Official Media Partners
Save the Date | 8–9 September 2026
The annual International Maritime Forum "Global Compass" will take place in Varna on September 8-9 / 2026, under the theme "Visionary and Actionable Horizons: Turning Maritime Policy into Safe, Efficient and Sustainable Practice"
Under the honorary patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Municipality of Varna.
Speakers & Participants
Walter Vervloesem FNI
Nautical Institute London, President
Richard M. Gunn
Reed Smith LLP, Partner, Maritime Lawyer
Jake Bond
Preston Turnbull LLP, Solicitor and Master Mariner
Alessandro Geretto
President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria
Milena Stoycheva
Former Minister of Innovation and Growth, Bulgaria
CEO & Co-Founder, The Edge – Research & Business Development
Dimitar Dimitrov FNI
PhD, Confederation of European Shipmasters’ Associations (CESMA), President
Yavor Velchev
SHIPPOSSIBLE INSURANCE, Founder
Dimitrena Topalova
Senior Corporate Communications Manager, USM
Brand Strategist | Founder, Moments.NOW Candles | Former Ogilvy London
Hristo Papukchiev
Master Mariner | Maritime Safety & Risk Management Expert
Simon Bennett
International Chamber of Shipping, Deputy Secretary General
Anna Carnielli
Studio Legale B&C
Barcati-Carnielli & Partners, Maritime Lawyer
Thomas Klenum
Executive Vice President, Innovation & Regulatory Affairs, The Liberian Registry (LISCR); Chair, IQARB
Hubert Ardillon
Secretary General, Confederation of European Shipmasters' Associations (CESMA)
Stella Kiss
Head of Operations, Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS)
Clinical Psychologist, M.Sc.
Ivaylo Paskov AFNI
Deputy Chairman, Bulgarian Shipmasters' Association (BSMA)
Senior Marine Superintendent, Navibulgar
Nikolay Bedzhev
PhD, Marine Pilot, University Lecturer; NauticBlue, Owner
Nikolay Gatzev
Chairman, Association "Global Bridge" | Attorney-at-Law
Managers from DNV
Guest Speakers – TBC
Neil Roberts
Lloyd's Market Association Head of Marine; Secretary of Joint War Committee; Chair of IUMI Policy Forum
Manolis Nikolaidis
Nautical Institute Greece, Secretary General
Anders Ivarsson
Grimaldi/Atlantic Container Line, Managing Director
Dimitris Monioudis
Managing Director, Rethymnis & Kulukundis Ltd; Chairman, INTERCARGO Technical Committee
Cyril Widdershoven
Geopolitical Strategist | Energy, Maritime Security & Global Supply Chains
Mitko Petev
Vice Admiral, Defence and Security Advisor to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria
Deyan Dimitrov
PhD, Attorney at Law, Chief Assistant Professor at the Institute for the State and the Law, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences; Lecturer at Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy and New Bulgarian University.
