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, the Mayor of Varna, 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
The opening of the Forum will be held at the Municipality of Varna.
Address: "Osmi Primorski Polk" № 43
Rosslyn Dimyat Hotel Guests can book a room directly from the website.
Address: 111 Knyaz Boris Blvd.
Restaurant La Veranda, part of the Horizon Complex, located in the Sea Garden. Address: Complex Horizont, Sea Garden
Horizon Complex includes restaurants, a nightclub, and a hotel. The stylish Boutique Hotel Horizont will offer accommodation for the forum's guests.
Four Panel Discussions:
I. MARITIME TECHNOLOGY
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AI, IoT & Smart Maritime Systems
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Autonomous Ships and Ports
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Drone Technology in Maritime Operations
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Green Shipping Tech & Decarbonisation
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Cybersecurity for Ships and Ports
III. PORTS & TERMINALS
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PSC, FSC, and Industry Standard Quality Assurance
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Oil Spill Prevention and Response
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Cargo Interests and Demands on Ports
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Green Ports & Decarbonisation Initiatives
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Smart Port Technologies & Digital Security
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Multimodal Chains of Transport
II. GEO-POLITICAL & TRADE
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Trade Wars and Political Conflicts
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Sanctions, Tariffs & Surcharges
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Law and Insurance Challenges
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Shipping Market Cycles
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Maritime Security
IV. CREW WELFARE
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Abandonment & Legal Protections
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Seafarers’ Physical and Mental Health
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Human Rights and Harassment Prevention
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Education, Certification & Future Skills
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Piracy Threats and Crew Safety
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Crew Communications: Cyber Threats and Cybercrime Insurance
Speakers & Participants
Andrew Roberts
RightShip, EMEA and Americas, Executive Director
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
Stanislav Stoyanov
Bulgarian Shipmasters Association, Chairman; Navigation Maritime Bulgare, Deputy DPA
Yavor Velchev
SHIPPOSSIBLE INSURANCE, Founder
Georgi Dimitrov
Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Associated Professor, PhD
Alessandro Geretto
President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria
Engin Kocak
Turkish Shipbrokers Association, Ship Sale and Purchase Broker, Maritime Market Analyst
Dimitar Dimitrov
PhD, Confederation of European Shipmasters’ Associations (CESMA), President
Nick Markov
PhD, Head of Bulgarian Ship Hydrodynamics Centre
George Parvanov
PhD, Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, University Lecturer
Manolis Nikolaidis
PhD, Secretary of Nautical Institute - Greece
Armand Arton
Arton Capital, Founder and President
Giuseppe De Francesco
Honorary Consul of Italy in Bulgaria, a specially honored forum guest and event attendee
Ivaylo Paskov
Bulgarian Shipmasters Association, Deputy Chairman; Navigation Maritime Bulgare, Senior Marine Superintendent
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)
Ali Abouda
CFO at Gulf Navigation Holdings
Guglielmo Camera
Camera & Vernetti Law Firm, Partner
Miguel Castro
European Maritime Pilots Association (EMPA), President
Preslav Raykov
Eleen Marine JSC, Commercial Director & Head of Global Trading
Dimitar Stoynov
PhD, Cultural Activities Advisor, Consular Correspondent of the Republic of Italy
Honored forum guest
Jordan Taylor
Maritime Professional & Fulbright Recipient, Founder of Project Harrison
Anders Ivarsson
Grimaldi/Atlantic Container Line, Managing Director
Yavor Kolev
Director of IT and Cyber Security at Lev Ins Insurance Company
Stanislav Mateev
Operations Manager at Cargill, Varna
Nikolay Bedzhev
PhD, Marine Pilot, University Lecturer; NauticBlue, Owner
Thomas Wiker
Gallagher Marine Systems (GMS), President
Luciano Crapanzano
Grimaldi/Atlantic Container Line, DPA and Technical and Marine Director
Valentina Todorova
Director of the Institute of Oceanology "Prof. Fridtjof Nansen" – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Viktor Dukov
Founder and CEO of SeAI
Dimitar Karageorgiev
KRG Law, Attorney at Maritime Law
* Subject to change by the organisers.
Organisers
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Forum Participants:
Sponsorship / Event Contributors
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