long change intervals, and fuel
economy. The Director of lubricant sales presented the new four-point control service for
selected Aegean service stations. The new service includes checking the level of engine oil,
antifreeze, brake fluid, and liquid windshield cleaner fluid—for an immediate and economical
refill with quality products.
Aegean will also organize a lubrication seminar for the staff of self-operated service stations
in Thessaloniki. According to Christos Archontakis, Lubricant Sales Development Manager,
training of the new four-point control service is already taking place at service stations.
Training Seminar
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 7
Donation of Heating Oil to 200 Primary Schools
As part of George Melissanidis’ initiative to donate heating oil to 200 primary schools, Aege-
an delivered, in November, heating oil to 50 more schools, in the regions of Ioannina, Alexan-
droupolis, Soufli, Didimoticho-Orestiada, Xanthi, Komotini, and Nikea-Redi Attica. The Minis-
try of Education and Religious Affairs, Culture and Sports selected the schools, in conjunction
with Ioannis Sgouros, the President of the Association of the Regions of Greece (ENPE). This
social action was scheduled for completion by the end of December 2013.
According to new amendments of the STCW (Standards of Training, Cer-tification and Watchkeeping for Sea-farers) Convention and the Code, the international community established new requirements regarding security training.The new requirements (including security related familiarization, profi-ciency in security awareness, and pro-ficiency in designated security duties) apply to all merchant vessels, all over the world, and are mandatory from January 1, 2014.
The specifications of minimum stan-dards of competence for seafarers with designated security duties in-clude the maintenance of a SSP (Ship Security Plan), a working knowledge of maritime security terms and defini-tions, security policy and the respon-sibilities of governments/companies/persons, a knowledge of security levels and their impact on security measures, security reporting proce-dures, procedures for conducting inspections and surveys, legislative re-quirements, communications used in
case of an incident, and many others.Aegean, to be aligned with the new standards, conducted on October 23 and 24, 2013, in cooperation with Alpha Marine Consulting Ltd., seminars for all shipboard personnel who, at the seminar, performed se-curity duties (including anti-piracy and anti-armed robbery related activ-ities), to enhance their awareness and knowledge to undertake the duties and responsibilities required by the convention. Each participant was pro-vided with a certificate of completion.
Security Awareness Seminar Security awareness seminar
New EmployeesThe following employees have joined the Aegean work force.
AEGEAN OIL
Aggelos Delakas
AEGEAN BUNKERING SERVICES-ABS
Konstantina Morou
Panagiotis Nikokiris
Christos Kouvelis
Georgios Karafergias
AEGEAN MARINE PETROLEUM-AMP
Loukia Foka
Georgios Marinos
Gratsiella Kladi
Ioannis Kampylis
HEC
Christoforos Moros
OIL ONE
Eleftherios Liagos
Vassilios Athanasiadis
Heating oil delivery
8 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
Participation at Eisbeinessen 2013The 65th Eisbeinessen took place on November 1, 2013 in Hamburg.
Since 1948, this event takes place every year on the first Friday of
November. The dinner originally was a way to celebrate the termina-
tion of a ban to do foreign business. In November of 1948 the dinner
was attended by the 110 shipbrokers remaining in Hamburg and it
was a success, taking into consideration that the dinner took place
only three years after the war. The member companies of Hamburg
Shipbrokers’ Association decided to repeat that dinner every year
and gradually it became an international event.
The dinner takes place at the Congress Centrum Hamburg (CCH) a
meeting point that gathers more than 5,000 people involved in the
shipping sector including shipbrokers, shipping agents, shipowners,
bankers, forwarding agents, terminal operators and ship suppliers from
more than 50 countries. Today, apart from the main event, scores of
other events are also held during the week of the Eisbeinessen dinner,
making it the top convention of the German shipping community.
Aegean was an active participant in the event as a guest and enjoyed
the hospitality of our German customers. Nikos Zaharopoulos, from
our Piraeus trading team, and Ken De Bisschop from our Antwerp
trading team attended the event and interacted with customers and
suppliers to promote Aegean’s worldwide activities and strengthen
the already good relationship we enjoy with our German clients.
A E G E A N U P D A T E
Hellenic Cruise Ports: Best Practices & Sharing Knowledge Conference
Eisbeinessen dinner
On November 8 and 9, 2013, the Port of Heraklion organized a conference entitled Hellenic Cruise Ports: Best Practices & Sharing Knowledge, at the Chamber of Heraklion, Crete. Among the distinguished speakers were Min-ister of Marine and the Aegean, Mil-tiadis Varvitsiotis; President and CEO of PPA (Piraeus Port Authority) and Chairman of the Board of the Hellen-ic Ports Association (ELIME), George Anomeritis; and President and CEO of Heraklion Port Authority SA and Vice President of the Board of ELIME, Ioannis Bras.HEC Managing Director Panagiotis Stamatogiannis represented Aegean at the conference. During his speech, Mr. Stamatogiannis said: "Events like
this are valuable for Greece as they promote the two most lucrative sec-tors of our national economy, tourism and shipping. The coupling of these two sources of national wealth is the concept of a cruise ship, which is in effect a ship and a hotel at the same time, the symbol of dreams and luxury
holidays that enables travelers to com-fortably reach many destinations." Noting that the port of Heraklion, which among other ports in Greece provides high-level waste reception services, has entrusted Aegean for this duty, Mr. Stamatogiannis added: "Waste management from vessels, and particularly oil waste management, is a highly specialized, complex and costly process, due to the ever-in-creasingly and, rightfully so, stringent environmental legislation. In line with the motto of our company, the recycling process converts useless into useful material, harmful substances into beneficial ones, pollutants into energy resources, and waste into a key link in the chain of life."
