The ESG Shipping Awards International 2025 - THE CONFERENCE gathered maritime leaders at Zappeion Megaron for a full day of dialogue on sustainability, innovation and responsible growth. The event opened with remarks from Helena Athoussaki, Principal of the ESG Shipping Awards and Chair of the Conference, who highlighted shipping’s global role and responsibility.

The official opening by Minister Vassilis Kikilias emphasized the need for balanced and effective regulation, noting that “Shipping stabilizes global commerce, but regulation must be realistic and fair.”

Mr. George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, emphasized shipping’s long-standing leadership in transparency, environmental responsibility and social contribution, reminding attendees that “ESG is already part of shipping’s DNA” Bloomberg LP delivered a data-driven keynote exploring the rising influence of sustainable finance, transparency and credible transition plans. Mrs. Irene Bermont-Penn underlined that long-term business performance is tied to strong ESG foundations, stating that “Companies with long-term ESG integration significantly outperform.”

Throughout the day, companies presented tangible ESG strategies across decarbonization, technology, human wellbeing and governance, demonstrating how sustainability frameworks are now embedded in everyday decision-making. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings emphasized transparency, stating “Our reporting framework is designed for full transparency.” Pacific Basin Shipping Limited reinforced its measurable approach: “We commit to responsible, measurable decarbonisation.”

Seaven Tanker & Dry Management Inc. highlighted the social dimension, noting “Crew and safety culture define our ESG backbone.” Technological innovation was showcased as a key driver of environmental progress. Columbia Group highlighted operational gains through advanced analytics, noting “AI and digital twins redefine fleet efficiency.”

At the ESG Spotlight, DeepSea Technologies echoed this with “If you can measure it, you can reduce it.” Carbon market dynamics were also addressed, with Tallon Commodities Ltd stressing the financial implications of emissions management: “Accepting the ETS early reduces cost. Prices are rising, yet many still don’t hedge—creating avoidable expense.” Stakeholders from ports, fuel suppliers, finance, diplomacy and policy discussed the need for coordinated transition frameworks.

This sentiment was captured by H.E Matthew Lodge, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, who noted that “Shipping transition cannot be achieved by one stakeholder alone.” The Hot-Topics Flash Discussion explored the next frontier of the industry, from nuclear potential to automation and cybersecurity. Offering a direct reality check, Dr. George Pateras, Former-President at Hellenic Chamber of Shipping & Deputy Chairman, Contships Management Inc stated, “We all believe nuclear is the only green fuel going forward but the perception must be changed; the next generation must be persuaded of the benefits of nuclear.” Human-focused sessions underscored wellbeing, mental health, connectivity and inclusion as essential to maritime resilience. Companies shared best practices ranging from telemedicine to family engagement, demonstrating the strong link between human factors and operational reliability.

As OSM Thome noted, “People are the foundation of maritime resilience.” Education and youth development were presented as strategic imperatives for the future workforce. Maritime academies and youth programs showcased the importance of ESG-integrated training. Capturing this commitment, Tsakos Group stated that “Building youth talent is an industry duty.”

Programs such as Adopt-a-Ship were highlighted for inspiring thousands of students and strengthening their connection to maritime careers. Governance discussions emphasized the increasing importance of structured oversight, transparency and accountability. Companies showcased how ESG-linked KPIs, risk management tools and independent boards are reinforcing long-term corporate integrity. As Navios Shipmanagement Holdings Corporation expressed, “Governance is long-term risk management.”

The Bloomberg shipowners interview added leadership perspectives on competitiveness, fuel strategy and technological readiness. Dr. Nicolas P. Tsakos Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) Ltd. stressed that “Technology must come before mandates,” while Mr. Stamatis Tsantanis, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. (SHIP). added that “Fuel flexibility defines the future.” Live polling during the Conference revealed strong alignment on key industry priorities.

