Tuesday, April 07, 2026
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Held by the Embassy and General Consulate of Panama in Greece, the first Athens International Conference focused on the theme “Panama: A Strategic Hub to the World of Maritime Services.” This international event served to officially promote Panama’s International Ship Registry and its inherent advantages. Furthermore, the conference underscored the nation's critical role as a global strategic center for the maritime industry, detailing its integrated logistics platform and outlining lucrative investment opportunities.

The conference which took place in Grand Hyatt Athens, was presided by H.E. Mrs. Julie Lymberopulos Karnakis, Ambassador and General Consul of the Republic of Panama to the Hellenic Republic and with the participation of shipowners and members of the maritime industry from Greece, Italy and Cyprus.

The symposium featured valuable insights from distinguished representatives, including Mr. Salvatore Bacile, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, and Mr. Evangelos Siannis, Manager of the Integrated Operations Control Center at the Panama Canal Authority. Additional contributions came from Mr. Javier Suárez Pinzón, Administrator of the Panama Pacifico Agency, and Mr. Ramón Franco, Director General of the Merchant Marine at the Panama Maritime Authority.

This successful event clearly reflected the presence of Panama’s International Ship Registry within the Greek maritime industry, the importance of promoting foreign investment, and the valuable cooperation between the nations of Panama and Greece.

In a special address Ambassador Lymberopulos Karnakis noted: “'I genuinely hope this conference not only offers valuable perspectives but also brings our nations even closer together. With my Greek heritage, it is especially meaningful to witness the strengthening relationship between Greek and Panamanian industries. I am confident that today’s exchange will open the door to even greater cooperation and mutual growth in the years ahead.”

During their speeches, Mr. Bacile and Mr. Siannis, shared the future of the Panama Canal, mentioning the plans for the development of a gas pipeline – energy corridor, the development of port terminals and for the route to extends their functions as a specialized interoceanic dry canal, promoting Panama as a logistic platform.

Mr. Javier Suárez Pinzón, Administrator of the Panama Pacifico Agency highlighted Panama as a multimodal and industrially integrated hub that provides a competitive legal framework and nurtures emerging talent, fostering collaboration and synergy among companies to promote innovation and growth within its economic clusters.

Lastly, Mr. Ramón Franco, General Director of Merchant Marine, highlighted the recent initiatives undertaken by the Panama Ship Registry, noting the Registry’s renewed emphasis on quality over quantity. He shared that these measures have already contributed to a significant reduction in accident rates, strengthening Panama’s commitment to safety and operational excellence. He also underscored the importance of Panama’s successful completion of the IMSAS (IMO Member State Audit Scheme), a milestone that reflects the country’s strong regulatory performance and adherence to international maritime standards. These advancements, he noted, further enhance Panama’s position as a trusted and forward-looking partner for the global maritime community, including Greece.

Following the official program, guests were invited to a luncheon, that encouraged dialogue, networking, and the strengthening of professional and cultural ties between countries.

The Embassy and General Consulate of Panama expressed great pride in welcoming esteemed representatives from the industry and speakers from the Panama Canal Authority, the Panama Maritime Authority, and the Panama Pacifico Agency. Their expertise, vision, and commitment offered valuable perspectives on how Panama continues to shape the future of global maritime logistics, trade, and technological innovation.

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The American P&I Club hosted its annual Market Presentation for Greek members and partners on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at The Piraeus Marine Club in Athens. The event served as a platform to present the Club's greatest achievements and key financial figures for the year.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Joanna Koukouli, Co-Global Claims Director - S.V.P./Managing Director of the American Club, underscored the Club’s fundamental commitment: "The Club’s main goal is to deliver transparency, stability, and excellent service."

Dorothea Ioannou, CEO of the American Club, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Club's progress and strategic adjustments. Key areas of focus include:

  • •  An evolving, adaptive underwriting model,
  • • Robust due diligence processes resulting in a greater alignment,
  • • While claims and reinsurance costs were high in 2024, significant changes in risk approach and proactive loss prevention initiatives have led to a "drastically dropped" and "alleviating course" for current claims.

