At Uveler, we're proud to share the compelling story of our valued client, Inglasco International. This is more than a case study; it's a tribute to the innovation, integrity, and sheer human grit that define a modern maritime safety leader.

The Story

A leaking roof doesn’t seem urgent until it rains.

In the maritime industry, the analogy is strikingly similar. Safety services are often overlooked, seen merely as routine compliance or a small line in the operational expense. Shipowners and managers frequently choose the path of least resistance or lowest immediate cost, unknowingly gambling on potentially catastrophic outcomes.

Chris Giljam, Managing Director of Inglasco International, has witnessed this mindset firsthand. With more than 18 years in ship safety services, Chris has built his career around preventing maritime disasters before they occur. “Safety seems invisible until it's desperately needed,” he notes.

A Personal Voyage into Maritime Safety

Chris's journey into maritime safety didn't start at the top, far from it. It began humbly, during his first overseas trip to the Harland & Wolff Shipyard in Belfast. "At the time, I didn’t know much," Chris admits candidly. “I had no clue how much I had to learn or the magnitude of understanding required in this industry. Experience isn’t something you can fast-track. It's earned, one mistake, one lesson, one job at a time.” His dedication and commitment to learning and growing in the industry are genuinely inspiring.

This candid reflection encapsulates the heart of Inglasco International, authentic expertise built on genuine experience. Chris emphasises that every day offers new insights and learning opportunities, even after nearly two decades. This continuous growth is a testament to our commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry, always ready to adapt and improve. This dedication to growth ensures we can always provide the best possible service to our clients.

Part of the Vivar Group

Inglasco International is proudly part of the Vivar Group, a respected maritime services conglomerate consisting of Vivar Ship Supply, Vivar Forwarding & Warehousing, Inglasco, and Inglasco International. While each company within the group specialises in distinct maritime areas, Inglasco International focuses on global safety services, providing unparalleled expertise and dedicated client support.

Founding Inglasco International: Bridging the Gap

Founded in 2019 and based in Limassol, Cyprus, Inglasco International was established to address significant gaps in maritime safety services. The company stands on solid ground, leveraging comprehensive industry expertise. Its inception was driven by the goal of providing transparent, reliable safety solutions for shipowners worldwide.

Inglasco International has quickly established itself by offering fixed, budget fleet agreements. This innovative model ensures predictability, transparency, and simplicity. Clients no longer need to worry about unexpected charges. Instead, they can rest assured that comprehensive, compliant safety services are reliably managed. This unique approach to service provision is just one of the many ways Inglasco International is changing the game in the maritime safety industry.

Beyond Numbers: The True Cost of Cutting Corners

Chris highlights the common misconception of equating the lowest price with the best deal. "A low quote might seem attractive initially, but it's essential to understand what's truly included," he warns. He emphasises the importance of thoroughly examining quotes to determine whether they cover the full scope of required services, from certifications and approvals to consumables, travel, and additional hidden costs.

Chris's mantra is clear: “A good safety provider gives full transparency. There are no shortcuts, no hidden fees, just solid, compliant service.”

Services and Operational Excellence

Inglasco International provides extensive safety solutions, including maintenance of firefighting equipment, servicing of lifesaving equipment, calibrations for critical safety instruments, thorough lifeboat inspections, and advanced bridge electronics support. These comprehensive services are delivered globally with meticulous attention to compliance, quality, and reliability.

Their operational model is efficient and straightforward, requiring only the vessel's schedule and agent details. This client-centric approach simplifies planning and execution, keeping technical teams focused on core operations.

Stories That Make a Difference

Consider the M/V “Lifeboat Emergency,” scheduled for service in Brazil but suddenly rerouted to Argentina. When Chris received a client’s urgent email one Saturday morning, he swiftly coordinated revised quotations, secured necessary flag and class approvals within hours, and mobilised the local service team. By Monday evening, the job was completed. “Imagine if we'd waited until Monday morning to act, it would’ve been too late,” Chris recounts.

This is what 24/7 service genuinely looks like: proactive, agile, and responsive. Our team is always on standby, ready to respond to any urgent situation. Such rapid and efficient intervention underscores Inglasco International's critical advantage, local partners who share the same urgency and commitment.

Another impactful story involves a vessel undergoing a Port State Control inspection in Rotterdam. Lifeboat windows were compromised, risking the crew's safety and potentially detaining the ship. The Inglasco International team swiftly responded, expertly replaced the windows, and restored waterproof integrity, avoiding costly delays and penalties.