Most delegates expect EUA prices to stay above €80 by 2026, while decarbonization technologies were voted the top investment focus for the year. LNG/Bio-LNG emerged as the most likely transition fuel toward 2030 and regulatory uncertainty was identified as the biggest barrier to decarbonization. Notably, threequarters of participants viewed nuclear propulsion as at least somewhat likely by 2040, reflecting growing openness to future-fuel innovation.

This year’s Conference welcomed more than 400 participants and representatives from over 200 shipping companies, with contributions on stage from 20 leading ship-owning and ship-management companies, including Alma Shipmanagement & Trading S.A., Capital Ship Management Corp., Century Bulk Carriers Management Co., Chandris (Hellas) Inc., Columbia Group, Contships Management Inc., Latsco Marine Management Inc., Lemissoler Shipmanagement Ltd, Navios Shipmanagement Holdings Corporation, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Oceandiva, Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG, OSM Thome, Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, Performance Shipping Inc., Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. (SHIP)., Seaven Tanker & Dry Management Inc., Silver Lake Shipping Company SA, Star Bulk Carriers Corp., Tsakos Group. Scholarships were awarded by LPC to support ESG-related executive education, reinforcing the Awards’ role in empowering the next generation of maritime leaders.

A charitable contribution from the ESG Shipping Awards was also made, with memberships for the Adopt-a-Ship program formally handed over to Mrs. Irene Notias, Director, Adopt a Ship by Project Connect. The closing message was delivered by Mr. Jan Fransen, Chairman of the Judging Committee, who emphasized industry-wide collaboration, noting that “Sustainability is not a sprint.

It is a shared journey, and we walk it together as an industry.” He announced submissions for the ESG Shipping Awards 2026 for December 1st , 2025, with the ceremony scheduled for May 15, 2026, in Athens. The elegant layout, seamless production flow, and attention to detail were repeatedly acknowledged, reflecting the work of Ms. Stelina Markoulaki, Event Planner and founder of Digital Shadows, and Ms. Katerina Vasilaki, Producer (The Flying Pig), whose teams delivered a “wonderful set-up” and a highly professional environment for dialogue and collaboration.

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MV KYPROS LOYALTY is ready to sail with a more efficient and environmentally friendly profile than ever setting another important milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainability.

The Cyprus-flagged, 78,000 dwt, 2015-built Japanese bulk carrier has just completed her upgrade with new ultra-low-friction hull coatings—another step forward in our company-wide commitment to sustainable operations.
Across the fleet, similar environmental upgrades and efficiency initiatives are delivering real, measurable results. The company reports that a 6.09% annual reduction in carbon intensity compared to 2023, following reductions of 7.42% from 2022 to 2023 and 7.16% from 2021 to 2022.

In total, that’s a 19.3% decrease from 2021 to 2024—a consistent, year-on-year downward trend that underscores the impact of the company’s decarbonization strategy and the dedication of its team.

Realising another tangible step forward in reducing our environmental footprint, Safe Bulkers continues to progress steadily navigating toward a more sustainable future for the shipping industry.

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Element Shipmanagement is entering the dry cargo sector, taking its next strategic step. As announced in a post by Mr. Alexandros Lemonidis, the company’s director, Element has acquired the M/V “Union Groove”, marking the expansion of its fleet into a new shipping sector with increased prospects.

This move “represents an important milestone” for the company, looking forward to a prosperous shipping market in such a short period of time.

Element’s entry into the dry bulk sector opens up new avenues for growth and international collaborations. The company currently manages seven container ships.

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Panama is participating this week, from November 24 to 28, in the 34th session of the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the most significant forum within the global maritime system and the specialized governing body of the United Nations. This setting defines the policies, standards, and priorities that will shape the international maritime agenda in the years ahead.

The Panamanian delegation is composed of Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the IMO, Ginette Testa; Director General of Merchant Marine, Ramón Franco; Secretary General of the Panama Maritime Authority, Volney Guinard; and members of Panama’s Permanent Mission to the organization.

During the opening day, the delegation held an official meeting with IMO Secretary- General Arsenio Domínguez, where they discussed strategic matters for the country and reaffirmed Panama’s commitment to strengthening technical and regulatory cooperation with the organization.