The Club also reported strong financial results, with investment performance reaching 7.97%, providing sufficient income. These reforms have also driven a favorable shift in key metrics:

  • • The development of the net loss ratio became risk sustainable.
  • • The Club achieved a lower combined ratio, illustrating a sustainable financial landscape.

The primary client base continues to be shipowners of dry cargo and tanker vessels, and small crafts from Europe and North East Asia.

Ms. Ioannou concluded by outlining the Club’s unwavering strategy: one of dynamic alignment with evolving risk landscape, slow yet steady positive development, and representing a significant voice in the industry, loyalty is valued and and performance highly respected, providing solutions, accessibility, flexibility and transparency, partnership with members.

The Club is committed to its membership, maintaining its ethos, with its people recognized as its "most valuable asset." 

Special Recognition for Heroic Salvage Operation

The event also featured a special ceremony to honor the management, personnel and the crews involved in a recent maritime incident. The American Club honoured the crew of the vessels “Aigaion Pelagos” and “Panormitis” for their successful salvage operation of the tanker vessel “Sounion,” which had been struck by Houthi rebels at Red Sea region.

The award was accepted by Mr. Paul Xiradakis, Managing Director of Mega Tugs. Mr. Xiradakis graciously dedicated the honor to Captain Dimitris Flouris and the crew of the tug.

Photo Capture: COO Mr. Daniel Tandros presented the rescue and salvage award to Mr. Xiradakis, Managing Director of Mega Tugs.

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A decade of commitment to quality, environmental excellence & sustainable maritime progress

On the occasion of completing 10 years at the helm of the Green Award Foundation, Capt. Dimitrios Matthaiou, President, Green Award Foundation & CEO – Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. Ltd | Aegean Bulk Co. Inc. stated: “This month marks 10 years since I had the privilege of assuming the role of Chairman of the Green Award Foundation — a decade dedicated to promoting sustainability, safety, and high-quality shipping across the global maritime community.

Today, I am humbled to stand as the longest-serving Chairman of the modern era of this distinguished environmental organization. These ten years have been a journey of collaboration, innovation and shared commitment to a safer, greener and more responsible maritime industry.

Over the last decade, the Green Award Foundation has expanded its global footprint, strengthened its certification programs, and deepened its cooperation with ports, terminals and service providers worldwide. Our mission remains clear: to reward quality and environmentally responsible shipping.

Why join the Green Award Program — Benefits in Brief

Benefits for Certificate Holders:

Participation in the Green Award Program offers a range of strategic advantages, including port fee discounts, operational savings, enhanced ESG recognition, strengthened corporate reputation, and a clear competitive advantage in the maritime market. Certified companies demonstrate measurable commitment to safety, sustainability and environmental excellence — values increasingly sought by charterers, financiers and stakeholders.

Benefits for Incentive Providers:

Ports, terminals and service providers joining the Green Award network benefit through the attraction of responsible and high-performing tonnage, the enhancement of their environmental profile, alignment with international ESG frameworks, increased global visibility within the GA network, and meaningful contribution to cleaner, safer and more sustainable port environments. Participation also strengthens stakeholder trust and showcases leadership in supporting quality shipping.

A message for the future

As we look ahead, my message is simple:

Now, more than ever, the maritime industry needs strong alliances for a greener future.

I warmly invite more shipping companies, ports, terminals and service providers to join the Green Award community and become part of a global movement that supports quality, safety and environmental leadership.

Together, we can shape a safer, cleaner and more sustainable maritime world for the generations to come.

Thank you for your trust and support throughout these ten years.

The journey continues”.

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Mintra, a global leader in digital learning and workforce management solutions for the maritime and energy sectors, has completed the acquisition of SQLearn, a leading Greek provider of online maritime training solutions. This strategic acquisition marks the next phase in Mintra’s commitment to support the maritime industry’s digital transformation, with a special focus on Greece and beyond.