Panagiotis Stamatogiannis, HEC Chairman
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 9
Traditional Carols On December 24, 2013 the Pontian Association of Korydallos, Nikea sang
traditional carols for Aegean on the ground floor of the headquarters in Piraeus.
The Association’s children's dance team 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.
Expressions of Solidarity by SEEPEOn Christmas Eve the Hellenic Petroleum Marketing Companies Association (SEEPE), in col-
laboration with other companies of the field, took the initiative to collect and deliver pack-
aged food to organizations and clubs, previously audited for proper operation, that provide
humanitarian assistance to disadvantaged fellow human beings in Athens, Thessaloniki and
other cities.
Aegean staff, in collaboration with the company’s Human Resources Department, showed
sensitivity and love for their fellow man in need by filling the warehouse with hundreds of
packages of food.
Congratulations to all for a worthwhile effort!
Pontian Association dancers
6th Congress of Port Projects by NTUAThe National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) organized the 6th Na-tional Conference of Port Projects on November 11- 13, 2013, in the confer-ence hall of the Eugenides Foundation in Athens. Director of Research and Development, Michalis Psaromichalakis, represented HEC at the conference with his presentation on the "Environmental Shield of Embarkation with the Creation of Modern Waste Reception Facilities." In his presentation, Mr. Psa-romichalakis discussed the conditions that forced the international maritime community to create a legal framework to address marine pollution from activities associated with shipping. He examined the entire legal framework in detail, and the technical and economic model applied in Piraeus, in port recep-tion facilities, for waste generated on ships.The president of the organizing committee of the conference, Konstantinos Mountzouris, director of the Laboratory for Harbor Constructions at NTUA, commended Mr. Psaromichalakis for his presentation as it was thorough and to the point.
Wishes for
2014Aegean wishes
to all its friends, business partners,
associates, and clients, in Greece and abroad, a happy, creative, and
successful 2014.
Humanitarian assistance
10 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
A E G E A N U P D A T E
Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards for 2013An audience of about 1,100 guests filled
the ballroom of the InterContinental Hotel
in Athens on November 29, 2013 to see
the presentation of the Lloyd’s List Greek
Shipping Awards for 2013. The Lloyd’s List
Greek Shipping Awards honor achievement
in the Greek shipping community.
The Athenaeum InterContinental has been
hosting the Greek Shipping Awards since
2005 and was once again the chosen venue
for this year's event. It has the largest ball-
room of any leading hotel in Athens and one
of the few spaces that can host an event of
this magnitude. Guests enjoyed a pre-dinner
drinks party sponsored by ABS, and China
Classification Society proposed a special
toast to the health of Greek shipping.
An independent judging panel, representing
a broad cross-section of the Greek shipping
community and impartial experts in the
industry, assessed the nominations and
decided the recipients of all awards, with the
sole exception of ‘Newsmaker of the Year’,
which was decided by the editorial staff of
Lloyd’s List.
The gathering, the largest in the 10-year
history of an event widely hailed in the Greek
shipping industry as the dinner of the year,
was again sponsored by numerous Greek
and international companies, led by ClassNK
as overall event sponsor.
Aegean was named winner of the Award for
Achievement in Safety and Environmental
Protection for its spotless record establish-
ing zero spill incidents in countless supply
operations around the world. This award
recognizes Aegean's accomplishments and
initiatives in protecting both its dedicated
crews around the world and the important
ecosystem in which the company operates.
Aegean performs on average about 100
supply operations per day and most of these
include STS operations, mooring, unmooring
and cargo operation. Their risk exposure
is unparalleled and higher than any other
ocean-going tanker company.
"We are extremely honored to be recognized
by such a prestigious organization for our
socially and environmentally conscious oper-
ations," said a representative from Aegean.
"At Aegean, we work tirelessly to ensure
that we safeguard each of our employee’s
well-being and also respect our environment
by managing the impact of our operations on
our surroundings. Similar to our successful
financial track record, our market-leading
safety and environmental practices continue
to differentiate our company as a premier
provider of marine fuel logistics. Moving into
2014, we aim both to continue to provide
this outstanding level of service and main-
tain the environmental best practices that
our customers and the shipping community
have come to recognize."
Spyros Fokas accepts the award
Minister of Shipping and the Aegean, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, and Dimitris Melissanids
George Melissanidis and Spyros Fokas Reception Cocktail
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 11
Dimitris Melissanidis Becomes an Official of the Ecumenical PatriarchateThe Holy Church of Christ, through the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos, honored Dimitris Melissanidis with the title of Curopalates, one of the Church’s highest honorary offices.The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos granted Mr. Melissanidis the title of Curopalates immediately after the Divine Liturgy of Theophania and the Great Blessing of the Patriarchal Holy Church of Saint George in Phanari.In his remarks, the Ecumenical Patriarch said that the new Official of the Church was honored for his sincere
devotion to the Mother Church, for his humility and his willingness to offer to the pious and noble descendants of Pontos, as well as his other charitable initiatives.This is the first time since 1453 that the title of Curopalates has been awarded. In the Eastern Roman Empire the Curopalates were charged with significant responsibilities of the imperial Palace and important aspects of public life.Metropolitan Pavlos of Drama and Varnavas, Metropolitan of Neapolis and Stavroupolis, among others, attended the ceremony.
The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos honors Dimitris Melissanidis with the title of Curopalates
The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos with the Melissanidis family
12 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
A E G E A N U P D A T E
New Year’s Pita Cutting On February 13, 2014 Aegean hosted its annual New Year’s Vassilopita celebration at Teatro
Music Hall. In Greece the cutting and sharing of the Vassilopita, a New Year’s cake, is the tradi-
tional 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 Melco was the winner of the coin hidden within.
