CANDIDATES for BOD 2025-2025 years
30.04.25 | Press release. Presentation from Green Energy Group
May 2, 2025
BERENZ MIRIAM
Director
TMH ( East Med ) Limited
With a career spanning over two decades in the logistics and maritime sectors, I currently serve as Director at TMH (East Med) Ltd, a position I’ve held since November 2018. Before this, I gained extensive experience in global freight forwarding during my tenure with Paco Logistik (Cyprus) Limited from 2015 to 2018. My professional journey with TMH (East Med) Ltd began in 2010 as a Sales Assistant, where I developed a strong foundation in client relations and operational support. Earlier in my career, I worked as an Accounting Assistant at Reederei Nord Ltd. My diverse background and hands-on experience reflect a solid understanding of both administrative and strategic aspects of the industry.
CHRISTOPHIDES ANDREAS
Managing Director
Lapwings Maritime Services Ltd
Mr Andreas Christophides is the founder and managing director of Lapwings Maritime Services Ltd dealing with ship spare parts and services. He graduated from the University of Plymouth in the UK with a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Business with Maritime Law. Then he continued his studies at the Cyprus Institute of Marketing receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He has been working within the Marine industry since 1996 in Cyprus in various departments and key positions. With almost three decades of experience in the shipping industry, he feels confident that as a Board Member of the Cyprus Marine Club, he will serve at his best capability and professionalism for the utmost interest of the Cyprus Marine Club and all of its members. He remains humble asking for your support and positive vote at the forthcoming elections to the Board of Directors of the C.M.C.L Cyprus Marine Club Limited.
CHRYSOSTOMOU ANDREAS
Senior Maritime Advisor – Tototheo Global
Executive Director Clean Shipping Alliance
Mr Andreas Chrysostomou holds a BEng (Hons) in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding and an MBA from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He has significantly contributed to all aspects of shipping, including safety, security, marine environment protection, and legal matters. He chaired the IMO's Design and Equipment Subcommittee and the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) for a decade (2003-2013).
Beyond the IMO, he chaired the International Mobile Satellite Organization's Assembly twice and served on the World Maritime University's Board of Governors. He is a Past President of IMarEST. His diplomatic and executive roles include Director of the Maritime Authority of Cyprus and Act. Secretary-General of CLIA Europe, Chief Strategy Officer at Tototheo Maritime, CEO of Marinefields Holding Ltd, and Executive Director of the Clean Shipping Alliance (since 2021).
Mr. Chrysostomou has received numerous accolades, including the 2011 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Shipping, the 2011 Distinguished Public Service Award from the US Coast Guard, the 2013 GST Award for Leading Shipping Personality of the Decade, the 2015 Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Award for International Personality of the Year, the 2019 Honorary Award of Young Ship Cyprus, and the 2020 Green4Sea Leadership Award.
FILIPPOU MICHAEL
CEO
Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS)
Michael Filippou is the Chief Executive Officer of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, acting as Policy Adviser to the Executive Committee. After completing his Army service, he moved to Athens, where four years later, in 2002, he graduated as a Maritime Economist from the University of Piraeus.
After a short working period at Piraeus, he moved to New York, where he earned a Master’s Degree in “International Transportation Management” from the State University of New York. Further to that, he earned a Graduate Certificate in Charter Parties.
The main area of his expertise is risk management, which is related to shipping companies and international maritime policies.
Michael Filippou has been serving as a Board Member of the Cyprus Marine Club since 2017 and since 2024 he has been serving as a Vice President of C.M.C.L Cyprus Marine Club Limited.
GILJAM CHRIS
Founder & Director
Inglasco International
Chris is a Dutch-born maritime safety expert and the founder of Inglasco International, a Cyprus-based company specializing in fire safety services for ships and working closely with shipowners, operators, and local service stations across the globe.
With over 20 years of industry experience, he has built a reputation for reliability, speed, and relationship-driven service.
Now living in Cyprus with his wife and two children, Chris leads with a clear philosophy:
“Make the client and local partners happy. The money will follow.”