The Assembly brings together 176 Member States to examine issues of global relevance, including maritime safety, marine environmental protection, the decarbonization of maritime transport, the modernization of technical standards, and capacity-building programs for developing States.

One of the most important items on this year’s agenda is the election of the IMO Council, where Panama is seeking to renew its seat in Category A, the organization’s most influential group. Panama’s candidacy is supported by its pivotal role in global maritime trade, its position as the world’s largest ship registry, and its consistent record of compliance with international conventions.

Throughout the first day of sessions, the delegation also met with key industry stakeholders, including the International Chamber of Shipping, to strengthen strategic alliances and reinforce Panama’s presence in the sector’s most prominent global dialogue platforms.

The Panamanian representation emphasized that the country’s active participation in high-level forums such as the IMO Assembly reaffirms its commitment to a safe, efficient, and internationally aligned maritime sector, as well as to the continued leadership that distinguishes Panama in global maritime governance.

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AMMITEC – the Association of Maritime Managers in Information Technology and Communications – is proud to announce its official acceptance as an Associate (Reciprocal) Member of INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners.

AMMITEC President Dr. Matthew Maheras stated: “Joining INTERCARGO marks an important milestone for AMMITEC and for the broader maritime technology community. As digital transformation accelerates, collaboration between operational, technical, and digital leaders becomes essential. We look forward to contributing our expertise, sharing knowledge, and working collectively to enhance safety, resilience, and

innovation across dry bulk shipping.”

A Strategic Step for the Maritime IT & Digital Transformation Community INTERCARGO represents some of the most significant stakeholders in the global dry bulk shipping sector, promoting safety, quality, operational efficiency, and environmental protection across the industry. AMMITEC’s entry into the Association highlights the growing importance of Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Digital Communications, and AI- driven innovation in the maritime domain.

Strengthening Collaboration Across Operational & Digital Domains

Through this membership, AMMITEC members will gain access to INTERCARGO’s:

• • Technical, operational, and safety initiatives
• • Global working groups and consultations
• • Industry insights, research, and best-practice frameworks
• • Stakeholder forums on fleet performance, safety, and decarbonisation
• • Dialogue on cyber readiness, digital governance, and emerging technologies

Dimitris Monioudis, Chairman of INTERCARGO’s Technical Committee added: “INTERCARGO strives to engage and collaborate with all industry stakeholders for the sake of a genuinely sustainable and forward-thinking dry bulk sector. AMMITEC’s joining the INTERCARGO wider membership will provide us with expert knowledge and experience in relation to IT, Digital, Cybersecurity, and Communications developments both today and in the future, always focusing on safe and pragmatic roadmaps available to our members.”

About INTERCARGO

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) unites and promotes quality dry bulk shipping, bringing together more than 400 forward thinking companies from 37 countries. The dry bulk sector is the largest shipping sector in terms of number of ships and deadweight. Dry bulk carriers account for 43% of the world fleet (in tonnage) and carry an estimated 55% of the global transport work. INTERCARGO convened for the first time in 1980 in London and has been participating with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1993. INTERCARGO provides the forum where dry bulk shipowners, managers and operators are informed about, discuss, and share concerns on key topics and regulatory challenges, especially in relation to safety, security, the environment, and operational excellence. The Association promotes its members’ positions at the IMO, EU as well as other shipping and international industry fora, always maintaining free and fair competition as a focal principle.

About AMMITEC

AMMITEC – the Association of Maritime Managers in Information Technology and Communications – is Greece’s leading professional community representing IT, Digital, Cybersecurity, and Communications leaders across the maritime sector. Through knowledge exchange, best-practice sharing, industry forums, and strategic partnerships, AMMITEC drives technological excellence, digital transformation, and cyber resilience in shipping.

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On Thursday, November 20th, at the historic Yacht Club of Greece, our Club hosted a reception in honor of the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, with the presence of distinguished representatives of the Greek shipping community, as well as senior members of the political and military leadership.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Guilfoyle was officially welcomed as the Club’s new Honorary President -a role traditionally held by every U.S. Ambassador to Greece since 1935- receiving the Club’s Certificate and pin.