Following a draw, five lucky Aegean employees won one gold British pound each, gifts from the
Aegean Shop with a total value of 500 Euros and 500 Euros worth of fuel.
After the cutting of the Vassilopita, Aegean hosted a dinner for the 1,500 employees and guests
attending the event, who were entertained until the early hours of the morning in the spectacular
atmosphere created by artists Stan, Tamta, Pantelis Pantelides, and Paola.
Politicians, shipowners, businesspeople, journalists, the management of OPAP and AEK, and
many celebrities attended the event.
A Happy and Healthy New Year to All!
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 13
Christmas Party for Aegean’s Children
Continuing its annual tradition, Aegean opened its arms on December 15,
2013 to employees and their children for a Christmas celebration on the
8th floor hall of the company’s head offices in Piraeus.
A festive atmosphere, a rich entertainment program, activities, and
dancing, combined with delectable dishes and desserts for the little ones,
kept their interest throughout the party.
A snowman welcomed the children and Santa Claus, dear to all, appeared
at the end of the party to give gifts and spread love and joy!
Upon departing, young and old renewed their rendezvous for next year!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
C H R I S T M A S P A R T Y
14 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
Hidden Ocean Waves Scientists have been aware of the
existence of internal ocean waves
for over a century, but these waves
have so far been poorly under-
stood because of the difficulty in
studying them.
The effect of such waves on the
ocean surface is negligible and
causes an increase in the sea level
of just a few centimeters, which is almost imperceptible in heavy seas. Shape-wise
underwater waves look like regular ones. The only difference between an underwater
wave and the water around it is density, due to differences in temperature and salt
content, causing stratification in ocean water. The stratification is detected only with
special equipment and can produce waves that reach great heights, travel vast dis-
tances, and play a key role in the mixing of ocean waters, pushing warm surface water
down and drawing heat from the atmosphere.
Because these internal waves are difficult to detect, it is often a challenge to
study them directly in the ocean. Recently, researchers conducted a laboratory
experiment to study the generation of internal waves in the Luzon Strait, between
Taiwan and the Philippines. These waves can reach heights of over 170 meters
and travel at a rate of a few centimeters per second. They play an important role
in the mixing of ocean water and the global climate. Because internal waves can
carry nutrients from the ocean depths, they may also play an important role in
maintaining coral reef ecosystems, which are considered vulnerable to climate
change and other environmental impacts.
F L O W S A N D C U R R E N T S
Greek Fleet—One of the Best Worldwide The new year began well for Greek shipping companies. Greek shipown-ers are further enlarging their fleets by buying second-hand ships and or-dering newbuilds. In fact, during the first ten days of the new year, Greek shipping companies seem to be moving at the same pace as 2013. Last year the Greek shipping industry broke all previous records in shipbuild-ing and marine markets, investing a total of over 19 billion dollars and renewing their fleet, the value of which is estimated at 101 billion dollars.Investments are continuing at the start of 2014. Greek companies have procured 15 ships in the second-hand market, a total investment of more than 300 million dollars. Greek shipowners also ordered the con-struction of 19 new vessels. According to latest reports, second-hand markets show a150% increase compared with the last working week of December of 2013, and the number of new ship orders is up by an incredible 280%.
Optimism for International Shipping in 2014Prospects are improving for
shipping in 2014. Europe will
exit the recession by offering
a slightly higher demand for
container ships and tankers. In
the U.S. there will be a strong
private demand and increasing
domestic oil production. This will
benefit the containership and
crude oil tanker industry.
In the U.S. growth is projected
at 2.6%, while in emerging mar-
kets and developing economies,
growth is expected to stand at
5.1 % in the new year. In Asia,
analysts predict upward surge
in demand in tonnage. China is
on track for an increase of GDP
by 7.3%, while Japan is also on
the rise.
During 2013 yards pushed pric-
es down and responded to the
need of ships with reduced fuel
consumption.
For 2014 the fleet of dry bulk
cargo is expected to increase by
4.4% compared with 5.9% in
2013 , tankers by 2.9% com-
pared with 2.3% in 2013, the
carrier ships by 4% compared
with 3.2% 2013, while contain-
er ships by 5.7% compared with
5.9% in 2013.
Source: Nafteboriki
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 15
Greek Parliament Ratifies Agreement with TAP
In December of 2013 the Greek
Parliament ratified the agreement
between the government and the
Trans Adriatic Pipeline signed in
June of last year. The agreement
establishes the framework by which
the project will be implemented in
the Greek territory, including pro-
cedures related to land acquisition,
the application of technical, environ-
mental, social and safety standards, and licensing.
The 870 km TAP pipeline will be one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment
in Greece, and will cost approximately 1.5 billion Euros for the Greek section alone.
During construction, TAP will create up to 2,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs.
The largest portion of the TAP pipeline, which will transport natural gas from Azer-
baijan to Europe, will be through Greek territory, making Greece a significant energy
hub, since the pipeline will facilitate the supply of natural gas to many countries of
Southeast Europe.
Greek Sea—Source of Inspiration Historically our seas, an integral part of the life of the Greeks and Greek history, have been a source of inspiration for poets and artists. After the invention of photogra-phy at around mid 1900’s, many photographers used their art to immortalize the Greek seascape.Drawing from this topic, the
Benaki Museum showcased approximately 350 photographs divided into five chronological groups: the second half of the 19th century, the first decades of the 20th century, the Interwar Years, post World War II, and the age after the fall of the junta to the present day, in an exhibit entitled "Greek Seas—A Photographic Journey Through Time.” The images tell the story of the relationship between Greeks and the sea, the way of life in coastal and island communities, the development of our shipping tradition, as well as sailing around the Greek islands from the very first tourists to the age of mass tourism. The successful exhibit, which ran un-til the first days of the New Year, followed the homonymous publication, which contains about 300 selected photos.