This principle reflects his approach to business and leadership.
As he often says in interviews, the wording may change, but the message is always the same: trust is everything.
LOUCAS HAMATSOS
CEO
Olympia Ocean Carriers Ltd
Born in Famagusta County, Cyprus on 23rd November 1962. He graduated in Commercial Operation of Shipping at the City of London University and I joined Zela Shipping Co Ltd – Operation Department (London-based Company), in January 1988.
Further enhanced his education in Shipping by completing the professional qualifications of The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and The Chartered Institute of Transport. He was elected a full member of The Chartered Institute of Transport in 1993 and a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers in 1995.
He was appointed to Zela Shipping’s Board of Directors in 2002, where he served until the end of August 2014. In September 2014, he was assigned the responsibility by the Principals/Shareholders to manage the newly formed Ship Management Company in Limassol, Cyprus under the name of: “Olympia Ocean Carriers Ltd”. He commenced duties on 1st September 2014 in the capacity of C.E.O (Chief Executive Officer), responsible for the safe management and operation of seven (7) vessels dry bulk carriers’ Cape Size type of 170,000 – 180,000 metric tons, two (2) dry bulk carrier of Kamsarmax type of 82,000 metric tons and two (2) dry bulk carrier Panamax type of 75.000 metric tons.
- Member of the Cyprus Maritime Academy Board of Governors since April 2016, currently serving in the capacity of Vice- Chairman.
- Member of the Board of Directors of the CMMI (Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute) since July 2019.
- President of the Famagusta Shooting Club and since January 2016, he has been elected and is currently serving as the Committee
Member and President of the Cyprus Shooting Sport Federation.
- A board member of the International Shooting Federation FITASC, since July 2017.
- Vice President of C.M.C.L Cyprus Marine Club Limited since 2024 (and in the years 2020- 2024 Board Member of the Cyprus Marine Club)
- Board Member of the International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol Cyprus since 2023.
TONY HARFOUCHE
Shareholder and Director at Promo Place Cy Ltd
Business Development at City of Dreams Mediterranean
Tony Harfouche Entrepreneur & Hotelier. Lebanese Born, has travelled the world and now lives in Cyprus. Shareholder and Director at Promo Place Cy Ltd, specialising in high-end personalised corporate gifts, Tony is also working in The Integrated resort The City of Dreams Mediterranean, in charge of developing business from the Middle East. Through his experience in the corporate field and the high-end hospitality international chains, he nurtures his passion for diversification while focusing on excellence.
KALATHIA ELPIDA
Underwriting Director
Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association (Europe) Ltd.
Mrs. Elpida Kalathia is the Underwriting Director of Steamship Mutual’s European P&I Club, which is based in Limassol and underwrites about a third of the Steamship Group’s business.After completing her BA in French and Italian Literature from UMASS Amherst, Massachusetts, Elpida started her working career at the Insurance and Documentation department of CSM Limassol, where she worked for 10 years. Elpida then relocated to London, where she joined Steamship Mutual’s Underwriting department in 2013. Elpida handled a wide variety of underwriting matters in both the Eastern and European Syndicate of the Club and returned to Cyprus in 2021. Elpida is a Board Member of the Cyprus Maritime Academy, Cyprus Marine Club, and sits on the Cyprus Shipping Chamber’s educational committee, which seeks to encourage and increase young people’s awareness of the shipping industry. She has previously served in the Public Relations committee of the CSC, and she is also an active member of WISTA Cyprus. Elpida is a multi-lingual speaker of French, Greek, Italian and English.
KAPOOR SUNIL
Partner and COO
ÖL Shipping Group
Mr. Sunil Kapoor is Partner and COO of OL Shipping Group.
A Marine Engineering graduate from DMET, Calcutta, he began his career at the Shipping Corporation of India, serving at sea from 1981 to 1992, with the last three years as Chief Engineer.