Industry Engagement

In 2024, Inglasco International sponsored the 1st CSN Greece Maritime Supply Chain and Vessels Performance Forum in Athens, signalling strategic expansion in Greece. Led by Business Development Director Andrea Gerali Giljam and Greek Commercial Manager Veronika Starsinov, their participation highlighted Inglasco's commitment to thought leadership and regional growth.

Industry Context: An Essential Service in a Growing Market

The maritime safety system market is projected to reach USD 67.18 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.11% from 2025 to 2034, reflecting accelerated global investment in proactive safety infrastructure.

In 2023, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) recorded 2,676 marine casualties and incidents involving EU-registered ships—a slight increase from the previous year. While the number of fatalities dropped significantly from 30 in 2022 to 12 in 2023, the risk remains real, with 45 severe marine casualties still reported. These figures reinforce the critical importance of proactive, 24/7 safety services like those Inglasco International provides.

The chart illustrates the need for proactive safety management, especially in high-traffic and high-risk regions like the Mediterranean and the North Seas.

Inglasco International’s services, including calibrations and bridge electronics, are more relevant than ever, especially with the SOLAS amendments set to take effect in 2025. These amendments address issues like LNG fuel usage and autonomous vessels. By helping vessels stay compliant with evolving standards, Inglasco plays a pivotal role in industry safety.

A Woman’s Touch: Andrea Gerali Giljam’s Impact

Behind Inglasco International's success also stands Andrea Gerali Giljam, Business Development Director and wife of Chris Giljam. Andrea brings strategic direction and powerful insights into the dynamics of the business. With a career rooted deeply in understanding client needs and developing strong partnerships, Andrea is instrumental in shaping the company's growth and client-centric philosophy.

Andrea passionately discusses the work-life balance that many find elusive: “There’s a lot of talk lately about work-life balance. And to that, I say, women have been balancing everything since dawn.” Andrea reflects historically, emphasising the unique strengths women bring:

• In ancient times, women gathered food while carrying babies.

• In the Middle Ages, they ran households, managed farms, and still found time to sew everything by hand.

• In the 1940s, they worked in factories while raising the next generation.

• Today, they manage Zoom meetings while preparing school lunches, answering emails, and planning family dinners.

"Biologically, we're wired for it," Andrea continues. “Ever heard of the corpus callosum? It's the part of the brain connecting the left and right hemispheres; studies suggest it’s larger in women, making us natural multitaskers. If you need something done, while five other things are also getting done, ask a woman. We've been training for this our whole lives.”

Andrea’s commitment and capability resonate deeply within Inglasco International, helping build an organisation that genuinely understands its clients, driven by empathy, balance, and effectiveness.

Client Impact and Case Study

The Brazil-to-Argentina case demonstrates Inglasco's agility. When plans change unexpectedly, there are no excuses, no delays, just commitment and execution. Inglasco’s quick action represents what modern fleets need.

This level of responsiveness aligns with insights from The Future of Maritime Safety 2024, which reports an average of 799 annual maritime distress calls from 2018 to 2023.

The importance of comprehensive service coverage becomes even clearer when examining the breakdown of safety recommendations and corrective actions across the maritime industry.

Over 1,000 recommendations in 2023 were tied to ship-related procedures alone, Inglasco’s primary area of expertise. From equipment calibrations to bridge electronics and lifeboat readiness, these figures support why a holistic and experienced safety provider like Inglasco International is indispensable.

Future Outlook: Leading Through Change

As the industry shifts toward digital systems, decarbonisation, and alternative fuels like methanol and hydrogen, Inglasco International is ready. Backed by the Vivar Group and a reputation for excellence, the company is strategically positioned to support fleet owners adapting to NorthStandard 2025 Incoming Regulations. Their growth in Greece, participation in global forums, and commitment to evolving safety demands signal a bright future rooted in reliability, transparency, and technical mastery, providing a sense of security and preparedness for the future.

Conclusion: Commitment Beyond Compliance

Inglasco International’s story is not just about compliance or routine safety; it’s about proactive care, commitment to quality, and genuine partnership. As maritime operations become more complex, Inglasco International remains a steadfast partner, delivering comprehensive safety solutions that keep vessels safe, compliant, and operational.

Stay ahead. Stay compliant. Don’t wait for the downpour.