April 10, 2019
Greek Shipping Hall of Fame unveils 2018 Inductees, highlighting glorious past of Greek shipping industry at a glittering event in Athens which supports children’s charity Hellenic Hope
Today’s Greek shipping community turned out in force to honour many of the industry’s past greats who were hailed at the Greek Shipping Hall of Fame’s 2019 Induction Ceremony & Dinner.
About 650 guests including leading shipowners together with their business partners from Greece and overseas participated in one of the maritime world’s most prestigious dinner events.
The event concluded with the announcement of the latest Inductees to the Greek Shipping Hall of Fame – George S. Coumantaros (1922-2016) and John P. Goulandris (1907-1950).
Announcement of the two Inductees for 2018 was accompanied by testimony to their achievements and personalities from family and friends.
The Greek Shipping Hall of Fame event, held at the Megaron, the Athens Concert Hall, also included tributes to the 28 other Inductees of the Hall of Fame and supported children’s charity Hellenic Hope. Dimitris Fafalios, the chairman of international shipping association Intercargo, presented on behalf of the Hall of Fame a donation from the event proceeds to Andreas Bouras, chief executive officer of Hellenic Hope.
Another highlight of the event saw a special tribute made to Greek shipping legend Manuel Kulukundis (1898-1988), one of the first four personalities inducted into the Hall of Fame back in 2007.
Dimitris Fafalios, Chairman of Intercargo presents a donation on behalf of the Greek Shipping Hall of Fame to Andreas Bouras, Chief Executive of Hellenic Hope
Including pledges received for four original watercolour paintings and sketches by Kulukundis offered in a charity auction, the event will have raised Euros 44,000 for Hellenic Hope which supports selected non-governmental organisations working with children in Greece.
Impressive shipping industry support for the event was led by ABS, IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry and Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. the three Co-Lead Sponsors of the Induction Ceremony & Dinner 2019.
Vassilios Kroustallis, Vice President Europe, ABS
For ABS, Vassilios Kroustallis, Vice President Europe, said: “It is an honor and privilege to be a part of this event. The individuals we are celebrating tonight exemplify leadership and embody the pioneering spirit that has defined the maritime industry for centuries. We are doing our best to live up to their legacy.”
Theo Xenakoudis, Director, Worldwide Business Operations & Managing Director Greece, IRI / The Marshall Islands Registry
Theo Xenakoudis, Director, Worldwide Business Operations and Managing Director, Piraeus, Greece for IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry, said: “Perhaps more so than any other maritime nation, the Greek shipping community is respected and revered for its entrepreneurial spirit and respect for tradition. Greek shipping is known all over the world for our engagement with each other, and our determination to lead this global industry.”
Wang Qi, Chairman, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. Ltd
Wang Qi, Chairman of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. Ltd (SWS), said: “As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year we look back with pride on SWS’s accomplishments, many of which have been in co-operation with our Greek clients, and we look forward to the next 20 years to continue to provide you with our best service, superior quality and reliable deliveries. We look upon this evening’s event as a unique opportunity to re-connect with our Hellenic friends and, on behalf of everyone at SWS I thank you all for your continued trust and friendship.”
TMS, one of Greece’s largest shipping groups, graciously continued its support as the sponsor of the welcome drinks reception for the event. Navios Group of Companies again kindly supported the event by sponsoring the dinner.
American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company, Bureau Veritas, Citi Private Bank, Moore Stephens and Thomas Miller supported the event as Premium Sponsors.
Further sponsorship support came from China Classification Society, ClassNK, DNV GL, Hellenic War Risks, HSBC, KPMG, Kyvernitis Travel, Malta Ship Registry, Marine Tours, Phoenix Register of Shipping, Segaline S.A., UK Defence Club and the UK P&I Club with the Ecali Club supporting as exclusive Lifestyle Partner.
Bank Julius Baer enhanced the Greek Shipping Hall of Fame’s 2019 support for Hellenic Hope.