He then joined Lloyd's Register as a Surveyor in India. In 1996, he moved to Fleet Management Limited, Hong Kong, rising to Director. He managed technical operations and supervised new builds in Japan, Korea, and China. In 2007, he established FML Ship Management's Cyprus office, overseeing over 45 vessels and operations in London, Turkey, and Dubai.
Mr. Kapoor serves on the Board of the Cyprus Marine Club. He was also on the Cyprus Shipping Chamber board (2021–2023) and is active in technical committees and the Indian community in Cyprus.
KLEANTHOUS ATHOS
CFO & Managing Director, Finance - ÖL Shipping Group
Director - Pagasarri Navigation Co. Ltd. (part of OL Group)
Athos graduated from Frederick University in 1994 and holds a University of Wales Accounting Diploma.
- 1994 – 1998 employed at L. Joannides + Co (Auditing and Tax Advisors).
- 1998 – employed as a Senior Accountant at Österreichischer Lloyd Seereederei (Cyprus) Ltd.
- 2004 oppointed Financial Manager of Österreichischer Lloyd Seereederei (Cyprus) Ltd.
- 2018 – 2024 Board Member of Cyprus Marine Club.
- 2022 – Holding position of Managing Director of ÖL Shipping Group.
- 2023 – Holding position of Chief Finance Officer of ÖL Shipping Group.
- 2024 – Present – Treasurer of C.M.C.L. Cyprus Marine Club Limited.
CAPT. EBERHARD KOCH
Chairman, CEO & Partner
ÖL Shipping Group
- Koch is the Chairman, CEO and a Partner of Öesterreichischer Lloyd Shipping Group.
- He received his diploma in Nautical Sciences (Dipl-Naut.) at Hochschule für Nautik in Bremen (University of Bremen) in 1974.
- Koch has extensive industry experience as a Captain, Manager and Owner. From 1977 to 1984 he served as Manager of Transport / Business Admin for VEBA OEL AG Group (nka EON) and from 1984 to 2001, he was Managing Director at Krohn Shipping Group in Vienna.
- Koch joined Öestereichischer Lloyd as a Partner in 1991 and became Chairman and CEO in 2001.
- Member of the Board of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners
- Koch is a Member of the Advisory Board of CCS Mediterranean.
- 2017 - 2024 President of the Cyprus Marine Club
- Since May 2024, President of C.M.C.L Cyprus Marine Club Limited
KOLIAS EMMANOLIA
Channel Director
MINTRA
Emmanolia Kolias is the Channel Director at Mintra, a leading provider of human resource management and digital learning solutions to the maritime industry. She joined Mintra through the acquisition of Safebridge GmbH and has since become a vocal advocate for industry issues, including crew welfare, training, and development. Emmanolia is committed to promoting true workplace diversity and inclusion, and she actively supports mental wellbeing in the workplace.
Beginning her career in finance and banking at JPMorgan Chase in New York City, Emmanolia quickly advanced through various leadership positions, working alongside notable industry figures. This experience allowed her to develop a profound understanding of her field, enabling her to build and lead successful, diverse teams. She leads her teams with passion and by example, driven by her motto: "Glass ceilings are meant to be shattered, not looked at from below."
Emmanolia was on the most recent previous Board for WISTA Cyprus and is currently on the Board of Governors for the Cyprus Maritime Academy.
As a member of the board, she will bring drive, passion and commitment to helping Cyprus Marine Club reach the next vertical and she would be honored to have your support in becoming elected.
LOYAL BARBARA
Co-Chief Executive Officer
ESM Esmeralda Shipmanagement Ltd
Barbara Loyal is the Co-Chief Executive Officer of ESM Esmeralda Shipmanagement Ltd, a family-owned maritime company based in Limassol, Cyprus. Raised within Cyprus’s maritime industry, she brings a deep-rooted understanding of the sector along with a strong blend of legal and operational insight.
She holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Exeter, UK, and has been a member of the Cyprus Bar Association since 2002.