Svetoslav Todorov
Head of Handy Operations, Cobelfret NV
Global Shipping Delegate, Whale Guardians™ Programme
Theodosis Stamatellos
Lloyd’s Register, Fleet Operations Center, Director
Stavros Karamperidis
Associate Professor in Maritime Economics
Head of the Maritime Transport Research Group
University of Plymouth
Zaloa Sanchez Varela, AFNI
University of Split, Professor Assistant, Faculty of Maritime Studies
Jordan Taylor
Director, Project Harrison
Fulbright Specialist
Pavel Sheytanov
Ph.D, Corporate Trader – Carbon & Environmental Commodities, Vertis Environmental Finance
Kalin Kalinov
Flotilla admiral, Professor, Phd, Rector of Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy Varna
Dimitar Karageorgiev
KRG Law, Attorney at Maritime Law
Atanas Bozev
President & CEO, Blueboss Maritime
Gavin Allwright
International Windship Association (IWSA), Secretary General; member of the IMO Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCC)
Guglielmo Camera
Partner, Camera & Partners
Shipping Lawyer
Luciano Crapanzano
Grimaldi/Atlantic Container Line, DPA and Technical and Marine Director
Nicolas Ponet
Head of Sales, Vanguard Tech
Alexander Kalchev
Chairman of the Bulgarian Chamber of Shipping (BCS); Chairman of the Board, Bulgarian Shipowners’ Association (BSA)
Boyan Mednikarov
Flotilla Admiral (Ret.), Prof., DSc, Former Commandant of Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy
Nikolay Nikolov
RADM (Ret.), PhD
Deputy Director General
International Fair Plovdiv
Andreana Ivanova MICS
Cargill, Laytime and Invoice Operator
Thomas J. Wiker
Gallagher Marine Systems (GMS), President
Andrew Cook FNI
Secretary General, International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA)
Marcello Pica
Monaco Chamber of Shipping, Vice President; Marine Partners Monaco, President & CEO; Grimaldi Group, HR Director
Melis Otmar ACII
Head of Marine Claims, London
Howden Insurance Brokers
Stanislav Stoyanov AFNI
Bulgarian Shipmasters Association, Chairman; Deputy DPA
Plamen Manushev
Vice Admiral (Ret.), Former Commander of the Bulgarian Navy
Viktor Dukov
Founder and CEO of SeAI
Ralitsa Zlateva
Marine Operations Analyst, Koch Shipping
You can watch all Global Compass 2025 sessions and highlights here.
Official Acknowledgements
We are honored to share an official acknowledgement from the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, in response to the invitation to participate in the Global Compass Forum. View the official letter (PDF)
Watch the key highlights from Global Compass 2025 in the video below.
Propeller Day 2026 – Celebrating Maritime Partnerships
As part of the Global Compass Forum, the flagship annual event “Propeller Day” will take place on 10 September 2026 with the participation of the International Propeller Club (IPC). Recognized as a key highlight of the maritime calendar, Propeller Day will bring together industry professionals for high-level discussions, networking opportunities, and exchange of insights on current trends in the maritime sector. The detailed agenda, including topics, panel sessions, and guest speakers, will be announced soon.
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
Hotel Cherno More
Rooms can be booked directly via the hotel website, using the promotional code: IMF26
Address: 33 Slivnitsa Blvd., Varna, Bulgaria.
Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy.
Address: 73 "Vasil Drumev" Str.
The Brick Port is a waterfront venue situated within the Port of Varna, providing a modern setting for conferences, networking events.
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
Hotel Trakata is located in the quiet and prestigious Trakata area of Varna. The hotel offers comfortable accommodation, modern amenities, free Wi-Fi, and private parking in a relaxing setting. Its location provides easy access to Varna’s beaches, attractions, and business venues. Prices start from €55 per double room.