With decades of international experience in learning, HR and crew-management solutions, Mintra brings to the table a comprehensive suite of software and services, enabling global workforce optimisation, learning delivery, compliance management and more. Its flagship platforms, Trainingportal and OCS HR, have earned a strong reputation across the maritime sector.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Piraeus, SQLearn has become the most trusted name in Greek-based maritime e-learning. Its offerings include an in-house developed learning management system, a rich library of STCW-approved online courses (covering safety, security, environmental compliance, soft skills, vetting readiness, and more), and advanced training delivery tools compatible with onboard and ashore use. SQLearn supports more than 1,000 vessels, 50,000 seafarers and 150 shipping companies worldwide.

This acquisition brings together two market leaders with a shared vision - combining Mintra’s global reach, with SQLearn’s strong Greek heritage, specialised content development, and deep understanding of local maritime training needs. The result is a powerful value proposition that will accelerate digital learning adoption in Greece, while making advanced maritime technologies accessible to Mintra’s global customer base.

I am excited about the opportunities this acquisition creates for SQLearn. With Mintra powering our Greek-developed products while offering international reach through Mintra’s global presence, we foresee enormous benefits for shipowners and seafarers alike,” said Spyros Goumas, CEO of SQLearn.

From Mintra’s side, the acquisition reflects a strong commitment to invest in the Greek maritime industry, leveraging SQLearn’s established commercial network and stellar reputation. “We are proud and excited to welcome SQLearn into the Mintra family,” said Kevin Short, CEO of Mintra. “We believe that their proven products and local expertise will help us deliver greater value in Greece and beyond, supporting the maritime industry’s urgent need for digital transformation through high-impact training and technology.”

Both SQLearn and Mintra would like to extend their appreciation to Advokatfirmaet CLP DA, KBVL Law Firm, Deloitte Advisory, and Nordea Bank for their valuable support throughout the transaction.

Together, Mintra and SQLearn will continue to deliver accredited, high-quality courses, training-management tools, and crew competency solutions, helping shipping companies meet regulatory demands, enhance safety and sustainability, and manage crews efficiently across global fleets.

About Mintra: 

Mintra is a leading provider of digital learning and human capital management systems for safety-critical industries worldwide. Mintra develops and deploys software solutions that enable its clients to develop and deploy their people, readily demonstrate compliance and maximise operational efficiency.

Mintra’s Trainingportal learning and competency management system is certified to the ST-0595 Training Platform standard and plays a vital role in supporting 2.8 million workers and 4,000 companies. Mintra offers an extensive portfolio of training courses tailored to the maritime and energy sectors, encompassing over 2,600 titles and, as a multi-approved training provider, issues certificates for the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA), OPITO, DNV, ECITB, IOSH, ClassNK and The Nautical Institute. For more than four decades, OCS HR, Mintra's crew management system, has streamlined the planning and administration of seafarers worldwide. 

Originating in Oslo in 1997, Mintra’s strategic growth has seen the incorporation of OnSoft Computer Systems (OCS) in 2016, Atlas Knowledge in 2018, Safebridge in 2021, Seably in 2023 and Moxie Media in 2025. Mintra’s skilled team exceeds 200 specialists in consulting, design, development, and support, operates from their headquarters in Bergen, with offices spanning Oslo, Stavanger, Aberdeen, Gothenburg, Limassol and New Orleans. This geographic distribution ideally positions Mintra to address the training, HR, payroll, and workforce management requirements of the maritime and energy sectors on a global scale. The Maritime sector has become a significant focus, currently serving close to 15,000 vessels through Mintra's solutions.