Throughout the formal addresses, emphasis was placed on the excellent relations between Greece and the United States, the recent major agreements in the energy sector, and the new prospects for further synergies within the maritime industry.

The event concluded with a warm and lively cocktail reception.

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Shape the Seas: Green, Digital, Human-Centered

The 24th NAVIGATOR 2025 – The Shipping Decision Makers Forum concluded with remarkable success, bringing together 670 leading shipping executives from 361 companies, alongside representatives from 20 embassies and 41 shipping organizations, academic institutions, and ports. The Forum once again confirmed its position as the strategic compass for the global maritime industry.

The event opened with remarks from Stefanos Gikas, Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, and H.E. Fang Qiu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.

H.E. Matthew Lodge, British Ambassador to Greece, joined one of the panels, while Dr. Kyriacos Sabatakakis, Country Managing Director at Accenture, shared groundbreaking research on the application of Artificial Intelligence in shipping.

In the end, Lars Rasmussen, co-creator of Google Maps, addressed the Forum, highlighting the transformative power of digital mapping, AI, and connectivity in navigating maritime and global trade networks.

Throughout the Forum, the leading voices of Greek and international shipping engaged in high-level discussions on decarbonization, smart shipping, ESG integration, human sustainability, and geopolitics. Danae Bezantakou, CEO of Navigator Shipping Consultants, celebrated the enduring spirit of Greek shipping, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration. She highlighted the YES to Schools initiative, which brings maritime education directly to students across Greece, inspiring a new generation to pursue careers at sea and ensuring the legacy of the industry continues to thrive.

Olga Bezantakou, Chief Legal Counsel & COO of NAVIGATOR stated that “Navigator Shipping Consultants proudly represents some of the world’s most reputable towing companies and shipping agencies, operating in over 1,400 commercial ports worldwide with a combined fleet of more than 1,000 tugboats, ensuring top-tier service, operational safety, and competitive rates for Greek shipowners.”

Greece remains a global maritime power and is leading the transition towards a sustainable, safe and competitive shipping, where innovation coexists with people. Investing in green ships, ports and educational structures strengthens both the sector and the cohesion and development of our island societies”, underlined the Minister of Maritime & Insular Policy, Vasileios Kikilias. Deputy Minister of Shipping, Stefanos Gikas, pointed out that the green transition must be realistic and fair, ensuring the competitiveness of shipping while at the same time supporting smaller businesses and encouraging balanced development throughout the country.

The Ambassador of China underscored the strategic significance of China-Greece cooperation in shipping, pointing to sustainable green technologies, digitalization, and smart ports as key drivers for the future. He also noted China’s recent milestones, including the first green methanol bunkering in Shanghai and the launch of the world’s first autonomous research vessel. Dr. Kyriakos Sabatakakis, , emphasized: “Greece has historically been a global leader in shipping — a sector that forms both the foundation of our economy and a core part of our identity. Today, we have the opportunity to lead once again, this time in the new era of artificial intelligence. Connecting the deep expertise of Greek shipping with the capabilities of AI can become a benchmark for the digital reinvention of the industry worldwide.”

The Forum opened with the panel “From Oil to Green: Tradition or Transition?”, which examined the complex realities of maritime decarbonization, where environmental ambition intersects with geopolitical, regulatory, and commercial challenges. Fuel choices are increasingly shaped by national energy policies, taxation frameworks, and evolving IMO and EU regulations, while the slow adaptation of port infrastructure continues to hinder progress. Panelists emphasized that shipping has historically shown a remarkable ability to adapt, innovate, and self-regulate, and that a unified industry voice is essential in engaging policymakers to ensure a sustainable maritime future.