Barbara is a visiting lecturer in Maritime Law – (MBA)With Shipping - at CIM University in Limassol, actively contributing to the academic development of future professionals in the Shipping Industry. She is also a strong advocate for gender equality in the maritime sector, particularly within Cyprus. In addition, she is a founding member of the Propeller Club of the United States (Port of Limassol), and a member of both WISTA Cyprus and the American Sailing Association.
Barbara is standing for election to the Board of Directors of the CMC with a commitment to contributing fresh, innovative ideas, supporting new and emerging members, and promoting the long-standing success and continued relevance of the Club in today’s fast-evolving maritime industry.
MEYERING JAN
Joint Managing Director
Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd.
Jan Meyering is Joint Managing Director at Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd., one of the leading ship management companies, based in Limassol, Cyprus. He joined Marlow in 1989 and has held senior roles in various international offices, including Hamburg and Rotterdam.
With more than 40 years of experience in the shipping industry, Jan has been closely involved in the company’s growth and development, particularly in the areas of ship-crew management, and client services.
He holds a degree in Shipping and Transportation from the Bremen College for Shipping and Transportation.
Jan has been a Board Member of the Cyprus Marine Club Limited (C.M.C.L.) since 2021 and remains an active supporter of Cyprus as a global maritime hub.
His nomination reflects a strong commitment to the local maritime community and to supporting the continued development of Cyprus and international shipping.
MICHAEL MICHAEL
Chief Commercial Officer
DANAOS Systems (Cyprus) LTD
Mr Michael Michael is an accomplished maritime and financial services executive with a strong background in commercial strategy, business development, asset management, and technology-driven solutions. As Chief Commercial Officer at Danaos Systems, he leads global initiatives that bridge innovation and operational excellence in the shipping industry. With extensive experience engaging with stakeholders from around the world, Michael brings a global perspective and a collaborative spirit. His vision and international network make him a valuable asset to the Cyprus Maritime Club as it continues to elevate Cyprus’s position in the global maritime community.
PACZKOWSKA JULIA
General Manager C.M.C.L Cyprus Marine Club Ltd
Management Assistant | ÖL Shipping Group
Designated Director | Pagasarri Investments Limited (part of ÖL Group)
With a Master's degree in Sociology from the Faculty of Economics and Sociology at the University of Lodz, Poland, I embarked on a journey that blended academia with hands-on experience.
My career began in 2002 as a Social Studies Teacher in Poland, setting the foundation for my passion for education and community engagement. In 2004, I made Cyprus my home, transitioning to a new chapter of professional growth and personal exploration.
Since 2007, I have served as a Management Assistant at Öesterreichischer Lloyd Seereederei (Cyprus) Ltd., where I have had the privilege of supporting Captain Eberhard Koch in navigating the dynamic waters of the maritime industry.
In 2018, I was elected as the Secretary-General of the Cyprus Marine Club, a position I have proudly held until 2024.
After the Club’s successful restructuring in 2024, I was elected to the BOD of C.M.C.L Cyprus Marine Club Limited, and appointed a General Manager - a role which I hold until today. This role has allowed me to play a pivotal part in fostering connections, driving initiatives, and contributing to the vibrant maritime community in Cyprus.
My journey is a testament to my dedication to lifelong learning, community involvement, and a commitment to excellence in all endeavours.
STAVRINIDES CHRISTOPHER
IT Manager, Cyber Security Officer
Marine Wings Air Ticket Professionals Ltd
With over 20 years of experience in IT management, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, I have had the privilege of supporting the maritime sector by strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, optimising IT infrastructure, and promoting innovation that ensures business continuity and regulatory compliance.
Beyond my professional responsibilities, I am grateful for the opportunities to contribute to industry discussions, including collaborating with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber’s Digitalisation Committee and participating in international cybersecurity forums. Engaging with organisations such as the US Department of State, SANDIA National Laboratories, DSA Cyprus, and the Israeli National Cyber Directorate has allowed me to remain informed on key developments in cyber risk mitigation.
