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

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

Nicolas Ponet

Head of Sales, Vanguard Tech

Dimitar Dimitrov

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

Viktor Dukov

Founder and CEO of SeAI

Managers from RINA

Guest Speakers – TBC

Simon Bennett

International Chamber of Shipping, Deputy Secretary General

Anna Carnielli

Studio Legale B&C
Barcati-Carnielli & Partners, Maritime Lawyer

Jake Bond

Preston Turnbull LLP, Solicitor and Master Mariner

Alessandro Geretto

President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria

Melis Otmar ACII

Head of Marine Claims, London
Howden Insurance Brokers

Capt. Ivaylo Paskov , AFNI

Deputy Chairman, Bulgarian Shipmasters' Association (BSMA)
Senior Marine Superintendent, Navibulgar

Grigor Kanchev

IT and Communications Manager at Unity Ship Management

Neil Roberts

Lloyd's Market Association Head of Marine; Secretary of Joint War Committee; Chair of IUMI Policy Forum

Armand Arton

Arton Capital, Founder and President

Thomas Klenum

Executive Vice President, Innovation & Regulatory Affairs, The Liberian Registry (LISCR); Chair, IQARB

Agustín Martín Mallofré

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

Milena Stoycheva

Former Minister of Innovation and Growth, Bulgaria
CEO & Co-Founder, The Edge – Research & Business Development

Yavor Velchev

SHIPPOSSIBLE INSURANCE, Founder

Nikolay Gatzev

Chairman, Association "Global Bridge" | Attorney-at-Law

Theodosis Stamatellos

Lloyd’s Register, Fleet Operations Center, Director

Dr. Manolis Nikolaidis

Nautical Institute Greece, Secretary General

Anders Ivarsson

Grimaldi/Atlantic Container Line, Managing Director

Capt. Hubert Ardillon

Secretary General, Confederation of European Shipmasters' Associations (CESMA)

Stella Kiss

Head of Operations, Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS)
Clinical Psychologist, M.Sc.

Nikolay Bedzhev

PhD, Marine Pilot, University Lecturer; NauticBlue, Owner

Atanas Bozev

President & CEO, Blueboss Maritime

Gavin Allwright

International Windship Association (IWSA), Secretary General; member of the IMO Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCC)

Dr. 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

Dimitris Monioudis

Managing Director, Rethymnis & Kulukundis Ltd; Chairman, INTERCARGO Technical Committee

Alexander Kalchev

Chairman of the Bulgarian Chamber of Shipping (BCS); Chairman of the Board, Bulgarian Shipowners’ Association (BSA)

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)

Andreana Ivanova MICS

Cargill, Laytime and Invoice Operator

Thomas J. Wiker

Gallagher Marine Systems (GMS), President

Guglielmo Camera

Partner, Camera & Partners
Shipping Lawyer

Luciano Crapanzano

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

Jordan Taylor

Director, Project Harrison
Fulbright Specialist

Stanislav Stoyanov

Bulgarian Shipmasters Association, Chairman; Deputy DPA

Dimitar Karageorgiev

KRG Law, Attorney at Maritime Law

Managers from DNV

Guest Speakers – TBC

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)

"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

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

Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Disruptions
Sanctions, Tariffs, and Regulatory Compliance
Strategic Sea Lanes and Global Trade Risks
Maritime Law, Insurance, and War Risk Management
Global Shipping Markets and Economic Cycles
Maritime Security and Emerging Threats

II. PORTS & TERMINALS: OPERATIONS AND ADVANCEMENT

Port Compliance, Safety, and Quality Standards
Environmental Protection and Spill Response
Cargo Logistics and Terminal Performance Management
Green Ports and Decarbonization Strategies
Smart Port Technologies and Cyber-Physical Security
Multimodal and Integrated Transport Chains

III. MARITIME INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

AI-Driven Decision Making and Predictive Operations
Advanced Vessel Automation and Operational Efficiency
Integrated Ship Systems and Data-Driven Operations
Alternative Fuels and Carbon Reduction Solutions
Maritime Cybersecurity and Protection of Critical Ship Systems