Mintra is a DNV-ST-0029 approved Maritime Training Provider and certified by DNV to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).  Associate member of Intertanko, Mintra holds a range of prestigious memberships, including OEUK (Offshore Energies UK), the Maritime Safety Forum and Step Change In Safety in the UK, WISTA (Women's International Shipping & Trading Association) in the UK and Norway and YoungShip in Cyprus and Norway. Mintra is pre-qualified for buyers by SEQual, Magnet JQS and both Achilles Oil & Gas Europe Community and Utilities Nordic & Central Europe (UNCE)

About SQLearn

SQLearn, founded in 2006 and based in Piraeus, stands as the most prominent Greek company for online maritime training. It specialises in providing integrated solutions for the shipping industry, encompassing consulting, technical support, installation, and configuration of an online training system and offering certified online courses that cover a wide array of topics, from safety, health and hygiene, and security to soft skills, vetting inspections, and more. Supporting over 1,000 vessels, 50,000 seafarers, and 150 shipping companies globally, SQLearn’s training solutions emphasize safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Certified by ABS and recognized by the Cyprus, Palau and Panama Maritime Authorities, SQLearn also adheres to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2013 standards. SQLearn is an approved RightShip Zero Harm Innovation Partner and a Green Award Incentive Provider and proud members of prestigious Maritime Organizations, including Intertanko, Intercargo, WIMA, HELMEPA, HEMEXPO and AMMITEC.

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Where Substance, Leadership, and Collaboration Illuminate Shipping

The room was filled with smiles, handshakes, and discussions rich in substance. The WISTA Hellas Gala Dinner 2025 was not just a night of recognition – it was a celebration of genuine action, leadership that serves consistently, and collaboration that builds bridges in a demanding industry. WISTA Hellas confirmed once again that everything it does is targeted and meaningful, not for show. Every choice, every initiative, and every award reflect the real impact on the professional community and the empowerment of women in shipping. WISTA Hellas Leadership Award 2025 This year's Leadership Award was presented to Metaxia Psaltis, Chief Operating Officer of Neda Maritime Agency Co. Ltd., a WISTA Hellas member since 2007 and the first woman elected Vice President of INTERCARGO.

Metaxia Psaltis’ journey is an example of leadership founded on hard work, collaboration, and ongoing support for other women, paving the way for professional advancement and sustainable growth in the sector. In her speech, Ms. Psaltis emphasized that leadership is not a theory but action. Every decision, every project, and every challenge is met with integrity, determination, and respect for those around her. She underscored that success is the result of collective effort and trust and warmly thanked her team, partners, and family for their support. The President of WISTA Hellas highlighted that the Leadership Award is preserved with strict, clear, and unchanging criteria, to spotlight professionals who truly excel in leadership, excellence, and enhancing inclusion in the workplace. Every action of the association serves substance, meritocracy, and the strategic promotion of professional development for its members and women in shipping.

Special Recognition Awards

One of the most moving moments of the evening was the presentation of the Special Recognition Awards to two officers of the Coast Guard. This award, established by WISTA Hellas a few years ago, is not merely a formal recognition. For the association, these awards express a deeper obligation: to highlight the real, often quiet contributions of women in the Coast Guard, who serve with dedication, professionalism, and selflessness in a particularly demanding field. In an era where social norms are often shaped by superficial images rather than substantive role models, WISTA Hellas sees it as its duty to shine a light on the genuine contributions, courage, and effectiveness of women safeguarding human life at sea. These particular awards remind us that shipping is not only found in offices but also on the front lines – where a moment's decision can save lives. This year’s honorees were: - Lieutenant Anastasia Abraham, for her long-standing contribution to the training of personnel and the promotion of human rights. - Ensign Athanasia Vrekou, for her outstanding contribution to search and rescue operations and the protection of human life at sea. The awards were presented by the Chief of the Coast Guard – Hellenic Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Tryfonas Kontizas, who, in his speech, warmly thanked WISTA Hellas for the initiative, highlighting the importance of recognizing women in the Coast Guard and the significant impact of the association’s actions. The evening flowed with constructive discussions, exchange of experiences, and cooperative bridges, showcasing the strength of the WISTA Hellas community, its unity, and its influence in the industry. WISTA Hellas warmly thanks its sponsors: Bureau Veritas Group, Hill Dickinson LLP, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp., Lockton P.L. Ferrari, UK P&I Club, UK Defence Club, International Registries, Inc., DAC Beachcroft, for their ongoing support that makes such meaningful initiatives possible and strengthens the association's efforts to support and empower women in shipping.

