“Next-Gen Shipping: AI, Smart, Secure, Connected“

Date: 22 October 2025
Time: 09:00-15:00
Venue: Columbia Plaza Limassol

The 6th CSN Cyprus Shipping ICT Conference “Next-Gen Shipping: AI, Smart, Secure, Connected”, scheduled for 22 October 2025 at the Columbia Plaza Limassol, promises to be a groundbreaking event that will explore the transformative power of AI-powered maritime digital technologies.

This forward-looking conference will delve into the evolving role of digital transformation and automation in the maritime sector, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence, smart systems, CCTV technologies, cybersecurity, and satellite communications.

The event will bring together maritime executives, technology leaders, and industry stakeholders to explore how digital innovation is reshaping operations, boosting resilience, and enabling safer, smarter, and more connected shipping. As the maritime industry accelerates into a digital-first future, the convergence of automation, artificial intelligence, integrated smart systems, and cybersecurity has become mission-critical. This high-impact ICT conference brings together global shipping leaders, tech innovators, and cybersecurity experts to explore how the digital transformation of vessels and operations is redefining safety, efficiency, and resilience at sea.

From the integration of AI and CCTV to the safeguarding of satellite communications and navigational systems, the conference offers a deep dive into the technologies shaping the next generation of shipping. Attendees will gain actionable insights into streamlining operations, protecting data, and preparing for the era of autonomous and connected fleets.

The conference is held under the auspices of the Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus and is supported by the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, Cyprus Marine Club, CYMEPA, WISTA Cyprus, YoungShip Cyprus, ICS Cyprus Branch, Cyprus Master of Mariners, The Nautical Institute Cyprus Branch, Cyprus Shipping Association and Clean Shipping Alliance.

Attendance is free of charge for all members of the supporting organisations. However, attendees are encouraged to contribute to the charity foundation supported by the conference, with the option to donate indicated during registration.

Join us to navigate the crossroads of innovation and security and to chart a smarter, safer course for maritime’s digital evolution.

This is going to be the sixth consecutive year event of CSN for ICT in Limassol and we would like to invite you to support the conference. There are still available sponsorships and some panellists slots and those interested please contact us at csn@cyprusshippingnews.com.

The charity foundation is Panos Evripidou Foundation and the charity sponsor is Aphentrica Marine Insurance Brokers. The attendance of the conference is free for all employees of shipping and shipping related organisations of the supporting associations of the conference in Cyprus, but we welcome anyone who wants to contribute to the charity foundation by indicating it at the registration.

The programme of the Conference is uploaded and will updated in the following website:

The 6th CSN Cyprus ICT Conference

Session 1: Digital Transformation & Automation: The Integration of AI, CCTV & Smart Systems

The shipping industry is undergoing a powerful evolution, driven by digital transformation and the rapid adoption of automation technologies. This session dives into how shipping companies are leveraging artificial intelligence, integrated CCTV, and smart systems to optimise operations, enhance safety, and pave the way for intelligent, autonomous vessels.

Experts will explore the real-world impact of these technologies on fleet management, monitoring, and decision-making — highlighting how innovation is streamlining efficiency while meeting the highest standards of security and reliability.

Key Topics Covered:

• AI in Action: Automating decision-making, predictive maintenance, and performance analytics.
• CCTV & Visual Intelligence: Enhancing onboard situational awareness and security with integrated visual monitoring systems.
• Smart System Integration: Bridging onboard technologies with centralised control for seamless operations.
•  Towards Autonomous Vessels: The role of automation in shaping the future of navigation and control.
• Operational Intelligence: Using data-driven systems to enable smarter, safer, and faster shipping decisions.
• Efficiency through Innovation: How automation reduces manual workload and optimises resource management.
• From Legacy to Smart: Steps for retrofitting existing vessels with next-gen digital capabilities.

Session 2: Cybersecurity & Smart Navigation: Securing Connectivity at Sea

In a hyper-connected maritime world, secure and intelligent navigation has become mission-critical. As vessels increasingly rely on digital infrastructure and satellite communications (SatComs) for routing, monitoring, and operations, the cyber threat landscape grows in parallel.

This session explores how the industry is safeguarding its navigational systems, data flows, and onboard networks against evolving cyber risks. From securing SatCom links to deploying resilient smart navigation systems, industry leaders will share how they are building cyber-aware shipping ecosystems that can withstand modern-day digital threats.

Key Topics Covered:

• Cybersecurity at Sea: Identifying and mitigating risks to vessel IT/OT systems and digital platforms.
• Securing SatComs: Protecting satellite communication channels from data breaches and signal interference.
• Smart Navigation Systems: Leveraging advanced software and sensors for real-time route optimization and situational awareness.
• Threat Detection & Response: Building rapid-response capabilities to tackle cyber intrusions on board.
• Global Regulations & Compliance: Staying aligned with IMO cybersecurity guidelines and industry best practices.
• Integrating Safety & Connectivity: Balancing seamless communication with hardened cyber defenses.

Confirmed Speakers:

• Adonis Violaris, Managing Director – CSN
• Manos Manoli, Chief Information Security Officer and I.T Manager – Marlow Navigation
• Alexandros Josephides, Director General – Cyprus Shipping Chamber
• Dimitris Kouzapas, General Manager – Cyprus Shipping Association
• Paris Paraskevas, Chief Operating Officer – Xenatus Global
• Thomas Asproudis, Co-Founder & Head of Innovation – M2INTELLIGENCE
• Monica Ioannidou Polemitis, Partner / TKI Managing Director – TKI EMEA
• Andreas Chrysostomou, Executive Director – Clean Shipping Alliance
• Fouad Chaarani, Managing Partner – Xenatus Global
  
• Aris Constantinou, Marine Surveyor – Shipping Deputy Ministry
  
• Christiana Aristidou, Founder Partner| Director – The Hybrid LawTech Firm
• Chris Watson, Vice President Marketing – KVH
• Altani Batoudaki, Director – Adacom Cyber Security CY Ltd. 
• Marios Ioannou, Group Business Information Security Officer – Columbia Group
• Marios Nicolaou, Sales Manager – Adacom Cyber Security CY Ltd.
• Capt. Nicolaos Karimalis, Operation Manager – Hartman Holdings
• Aristos Athinodorou, IT Supervisor – Island Oil Holdings
• Anna Vourgos, Director – Aphentrica
• Marlo Evripidou, President – Panos Evripidou Foundation
• Stella Violari, Editor – CSN

Looking forward to a very successful event in Limassol.