The session “Disruption on Deck: Who Controls the Future of Smart Shipping” explored how connectivity, data, and AI are reshaping operations, from real-time performance monitoring and routing optimization to predictive maintenance and cybersecurity. As vessels become more digital and move toward autonomy, managing cyber-piracy and system vulnerabilities has become as critical as traditional security measures. The panel highlighted that digital adoption is moving from experimentation to tangible operational impact.

In the “ESG as a Strategic Imperative” discussion , experts stressed that ESG has evolved from obligation to strategic opportunity. Environmental, social, and governance principles are now central to corporate identity and competitiveness. Artificial Intelligence enables real-time ESG tracking, while panelists underscored that sustainability begins with leadership and company culture.

The session on “The Human Element Onboard and Ashore: Challenges to Tackle, Solutions to Unlock” reinforced that shipping’s future depends on its people. Issues such as mental health, connectivity at sea, workforce renewal, and generational inclusion were addressed. Panelists stressed the importance of mentorship, clear career pathways, and a culture that values both experience and innovation to retain talent and ensure the sustainability of Greek seafarers.

Finally, the “Sea Power & Global Politics: Who Rules the Shipping Routes?” discussion highlighted that control of the seas is no longer solely a measure of military might but is increasingly defined by resilience and cooperation. Experts warned of hybrid threats, from cyberattacks to the weaponization of trade routes, emphasizing the need for a strategic mindset that combines geopolitical awareness with collaboration between states and the private sector. During the discussion it was noted that, “The era of sea control is giving way to the era of sea resilience,” signaling a profound transformation in the global maritime landscape.

The Forum concluded with a shared vision, by George Tsavliris, Principal – TSAVLIRIS SALVAGE GROUP, Emmanuel Vordonis, Former Chairman – THENAMARIS (SHIPS MANAGEMENT) Inc & Angelos Pantouvakis, Dean. School of Maritime and Industrial Studies – UNIVERSITY of PIRAEUS, that the future of shipping will be green, digital, secure, and human-centered.

Transition is no longer optional—it is an opportunity, and Greece, as a global maritime leader, is uniquely positioned to guide this transformation.

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On the occasion of the 90^th anniversary of the London, Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, a well- attended reception at Goldsmith’s Hall was organized.

Guests included Lords, Ambassadors, many senior representatives of GSCC member offices, esteemed Greek shipowners, senior representatives of the IMO, P&I Clubs, War Risk Insurance Clubs, Classification societies, IACS, The Baltic Exchange, Intercargo and Maritime London, among others.
In addition, the representative of the Greek Minister of Shipping and the Commandant of the Hellenic Coast Guard Capt. (H.C.G.) Antonios Doumanis attended the reception, delivered a speech and offered a coat of arms of the Commandant of the H.C.G. to GSCC Chairman, Mr. Haralambos J. Fafalios.
The Chairman, Mr. Haralambos J. Fafalios delivered the following speech: “In fact, the Committee's original name was the "Greek Shipping Stabilisation Committee," which was formed in 1935, in order to bring some stability to the precarious post-Depression shipping freight markets. Under the leadership of Pericles Dracoulis, ably assisted by Angelos Lusis, the G.S.C.C. held its first meeting in the offices of G. Hadjilias. Following on from there, the G.S.C.C. became the main conduit between the Greek Government and the Ministry of War Transport in 1941. It co-ordinated all matters relating to the Greek Merchant Fleet and its crucial role in the Wartime Convoy System, which kept the U.K. and other allied countries supplied with all the essential commodities. During the immediate Post-War years, when Greece was suffering the effects of a catastrophic civil war, it was the G.S.C.C. that prominently dealt with most major maritime issues.
One of its most illustrious members, Manuel Kulukundis, based in New York at the time, proposed and was instrumental in negotiating and concluding the famous 100 Liberty Ship purchase programme, which kick-started the re-birth of the Greek Merchant Fleet after the ravaging it took in the Second World War. Moving onwards, the formation in 1957 of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO), now (since 1982) the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the creation of the Hellenic War Risk Association in 1960, the commencement of the Posidonia Shipping Exhibitions in 1969 were some of the many events in which the G.S.C.C. participated and actively and enthusiastically supported.
One must say that over the last nine decades the G.S.C.C. has worked very closely and in parallel with the Union of Greek Shipowners in Greece and the two associations have worked together harmoniously to face all the major maritime, environmental and economic issues facing the Greek Shipping industry. The G.S.C.C's position in London, one of the world's leading maritime centres, has meant that it has been able to foster very close relationships with all the organisations that are based here, including The Baltic Exchange, Lloyd’s of London, Lloyd’s Register, the P & I Clubs, the International Chamber of Shipping, Intercargo, Intertanko, I.M.O. never forgetting the major Shipbrokers, Lawyers, Bankers and Accounting Firms. The fact that our council members have included an emeritus I.M.O. Secretary General, a former I.C.S. Chairman, several P&I Club Chairmen and Directors, Baltic Directors, ex International Salvage Union Chairman, Classification Society Committee Chairmen, attests to the dedication we have for every sector of our industry and the high esteem in which the G.S.C.C. and its members are held by all the major maritime institutions in the City of London and beyond.