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On the occasion of Greece’s re-election to the Council of IMO, The President of the Union of Greek Shipowners Ms Melina Travlos stated: “Congratulations to our country on its resounding re-election to Category A of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

This distinction reaffirms Greece’s enduring maritime tradition, leadership and strength within the international shipping community.

At a time of complex geopolitical and environmental challenges, the IMO is called upon to uphold a flexible, realistic and effective international regulatory framework that will safeguard the stability and competitiveness of global shipping.

Greece will continue to contribute to this aim with responsibility and expertise, committed to a united, safe and sustainable shipping sector on its path toward the future”.

Greece achieved a historic record of 153 votes in the election for Category A of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in a vote in which 169 countries participated. Our country was in 4th place internationally, just two votes below first, confirming the central role of Greek shipping in the global arena.
As an elected member of the Council for the next two years, Greece, drawing on the accumulated know-how stemming from its centuries-old maritime tradition, will continue to actively support the IMO’s goals for a modern and safe international shipping, with realistic and enforceable rules that do not undermine the sustainability of international shipping and the competitiveness of the sector. Thus, shipping will continue to operate for the benefit of the global economy and the citizens of the entire planet.

Specifically, in the IMO vote, China and Italy each received 155 votes, South Korea 154, while Greece tied with the United Kingdom at 153 votes, followed by Japan, Panama, the United States, Norway and Liberia.

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Global Ship Lease, Inc. purchased three 8,600 TEU, Korean-built containerships with ECO upgrades for an aggregate purchase price of $90 million. The Newly Acquired Vessels have attached charters with a leading liner company. The charters are at below-market rates and have flexible durations, with latest redeliveries in mid-2030. Assuming the charters run to their full terms, they are expected to generate aggregate revenues of approximately $88 million; and at a through-cycle scrap price of $400 per LWT, the ships would have a combined scrap value of approximately $40 million. With these additions, the Company’s fleet will comprise 71 vessels with a total capacity of 422,567 TEU.  

The Newly Acquired Vessels are expected to be delivered around year-end 2025. The Company expects to initially fund the acquisition with cash on hand, which facilitates speed of execution, with the potential to attach financing subsequently.

George Youroukos, Executive Chairman of Global Ship Lease, commented: “We are pleased to announce the acquisition of these three high-spec, operationally flexible and commercially attractive ships on terms that materially de-risk the transaction on the front end while offering attractive upside earnings potential in the years ahead. These are the cash cows of the future, and we are delighted to be buying them at an en bloc charter-attached price which is close to the market value of a single charter-free ship today; three for the price of one, effectively. GSL’s patience, through-cycle approach to value generation, and fortress balance sheet have made it possible for us to pounce on this opportunity, which we believe offers a compelling all-in return profile. Following our sale of four substantially older, smaller vessels earlier this year for nearly the same aggregate dollar value as this acquisition, we are very pleased to be renewing and enhancing our fleet by recycling capital to provide GSL with the newer, larger, value-generating assets that we expect to serve us and all shareholders well for many years to come.”

About Global Ship Lease

Global Ship Lease is a leading independent owner of containerships with a diversified fleet of mid-sized and smaller containerships. Incorporated in the Marshall Islands, Global Ship Lease commenced operations in December 2007 with a business of owning and chartering out containerships under fixed-rate charters to top tier container liner companies. It was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in August 2008.
Our fleet of 69 vessels as of September 30, 2025 had an average age weighted by TEU capacity of 18.0 years. 39 ships are wide-beam Post-Panamax.

