Ship manager Navilands seeks to capitalise on shift in Greek shipping towards corporate model 

Konstantinos Konstantakopoulos-backed Navilands launched operations in 2024 and now provides full technical management services for 50 vessels, mainly bulk carriers and container ships, with a target of reaching 70 vessels by the end of 2026.

“We aim to support different types of ship-owning structures by combining traditional maritime heritage with the requirements of a modern management platform,” Navilands chief commercial officer Costas Kontes told Riviera in a special interview during Posidonia week.

Mr Kontes, who has more than 25 years of experience in shipping and previously held a senior executive role at V Ships Greece, said the transformation of shipping is being driven by increasing regulatory complexity, ESG requirements, crewing challenges, and digitalisation.

He noted that smaller shipowning companies, in particular, are finding it increasingly difficult to keep pace with rapid industry developments.

“They seek specialised third-party management support,” he said.

Mr Kontes pointed to the evolution of vessel ownership structures as one of the most significant changes in recent years.

“Many traditional owners are choosing to entrust their vessels to professional ship managers so they can focus on the commercial management of their fleets, while ship managers ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the vessels,” he explained.

Fleet expansion focus

Navilands’ technical management expansion is also supported by its crew management services, which cover all vessel types including bulk carriers, tankers, LNG/LPG carriers, and pure car and truck carriers.

“We aim to further expand the fleet under our management, strengthen our digital capabilities, and enhance our environmental footprint in line with the evolving demands of the industry,” Mr Kontes said.

He added that any expansion or diversification is assessed based on freight market dynamics, asset values, commercial synergies, and long-term value creation.

Navilands is targeting both single-vessel owners seeking to expand and established owners with larger fleet portfolios. The company has an international presence, with offices in China and the Philippines in addition to Greece.

“Our long-term vision is to continue expanding globally,” Mr Kontes noted.

Agility and decision-making key

However, the challenging geopolitical environment has reshaped the industry landscape, increasing operational complexity for ship managers.

“Today’s profoundly competitive business environment demands responsiveness, adaptability, and deep expertise,” Mr Kontes said.

Navilands is responding to these conditions through the creation of small, independent “island” units.

“This allows us to provide highly personalised services to clients while remaining close to the evolving needs of their fleets,” he explained.

He also highlighted a flexible organisational structure, with direct reporting lines from each general manager to the chief executive, enabling faster decision-making.

“Ship managers are expected to operate quickly and efficiently, while always maintaining the safety of vessels and crews,” he added.

Crisis driving consolidation

The biggest challenge today, not only for shipping but globally, is the Middle East crisis.

The situation has led to longer voyages, higher fuel consumption, increased insurance costs, and greater operational complexity, affecting the entire maritime supply chain and ultimately consumers, Mr Kontes said.

He added that even if a peace agreement is reached, markets may not immediately return to previous trading patterns.

“We are already witnessing economies coming under pressure, with industries such as automotive shifting focus toward military production due to the current financial and geopolitical environment,” he said.

Against this backdrop, agility has become increasingly important.

“It is now evident that smaller companies increasingly benefit from consolidation, partnerships with larger groups, or outsourcing in order to remain competitive and adapt to the modern energy shipping landscape,” Mr Kontes concluded.