Technology Trends for a Sustainable Maritime Industry To secure the future of shipping,
the international maritime industry
should focus on efficiency and the
competitive advantage that techno-
logical innovation can provide. Key
trends include smart “sentient” ships
and the transition to new digital and
technological standards (e-volution).
The smart “sentient” ship has
nano-technology coatings for water-
proofing and anti-pollution and
obeys new technologies in terms of
design, construction, materials and
function. The possibility of using
smart materials such as Buckypaper,
which has one-tenth the weight of
steel but is probably 500 times
stronger, will revolutionize the ship-
building industry since less weight
means less fuel and improved ener-
gy efficiency. Such materials also
offer improved structural integrity
and enable wireless data transfer.
Additionally, the ability to connect
via High Throughput Satellite (HTS)
and the use of algorithms allow ships
to learn to navigate on their own.
But what about the crew on these
new smart ships? Technology that
transmits the traces of a navy officer
aboard could completely change the
security landscape. Microchips can
facilitate a series of works, from
wireless money transfer and payment
to monitoring the health of the crew.
Communication possibilities with
the Internet both at sea and on
land, and the use of cloud comput-
ing, will fundamentally change the
shipping industry.
© Benaki Museum's Photographic Archives
16 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
S T A T I O N S O F T H E M O N T H
Mr. Detsaridis’ service sta-tion is centrally located on Dimokratias Avenue.
How long have you been in the fuel business Mr. Detsaridis?My father first opened the service station in 1969 and then I followed in his footsteps. This service station is a family business. I have been working since I was eight years old.
How many years have you been work-ing with Aegean?Since 2000.
And what made you change suppliers and choose Aegean?My personal acquaintance with Mr. Ia-kovos Melissanidis. I met him in 2000, we exchanged a few words and that was it! From day one, without knowing him in the past, we felt that Aegean has our back. Optimism and simple words. This is how we continue.
How has your partnership with you supplier been since then?The difference is like day and night! We apply the following three simple rules: Low prices, quality and humanity. With the customers and among ourselves.
What is your relationship with your customers? Are they happy? Did you ever have any complaints?Our work suffers due to financial
problems in general. People only buy fuel when it is absolutely necessary. Aegean’s low prices, of course, help in relation to the competition. Beyond that we're always looking to find a way to stay on top.
In what ways do you try to boost your business?We make sure we have repeat busi-ness. This is one of the good things about living here in the province. We all know each other. So when we are honest, customers see this. We have customers who have been coming to us steadily over the last 30 years. We're not a gas station on the national road where people drive by and never
come back. Above all we try to be honest with them. We maintain a per-sonal relationship and always offer a smile and a piece of candy!
Is your service station busier during the tourist season?During the summer months we have more work with car fuel, while during the winter our work increases because of heating oil.
Do you have any future plans for the service station that you would like to share with us?Soon we will install an input-output system to upgrade our service sta-tion.
Alexandroupolis, the capital of Evros, has a population of 57,812 residents. A major port
and commercial center of northeastern Greece, and one of Greece’s major transport hubs,
Alexandroupolis is well connected: by air, rail, road, and ferry.
Low Prices, Quality, and HumanityChristos Detsaridis, Alexandroupoulis
View of the service station of Mr. Detsaridis
From day one we felt that Aegean has our back. Optimism and simple words. This is how we continue.
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 17
Difficult Times Do Not Affect Solid Agreements Sophia Konstantinou, Lianokladi, Lamia
Travellers will find Mrs. Kon-stantinou’s service station on the National Road between
Lamia and Karpenisi.
How many years have had your own gas Mrs. Konstantinou? What are your main activities?The service station has been in oper-ation since 1995. I am the owner and have been since the beginning. Our main activity is gasoline for cars. We also sell lubricants and heating oil.
When and how did your collaboration with Aegean start?We started with Aegean five years ago. Four months ago we renewed
our contract. Aegean offered us much more competitive prices compared to our old supplier so we decided to make the change. Before joining Ae-gean our prices were very high and always came in second to our compe-tition in the region.
Are there many service stations in the area?Right now there is one more. Some time ago there were two. Basically our service station is the only one operating here in the village at the moment.
Do you employ any staff at your ser-vice station? The service station is a family business. I work here full time, but I get help from my parents and my brother.
Is your service station busier during the summer months?There is more work from February to
November. We are located in a rural ar-ea and we have a lot of work this season from young farmers.
How is your communication with Aege-an? Are you happy with your coopera-tion so far?Our communication is very good. We stick to our agreement. Nothing chang-es because times are tough.
How does the relationship with your supplier reflect on your relationships with your customers?We have never had problems with our fuel or any of the other products we sell.
What is the response of people nowa-days?As you know, the crisis has affected our business, both fuel and heating oil. It’s just that we are going through a rough period, because before that we had no problems whatsoever.
Part of the new municipality of Lamia, Lianokladi is located in the central part of the county,
13 kilometers west by road from Lamia and 220 kilometers from Athens. Lianokladi has a
total population of 3,034 inhabitants.
The service station of Mrs. Konstantinou
We stick to our agreement. Nothing changes because times are tough.
18 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
B U N K E R I N G
Aegean Expands Bunkering Operations
in the USA
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 19
Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. completed the acquisition of
the U.S. east coast bunkering business Hess Corporation, a leading
supplier of fuel oil in the USA. With a storage capacity of 250,000
cubic meters, the new bunkering stations supply ports with very
heavy traffic, such as New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk, and
Charleston. In 2012 Hess’s average annual sales amounted to 1.8
million tons and annual turnover at about $2 billion.
This acquisition marks the entrance of Aegean in the U.S. market,
making it the dominant player on the East Coast, and allows it to
further globally expand its partnerships with customers from the USA.