As of September 30, 2025, the average remaining term of the Company’s charters, to the mid-point of redelivery, including options under the Company’s control and other than if a redelivery notice has been received, was 2.5 years on a TEU-weighted basis. Contracted revenue on the same basis was $1.92 billion. Contracted revenue was $2.40 billion, including options under charterers’ control and with latest redelivery date, representing a weighted average remaining term of 3.1 years.

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"Charting the Future: Where Tradition Fuels Growth" was this year’s seafarers’ forum of Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. held from 12 to 14 October in Manila.

The forum provided an opportunity to create a space that bridges the company’s legacy with the future—honoring the traditions, principles, and core values that brought where the company is today, while presenting how it navigates into the future.

Two key pillars of its strategic growth were highlighted:

- The Cadetship Programme in partnership with LPU Batangas, which shapes our next generation of seafarers recognizing their vital role in sustaining our Company’s excellence.

- Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. newbuilding project of 8 state-of-the-art Kamsarmax vessels currently under construction in China, which are already being delivered.

The event brought together over 160 participants, including seafarers, third-party guests, representatives from Flag State, Makers, P&I Clubs and other business partners. The forum focused on strengthening participants’ knowledge of the Company’s procedures and policies on a wide range of topics, including technical operations, legal compliance, health and safety, security, ICT technologies, cybersecurity challenges in the AI era, and crew welfare.

Capt. Stephanos E. Angelakos attended the forum accompanied by the General Manager Mr. Costas Chrysostomidis, our Technical Manager Mr. Ioannis Makris, HSSQE Manager Mr. Emmanouel Fragkoulis, ICT Manager Mr. Dimitris Marinis and the Crew Manager Ms. Eleftheria Bogiatzi. Company’s delegation had the opportunity to meet with the seafarers and share views on various issues in order to further improve our operations and policies and at the same time strengthen the bonds with the people at sea.
Between 13 and 14 October more than 25 workshops were conducted, offering hands-on opportunities for seafarers to enhance practical and soft skills. Topics, amongst others, included safety on board, diesel engines troubleshooting, navigation equipment, safe mooring operations, coating standards and practices, deck and engine maintenance, ballast water treatment operation system, cybersecurity risks, growing fresh vegetables onboard, first aid, etc.

On his closing remark, Capt. Stephanos Angelakos further underscored the significance of tradition as a compass for the company’s evolution, drawing on the words of José Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines: “He who does not look back to where he came from will never reach his destination.”
Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. thanks all its seafarers, speakers and colleagues from Athens and Manila offices for making this event such a success.

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By Irene Notias

On Monday, November 24, 2025, PROJECT CONNECT launched its first Adopt a Ship program teachers assembly of the 2025–26 school year at the Marriott Hotel, Athens. The venue was generously sponsored by Mr. John Xylas, Ariston Navigation, reflecting his strong support for maritime education and Adopt a Ship.
Educators, principals, and teachers from across Greece attended in person, while many more joined digitally thanks to Mr. Petros Pappas, Starbulk, enabling participation from Greece, Florida, and New York City. Teachers from Alexandroupolis and Thessaloniki were also present.

The event underscored the strong commitment of schools, shipping companies, teachers, and captains — both ashore and at sea — who came together to share their work and insights.

