A link with the full recording of the "Global Compass Forum 2025" will be available soon!!!!

Official Media Partners

The annual International Maritime Forum "Global Compass" will take place in Varna on September 3-4 / 2025, under the theme "Beyond Horizons: Advancing Maritime Innovation, Safety, and Responsibility."

Under the honorary patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Municipality of Varna.

"Thank you so much again for the kind invitation. It was an excellent and very enjoyable event. Everyone from the Bulgarian shipping community was very welcoming and friendly and Varna was very special and memorable too - especially the beautiful singing."

Simon Bennett,

International Chamber of Shipping

You can watch all Global Compass 2024 sessions and highlights here.

Discover What's Ahead at Global Compass 2024 – Watch the Preview!

Propeller Day 2025 – Celebrating Maritime Partnerships

On September 5th, Propeller Day will honor the strong and lasting ties between Bulgaria and Italy, highlighting the maritime industry’s vital role in fostering economic and cultural cooperation. With the collaboration of the Bulgarian Shipmasters' Association (BSMA), the event will bring together maritime professionals, industry leaders, and esteemed guests to explore future opportunities for cooperation. Further details about the event are available here.

What is "Global Compass" International Maritime Forum?

Welcome to the International Maritime Forum "Global Compass". Our Forum is a premier gathering of maritime professionals, academics, and industry leaders dedicated to shaping the future of the maritime industry. The Forum aims to do more than just present the current state, regulations, and innovations in maritime transport. It seeks to create a dynamic platform for connecting people from the business sector, international and national maritime administrations, and representatives of scientific and educational institutions. Join us at the International Maritime Forum "Global Compass" as we navigate towards a sustainable future for the maritime industry.

Our Venue

Rosslyn Dimyat Hotel Guests can book a room directly from the website.
Address: 111 Knyaz Boris Blvd.

Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy.

Address: 73 "Vasil Drumev" Str.

The Bulgarian Maritime Training Centre is located on the premises of the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy.

The stylish Boutique Hotel Horizont, part of Horizon Complex. Guests can book a room directly from the website.

Restaurant La Veranda, part of the Horizon Complex, Address: Complex Horizont, Sea Garden

Four Panel Discussions:

I. MARITIME TECHNOLOGY

AI, IoT & Smart Maritime Systems
Autonomous Ships and Ports
Drone Technology in Maritime Operations
Green Shipping Tech & Decarbonisation
Cybersecurity for Ships and Ports

III. PORTS & TERMINALS

PSC, FSC, and Industry Standard Quality Assurance
Oil Spill Prevention and Response
Cargo Interests and Demands on Ports
Green Ports & Decarbonisation Initiatives
Smart Port Technologies & Digital Security
Multimodal Chains of Transport

II. GEO-POLITICAL & TRADE

Trade Wars and Political Conflicts
Sanctions, Tariffs & Surcharges
Law and Insurance Challenges
Shipping Market Cycles
Maritime Security

IV. CREW WELFARE & EDUCATION

Abandonment & Legal Protections
Seafarers’ Physical and Mental Health
Human Rights and Harassment Prevention
Education, Certification & Future Skills
Piracy Threats and Crew Safety
Crew Communications: Cyber Threats and Cybercrime Insurance

Forum Agenda 2025

Time Zone: UTC+03:00

Day 1: September 3, 2025

09:00 - 09:30 | Registration | Rosslyn Dimyat Hotel | Darzalaz Hall

09:30 - 10:00 | Opening Remarks & Welcome Addresses

Opening ceremony - Capt. Stanislav Stoyanov, Bulgarian Shipmasters Association (BSMA), chairman
Welcome address - Mr. Pavel Popov, Acting Mayor of Varna Municipality
Welcome address - Vice Admiral Mitko Petev, Official Representative of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria

10:00 - 12:00 | Panel 1: MARITIME TECHNOLOGY

Moderator: Anna Karadencheva, PhD, Lecturer at Naval Academy “Nikola Vaptsarov”

Speakers:

