Athens – 7 July 2022
The Greek Shipping Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Dinner 2022 took place on the evening of Tuesday July 5 at Megaron, the Athens Concert Hall with 500 guests. The prestigious annual event honours historic greats of the Greek shipping industry.
At the conclusion of this year’s ceremony, John A. Angelicoussis (1948-2021) and Paul J. Ioannidis (1924-2021) were announced as the latest two Inductees in the Hall of Fame. They bring the number of historic personalities in the Greek shipping pantheon to 36.
The Greek Shipping Hall of Fame event supported children’s charity Hellenic Hope with a donation, presented to Andreas Bouras, Chief Executive Officer of Hellenic Hope that works to support at-risk kids 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.
According to Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and CEO, Greek shipping has demonstrated itself to be as vibrant and vigorous as ever. “The success of Greek shipping is a result of a pragmatic, pioneering, innovative and resilient mindset and personality. The Greek industry today continues to demonstrate all this, as well as leadership in its approach to safety, environmental protection, attitude to innovation and the biggest challenge of our time: decarbonisation.
Mr Wiernicki said: “In every sector of the market, Greek operators lead the field, many with the close support of ABS over the decades. Our roots run deep in Greece and our relationships here remain as important as ever.”
Theofilos Xenakoudis, Chief Commercial Officer, and Managing Director – Piraeus, Greece for IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry, said: “Ancient Greek Mythology is rich with stories of our brothers and sisters navigating turbulent waters, clever sea monsters, and seductive sea nymphs. The stories from the sea are never easy paths to success, but that has always made Greeks stronger sailors.”
Although the challenges are different today, Greek shipping “continues to thrive because it is always focused on forward momentum,” said Mr Xenakoudis. “As the world addresses the challenges of today’s seas, the Marshall Islands – like our ancient ancestors – is focused on the path ahead”.
Wang Qi, Chairman of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (SWS), addressed the audience through a video message, reporting the return to normal life in Shanghai post-pandemic. SWS production is already back on track with minimum disruption to its newbuild vessel programme, that includes the first major cruise ship built in China and the first dual-fuel newcastlemax bulk carrier.
He said: “SWS is very happy to continue its support of the Greek Shipping Hall of Fame as a Lead Sponsor of this year’s 2022 Induction Ceremony and Dinner. This important occasion provides us with the unique opportunity to greet you all and wish you a wonderful evening as you celebrate outstanding personalities in Greek shipping history.”
TMS, one of Greece’s largest shipping groups, graciously continued its support as the event’s welcome drinks sponsor. Navios Group kindly supported the event by sponsoring the dinner once again. A taste of Chios Island was provided by The Tsakos Group as our after-dinner digestifs sponsor.
Bureau Veritas, Citi Private Bank, Isle of Man Ship Registry, Moore Greece, and Orca AI supported the event as Premium Sponsors.
The Greek Shipping Hall of Fame also expressed gratitude to Bank Julius Baer for enhancing its support for Hellenic Hope.
Further kind sponsorship support came from Aspida Travel, Berenberg, China Classification Society, ClassNK, EastGate Shipping, the Ecali Club, Franman, KPMG, Lloyd’s Register, Marichem-Marigases, Marine Tours, Polygreen, Seascape, and UBS.
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