IV. SEAFARERS’ HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SKILLS

Legal Protection and Crew Advocacy
Physical and Mental Wellbeing at Sea
Human Rights, Diversity, and Harassment Prevention
Seafarer Development for Emerging Technologies
Piracy, Maritime Security, and Crew Safety
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

Opening ceremony - Capt. Stanislav Stoyanov, Bulgarian Shipmasters Association (BSMA), Chairman
Welcome address - Varna Municipality
Welcome address - Vice Admiral Mitko Petev, Official Representative of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria
Brief address by the Bulgarian Marine Engineers Club

09:30 - 12:00 | Panel 1: GEO-POLITICAL CHALLENGES IN SHIPPING

Moderator: Yavor Velchev - SHIPPOSSIBLE INSURANCE, Founder
Speakers:

Jake Bond - Preston Turnbull LLP, Solicitor and Master Mariner
Melis Otmar ACII - Head of Marine Claims, London Howden Insurance Brokers
Theodosis Stamatellos - Lloyd’s Register, Fleet Operations Center, Director

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

Coffee Break 15 minutes (depending on session timing)

Dr. Stavros Karamperidis - Associate Professor in Maritime Economics, Head of the Maritime Transport Research Group, University of Plymouth
Richard M. Gunn - Reed Smith LLP, Partner, Maritime Lawyer
Neil Roberts - Lloyd's Market Association Head of Marine; Secretary of Joint War Committee; Chair of IUMI Policy Forum

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 - 15:00 | Panel 2: PORTS & TERMINALS: OPERATIONS AND ADVANCEMENT

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

Speakers:

Thomas J. Wiker - Gallagher Marine Systems (GMS), President
- Topic: "Strengthening Global Maritime Safety: Insights from U.S. Incident Response Practices"
Andrew Cook FNI - Secretary General, International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA)
Walter Vervloesem FNI - Nautical Institute London, President
- Topic: “Supporting Net-Zero Through Cargo Knowledge and Cargo Care”/”Cargo Care – The Missing Step in Reaching Net-Zero”

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

Coffee Break 15 minutes (depending on session timing)

Dr. Manolis Nikolaidis - Nautical Institute Greece, Secretary General
- Topic: "Black Sea Blue Future: Decarbonisation and Port Cities in Transition”
Marcello Pica - Monaco Chamber of Shipping, VP; Marine Partners Monaco, President & CEO; Grimaldi Group, HR Director

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

20:00 - 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

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

Opening ceremony - Capt. Stanislav Stoyanov, Bulgarian Shipmasters Association (BSMA), Chairman
Welcome аddress – 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
Welcome address - Alessandro Geretto, President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria

09:30 - 13:00 | Panel 3: MARITIME INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

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

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
Jordan Taylor - Director, Project Harrison, Fulbright Specialist
Gavin Allwright - International Windship Association (IWSA), Secretary General

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

Coffee Break 15 minutes (depending on session timing)

Nicolas Ponet - Head of Sales, Vanguard Tech
Milena Stoycheva - Chief Executive Officer, The Edge
Nikolay Gatzev - Chairman, Global Bridge | Attorney-at-Law
- Topic: "The new Global Geopolicy of AI and the Computing Powerness in EU and on the Balkans”

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 - 16:00 | Panel 4: SEAFARERS’ HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SKILLS

Moderator: Andreana Ivanova MICS - Cargill, Laytime and Invoice Operator

Speakers:

Prof. Agustin Martin Mallofre – Barcelona Faculty of Nautical Studies
Capt. Hubert Ardillon - Secretary General, Confederation of European Shipmasters' Associations (CESMA)
Walter Vervloesem FNI - Nautical Institute London, President
Zaloa Sanchez Varela, AFNI - University of Split, Professor Assistant, Faculty of Maritime Studies

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

Coffee Break 15 minutes (depending on session timing)

Dimitris Monioudis - Managing Director, Rethymnis & Kulukundis Ltd; Chairman, INTERCARGO Technical Committee
Stella Kiss - Clinical Psychologist and Head of Operations at Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS)
Viktor Dukov - Founder and CEO of SeAI
Grigor Kanchev - IT and Communications Manager at Unity Ship Management

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

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.