BEVALDIA
Setting the Standard for Global Underwater and Diving Services

Abdeljabbar Elgabli, CEO & Co-Founder and Psomatakis Eleni, Co-Founder

Few companies earn trust below the surface, both figuratively and literally. BEVALDIA has done just that, emerging as a reliable force in maritime and underwater services. Its reputation hasn’t come from bold claims but from years of technical precision, problem-solving under pressure, and quietly raising the bar for what’s possible underwater.

In this interview, co-founders Abdeljabbar Elgabli and Psomatakis Eleni revisit the turning points that shaped BEVALDIA’s rise. From hands-on beginnings to becoming a go-to partner for specialised operations across global ports, they share how the company stayed grounded while navigating a fast-changing industry and why the future calls for even bolder steps.

What inspired you to start BEVALDIA, and what guiding principles shaped its early days?

Psomatakis: BEVALDIA began its journey 47 years ago with a clear goal to provide specialised, high-quality underwater services to the maritime sector. We recognised early on the increasing demand for reliable, safe, and technologically advanced underwater solutions. Our guiding principle has always been to deliver exceptional service while upholding a strong commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and customer satisfaction.

Over the years, BEVALDIA has expanded steadily through continuous talent, training, and technology investment. Today, BEVALDIA is a global leader in underwater vessel services, proudly supporting over 630 satisfied customers. We maintain fully manned, equipped, and licensed underwater service stations in 39 countries, fully complying with local port authority regulations and adapting our work to each region's unique demands and needs.

Elgabli:

From the outset, BEVALDIA was built on a foundation of innovation and integrity. Our aim was never simply to provide diving services but to set new standards in safety and operational excellence. This commitment has earned the trust of clients across the globe and driven our steady global growth. What truly sets BEVALDIA apart is our depth of experience and agility in managing complex underwater projects that require swift turnaround and unwavering quality.

What distinguishes BEVALDIA’s service network from others in the industry?

Elgabli: BEVALDIA distinguishes itself in the underwater services sector through a strategically structured and far-reaching service network. We deliver real-time support across various regions, allowing us to carry out complex, time-sensitive projects safely and precisely. Every assignment carries our guarantee of consistent quality, ensuring that clients receive the same high standard of service regardless of location.

Our teams are equipped and trained to manage high-risk, logistically challenging operations. Whether responding to a vessel in a congested port or servicing one at a remote anchorage, our approach remains swift, safe, and standardised. The ability to deliver immediate underwater support mitigates risk and significantly reduces operational delays, providing substantial cost savings for our clients.

What core services does BEVALDIA provide, and how do you maintain consistently high quality across them?

Psomatakis: We specialise in underwater hull cleaning, propeller polishing, in-water class-approved surveys, photo and video inspections, waterproofing services, underwater welding repairs, and inspections related to the purchase or sale of vessels, among others. No matter the scope, our service stations in 39 countries remain fully equipped and operated by certified professionals.

We conduct comprehensive in-water surveys approved by all major classification societies, including IACS members. Each operation is meticulously documented with high-resolution images and videos, giving clients clear, reliable information to support sound decision-making.

Our services emphasise safety, efficiency, and innovation. We hold ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality, ISO 14001:2015 accreditation for environmental management, and ISO 45001:2018 certification for occupational health and safety. In addition, we maintain approvals from all International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) classification societies. These credentials guarantee that every project meets the highest industry standards.

Our expert divers and technical staff undergo rigorous, ongoing training in the latest underwater technologies. Advanced brush cart systems, for example, enable hull cleaning to be carried out efficiently while a vessel remains in port or at anchor, minimising downtime and reducing environmental impact.

Are there any specialised services you provide that set BEVALDIA apart from other industry players?

Elgabli: Absolutely. BEVALDIA provides several specialised services that set us apart in the global underwater services sector. One such offering is our fully analytical underwater inspection service, specifically designed to detect and identify illegal substances hidden in submerged areas of a vessel, such as sea chests. These high-risk inspections demand precision, discretion, and the use of advanced imaging technology. Our diving teams are thoroughly trained and equipped to carry out these operations with the highest level of professionalism and accuracy.

Psomatakis: I would also like to highlight our hull cleaning services, which are fully compliant with the stringent biofouling regulations enforced by Australia and New Zealand. These standards require a depth of precision and thoroughness beyond conventional cleaning procedures. Our teams are specially trained to meet these heightened demands, helping vessels maintain regulatory compliance, avoid costly delays or penalties, and uphold both performance and environmental integrity.

How is BEVALDIA positioning itself for future growth and industry developments?

Psomatakis: Our strategy rests on three core pillars: innovation, international expansion, and strategic partnerships. We are entering new markets while continuously refining our services to meet our clients’ evolving needs and address the unique challenges each location presents. Growing demand for sustainable solutions guides our investments and shapes our priorities, ensuring that we stay ahead of industry expectations.

Elgabli: We are investing in advanced underwater technologies, including remotely operated and autonomous cleaning machines, to complement and enhance our standard hull cleaning equipment. These innovations enable us to deliver faster, safer, and more efficient services, always fully compliant with local regulations.
Our commitment to sustainability remains vital. Clean hulls contribute to lower fuel consumption, helping our clients reduce emissions and comply with increasingly strict environmental standards. We see underwater services as routine maintenance and a strategic advantage in modern shipping.

What message would you like to share with your clients today?

Elgabli: We deliver strategic value, not just services. By investing in people, technology, and environmental responsibility, we continue to stand as the trusted leader in the underwater services sector. BEVALDIA remains ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges with the same agility, quality, and client-first mindset that have defined our success for nearly five decades.

Psomatakis: From the very beginning, we made a deliberate choice to think beyond local boundaries. We understood that the maritime world knows no borders, and neither should underwater services. A vessel can be in any port or continent, and our responsibility is to meet its requirements with the same level of accuracy and professionalism, regardless of location.

We did not set out simply to offer diving services but to redefine what global consistency means in this industry. That vision demanded building a network capable of responding anywhere while maintaining the high standards that define the BEVALDIA name. It was an ambitious goal, but one we have pursued with unwavering commitment. Today, our global footprint is the strongest proof that we have honoured that vision.