The G.S.C.C. is also a firm supporter of the Greek Flag, Greek Crew, the Hellenic Coast Guard and a training environment in Greece that will continue to educate new generations of Greeks who will serve both at sea and ashore. For without Greek Seafarers, the miracle that is Greek Shipping would not be what it is today. The challenges we face going forward, be they national or international will always be met by the dedication of our organisation, working with the U.G.S. closely in order to find a practical solution to each problem.

Whilst world Shipping must react and be proactive to global events, we think that there should be one authority only, the I.M.O., which should be the primary regulator of our industry on a worldwide basis and should be responsible for the formulation of all international maritime legislation. With reference to the most important issue of today, the decarbonization problem, the solutions are not yet there and we must create workable ideas going forward with actual green fuels as opposed to half baked, half way options that do not work and simply sap our conscience. In the light of the Ballast Water Treatment System disappointment, the I.M.O. should work more closely with the industry in order to create coherent and sustainable regulations.

The Net Zero Framework is just another such example requiring the input of the shipping industry and not determined by the politicians alone. Crucially, the MEPC directorate and delegates of the IMO must yet again regain their Maritime expertise in order to better understand shipping and to create more effective and practical regulations. I would like to thank all our member companies, past and present, for their unstinting support for the G.S.C.C. over the past nine decades. Very importantly, I thank all of our friends and colleagues in London who have worked with us over many years and have helped us to represent the Greek shipping industry on all national and international issues. I also want to express my gratitude to our council members, past and present, who have worked tirelessly and selflessly in order to achieve our goals. Finally, I would like to thank our excellent secretariat, past and present, which, with limited resources, has administered the affairs of the G.S.C.C. so capably and smoothly over the decades and who have always shown such dedication”.

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Top Ships has completed its previous sale and leaseback (SLB) financing agreements for four of its tanker vessels. The gross proceeds from the refinancing, after the repayment of previous debt, amounted to about $27.2 million.

The agreements, closed with a major Chinese financier, cover the refinancing of two 300,000 DWT VLCC tankers, the Julius Caesar and Legio X Equestris; one 157,000 DWT Suezmax tanker, the Eco Oceano; and one 50,000 DWT MR product tanker, the Eco Marina Del Ray.

Evangelos J. Pistiolis, the President and CEO of the company, stated that the cash released, "approximates our current market capitalisation." He added that following the refinancings, the leverage of the fleet remains at a, "very conservative level of about 52 per cent."

Under the SLB terms, the vessels will be bareboat chartered back to Top Ships for ten years, with the exception of the Eco Marina Del Ray which is chartered for seven. The financing bears an interest rate of three-month term SOFR plus a 1.95 per cent margin, and the company has the option to buy back the vessels following the end of the first year.

Concurrently with entry into these SLBs, Top Ships also provided a guarantee for the obligations of Rubico under similar SLBs entered into with the same financier, in an aggregate amount of $84 million.

