HSSA Scholarship Awards Ceremony 2021 Held Online
Athens, March 31, 2021 – The EENMA Scholarship Awards Ceremony was successfully held online due to pandemic-related restrictions, highlighting once again the strong link between education and the maritime industry.
Opening the event, EENMA Secretary General G. Alexandratos underlined the symbolic presence of the Ministers of Education and Maritime Affairs, stressing that education is a fundamental prerequisite for developing skilled maritime professionals, while shipping remains a key pillar of the Greek economy.
EENMA President Charalampos Simantonis referred to the establishment and growth of the scholarship programme, noting the increasing interest of young people in specialized maritime studies. He emphasized the evolving and demanding nature of the global shipping environment, as well as the critical role of human capital, highlighting the need for high-level educational programmes. Summarizing the vision of the initiative through the triptych “Shipping – Education – Greece,” he also stressed the importance of introducing maritime knowledge at an early educational stage and promoting maritime careers as a sustainable professional path.
Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Niki Kerameus highlighted the role of initiatives like EENMA’s in encouraging young people to engage with the maritime sector. She emphasized equal opportunities, meritocracy, and the reward of excellence as key priorities, while also underlining the strategic importance of shipping for the Greek economy. She further referred to the internationalization of the Greek educational system as a means of attracting students and exporting expertise.
Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Ioannis Plakiotakis congratulated EENMA on its established scholarship programme, stressing that the reorganization of maritime education is a top priority. He referred to the challenges posed by digitalization and changes in ship operations, emphasizing that investing in human capital is essential for maintaining the leading position of Greek shipping. He also highlighted initiatives supporting maritime education, noting that seafaring is deeply rooted in Greek identity.
Representing the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association and Honorary Chairman of INTERCARGO, Ioannis Platsidakis referred to sponsorship as a long-standing institution since ancient times, emphasizing its importance even during challenging periods. He noted that, despite current difficulties, new opportunities are emerging for young professionals due to the globalization of knowledge and access to modern technologies, encouraging them to continuously enhance their skills.
Academic representatives also stressed the importance of linking education with the labor market. The Rector of the University of the Aegean, Chryssi Vitsilaki, highlighted the university’s responsiveness to industry needs, including the launch of the MBA in Shipping programme. Maria Lekakou, Dean of the School of Business Administration at the University of the Aegean, described the long-standing collaboration with EENMA as a model of successful cooperation between academia and the shipping industry.
Angelos Pantouvakis, President of the Department of Maritime Studies at the University of Piraeus, emphasized the importance of scholarships and education in shaping qualified professionals with both knowledge and the appropriate mindset required for career development in the sector.
The event concluded with the awarding of scholarships by members of the EENMA Board and representatives of sponsoring organizations.
Scholarship Awards
The “Spyros Alexandratos” Maritime Studies Scholarship, sponsored by the Alexandratos family, was awarded to Eleni Vyrla.
The Bureau Veritas Maritime Studies Scholarship was awarded to Dimitra Kardakari.
The BCA College Maritime Studies Scholarship was awarded to Eirini-Maria Stamouli.
The Rina Academy Maritime Training Scholarships were awarded to Vasileios Karystinos and Eleni Goniotaki.
Closing the event, Mr. Simantonis expressed his satisfaction with the participation of the Ministers, noting that it reflects the importance of maritime education in sustaining Greece’s long-standing maritime tradition. He congratulated the scholars and thanked the sponsors for their continued support of the EENMA Scholarship Programme.