Nicolas Charalambous - European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), Project Officer for Maritime Safety in Unit Safety and Security, Department Safety, Security and Surveillance
- Topic: Risk-Based Assessment Tool (RBAT): Systematic Hazard Identification and Risk Control for MASS.
Simon Bennett - International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Deputy Secretary General
- Topic: The IMO Net Zero Framework - Implications for the Shipping Industry
Stanislav Mateev - Cargill, Varna, Operations Manager
- Topic: Cargill Ocean Transportation – Decarbonization and Future Fuels in Ocean Transportation
Yana Gancheva - PhD, Naval Academy “Nikola Vaptsarov”, Associate Professor
- Topic: Sustainable Maritime Operations & Green Port Technologies
Nick Markov - PhD, Head of Bulgarian Ship Hydrodynamics Centre
- Topic: Composite Material Technology for Next-Generation Marine Vessel Propeller
Capt. Nikolay Petkov - Managing Director & Grigor Kanchev - IT and Communications Manager, Unity Ship Management
- Topic: USM’s Technology-Driven Maritime Operations

Q&A(Questions and Answers) session to ask your questions about the topics discussed (time permitting)

12:00 - 12:45 | Lunch Break with Networking

12:45 - 16:00 | Panel 2: GEO-POLITICAL & TRADE

Moderator: Yavor Velchev, SHIPPOSSIBLE INSURANCE, Founder

Speakers:

Ali Abouda - Gulf Navigation Holdings, CFO
- Topic: Geo-political and Trade: Navigating Maritime Challenges in a Volatile World
Konstantinos Samaritis - Tindall Riley & Co Ltd (Greek Branch) Britannia P&I Club, Head of Office & Divisional Director
- Topic: P&I Risks and Shipping Disputes in a Rapidly Evolving World
Engin Koçak - Turkish Shipbrokers Association, Ship Sale and Purchase Broker, Maritime Market Analyst
- Topic: Trade Wars, Sanctions, Tariffs and Short Shipping Markets
Jim Cashman - Preston Turnbull LLP, Consultant
- Topic: Win–Win
Guglielmo Camera - Camera & Vernetti Law Firm, Partner
- Topic: A trip to Indonesia

14:25 - 14:40 - Break (depending on session timing)

Preslav Raykov - Eleen Marine JSC, Commercial Director & Head of Global Trading
- Topic: Trading and Shipping: Working together in the new reality of global markets.
Nikolay Nikolov - Components International, Founder; AlfaStar Capital, Venture Partner
- Topic: Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII - past, present and future. Challenges and opportunities.
Yavor Velchev - SHIPPOSSIBLE INSURANCE, Founder
- Topic: Blacklists & Battlefields - War Insurance in Sanctioned Seas

Q&A(Questions and Answers) session to ask your questions about the topics discussed (time permitting)

19:00 - 22:00 | B2B Cocktail Gathering at the Bulgarian Maritime Training Centre

*Attendance is by invitation only and limited to a select number of participants.

Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers.

Dress Code: Semi-Formal
If you’re interested in joining, please contact the organisers to inquire about availability.

Day 2: September 4, 2025

09:00 - 09:30 | Registration | Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy Planetarium

09:30 - 10:00 | Opening Remarks & Welcome Addresses

Welcome Address and Presentation – Rear Admiral Prof. Dr. Kalin Kalinov, Rector of Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy
Welcome address - Capt. Dimitar Dimitrov, PHD, FNI, President of CESMA and IMO GMA for Bulgaria.
Keynotes – Andrew Roberts, Executive Director EMEA & Americas, RightShip

10:00 - 11:00 | Maritime Startups Presentations

Moderator: Capt. Nikolay Bedzhev - PhD, Marine Pilot, University Lecturer; NauticBlue, Owner

Viktor Dukov - Founder and CEO of SeAI
- Topic: Metaverse - Data driven crew management
Lt. Georgi Lolov - Commander, Communications and Information Systems Section, Frigate BGS Verni
- Topic: Metaverse – Building an Innovative Platform for Teaching and Communication in the University
Georgi Parvanov and Deyan Velkov
- Topics: DeepDraft AI –Next-Generation Cargo & Stability Intelligence for simulators
Capt. Zdravko Atanasov - Master Mariner
- Topic: IntelliCelestial – Innovative Simulation Platform for Modern Astronavigation and AI-Augmented Star & Satellite Tracking
Radoslav Dechev and Maksim Shalaverov – Founders & Presenters
- Topic: KOREN — When the Sea Turns Green Smart Farming on Board for Healthier Crews and Greener Voyage