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The Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce has celebrated Dr John Coustas at its 73rd Person of the Year award ceremony, honoring his outstanding leadership and significant contributions to the Greek-American business sector.

Taking place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Cipriani Wall Street, the evening commenced with a cocktail hour as guests entered the event space. Then John. C. Stratakis, the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce board member and past president, took to the stage to address members and guests and provide an overview of the evening’s proceedings.

The National anthem was then performed by Juilliard School graduate, Sophia Pelekasis, and was then followed by an invocation by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

In his address, he congratulated Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper, the newly-elected HACC president, on her new role.
“Congratulations Eftihia,” he said. The Chamber is a most necessary organization to the ‘omogenia’, for it succeeds in connecting Greek-Americans with all manner of enterprise in the motherland, our ‘patrida’, and connects them to one another here at home.”

The HACC president, Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper, then addressed the crowd, highlighting the vital work that the Chamber does.

“Tonight we gather as one community, leaders in shipping and finance, entrepreneurs, prominent people from academics, public officials, leaders and members of the Greek-American associations, and friends from near and far, to celebrate excellence, integrity, and the lasting bonds that unite Greece and the United States,” she said.

“Your presence affirms the strength of our shared values and the importance of our work together. It is a distinct honor this evening to recognize Dr John Coustas, the president and CEO of Danaos Corporation, as our 73rd Person of the Year.”

She then declared: “Through his vision and commitment to innovation, Dr Coustas has helped shape the modern maritime landscape, while exemplifying responsibility, resilience, and generosity. His achievements inspire the next generation of leaders who look upon him as an example.”
HACC Chairman Nick Katsanos additionally congratulated Coustas, describing him as “one of the nicest people you will ever meet”, and that he is “so important and provides so much to the Chamber that we can’t thank him enough.”

Simon Rose, the CEO of Rose & Company, and Alexandra Palli Giannakopoulos, the Regional Vice Governor for Entrepreneurship and European Planning for the Region of Attica, then introduced the honoree.
Giannakopoulos revealed in her speech that Coustas was a friend, who so many respect, and someone who meant a great deal to her and her family.

“Finding the right words to speak about someone who is a dear friend, but also a force in business, was not very simple,” Giannakopoulos shared. From the moment you meet John, you sense something steady about him – he speaks very softly, but everyone listens.”

“There is a quiet strength in him,” he continued, “a blend of clarity and drive that makes people pay attention. He’s not only accomplished, he’s curious, he’s patient, he’s deeply educated, and genuinely cultured. He plays the piano, and he navigates his yacht with exactly the same discipline and depth that define his work’ precise, thoughtful, and profoundly expressive.”

Rose added that Coustas is “one of the most accomplished people that anyone could know.”
Giannakopoulos and Katsanos then presented Coustas with his award, then he made a formal address.
“I want to thank the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce for this honor and for continuing a tradition of recognizing people who work to strengthen the bond between Greece and the U.S – it means a great deal to be part of that story,” Coustas recited.

Many of you here, whether you’re first, second, or third generation Greeks, know what it means to build a life far from the place your family once called home. America opened its doors to you, offering opportunities that Greece at certain times could not. Through dedication, perseverance, and a strong sense of identity, the Greek-American community has not only thrived, but has brought honor to Greece.”
“I also want to thank Alexandra and Simon for their generous words. Having friends who support you, who walk with you on this journey, is a blessing, and I’m grateful to share this evening with all of you.
Coustas continued: “Your success stories have strengthened our country’s presence, our reputation, and our relationship with the United States. For those of us who came here later in life, like myself, the United States has also been a welcoming home, especially within the capital markets. This environment allowed us to grow, to innovate, and to secure a leading role in the global shipping world. And in doing so, we have helped deepen the ties between our two nations.”

Coustas additionally made a comment to The National Herald, highlighting what this recognition meant to him: “It means exactly that the Greek community over here is very active and is enhancing the creativity and leadership, which, in the end, all these links will help Greece, through the influence that the Greeks can exert here in the U.S.” he told TNH.

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