Distinguished Remarks

- Mr. John Xylas, Chairman of Intercargo, Executive Board Member of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) and HELMEPA, and President of Ariston Navigation, expressed gratitude on behalf of the shipowning community: “You, the teachers and educators, are one of the fundamental pillars of this program—together with the captains who participate with such enthusiasm and dedication. Thanks to your commitment, creativity, and the warmth with which you embrace the idea, Adopt a Ship is not just an educational activity. It is a journey. A journey that brings together classrooms, children, vocational students, and the world of oceangoing shipping. A journey that opens windows: to geography, ports, seas and weather, to trade and
cargoes, and—most importantly—to an understanding of the vital role shipping plays in the prosperity of nations.”
- Captain Konstantinos D. Geomelos, Msc, AFNI, Master Mariner and Navigation Manager, from Chandris Hellas, highlighted the importance of seafarers’ engagement as well as “that every message sent from a ship’s bridge to a school feels like a wave of light travelling across the sea .a living bridge between seafarers and children. Through “Adopt a Ship”, we share more than routes, oceans, and ports; we share the spirit of discovery. We invite students to navigate the world with knowledge as their compass and imagination as their sail. If we offer them inspiration today, they will chart the future of shipping tomorrow. And as they learn, they also touch the deep roots of Greek maritime heritage — the legacy of our shipowners and seamen who, for generations, have carried the Greek flag, our values, and our spirit across every ocean.”
- Dr. Adamantia Spanaka, educators’ consultant, presented the three-level program design and emphasized its adaptability for different age groups. She also expressed gratitude to all participants for their dedication and passion in inspiring the next generation through Adopt a Ship.

- Ms. Irene Notias, Director of Project Connect, stressed the importance of connecting youth with maritime values and fostering empathy for essential workers at sea and how families can thrive from shipping.
A teachers remark on chat: “Our participation in the Adopt a Ship program opened new horizons. We discovered the fascinating world of shipping, and it unlocked a new door for young people’s professional development. A breeze of freedom and hope for the future was felt.”

Looking Ahead

Adopt a Ship by PROJECT CONNECT is inspiring children and teens, uplifting crews, and strengthening the bond between society and the sea.

With the support of its new automation system, AaSoP (Adopt a Ship on Platform) created by Dynamarine, Adopt a Ship is now ready to welcome more schools and shipping companies worldwide. This innovation ensures the program can scale to meet growing demand and continue inspiring the next generation through maritime culture education.

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UW Group, a leading maritime service and representation company is the newest Incentive Provider in the Green Award programme. Through its companies UMAR Shipping Services and WSR Ship Repairs, UW Group delivers comprehensive technical, supply, and repair solutions to the global shipping industry. The Group provides tailored, reliable, and cost-effective maritime support through its international network of offices. Under this partnership, Green Award Certificate Holders will enjoy various benefits on equipment and services branded by the UW Group. The offer applies to selected products, such as marine lighting and instrumentation, and underwater services, including hull cleaning, propeller polishing, inspections, and more.
“At UW Group, we recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and see the Green Award programme as a valuable platform to actively support shipowners and operators who invest in cleaner, safer, and more efficient operations,” said Mr. Thrasos Tsangarides, Chief Executive Officer of UW Group. “By aligning with this initiative, we aim to contribute to the industry’s decarbonization efforts, encourage higher standards of performance, and strengthen our role as a partner dedicated to long-term environmental and operational excellence.” “We are delighted to welcome UW Group as a Green Award Incentive Provider,” said Jan Fransen, Executive Director of Green Award Foundation.

“Their global reach, technical expertise, and commitment to sustainability make them a strong partner in our joint mission to promote cleaner, safer, and higher-quality shipping.” UW Group’s participation enhances the portfolio of incentives available to certified companies and supports the Green Award’s mission to reward front-runners in safety, quality, and environmental performance across the maritime sector, said Capt. Dimitrios Mattheou chairman of the Green Award foundation.

About UW Group: Founded in 2000, UW Group is a global maritime service provider operating through UMAR Shipping Services and WSR Ship Repairs, with offices strategically located around the world. The Group offers high-quality technical support, equipment, and underwater services to ship management companies worldwide. Guided by its vision “to be better than the promise we keep,” UW Group is committed to excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the maritime industry.

About Green Award Foundation: The Green Award Foundation is a non-profit certification programme that has promoted safe and sustainable shipping for over 30 years. It collaborates with ship operators, ports, governments, and maritime service providers worldwide to set standards, conduct audits, and reward best practices. More than 200 organizations offer incentives to Green Award certified vessels. The programme supports ESG policies and aligns with 13 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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