Theofilos K. Xenakoudis

Our industry continues to withstand the test of time because we are adaptable

Theofilos K. Xenakoudis

Director, Worldwide Business Operations

Managing Director-Piraeus, Greece

International Registries, Inc.

How did your company adjust its operations in order to face the challenges of Covid-19?

International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI) have always worked closely with shipowners, operators, and industry stakeholders to ensure vessels and cargo are moving and trading as efficiently as possible, so we are able to rely on those long-developed relationships to address the challenges of COVID-19. The first challenge we faced was disseminating accurate and reliable information as the pandemic swept across the world. Fortunately, our 28 worldwide offices each have authority and decision-making power, so it was easy to seamlessly shift processes and procedures between the offices to keep our full range of services available to our clients even when local closures prevented teams from getting to their office. In Piraeus, we were able to maintain a core team in the office and shift core services, such as seafarer documentation and transactions to virtual or to other offices, with no disruption for our clients.

The RMI recognizes that it is vital to maintain a robust inspection regime despite the challenges presented by COVID-19. Without inspections, the ships, their crews, and the wider environment are put at risk. Early last spring, the RMI Registry issued safety guidelines and advisories, which allow for temporary alternative inspection arrangements when an in-person inspection is not possible. As of 30 November 2020, we have successfully completed more than 800 remote inspections.

The RMI Registry was quick to make a public call for all government agencies and industry stakeholders to recognize COVID-19 as a force majeure situation that necessitates flexibility. The Registry joined industry authorities, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in calling on countries to recognize and protect seafarers as “key transport workers” amid restrictions around the pandemic, which differ considerably between nations. The latest COVID-19 related information and advisories from the RMI Registry can be found at: www.register-iri.com/covid-19/

What is your assessment regarding the future impact of this pandemic in Economy and Shipping in Greece as well as worldwide?

COVID-19 has already brought significant change to the shipping industry and the economy overall, and I think it will be a catalyst for long-term change. The innovative and new uses of technology we’ve seen in the last few months will benefit the industry for several years, not just in the solutions we’ve been able to provide to overcome today’s challenges, but in changing the thinking of the industry. COVID-19 has pushed us forward to test emergent technologies and techniques, and I think these techniques, such as remote surveys and inspections will not go away after COVID-19. Although remote surveys and inspections do not replace a physical presence, they have proven to be a useful tool for owners, managers, flag States, Class, and other stakeholders to have a closer eye on vessels when they are difficult to reach or even while at sea. Digital platforms, such as video chat and video meetings, will continue to persist, facilitating communication between shoreside and onboard teams, as well as ensure access to training and opportunities for development.

COVID-19 has reminded all of us that nothing is impossible. Our industry continues to withstand the test of time because we are adaptable. Adopting new processes, procedures, and technologies can be difficult, but we all must forge ahead.

How this pandemic and lockdown period affected your personal life and your day-to-day business?

It has been a very unsettling situation for everyone. Like most companies, we were alternating between working from home and the office. We had appropriate staff rotating through the Piraeus office during the two lockdowns, in accordance with local guidelines, in order to handle seafarer documentation and other essential matters. Day-to-day business has been relatively normal, it has just shifted exclusively to a virtual world. I have been able to virtually connect with clients and colleagues worldwide, and I spend much of my day jumping from video conference to video conference. Most of our clients appreciate the contact, and it is nice to see them even when we cannot be physically together. When we will go back to normal is anyone’s guess. I always remain optimistic and what we must do now is continue to innovate and adapt.

Regarding the impacts in my personal life, I love sports, both playing and watching, reading books, exercising, meeting friends, and travelling around the world. The pandemic has affected traveling of course, as well as socializing, but at the same time has given me more time for other activities and given me more time with my family. I look forward to visiting with business partners, friends and relatives around the world when the COVID-19 situation has passed.