02 / 02 / 2026
On 19 January 2026, the naming ceremony and delivery of the Aframax tanker ARION took place in Japan, marking the completion of the Sumitomo series for JHI Steamship Co.
A particularly symbolic and honorable moment of the ceremony was when our President, Mr. John Inglessis, was presented with the official Sumitomo Heavy Industries work jacket by the Shipyard’s President Miyajima San. This gesture reflected the deep respect, long-standing cooperation, and mutual appreciation built over many years.
It was a meaningful occasion not only for JHI Steamship Co but also for all those who have dedicated their lives to serving the maritime industry.
Master of ARION Captain Polyakov Roman with Mr. Kostas Karaboulas, Fleet Operations Manager
Mr. John Inglessis with President of Sumitomo Heavy Industries Miyajima San
Below is the full speech delivered by our President, Mr. John Inglessis, at the Naming Ceremony of ARION:
“The delivery of Sumitomo’s last vessel in this series is a moment of joy. It does not mark the end of cooperation or of the bonds among people who share a common love for ships, for the sea, and for shipping.
We are gathered here today as shipowners, shipbuilders, and professionals who have devoted our lives to the construction and operation of ships.
This is not a day of sorrow; it is a day of optimism. I firmly believe that in shipping, you always meet twice. I view this moment as part of a restructuring process already taking place within Japanese shipbuilding. I truly believe this will bring Japan back to the strong position it once held, a period of high productivity and global leadership. Japan will continue to be a major and influential force in global shipbuilding.
Opportunities always exist. Shipping passes through challenging cycles, but it also experiences rewarding periods. The work we provide as shipowners, shipbuilders, and operators, is essential to the transportation of goods worldwide. Everything around us depends on shipping. Nothing could function freely and independently without ships carrying the world’s cargo.
This shared purpose unites us. Speaking personally, as a fourth-generation shipping professional, I see continuity and future prospects ahead. The conditions under which we operate are often demanding, but with knowledge, experience, and perseverance, always focused on the ship, we will continue not only to grow, but also to transition successfully into the new eras that lie ahead.
Technology sometimes advances faster than shipping can realistically adapt. Nevertheless, I have always believed in quality vessels. High-quality ships are what have kept us reliable and seaworthy for decades. They operate efficiently, with lower fuel consumption and reduced operating costs.
The great advantage of modern vessels today lies in their significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions, approaching minimum levels. This benefits both the environment and our industry. It is widely acknowledged that shipping’s emissions footprint is remarkably low relative to the immense work it performs.
With this in mind, I thank you all for being here today, as one family, without competition, united by friendship and by our shared love for shipping. I wish you all good health, and I look forward to meeting again next year.
The strategic direction we follow today has been clear from the very beginning, first during my leadership of Samos Steamship, our family company, and even more so now at JHI.
This new company is, in many ways, one of my own ‘children,’ born from years of dedication, careful planning, and structured organization. However, behind every successful company stands not a single individual, but a team. The stronger and more united we are, the more solid and sustainable the outcome becomes.
Over recent years, I have observed the remarkable performance of modern vessels, particularly their significantly lower fuel consumption. Our long-standing commitment to high-quality Japanese shipbuilding has truly rewarded us. Today, we see fuel consumption levels reduced by approximately 30% and in many cases even more. The vessel we are taking delivery of today stands as a clear example of this achievement.
This ship has evolved into one of the finest designs of its generation, not only within Japan, but across the global market. This quality is increasingly recognized by charterers, who actively seek these vessels for their efficiency, reliability, and performance.
I am especially pleased to be receiving the final vessel of this series and generation. I firmly believe in continuity, continuity in shipbuilding and in our cooperation with this historic shipyard, where together we have built more than 20 vessels over the years, both through my previous company and now through JHI.
We have many memories to cherish and even more opportunities to look forward to as we shape the future together.
Thank you very much.