Coffee Break (depending on session timing)

11:00 - 13:00 | Panel 3: PORTS & TERMINALS

Moderator: Georgi Dimitrov - Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Associated Professor, PhD

Speakers:

Scott May - Gallagher Marine Systems (GMS), Senior Vice Presiden
- Topic: USA Regulatory Framework: Avoiding Pitfalls during Incidents in U.S. Waters
Miguel Castro - European Maritime Pilots Association (EMPA), President
- Topic: How are the pilotage experience and knowledge contributing towards sustainable port development.
Jordan Taylor - Maritime Professional & Fulbright Recipient, Founder of Project Harrison (video presentation)
- Topic: Practical Application of Generative AI within the Commercial Maritime Industry
Delyan Hristov - PhD, Naval Academy “Nikola Vaptsarov”, Associate Professor
- Topic: Technical Pathways for Fleet Decarbonization – Adaptation of Existing Ships and Future-Ready Newbuilds

Q&A(Questions and Answers) session to ask your questions about the topics discussed (time permitting)

13:00 - 13:45 | Lunch Break with Networking

13:45 - 15:30 | Panel 4: CREW WELFARE & EDUCATION

Moderator: Adelina Bedzhevа - Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, PhD Candidate

Speakers:

Prof. Agustin Martin Mallofre – Barcelona Faculty of Nautical Studies
- Topic: Living and Working at Sea: What Does the Crew Need?
Capt. Nikolay Bedzhev - PhD, Marine Pilot, University Lecturer; NauticBlue, Owner
- Topic: World-Class and Innovative Maritime Simulators, Created by Mariners for Mariners
Marcello Pica - Monaco Chamber of Shipping, Vice President; Marine Partners Monaco, President & CEO; Grimaldi Group, HR Director
- Topic: Beyond Compliance: Integrated Strategies for Crew Welfare, Mental Resilience, and Human-Centric Maritime Management
Marieta Stefanova - PhD, Naval Academy “Nikola Vaptsarov”, Associate Professor
- Topic: Sustainable Nutrition at Sea: Training for Culinary Multiculturalism
Svetoslav Stamenov - Founder and Manager, ITR Management Consult OOD, PMP
- Topic: ICT Cluster & Maritime Synergy: Business, IT & Education
  
  *More speakers to be announced

Q&A(Questions and Answers) session to ask your questions about the topics discussed (time permitting)

15:30 - 16:00 | Planetarium Show

16:00 | Official Closing Act and Resolution

Time: 15:30 | Varna Landmarks Sightseeing

Discover the cultural and historical highlights of Varna on a guided tour.
*Please note: Participation is limited due to capacity constraints.
To reserve a spot, kindly contact the organisers in advance.

20:00 | Gala Dinner at "La Veranda" Restaurant

* Attendance is by invitation only and limited to a select number of participants.
If you’re interested in joining, please contact the organisers to inquire about availability.

Dress Code: Formal

* Subject to change by the organisers.

Back to Agenda

About

Speakers & Participants

Simon Bennett

International Chamber of Shipping, Deputy Secretary General

Konstantinos Samaritis

Head of Office & Divisional Director, Tindall Riley & Co Ltd (Greek Branch) Britannia P&I Club

Anders Ivarsson

Grimaldi/Atlantic Container Line, Managing Director

Agustín Martín Mallofré

Professor and Dean, Faculty of Nautical Studies, Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC); Maritime Ambassador to the IMO

Stanislav Stoyanov

Bulgarian Shipmasters Association, Chairman; Navigation Maritime Bulgare, Deputy DPA

Nikolay Petkov

Managing Director at Unity Ship Management Ltd

Viktor Dukov

Founder and CEO of SeAI

Nikolay Bedzhev

PhD, Marine Pilot, University Lecturer; NauticBlue, Owner

Zdravko Atanasov

Master Mariner, Simulation Engineering, Member of BSMA

Svetoslav Stamenov

Founder and Manager, ITR Management Consult OOD, PMP

Nicolas Charalambous

EMSA - Project Officer for Maritime Safety, Unit Safety & Security, Department Safety, Security and Surveillance

