Cpt Panagis Zissimatos outlines Adriatic Tankers’ approach to leading through the maritime energy transformation
As the global push toward decarbonization intensifies, shipping faces an inflection point: adapt to low-carbon operations—or risk becoming obsolete. For Cpt Panagis Zissimatos, a respected figure in international shipping and a senior leader at Adriatic Tankers, the time for cautious observation is over. The energy transition has already begun, and tankers will play a vital role in shaping its trajectory.
“We are not just moving oil anymore. We are navigating a complex transformation that redefines what we carry, how we carry it, and why,” states Cpt Panagis Zissimatos. He believes that companies like Adriatic Tankers must embrace their part not just as carriers, but as active participants in the global sustainability movement.
With fossil fuels still critical to global infrastructure, Cpt Panagis Zissimatos emphasizes the need for a pragmatic dual-track strategy: maintain safe and responsible fossil fuel transport in the short term, while preparing the fleet and business model for cleaner cargoes such as ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, and CO₂ for carbon capture projects.
At Adriatic Tankers, strategic investments are already underway to assess vessel conversions, green fuel partnerships, and emissions management systems. “We are laying the groundwork today for a cleaner, commercially viable tanker fleet tomorrow,” explains Cpt Panagis Zissimatos.
He also points to regulatory drivers that are accelerating this shift. From the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) to the EU’s inclusion of shipping in its Emissions Trading System (ETS), the pressure is mounting for all operators to demonstrate real progress—not just policy promises.
For Cpt Panagis Zissimatos, the goal is not just compliance—it’s leadership. “Adriatic Tankers will not be dragged into the future reluctantly. We are positioning ourselves to lead the change, to attract responsible cargo owners and financial partners who are prioritizing ESG.”
People, again, remain at the center of the strategy. “You can’t run a decarbonized fleet with yesterday’s mindset,” notes Cpt Panagis Zissimatos. “We’re investing in crew retraining, operational analytics, and building a culture that treats sustainability as a strategic pillar, not a PR exercise.”
In the eyes of Cpt Panagis Zissimatos, the energy transition is not a burden—it’s an opportunity. “For those willing to innovate and evolve, the future of tankers is not in decline—it’s being rewritten. And at Adriatic Tankers, we intend to write that future on our own terms.”