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Marco Med Forum 2025: The Future of Ports is Green, Smart, and AI-Driven

The Marco Med Forum 2025 was well received at the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation in Piraeus, under the theme: “Smarter Coordination. Greener Shipping. AI-Powered Ports.”
The event, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy and the Hellenic Ports Association, was organized by Canadian maritime technology leader GSTS, focusing on the use of artificial intelligence and innovation in the supply chain and maritime risk management.
Distinguished members of the maritime and port community attended, including agents, corporate executives, and port officials. Among them were Mr. Antonios Venieris, Chairman of the Board of the International Shipping Agency Union, and Ms. Marianthi Peristeri, Vice President of the Association of Shipping Agents of Piraeus-Attica. Also present were port security officials such as Mr. Christos Tsakalogiannis, Risk Management Officer at PPA COSCO, and Mr. Giorgos Vakondios, CEO of the Lavrio Port Authority.
The Forum featured two key thematic panels:
• Supply Chain Optimisation with OCIANA
• Predictive Risk Management through Artificial Intelligence
During his opening remarks, Mayor of Piraeus Mr. Giannis Moralis stated:
“We followed the Marco Med Forum with great interest, a very insightful conference dedicated to ‘smart’ ports and the solutions AI can bring to their operations.

Piraeus is the largest port in the country and one of the fastest growing in Europe. Its operation is directly linked to the life of the city—its residents, workers, and visitors. Every initiative that contributes to the modernization, sustainability, and improvement of the conditions around the port—whether environmental or traffic-related—is welcome.

The Municipality of Piraeus not only, closely monitors these developments, but is actively part of the discussion. We are in constant collaboration with the Ministry of Shipping, institutional stakeholders, and the PPA administration—as any city should be with its port—on shared matters that concern the further development of Piraeus as a modern and sustainable port.”
Following this, Mr. Neil Swain, Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Canada in Greece, stated:
“Greece has always been a gateway between continents and worlds. Today, as we face challenges like climate change, digital transformation, and the global supply chain, the pressure is high—but there are solutions.
Just a few days ago, I learned that around 4.6 billion parcels enter Europe every year. That’s why I’m pleased to be here with GSTS, aiming to revolutionize maritime operations: with second-by-second accuracy, we can map vessel emissions and ensure safe and efficient arrivals. This is about much more than just technology.”
The keynote speaker, Professor Maria Boile (Professor of Port and Terminal Management and Policy for Intermodal Transport and Director of the MSc in Shipping at the University of Piraeus), presented the latest advancements in artificial intelligence in port operations, highlighting:
“Artificial intelligence, data-driven collaboration, and next-generation platforms are transforming fragmented maritime operations into integrated, resilient, and sustainable port ecosystems.
Technology is unlocking the full potential of optimized port calls, just-in-time arrivals, enhanced safety, and meaningful emissions reductions.”
Efthymios Chaldeakis, Global Sales Executive at GSTS, emphasized that technology can transform Mediterranean ports into hubs of efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Andrew Black, Director of Supply Chain Solutions at GSTS, presented the OCIANA platform as an innovative tool for collaboration among ships, ports, and stakeholders.

Robert Marshy, Chief Product Officer of GSTS, focused on risk prediction and enhancing maritime safety using AI.
Ms. Theodora Riga, President of MedCruise and CEO of the Port Authority of Corfu, announced a new knowledge-sharing partnership between MedCruise and GSTS. She also highlighted: “Security and resilience in the Mediterranean are collective responsibilities. As MedCruise, we are committed to ensuring that our member ports are not only gateways for tourism but active partners in safeguarding the region’s maritime future.”
The Marco Med Forum 2025 marked a milestone in public-private sector collaboration, uniting academia and technology firms in a joint effort to modernize port operations and promote sustainability.
For more details on the program and speakers, visit: www.marcomedforum.gr
Quote by Richard Kolacz, CEO of GSTS:
‘We are proud to organize the inaugural MARCO MED FORUM in Piraeus, one of the most significant port hubs in the Mediterranean. This forum marks an important milestone for GSTS as we establish our European presence, beginning with Greece. Through this event, we aim to foster meaningful collaboration among key maritime stakeholders in the region and showcase how advanced AI solutions like OCIANA® can drive greater efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in port operations.’