Athens – 16 July 2020
The Greek Shipping Hall of Fame has today announced that its Induction Ceremony 2020 will take place as a unique Virtual Event on Monday 5 October.
The free-to-view digital event will be a celebration of the Greek shipping industry, its leaders, history and culture. It takes the place of the Hall of Fame’s traditional annual dinner event as a precaution in view of the Covid-19 pandemic and the continuing uncertainty engendered by this.
In taking this decision, our primary concern is the wellbeing of everyone in the shipping community, including many personal friends, loyal supporters and valued guests of the Greek Shipping Hall of Fame.
A highlight of the event will be the unveiling of the two new Inductees for 2019, as voted for by the members of the Greek Shipping Hall of Fame Academy earlier this year. They will join 30 ‘Greats’ already inducted into the Greek Shipping Hall of Fame. As in past annual ceremonies, the event will also include tributes to all the existing Inductees, remembering historic personalities who have helped shape Greece’s leading status in the global shipping industry.
“We are confident that our unique Virtual Event for 2020 will live up to the Hall of Fame’s reputation for exciting, world-class events. It will include all the usual content which we think will transfer very well to the new format,” commented founder Nigel Lowry.
“This is overwhelmingly the best choice – not only for public health and safety reasons but also to guarantee the integrity of the annual ceremony. We are committed to respect the Academy’s vote and to ensure a fitting celebration of our Inductees for 2019 before the new 2020 voting seasons begins.
“In addition, it is an opportunity to bring the Hall of Fame and illustrious personalities from the history of Greek shipping to a wider audience than is possible through a regular dinner event.”
The Virtual Induction Ceremony will continue the Greek Shipping Hall of Fame’s support for Hellenic Hope, by donating a portion of sponsorship proceeds to this charity that is devoted to helping needy children in Greece.
We are extremely grateful for the continued support of our loyal event sponsors and their understanding of the decision to transform this year’s Induction Ceremony into a Virtual Event.
Thanks goes to our Leading Sponsors: ABS, IRI – The Marshall Islands Registry, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., TMS Group and Navios Group.
Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and CEO comments: “Global shipping is fundamental to keeping worldwide trade and economies moving so it is a great time to highlight the huge contribution of Greek industry leaders to our industry. ABS’ deep relationship with the Greek shipping industry is rooted in a shared commitment to safety and innovation, qualities which will continue to prove key to keeping ships moving.”
Theo Xenakoudis, Director – Worldwide Business Operations & Managing Director Greece, International Registries Inc. comments: “The Marshall Islands Registry is proud to once again support the Greek Shipping Hall of Fame and celebrate the Greek shipping community and the inspiring personalities who have shaped the modern, quality-oriented Greek-controlled fleet. Although the pandemic has changed how we do business globally, we remain committed to honouring and celebrating the people who make our industry thrive and we look forward to this year’s virtual Induction Ceremony.”
Wang Qi, Chairman of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, comments: “SWS enjoys a close relationship with the Greek shipping community through excellent and long-standing relationships with our clients. Our support for the Greek Shipping Hall of Fame as a lead sponsor of the annual Induction Ceremony has given us an even greater understanding of Greek shipping’s history and culture and strengthened our appreciation of the extraordinary individuals who have helped to shape today’s Greek shipping industry.
“We are committed to continue working closely with shipowners as the maritime industry continues its vital role in these difficult times and we look forward to again seeing all our friends in Greece soon. SWS wishes the Greek Shipping Hall of Fame every success for this year’s virtual Induction Ceremony.”
Thank you also to our Premium Sponsors so far: Bureau Veritas, Citi Private Bank, Moore Greece, and Optima Shipping Services.
Thank you too to our Sponsors: China Classification Society, ClassNK, Shipping Deputy Ministry, Republic of Cyprus, The Ecali Club, HSBC – Greece, KPMG, Kyvernitis Travel, Marichem-Marigases Worldwide Services and Willis Towers Watson.
The Greek Shipping Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognising outstanding personalities from the history of Greek shipping as well as being an important hub of information on Greek shipping’s extraordinary contribution to Greece and to world trade.
Sponsorship enquiries: [email protected]
Press enquiries: [email protected]