Port Reading, New Jersey
20 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
About Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. is an international marine fuel logistics company that markets and physically supplies refined marine fuel and lubricants to ships in port and at sea. The Company procures product from various sources (such as refineries, oil producers, and traders) and resells it to a diverse group of customers across all major commercial shipping sectors. These include all types of ocean-going vessels and many types of coastal vessels, such as oil tankers, container ships, dry bulk carriers, cruise ships and ferries.Currently, Aegean has a global presence in 22 markets, including Vancouver, Montreal, Mexico, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Gibraltar, U.K., Northern Europe, Piraeus, Patras, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Morocco, the Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam (ARA) region, Las Palmas, Tenerife, Cape Verde, Panama, Hong Kong, Barcelona, Algeciras and the U.S. East Coast. The Company has also entered into a strategic alliance to extend its global reach to China. To learn more about Aegean, visit http://www.ampni.com.
B U N K E R I N G
Terminal in Brooklyn, New York
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 21
This past December, the New York-listed bunker company Aegean Marine Petroleum
Network Inc. (NYSE: ANW) an-nounced the acquisition of the U.S. East Coast bunkering business of Hess Corporation (NYSE: HES).
The transaction, which includes bunkering operations that averaged 1.8 million metric tons in annual sales over the past three years, is valued at $30 million, plus the val-ue of the purchased inventory, and also includes approximately 250,000 cubic meters of leased tank storage. This acquisition marks Aegean's entry into supplying customers in the U.S. and will enable Aegean to meaningfully expand its global full-service marine fuel platform and increase its exposure to U.S. clients worldwide, including lead-ing cruise lines. Aegean expects to utilize these bunkering operations
and associated assets to supply the heavily trafficked ports of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk and Charleston.
With this acquisition, Aegean is capitalizing on attractive growth op-portunities to strengthen its position as the premier independent, physi-cal supplier of marine fuel globally and sets the foundations to further expand its operations worldwide.
The company said it is “pleased to further diversify its geographic mix by capitalizing on this attractive, accretive opportunity for U.S. east coast expansion. Hess Corporation has built a tremendous network and we are excited to apply our expertise and capabilities to these established operations. This transaction will require minimal start-up costs and is fully aligned with our objective of strategically expanding our global presence while leveraging our ex-
isting infrastructure to increase rev-enues. We are confident that these operations will strengthen our busi-ness portfolio, bolster our customer reach, and create meaningful value for our shareholders."
The completion of this acquisition marks another important milestone in Aegean's history. Aegean’s strategy to leverage its unique business mod-el across geographies to accelerate profitable growth is continuing to deliver results. By utilizing Hess Cor-poration's established infrastructure, Aegean believes it is well positioned to optimize these assets, grow Aege-an's revenues and further build upon its brand and service capabilities as the company extends its reach to new U.S. clients. This transaction will create meaningful value for all Aegean stakeholders and the com-pany looks forward to commencing operations immediately.
22 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
B U N K E R I N G
Please tell us about the operations that Aegean has acquired from Hess, a major U.S. corporation, in this transaction.Aegean purchased the Hess bunker fuel business, which was part of the Hess Supply and Trading group. This group was formed in 2005 and has grown to be the largest bun-
ker supplier on the U.S. East Coast. Nearly all of the Hess employees moved in the Aegean purchase of the Hess bun-kering team to form the foundation for Aegean Bunkering USA Ltd. This team brings its extensive expertise in sourc-ing, blending and risk management, which was developed over the years under various market conditions.
What products will the new team be supplying and in which ports will Aegean USA be operating?We supply all grades of bunker fuel, including HS and LS RMG fuel, MGO and LS MGO in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk and Charleston.
The strategic terminal locations also provide needed access points to the Colonial pipeline* which will play a greater role as new sulfur mandates are put into place for 2015. Another structural change in the market for 2015 is the anticipated expansion of the Panama Canal. This expansion is expected to bring additional shipping traffic to southern U.S. ports such as Charleston, Norfolk and Baltimore and Aegean will be prepared to service these customers with its strategic port locations.
How do you believe this unit complements Aegean’s strate-gic development in North America?Aegean is further expanding its reach in key North Ameri-can ports. These locations will provide Aegean’s customers (including many cruise lines and container ship companies) with quality products and services they have come to expect
Sal DragoManaging Director, Aegean Bunkering USA LLC.
Aegean further expands its reach in key North American ports. These locations will provide Aegean’s customers (including many cruise lines and container ship companies) with
quality products and services they have come to expect from Aegean.
Managing Director of Aegean Bunkering USA
LLC., Sal Drago, speaks with Aegean News
about the acquisition of the U.S. East Coast
bunkering business of Hess Corporation and the
opportunities this move represents for Aegean.
Sal Drago
* Colonial Pipeline Co. is an interstate common carrier of petroleum products. Colonial delivers gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel and other refined petroleum products to customers located across the Southern and Eastern United States.
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 23
from Aegean. We have already started to take advantage of a number of natural synergies between the groups and can easily see how being part of a larger bunkering organization will enhance and expand our ability to reach a much larger customer base. Under the Aegean umbrella, we are focused on continuing to expand our port locations in the region to take advantage of our supply and blending capabilities.
Tell us about yourself please, your background in the bun-kering industry, and how you look forward to this new part-nership with Aegean.I have been fortunate to have been around the bunker in-dustry most of my working life.