Four Panel Discussions:
I. GEO-POLITICAL CHALLENGES IN SHIPPING
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Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Disruptions
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Sanctions, Tariffs, and Regulatory Compliance
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Strategic Sea Lanes and Global Trade Risks
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Maritime Law, Insurance, and War Risk Management
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Global Shipping Markets and Economic Cycles
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Maritime Security and Emerging Threats
II. PORTS & TERMINALS: OPERATIONS AND ADVANCEMENT
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Port Compliance, Safety, and Quality Standards
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Environmental Protection and Spill Response
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Cargo Logistics and Terminal Performance Management
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Green Ports and Decarbonization Strategies
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Smart Port Technologies and Cyber-Physical Security
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Multimodal and Integrated Transport Chains
***Special Panel: From Sea to Space
Bulgarian Innovation in Action Industry, Defence, Education and Emerging Technologies
III. MARITIME INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
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AI-Driven Decision Making and Predictive Operations
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Advanced Vessel Automation and Operational Efficiency
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Integrated Ship Systems and Data-Driven Operations
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Alternative Fuels and Carbon Reduction Solutions
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Maritime Cybersecurity and Protection of Critical Ship Systems
IV. SEAFARERS’ HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SKILLS
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Legal Protection and Crew Advocacy
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Physical and Mental Wellbeing at Sea
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Human Rights, Diversity, and Harassment Prevention
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Seafarer Development for Emerging Technologies
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Piracy, Maritime Security, and Crew Safety
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Digital Communication and Cyber Awareness
Forum Agenda 2026
Time Zone: UTC+03:00
Day 1: September 8, 2026
08:30 - 09:00 | Registration | Cherno More Hotel | Cherno More Hall
09:00 - 09:30 | Opening Remarks & Welcome Addresses
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Opening ceremony - Capt. Stanislav Stoyanov, Bulgarian Shipmasters Association (BSMA), Chairman
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Welcome address - Varna Municipality
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Welcome address - Vice Admiral Mitko Petev, Official Representative of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria
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Welcome address - Capt. Alexander Kalchev, Executive Director at Navibulgar; Chairman of the Bulgarian Chamber of Shipping (BCS); Chairman of the Board, Bulgarian Shipowners’ Association (BSA).
09:30 - 12:30 | Panel 1: GEO-POLITICAL CHALLENGES IN SHIPPING
Moderator: Yavor Velchev - SHIPPOSSIBLE INSURANCE, Founder
Speakers:
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Jake Bond - Preston Turnbull LLP, Solicitor and Master Mariner
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Melis Otmar ACII - Head of Marine Claims, London Howden Insurance Brokers
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Theodosis Stamatellos - Lloyd’s Register, Fleet Operations Center, Director
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Cyril Widdershoven - Senior Advisor, Blue Water Strategy
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Topic: "Maritime Chokepoints, Energy Security and the New Geopolitics of Global Trade: Strategic Risks and Opportunities for Governments and Industry.”
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Q&A(Questions and Answers) session to ask your questions about the topics discussed (time permitting)
Coffee Break 20 minutes (depending on session timing)
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Stavros Karamperidis - Associate Professor in Maritime Economics, Head of the Maritime Transport Research Group, University of Plymouth
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Richard M. Gunn - Reed Smith LLP, Partner, Maritime Lawyer
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Neil Roberts - Lloyd's Market Association Head of Marine; Secretary of Joint War Committee; Chair of IUMI Policy Forum
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Anna Carnielli - Studio Legale B&C Barcati-Carnielli & Partners, Maritime Lawyer
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Topic: "Black Sea Blue Future: Decarbonisation and Port Cities in Transition”
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Q&A(Questions and Answers) session to ask your questions about the topics discussed (time permitting)
12:30 - 13:15 | Networking Break: Light Catering & Beverages
13:15 - 15:30 | Panel 2: PORTS & TERMINALS: OPERATIONS AND ADVANCEMENT
Moderator: Ralitsa Zlateva - Marine Operations Analyst, Koch Shipping
Speakers:
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Thomas J. Wiker - Gallagher Marine Systems (GMS), President
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Topic: "Strengthening Global Maritime Safety: Insights from U.S. Incident Response Practices"
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Pavel Sheytanov - Corporate Sales Trader & F-Gas Lead,Vertis Environmental Finance
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Topic: "EU ETS and Maritime Shipping: From Regulation to Commercial Reality"
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Walter Vervloesem FNI - Nautical Institute London, President
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Topic: “Supporting Net-Zero Through Cargo Knowledge and Cargo Care”/”Cargo Care – The Missing Step in Reaching Net-Zero”
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Q&A(Questions and Answers) session to ask your questions about the topics discussed (time permitting)
Coffee Break 20 minutes (depending on session timing)
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Manolis Nikolaidis - Nautical Institute Greece, Secretary General
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Topic: "Black Sea Blue Future: Decarbonisation and Port Cities in Transition”
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Marcello Pica - Monaco Chamber of Shipping, VP; Marine Partners Monaco, President & CEO; Grimaldi Group, HR Director
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Dimitris Monioudis - Managing Director, Rethymnis & Kulukundis Ltd; Chairman, INTERCARGO Technical Committee
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Topic: "Dry Bulk at a Crossroads: Operational Reality and the Case for True Collaboration”
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Q&A(Questions and Answers) session to ask your questions about the topics discussed (time permitting)
Coffee Break 20 minutes (depending on session timing)
15:45 - 17:00 | Special Panel: From Sea to Space — Bulgarian Innovation in Action Industry, Defence, Education and Emerging Technologies
Moderator, Speakers and Their Projects – To Be Announced Soon
19:30 - 22:00 | B2B Cocktail Gathering at The Brick Port *
(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.
