Elias Mallios, Member of the Board of Directors, HEMEXPO and Export Director, Seabright
Since its foundation in 2014, HEMEXPO – Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers & Exporters – has evolved from a collective of innovative Greek marine equipment manufacturers into a globally recognised entity in the maritime industry. In the same time frame, the maritime equipment sector has undergone substantial transformation driven by forces including environmental regulation and the growing demand for operational efficiency.
As a member of the HEMEXPO board of directors, I have observed a steady increase in the number of member companies directly addressing these imperatives through their portfolios of products and services. Seabright, a founding member of the association, specialises in shipboard LED lighting, which offers considerable advantages in efficiency and sustainability.
Converting a higher percentage of electricity into visible light, with minimal energy wasted as heat, LEDs – light-emitting diodes – are significantly more efficient than traditional lighting options, consuming up to 85% less energy than incandescent lighting and around 70% less than fluorescent lighting. They also have a much longer lifespan, often lasting over 72,000 hours, which means fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs.
Because LEDs draw less energy from the ship’s power systems, they not only minimise energy consumption but also contribute to fuel savings, in turn reducing emissions and operating costs. This makes LED lighting an excellent choice for sustainability- and cost-focused retrofits, with return on investment typically achieved in 14–19 months depending on the vessel type.
As the maritime industry’s focus on sustainability and energy efficiency has grown, demand for LED lighting solutions has only accelerated. Cruise lines and other shipping companies are increasingly looking to integrate energy-efficient lighting throughout their vessels, both to comply with environmental standards and to reduce operational costs in the long term.
Against this backdrop, Seabright has become a trusted partner to major maritime operators worldwide. Recognised for their reliability, energy efficiency, and innovative design, our products feature on a wide variety of vessels, from passenger ferries and cruise ships to cargo vessels and tankers. Meanwhile, our global network spans Europe, Asia, the USA, and the Middle East, enabling us to serve a diverse range of customers and cater to the unique demands of each market. Notable clients include MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Marella Cruises, Stena Line, and Corsica Ferries as well as Star Bulk, Zodiac Maritime, Minerva Marine, and Kyklades Maritime.
Amid intensifying regulations and efficiency imperatives, Seabright is well positioned to increase its market share and strengthen its leadership in the maritime lighting sector. To meet the evolving needs of our growing client base, we have expanded our portfolio to provide integrated solutions that optimise both energy consumption and lighting quality for various applications, such as cabins, common areas, navigation decks, and exterior spaces. In addition, our LED upgrade kits now use Generation 5 LED raw materials, making them the most advanced on the market.
Seabright owes much of its growth and success to HEMEXPO, whose presence in international maritime exhibitions and trade missions has significantly increased our visibility. By allowing us to showcase our products to potential clients and partners globally, these events not only support our brand and promote Seabright as a company but help to enhance the reputation of the Greek marine technology sector as a whole.
HEMEXPO has also cultivated strategic partnerships with international organisations and foreign shipyards, opening doors for members, including Seabright, to engage in cross-border collaborations and partnerships. This has been particularly advantageous in gaining market access and credibility in competitive global markets.
Additionally, membership of the association grants access to industry insights, regulatory updates, and R&D funding opportunities. Through sharing sessions, Seabright has kept up to date on the latest market trends and compliance requirements, which has helped us to remain competitive and at the forefront of innovation.
Overall, the ability to engage directly with key industry players, access new markets, and leverage HEMEXPO’s support for R&D initiatives has helped us to strengthen our position on the market and align our products with the latest industry standards. Being part of HEMEXPO is more than a matter of representation; it is about being empowered with the right tools and opportunities to drive business growth.