Guglielmo Camera

Camera & Vernetti Law Firm, Partner

Luciano Crapanzano

Grimaldi/Atlantic Container Line, DPA and Technical and Marine Director

Giuseppe De Francesco

Honorary Consul of Italy in Bulgaria, a specially honored forum guest and event attendee

Dimitar Dimitrov

PhD, Confederation of European Shipmasters’ Associations (CESMA), President

Grigor Kanchev

IT and Communications Manager at Unity Ship Management

Dencho Dobrev

Executive Director, Bulgarian Maritime Training Centre (BMTC)

Dimitar Karageorgiev

Maritime laywer, KRG Law

Maksim Shalaverov

High School Student, Mathematics and Science High School (MG)

Kristian Bachvarov

Sales Account Manager, AXSMarine

Andrew Roberts

RightShip, EMEA and Americas, Executive Director

Miguel Castro

European Maritime Pilots Association (EMPA), President

Marcello Pica

Monaco Chamber of Shipping, Vice President; Marine Partners Monaco, President & CEO; Grimaldi Group, HR Director

Karan Mallya

CEO, Founder. Principal Consultant at Maritimesolutionsltd Ltd.. Karan Mics

Ivaylo Paskov

Bulgarian Shipmasters Association, Deputy Chairman; Navigation Maritime Bulgare, Senior Marine Superintendent

Stanislav Mateev

Operations Manager at Cargill, Varna

Nick Markov

PhD, Head of Bulgarian Ship Hydrodynamics Centre

Georgi Dimitrov

Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Associated Professor, PhD

Radoslav Dechev

High School Student, Mathematics and Science High School (MG)

Svilen Vodenicharov

CEO, Sirius Maritime Group

Kostis Antonopoulos

Associate Director Eastern Mediterranean, RightShip

Jim Cashman

Consultant at Preston Turnbull LLP

Ali Abouda

CFO at Gulf Navigation Holdings

Ventsislav Ivanov

Executive Director, Executive Agency “Maritime Administration” (EAMA)

Mitko Petev

Vice Admiral, Defence and Security Advisor to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria

Preslav Raykov

Eleen Marine JSC, Commercial Director & Head of Global Trading

Deyan Dimitrov

PhD, Institute for the State and the Law - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences; Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Lecturer, Attorney at Law, Senior Assistant at New Bulgarian University (NBU)

Svetlin Stoyanov

Executive Director, MTG Dolphin Shipyard, Varna; Chairman, Managing Committee of BULNAS; Board Member, CEIB; Board Member, Bulgarian Chamber of Shipping

Delyan Hristov

PhD, Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Associated Professor

Zoltan Sulay

Manager at Stamco Manning Varna

Scott May

Senior Vice President at Gallagher Marine Systems (GMS)

Engin Koçak

Turkish Shipbrokers Association, Ship Sale and Purchase Broker, Maritime Market Analyst

Jordan Taylor

Maritime Professional & Fulbright Recipient, Founder of Project Harrison

Valentin Enchev

Director, Maritime Administration Directorate – Varna

Pavel Popov

Acting Mayor of Varna Municipality

Nikolay Nikolov

Founder at Components International and Venture Partner at AlfaStar Capital

Anna Karadencheva

PhD, Lecturer at Naval Academy “Nikola Vaptsarov”

George Parvanov

PhD Candidate & University Lecturer, Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy; Inspector & Security Officer, Maritime Administration – Varna

Yana Gancheva

PhD, Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Associated Professor

Adelina Bedzheva

Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, PhD Candidate

Armand Arton

Arton Capital, Founder and President

Alessandro Geretto

President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria

Padmapriya Jayaraman

Scientist, Artificial Intelligence Expert, Research Advisor, Project Manager

Alexander Kalchev

Executive Director at Navibulgar; Chairman of the Bulgarian Chamber of Shipping (BCS); Chairman of the Board, Bulgarian Shipowners’ Association (BSA).