I am passionate about fostering collaboration and technological progress in the maritime industry and would be honoured to serve on the Cyprus Marine Club Board of Directors. With your support, I hope to contribute to the Club’s ongoing mission of innovation and industry advancement.
STEFFEN UTA
Managing Director
Saltgate Shipmanagement (Cyprus) Ltd
With over 30 years of experience in ship management and crewing, I have been actively involved in the maritime industry, both professionally and personally.
In my corporate role and through external engagements, I remain dedicated to advancing the industry through development initiatives, education, and workforce training. I represent Saltgate Shipmanagement within the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and serve on the Advisory Board of the Department of Maritime Transport & Commerce at Frederick University. Additionally, I am a Director of the Cyprus Germany Business Association (CGBA) and the immediate past Vice President of WISTA Cyprus.
It would be a privilege to support the mission of the Cyprus Marine Club as a Member of the Board of Directors, and I respectfully ask for your support.
TOUMPOURIS ESTER
Deputy Head
Hill Dickinson's Cyprus
Ester Toumpouris is the Deputy Head of Hill Dickinson's Cyprus office and heads up the English law practice of the office. Ester graduated from the University of Cambridge with BA, MA (Hons) in Oriental Studies (Chinese) following which she read law at the University of Law and Kaplan Law School in London.
Ester was previously at Ince & Co's London office for 10 years before moving back to Cyprus to assist with setting up Ince & Co’s Cyprus office. In January 2024, Ester moved across to establish Hill Dickinson Cyprus. Ester is an experienced dispute resolution lawyer specialising in a wide range of shipping matters and acting principally for owners, operators, brokers, shipmanagers and their insurers in Europe and worldwide.
She sits on the board of the International Transport Intermediaries Insurance Company (Europe) Ltd and is also a member of WISTA and a founding member of the Propeller Club of the United States (Port of Limassol).
Ester is standing for election to the Board of Directors to contribute fresh ideas, strategic vision, and support for initiatives that strengthen member engagement and promote the Club’s continued success in a rapidly evolving maritime sector.
TSANGARIDES THRASOS
CEO
UW GROUP
Born in Cyprus, Mr. Thrasos Tsangarides studied marine engineering at the Higher Technical Institute of Cyprus and sailed for a number of years in various ships before continuing his studies in Business Administration and Marketing with a focus is leadership and sustainability, with a number of published research papers in UK institutes.
He served in various positions in shipping companies, involved in shipbuilding and ship management.
Since 2000, he has been the founder and CEO of the UW group of companies with headquarters in Cyprus and offices in Greece, Dubai, Singapore, and China. Group member companies are engaged in ship repairs and services, and procurement management.
Thrasos served as a member of the board of directors of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, chairman of the international association of ship repairs, Vice President of the board of Cyprus Port Authorities, Cyprus Marine Club, Board member of CyMepa, , Tsavliris Cultural Foundation, and numerous financial and academic bodies.
VOURGOS ANNA
Director
APHENTRICA Maritime Insurance Brokers Ltd.
After completing her Postgraduate Diploma in Commercial Operations of Shipping in London, Anna started her career in marine insurance in 1987, for two major London Lloyd’s broking firms.
In between insurance postings, Anna worked in shipowning and shipmanagement companies in Cyprus and in 1994, she co-founded Aphentrica Marine Insurance Brokers Ltd, where she is currently Director and responsible for the development, placement and servicing of the company portfolio.
Anna has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber since 2015, where she also chairs the Marine Insurance Committee and through the Chamber, she is a member of the Marine Insurance Committee of the International Chamber of Shipping. She has previously served as Chairwoman of the Public Relations Committee of the CSC while also being a member of a number of other committees.
She has served as President of WISTA Cyprus for 5 years and served as a member of the advisory board of the Department of Maritime Transport & Commerce of Frederick University.
Anna has been a Member of the Board of the Cyprus Marine Club since 2022, and since 2024 she has served as Vice President of C.M.C.L. Cyprus Marine Club Limited.
Anna is frequently invited to address a number of shipping seminars and shipping-related conferences as a panelist or guest speaker.