In a world where maritime trade routes are being redrawn in real time and the supply chain has become a battlefield of geopolitical tension, technical support for shipping is no longer just an operational process—it’s a strategic survival tool.
Shipping is no longer a neutral transport system. It’s a living, fragile web, constantly tested by political tremors, commercial clashes, and technological upheavals. The entire maritime industry now sails through a storm of uncertainty, where ship maintenance and technical readiness are foundational to staying afloat.
Maritech Group Holding, along with its global affiliates operates strategically in one of the most critical—and sensitive—links of the shipping chain: keeping ships moving, no matter the circumstances.
For its CEO, Dimitris Sorokas, flashy geopolitical commentary takes a back seat. What matters is resilience. In today’s world, the ability to respond even to the most unpredictable crisis is what makes or breaks you.
His approach goes beyond spare parts and toolkits. It’s a philosophy of operational vigilance—one that speaks the language of expertise and geopolitical awareness. For him, technical support isn’t a back-office function. It’s a forward base.
In the following interview, Sorokas lays out how the technical sector of shipping can be a shield of reliability in a volatile world—and how foresight, preparedness, and what he calls “technical operational intelligence” can serve as anchors of stability in uncharted waters.
– Global supply chains are under pressure: new tariffs, rerouting due to the Red Sea crisis, longer voyages. How is this affecting the technical support and spare parts sector in shipping?
We’re in a fully geopolitical phase. Instability isn’t the exception anymore—it’s the new normal. Suez deviations, rate hikes, geo-economic showdowns—they’re reshaping how ships operate. And we must respond with speed, precision, and foresight. Technical support is no longer “support.” It’s frontline strategy. It’s how you ensure operational continuity amid chaos. And the only way to do that is by turning technical ability into strategic alertness.
– What’s your current focus? What are the critical technical components?
Plate Heat Exchangers and Fresh Water Generators. These are mission-critical systems. If they fail, the ship’s autonomy is compromised. We make sure it never gets to that point. We don’t believe in quick fixes—we go for sustainable solutions. On-site interventions, lab support, deep expertise. Technical intelligence isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategic asset.
– How do you maintain a high level of technical expertise in such a demanding environment?
Know-how isn’t a trophy you win and put on a shelf. It’s dynamic, living, and constantly evolving. That means constant training, real-world exposure, staying plugged into the pulse of technology. Our technicians aren’t just specialists—they’re problem-solvers. They see the ship as a system, not a pile of parts. That mindset is everything.
– What’s the role of digitalization in technical support?
It’s foundational. Condition monitoring — the data-driven tracking of systems—is the next frontier. The goal isn’t to react. It’s to anticipate. We need to build a technical memory that predicts, not just a technical reflex that responds. The key is balance: digital tools that empower people—not replace them.
– How does your supply model adapt to these new geopolitical and commercial realities?
Flexibility is non-negotiable. We can’t rely on steady flows in a world where supply routes get redrawn every three months. We need models that work across borders but can also adapt locally. Strategic dispersion. Smart manufacturing. Independence. If you want to keep ships running, you must think like a ship manager, not a logistics manager.
– What’s your definition of “green” technical support?
No wishful thinking. Just action. Sustainability means systems that last longer, consume less, and generate fewer waste by-products. It’s not a marketing story—it’s a technical choice. In practice? Specialized cleaning agents. Reuse of components. Energy efficiency. Tangible results, not pretty slogans.
– Is there a growth plan amid all this global turbulence?
Yes, but not blind expansion. We’re not chasing size. We’re chasing strategic proximity. The higher the geopolitical risk, the more valuable it is to be close to the ships you serve, in critical technical zones. Our model prioritizes technical readiness and presence. There’s no point expanding if you can’t hold your ground. And no point holding your ground if you can’t protect it.
– Is there a risk in overexposure?
The technical world doesn’t need noise. It needs precision, discretion, and resolve. There are no titles here—only results. Our teams don’t make noise. They make things work. And right now, that’s all that matters.
– What are your next priorities?
Strengthening our technical teams, expanding to key locations, and investing in technological innovation. We want support that’s faster, smarter, and greener. Not for show—but because that’s what the times demand. Technical support is no longer just an operational issue. It’s a political and economic one.
– If you had to sum up your philosophy in three words?
Reliability. Know-how. Agility.
In a world in flux, stability doesn’t mean standing still. It means being able to move with precision when everyone else has lost their bearings.