*Attendance is by invitation only and limited to a select number of participants.
Day 2: September 9, 2026
08:30 - 09:00 | Registration | Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy Planetarium
09:00 - 09:30 | Opening Remarks & Welcome Addresses
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Welcome аddress – Rear Admiral Prof. Dr. Kalin Kalinov, Rector of Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy
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Welcome address - Svetoslav Todorov, Head of Handy Operations, Cobelfret NV Global Shipping Delegate, Whale Guardians™ Programme
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Welcome address - Alessandro Geretto, President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria
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Welcome address - ICT Cluster
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Welcome address - Deyan Dimitrov, PhD, Attorney at Law | Chief Assistant Professor, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Legal Advisor to the Bulgarian Shipmasters Association (BSMA)
09:30- 12:30 | Panel 3: MARITIME INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
Moderator: Milena Stoycheva - Chief Executive Officer, The Edge
Speakers:
- Simon Bennett - International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Deputy Secretary General
- Thomas Klenum - Executive Vice President, Innovation & Regulatory Affairs, The Liberian Registry (LISCR); Chair, IQARB
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Milena Stoycheva - Chief Executive Officer, The Edge
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Topic: "How to build a Maritime Tech Ecosystem - The Roadmap"
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- Jordan Taylor - Director, Project Harrison, Fulbright Specialist
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Topic: “How Project Harrison is building Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence for the Commercial Maritime Industry”
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Q&A(Questions and Answers) session to ask your questions about the topics discussed (time permitting)
Coffee Break 20 minutes (depending on session timing)
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Gavin Allwright - International Windship Association (IWSA), Secretary General
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Viktor Dukov - Founder and CEO of SeAI
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Nikolay Gatzev - Chairman, Global Bridge | Attorney-at-Law
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Topic: "The new Global Geopolicy of AI and the Computing Powerness in EU and on the Balkans”
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Q&A(Questions and Answers) session to ask your questions about the topics discussed (time permitting)
12:00- 12:45 | Networking Break: Light Catering & Beverages
12:45 - 15:00 | Panel 4: SEAFARERS’ HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SKILLS
Moderator: Andreana Ivanova MICS - Cargill, Laytime and Invoice Operator
Speakers:
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Andrew Cook FNI - Secretary General, International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA)
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Hubert Ardillon - Secretary General, Confederation of European Shipmasters' Associations (CESMA)
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Topic: "Seafarers Health, Safety, and Skills”
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Zaloa Sanchez Varela, AFNI - University of Split, Professor Assistant, Faculty of Maritime Studies
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Topic: "Safety at sea is not gender-neutral: from evidence to engineering change for women seafarers"
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Q&A(Questions and Answers) session to ask your questions about the topics discussed (time permitting)
Coffee Break 20 minutes (depending on session timing)
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Stella Kiss - Clinical Psychologist and Head of Operations at Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS)
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Topic: "When AI Becomes a Confidant”
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Dimitrena Topalova - Senior Corporate Communications Manager at Unity Ship Management | Brand Strategist | Ex-Ogilvy London
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Hristo Papukchiev - Master Mariner; Maritime Safety & Risk Management Expert
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Topic: "Decision Space: From Choice to Constraint – Understanding the Progressive Degradation of Decision-Making in Maritime Navigation: An analytical framework for recognising the transition from available options to inevitable outcomes”
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Q&A(Questions and Answers) session to ask your questions about the topics discussed (time permitting)
15:00 | Official Closing Act and Resolution
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Capt. Dimitar Dimitrov, PHD, FNI; President of CESMA and IMO GMA for Bulgaria
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Capt. Ivaylo Paskov, AFNI; Deputy Chairman, Bulgarian Shipmasters' Association (BSMA); Senior Marine Superintendent, Navibulgar
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.