I started in the business in 1990 working for Texaco's Marine Marketing group where I was a bunker sales coor-dinator covering the U.S. east Coast and Panama. This gave me a strong foundation in the business and I soon started to get more interested in supply and blending economics and with that background helped to develop a hedging program. I was then sent to the Texaco London office where I worked on the trading desk in support of various bunker locations, including Falmouth and Gibraltar. Next came a two-year assignment in Singapore to run the Asian region and help develop their trading business. This assignment lasted six years and after seeing the company through its merger with Chevron, I returned to New York as Global head of trading for ChevronTexaco. I was fortunate enough to move to Hess where I realized the potential to expand the fuel oil trading team and start a bunkering business. I am very excited to help build the Aegean Bunkering team with what I believe to be one of the best (and most efficient) teams in the industry.
Please tell us about the cooperation between Aegean and Vane Brothers.The new Aegean team is proud to introduce Vane Brothers to the family. Over the last nine years we have grown our bunkering business on the U.S. east coast with the support of Vane Brothers.
We quickly recognized during our early years that devel-oping a strategic alliance with Vane Brothers as our prima-ry bunker fuel delivery agent would provide our customers with safe and expeditious service on every bunker delivery we make throughout the bunker network. We look forward to continuing and enhancing our relationship with Vane as we further grow our business in the region.
About the Vane Brothers Company The Vane Brothers Company is a barging company operating
out of the ports of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore,
Norfolk, and Charleston with a fleet of 30 tugs and 45
barges, two 140,000 barrel articulated tug and barge units
(AT/B), and two launches. The company provides a wide
range of maritime services including bunkering, launch
services, and inspection of safety equipment, covering
the entire Eastern Seaboard. The Vane Brothers’ Fleet
is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to safely
transport petroleum products along the Eastern Seaboard
and beyond and is fully committed to a cleaner environment
through prevention, preparedness and response.
From left: Tom Gaither of Vane Brothers; Chris Roberts, Spyros Fokas, Dimitris Melissanidis and Georgia Kounelaki of Aegean; Vane Brothers Chairman Duff Hughes, Apostolos Rizakos of Aegean, Rick Iulluichi and Don Glenn of Vane Brothers
24 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
What is the role of the Ministry of Shipping and the Aegean?The Ministry of Shipping and the Aegean plays a particu-larly crucial role in the national economy because it regu-lates a field that generates huge revenues and jobs in our country. Greek shipping holds a leading role, representing 15.56% of world shipping and 41.7% of European shipping, and we rank in sixth place worldwide in tonnage and in second place in the EU.
Meanwhile, the Greek merchant fleet flying the Greek Flag counts 1551 ships, of which 458 are tankers and 258 are cargo ships. Moreover, Greek shipowners control 23.55% of the total EU capac-ity and 17.20% of cargo ships. The Greek fleet is a uniquely successful, bright example of the Greek economy and this entails us with additional re-sponsibilities. Greek shipping, I could say, is the national capital of our country.
One of the key issues today is the promotion and develop-ment of Greek ports. How will the ports of Greece be differ-ent in the future?To reinforce employment and contribute to the national effort of the country to exit the recession tunnel, ports are being placed at the forefront. Therefore, in addition to the agreement with COSCO to invest in the port of Piraeus, permits and approvals for projects to improve infrastruc-ture are in process throughout the Greek territory.
The rationale is to faithfully serve the ports to be real
growth poles for local communities and the national econ-omy. Our main objective is to develop the capacity of ports that can accommodate either cruisers or yachts. For this reason we have already proposed legislation to the parlia-ment, regarding yachts, from which we expect the market to grow and to attract tourists from other countries.
The Port of Piraeus has seen a huge shift with the presence of COSCO. Please discuss this evolution and what it means for the shipping industry and the Greek economy.
COSCO’s presence is strategic for the interests of our coun-try. Despite the economic crisis that affects world trade, the traffic of merchandise in the Chinese pier in Piraeus has grown dramatically in re-cent years, placing the Greek
port at the heart of European ports. At the same time we expect the approval of the agreement reached with COSCO for new investments in the port of Piraeus.
The new agreement includes an investment of 230 million Euros for the construction and commercial de-velopment of the West Pier III of the container terminal of Piraeus Port Authority SA (PPA), the construction of a petroleum pier on behalf of PPA SA, and the upgrade with new mechanical equipment at Pier II and East Pier III of the container terminal. With the implementation of these projects, namely the installation of Super-super Post Pana-max Cranes, Piraeus port becomes a port-hub serving new generation vessels and we ensure the growth prospects of
The Minister of Shipping and the Aegean, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, talks to Aegean News about the
priorities of the Ministry for the strengthening and further development of shipping in Greece.
Miltiadis VarvitsiotisMinister of Shipping and the Aegean
I N T E R V I E W
As Greece assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union we place great emphasis on the pillar of the sea
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 25
the port of Piraeus. Our aim is to make the port of Piraeus the No. 1 Mediterranean port in a few years.
As Greece assumes the EU Presidency, please discuss the priorities of your ministry within this key role for Greece during the first six months of 2014.As Greece assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union we place great emphasis on the pillar of the sea. The economy of the sea can generate up to 7,000,000 jobs by 2020 and is a safe way to boost em-ployment in Europe. As a Ministry preserving and en-hancing the competitiveness of European shipping is our main priority, shifting away from the logic of overtaxing, and placing the emphasis on "Blue Growth" as a European strategy, on maritime em-ployment, island policy, port policy and the protection of the marine environment. At the same time, we are very concerned with cross-border cooperation and manage-ment of the growing migration flows through maritime borders. We need a common European response to the issue of illegal immigration.
Sustainability in shipping and commerce is at the forefront of the international agenda. How is the ministry addressing the all-important issue of sustainability—especially as it relates to our seas and oceans?
