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.
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 - Official Representative of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria (TBC)*
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: TBC*
-
-
Yana Gancheva - PhD, Naval Academy “Nikola Vaptsarov”, Associate Professor
-
Topic: TBC*
-
-
Nick Markov - PhD, Head of Bulgarian Ship Hydrodynamics Centre
-
Topic: Composite Material Technology for Next-Generation Marine Vessel Propeller
-
-
Capt. Nikolay Petkov - Managing Director at Unity Ship Management Ltd
-
TBC*
-
Q&A 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: TBC*
-
-
Konstantinos Samaritis - Tindall Riley & Co Ltd (Greek Branch) Britannia P&I Club, Head of Office & Divisional Director
-
Topic: TBC*
-
-
Engin Koçak - Turkish Shipbrokers Association, Ship Sale and Purchase Broker, Maritime Market Analyst
-
Topic: TBC*
-
-
Jim Cashman - Preston Turnbull LLP, Consultant
-
Topic: TBC*
-
-
Guglielmo Camera - Camera & Vernetti Law Firm, Partner
-
Topic: TBC*
-
14:25 - 14:40 - Coffee 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: TBC*
-
Q&A 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 - Rear Admiral Prof. Dr. Kalin Kalinov, Rector of the Naval Academy “Nikola Vaptsarov”
-
Welcome address - Capt. Dimitar Dimitrov, PHD, FNI, President of CESMA and IMO GMA for Bulgaria.
-
Welcome address - Andrew Roberts - RightShip, EMEA and Americas, Executive Director
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
-
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-Gen Cargo Operation Simulators – Smart, Immersive & AI-Powered Training for Modern Port Logistics; AI-Driven Draught Survey Systems – Revolutionizing Ship Loading & Trim Analysis Through Intelligent Automation
-
-
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 Voyages
-
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 President
-
Topic: TBC*
-
- Manolis Nikolaidis - PhD, Nautical Institute - Greece, Secretary
-
Topic: Decarbonization in Ports: Economic and Social aspects of OPS installation
-
-
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 (online)
-
Topic: TBC*
-
-
Delyan Hristov - PhD, Naval Academy “Nikola Vaptsarov”, Associate Professor
-
Topic: TBC*
-
Q&A 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
Speakers:
-
Prof. Agustin Martin Mallofre - Barcelona Faculty of Nautical Studies
-
Topic: TBC*
-
-
Capt. Nikolay Bedzhev - PhD, Marine Pilot, University Lecturer; NauticBlue, Owner
-
Topic: TBC*
-
-
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”
-
-
Alexander Hristov - Representative of the Seamen’s Syndicate
*More speakers to be announced
Q&A 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: TBC* | 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.
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
Alessandro Geretto
President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria
Ivaylo Paskov
Bulgarian Shipmasters Association, Deputy Chairman; Navigation Maritime Bulgare, Senior Marine Superintendent
Nikolay Nikolov
Founder at Components International and Venture Partner at AlfaStar Capital
Dimitar Stoynov
PhD, Cultural Activities Advisor, Consular Correspondent of the Republic of Italy
Honored forum guest
George Parvanov
PhD, Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, University Lecturer
Nicolas Charalambous
EMSA - Project Officer for Maritime Safety, Unit Safety & Security, Department Safety, Security and Surveillance
Guglielmo Camera
Camera & Vernetti Law Firm, Partner
Anders Ivarsson
Grimaldi/Atlantic Container Line, Managing Director
Pavel Popov
Acting Mayor of Varna Municipality
Viktor Dukov
Founder and CEO of SeAI
Nikolay Bedzhev
PhD, Marine Pilot, University Lecturer; NauticBlue, Owner
Delyan Hristov
PhD, Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Associated Professor
Andrew Roberts
RightShip, EMEA and Americas, Executive Director
Miguel Castro
European Maritime Pilots Association (EMPA), President
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
Kalin Kalinov
Flotilla admiral, Professor, Phd, Rector of Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy Varna
Yavor Velchev
SHIPPOSSIBLE INSURANCE, Founder
Dimitar Karageorgiev
KRG Law, Attorney at Maritime Law
Manolis Nikolaidis
PhD, Secretary of Nautical Institute - Greece
Agustin Martin Mallofre
Professor at the Barcelona Faculty of Nautical Studies
Marcello Pica
Monaco Chamber of Shipping, Vice President; Marine Partners Monaco, President & CEO; Grimaldi Group, HR Director
Yavor Kolev
Director of IT and Cyber Security at Lev Ins Insurance Company
Nikolay Petkov
Managing Director at Unity Ship Management Ltd
Nick Markov
PhD, Head of Bulgarian Ship Hydrodynamics Centre
Georgi Dimitrov
Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Associated Professor, PhD
Scott May
Senior Vice President at Gallagher Marine Systems (GMS)
Jim Cashman
Consultant at Preston Turnbull LLP
Ali Abouda
CFO at Gulf Navigation Holdings
Stanislav Stoyanov
Bulgarian Shipmasters Association, Chairman; Navigation Maritime Bulgare, Deputy DPA
Stanislav Mateev
Operations Manager at Cargill, Varna
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)
Executive Director, Shipping Bulgarian Navy JSC; Chairman, BCS; Council Member, Bulgarian Shipowners’ Association (BSA)
Armand Arton
Arton Capital, Founder and President
Engin Koçak
Turkish Shipbrokers Association, Ship Sale and Purchase Broker, Maritime Market Analyst
Jordan Taylor
Maritime Professional & Fulbright Recipient, Founder of Project Harrison
Dimitar Dimitrov
PhD, Confederation of European Shipmasters’ Associations (CESMA), President
Preslav Raykov
Eleen Marine JSC, Commercial Director & Head of Global Trading
Anna Karadencheva
PhD, Lecturer at Naval Academy “Nikola Vaptsarov”
Executive Director, MTG Dolphin Shipyard, Varna; Chairman, Managing Committee of BULNAS; Board Member, CEIB; Board Member, Bulgarian Chamber of Shipping
* Subject to change by the organisers.
Organisers
.png)
Forum Participants:
Sponsorship / Event Contributors
.png)