Organisers
Forum Participants:
Sponsorship / Event Contributors
Navigation Maritime Bulgare
Navigation Maritime Bulgare (NAVIBULGAR®) is the successor to a shipping company established in 1892. Until 14, 2008 Navibulgar was the largest State-Owned Shipping Company with over a century-old tradition and experience in the shipping industry. In the present, being a private company with 130 years of inheritance and adopting the principles of a private key market player, NAVIBULGAR® has an even stronger position in Bulgaria and on the international scene.
Unity Ship Management
Unity Sea is a British shipping company that pairs operational agility with a long-term, marathon mindset. In a volatile industry, we rely on endurance, discipline and strategic patience to guide our decisions and shape sustainable growth.
Through Unity Ship Management (USM), our in-house technical and crewing teams maintain every vessel to the highest standards. We focus on loyal, lasting relationships with select global charterers and have grown steadily through the industry’s toughest decades.
IHB Shipping Co EAD
IHB Shipping has been delivering high-quality maritime services since 2007, with a strong focus on safe, sustainable and efficient vessel operations. The company combines experienced and highly motivated personnel, competent crews and an agile management approach to provide reliable maritime transport services and respond effectively to the evolving demands of the global shipping market.
IHB Shipping operates its own vessels, maintaining high standards of safety, efficiency and environmental responsibility. The company is an integral part of Industrial Holding Bulgaria, a group with activities across several maritime and industrial sectors, including shipbuilding and repair, port operations, ship classification and machine building.
Varna Pilot Station
Varna Pilot Station Co. Ltd. is the primary organisation providing deep-sea and port pilotage services in the Northern Bulgarian Black Sea region, covering the approaches to ports from Cape Emine to the Romanian border. The company provides 24-hour pilotage services, supported by highly qualified maritime pilots and a long-standing professional tradition.
Varna Pilot Station is a member of the Bulgarian Maritime Pilots’ Association (BMPA), which is a member of the European Maritime Pilots’ Association (EMPA). The company operates a quality management system certified in accordance with ISO 9001:2015.
Seamen’s Syndicate Varna
Seamen’s Syndicate Varna was established in February 1990 and is a branch organisation representing professionals working in water transport, with a particular focus on the maritime sector.
The organisation has been a founding member of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) and became a full member of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in 1992. It has also been a full member of the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) since its establishment in 1999.
With its leadership based in Varna and representation in Burgas, the Syndicate supports Bulgarian seafarers working aboard both Bulgarian and foreign-owned vessels and maintains an active international presence reflecting the global nature of the maritime profession.
MOTO-PFOHE
MOTO-PFOHE is one of Bulgaria’s first private automotive companies, established on 26 July 1991. Since its foundation, the company has developed into one of the leading automotive businesses in the country and currently represents Ford, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover.
With a nationwide network of its own sales and service centres and authorised dealerships, MOTO-PFOHE provides a comprehensive range of automotive services, including new and used vehicle sales and servicing, short- and long-term rentals, full-service solutions, insurance, spare parts, accessories and vehicle financing.
The company has been ISO-certified since 2000 and, since 2017, has been part of the global Sumitomo Corporation family.
CONTACT US
Gabriela Todorova
Organizational Secretary,
Global Compass Forum 2026
+359 88 409 8924