Trade and shipping is an eminently globalized industry. Therefore, at an international level, the Greek Presidency has set an agenda with proposals for the protection of the marine environment. The agenda includes the promotion of a series of legislation that hinge on the pillar of "Blue Growth" and sustainability of maritime affairs. Specif-ically, we request the support of our partners to adopt the proposed regulation on multi-annual funding for the
European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), the adop-tion of the proposals for a directive on maritime spatial planning, and a directive on marine equipment.
How do you view the role of companies such as Aegean in the development of the Greek economy and its emergence as
a stronger player in Europe?The Greek economy traveled a rocky road during the past five years of deep recession and austerity, after the outbreak of the great depression. Society went through some tough times. We suffered, unfortunately, because of a tortuous public sector model that could not be maintained and cre-ates barriers to entrepreneurship. The role of companies such as Aegean and many others that create and invest in our country should be at the forefront in this new era in our country. Private initiative and the private sector will create jobs for the younger generation that is qualified and willing to attempt to restart the country.
Miltiadis Varvitsiotis
The role of companies such as Aegean and many others that create and invest in our country should be at the forefront in this
new era in our country
26 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
M A R I T I M E T R A D I T I O N
The Aegean Sea Again at the Forefront The Byzantine Empire typically dates from 306 AD when Constantine the Great moved the capital of the Ro-man Empire from Rome to a Greek city at the Bosporus channel known as Byzantium, later renamed Constantinople.
The rise of Constantinople as the capital of the Byzantine Em-pire, once again raised the Aege-an Sea as a trade crossroads.
Shipbuilding During the Byzantine PeriodFor the creation of the large commercial and military fleet of the Byzantine Empire, the Byzantines used the great naval tradition of ancient Greek and Hellenistic periods. The Byzantine emperors gave priority to the establishment of a large fleet and the creation of new types of ships and innovative weapons, like liquid fire, to impose their domination in the East and West, and the Mediterranean, and also to control international trade.
Byzantine Fleet and Ports In the 4th century AD the ports of Thessaloniki and Constantinople
were established and starting from the 5th century the Byzantines operated an extensive network of harbors along the Golden Horn Canal (Keratios) and the Marmara Sea (Propontis). These harbors that featured robust and modern port facilities played an
important role in the economic, social and cultural life of Byzantium.
The vessels of the Byzantines, light and manouverable, travelled all over the world, protected the islands and the coast from pirates, and carried goods, fish and agricultural products to Constantinople, a city of robust commercial activity and consump-tion. Ships divided into “long” and “round,” terms that meant war and merchant ships respectively. The
Dromon was the main warship, and other vessels known as Helandia and Pamphylia were auxiliary units that transported horses, wheat and jars.
The Byzantine Ship Dromon The pre-eminent warship of the Byz-
antines was the Dromon, a lightweight and agile ship. The dimensions of the Dromon were like those of triremes, which meant that this new ship was 40-50 meters long, seven meters wide and five meters deep. The Dromon was equipped with various kinds of war machinery and the fa-mous “Sifones,” with which the "fire-carrying” Dromons of the 7th century hurled “liquid fire” to enemy ships.
The Dromon was the evolution of Greek biremes and triremes. This war ship had specific mechanisms for “liq-uid fire,” 100 oars (50 per side), three bows with square and triangular sails, a full deck and elevated structures in the bow and stern. Being a bit heavier and larger than trireme, the Dromon sailed mainly with 50 rowers, but also as a sailboat. The crew could be as many as 200 people with 50 rowers and 150 warriors.
The Aegean Sea, and the Origins of Shipping CHAPTER III
Byzantium and Liquid Fire(306 BC - 1453 AD)
Archaeological findings, myths, and the writings of historians suggest that we can trace the
origins of the shipbuilding art to ancient Greece and the Aegean Archipelagos.
The Byzantine Dromon
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 27
TsagaradaOverlooking the Aegean Sea, Tsagarada has been blessed with
a rich history and culture. It has played and continues to play
an important role in the educational, commercial and economic
development of eastern Pelion, and has some of the main
tourist attractions in the region today.
Must SeeThe Neighborhoods of Tsagarada The visitor should not miss wandering the streets of the village. Make sure to see the traditional foun-tain with its four spouts that offer locals and foreigners nonstop, crystal clear icy mountain water in the square of Agioi Archangeloi and the square of Agia Paraskevi, with the homon-ymous church that dates back to 1719. The huge tree that shades the entire square is said to be 1,000 years old, and the perimeter of its base reaches 14 meters.
Nanopoulio School Built in 1863 in honor of the benefactor Nicholas Nanopoulos, the Nanopoulio School operated in the early 20th century as a high school. The building now houses the village’s primary school. The stone-made two-storey building is one of the most beautiful in the village.
The Trails of the Centaurs The surrounding area of Tsagarada presents a true labyrinth of cobbled streets and footpaths in all directions for walking, exercise, and exploration and promises pleasant and exciting surprises to the visitors. One of the most beautiful trails of Pelion is the one that connects Tsagarada with Damouhari.
The Traditional Bridge of Mylopotamos The historic bridge of Tsagarada, located at the southern entrance of the village, was built in 1787 over the river Milopotamos.
Zagora A short distance from Tsagarada, visitors can find the historic village of Zago-ra. Make the trip to walk the cobbled streets, visit the picturesque neighborhoods, and see the great mansions, the marble fountains and numerous monuments such as the Greek Museum (the old school of Rigas) with the large library.
Mouresi A few kilometers north of Tsagarada lays Mouresi, a village with lovely rich na-ture and a view to the mountain and the sea. Mouresi has several small lodges, ideal for nature lovers.
T R A V E L W I T H A E G E A N
Aegean stations
The Traditional Bridge of Mylopotamos
Located at 48 kilometers from Volos, Tsagarada is a traditional set-tlement. Built at an altitude of 540 meters, Tsagarada’s 500 perma-nent residents inhabit this large and sparsely populated village that
spreads along the five kilometers of the main road.The residential area extends along the ring road, mainly at the foot of the
mountain and the Mylopotamos, Fakistra, Karavostasia, and Damouhari beaches. Tsagarada consists of four districts: Agia Paraskevi, which is the capital of the village and the Mouresi municipality, as well as Agioi Archan-geloi, St. Stephanos and St. Kyriaki.
The Siren of PelionWith the majority of the village hidden in places of wild, unspoiled beauty, deep canyons and sheer peaks with spectacular views of the dense vegetation behind ridges and slopes, Tsagarada generously offers visitors the beauty of nature, especially in the Winter when it’s dressed in white. Known for its en-viable biodiversity, Tsagarada is located in a forest of towering chestnut trees, beeches, oaks, myrtles, and thousands of other species of the Greek flora.
28 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
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.
CHILDREN AND THE ENVIRONMENT
I BECOME INFORMED - I INFORM OTHERS - I ACT
What is recycling?
Recycling is the process by which we reuse any product of human
activity, directly or indirectly. By recycling, we convert waste into
raw materials from which we produce new goods.
For example, when you drink juice or soda from a can and you
recycle the can, you save energy and other natural resources. The
can will stay in the recycling loop and out of the landfill. You will save
space in the landfill and other resources that are used to produce
new cans from entirely new materials.
Part of the recycling process is the conversion of environmentally
harmful materials into those that are less harmful or not harmful at
all. This way the materials smoothly reintegrate into the natural envi-
ronment, which effectively completes the recycling process naturally.
An example of this is the conversion of domestic sewage into a form
that is less harmful, as opposed to directly dumping it into the sea.
Recycling —Easy as 1 2 3
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 29
What does the recycling loop mean?
Have you ever seen this symbol before?
This is the recycling loop. There are other forms of this symbol
but this is the most common form.
The recycling loop describes the entire recycling process. The
three arrows stand for the three steps in the recycling process.
1. The first of these steps is the collection of the recyclable ma-
terials through curbside or other kinds of collection facilities.
Recycling starts when you or your parents drop materials to be
recycled, like bottles and cans, on the curb.
2. The second step is taking the old material and making it into new
products. Collectors come to pick up the materials and take them
to a processing plant where they are sorted and processed into
raw materials (or materials that can be used to make new items.)
3. The third step occurs when you buy products made from mate-
rials taken from products that you would have thrown away. The
materials from the plant are sold to manufacturers, or people
who make the things you buy. These manufacturers make new
items from them. Finally, you or your parents buy items made
from recycled materials, so the process can start all over again.
Why is recycling important?
We really don’t need to worry about what happens to our trash
after we put it in the trashcan, right? Wrong! Think about how much
you toss out each day. If you multiply that by the 6.7 billion people
on our planet... That's a lot of trash! Our landfills can only hold so
much garbage. If we keep producing so much waste, we'll run out
of room!
Here are three good reasons to recycle:
1. Recycling or making new things from recycled ones takes a lot
less money, much less energy, and saves a lot of our planet’s
natural resources, thereby helping the environment.
2. Recycling also saves space in landfills. so Instead of your garbage
being thrown away and taking up space and possibly damaging
the environment it’s better to recycle it.
3. The energy saved by recycling also results in less pollution. When
you make new products from old, but still useful, materials, think
about the natural resources that would otherwise have been
thrown away.
How do we recycle?
You begin to recycle when you separate recyclable materials
from your other trash. Different collection programs collect the
segregated materials.
The government institutes some programs while individuals
or organizations that are concerned about the environment
run others.
What kinds of materials can we recycle?
Ever wonder what materials can be recycled? The most fa-
mous recycled materials are glass, paper, plastic, and aluminum.
But the list is much longer:
• Large household appliances such as refrigerators and washing
machines
• Smaller appliances such as air conditioners and mobile phones
• TVs and audio systems
• Computer hardware
• Power tools and toys
• Medical devices and pharmaceuticals
• Monitoring and control instruments
• Automatic dispensers
• Computers
• Vehicle Exhaust Catalysts
• Food and fertilizers
• Paper
• Plastic
• Aluminum
• Glass
• Car Tires
• Batteries
• Bags
These products can be used to make anything, from playground
equipment to steel skyscrapers to containers containing food and
other household products to bottles for drinking water. The sky is
the limit when you recycle! And as you can see, it’s as easy as 1 2 3.
30 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
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
AEGEANCOLLECTION
Step out in style with the Aegean Collection
Aegean Shop at the Aegean Headquarters—
10 Akti Kondyli, 18545, Piraeus, Greece
WINTER 2013-2014 AEGEAN NEWS 31
32 AEGEAN NEWS WINTER 2013-2014
Aegean’s websiteswww.aegeanoil.comwww.ampni.com
Aegean Energy for the FutureAegean 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 inter-nationally and domestically to transport petroleum and bunkers for its global base of clients.
RETAIL MARKETThrough 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 newbuild-ings—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, and Charleston. All its products are ISO 8217 certified. The Company, which is a member of IBIA and is ISO 9001 certified, is well posi-tioned on the FOBAS White List.
SHIPPINGAegean's fleet of ships is at the heart of its superior service worldwide. Its ves-sels operate in full compliance with EU and international standards, are all certified with the code of safe management ISM and SOLAS and are in complete compliance with MARPOL regulations. Aegean continually adds to its fleet of ships, which includes large vessels as well as smaller capacity vessels. Its fleet transports oil cargoes worldwide on behalf of major oil companies, commercial clients, and Aegean customers.
LUBRICANTSAegean 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 success-ful relationships and allow Aegean to supply lubricants in more than 550 ports worldwide.
ENVIRONMENT-HECThe 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.
TRADINGAegean 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.