The Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (EENMA) successfully held its 9th annual Scholarship Programme event for the 2023–2024 academic year, awarding 13 scholarships. For the ninth consecutive year, EENMA has continued its commitment to supporting young people pursuing maritime studies, reinforcing the link between education and careers in the maritime sector.
EENMA President Charalampos Simantonis emphasized that the scholarship programme reflects the Association’s vision to actively support those seeking careers in shipping. He underlined the joint effort of the maritime community, in cooperation with the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Christos Stylianides, to upgrade maritime education and attract more young people to both seafaring and shore-based maritime professions.
Mr. Simantonis also pointed to the broader mobilization of the shipping community, noting that organizations such as the Union of Greek Shipowners, HELMEPA, the Propeller Club, and WISTA, along with shipping companies and foundations, actively contribute to promoting maritime careers through scholarship programmes and initiatives. He stressed the need to reshape outdated perceptions of the profession, highlighting improved working conditions, modern vessels, strong career prospects, and competitive remuneration.
Dr. George Pateras, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, underlined the urgent need to attract new talent, noting that thousands of students must enter maritime academies each year to meet future workforce demands. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote the profession and emphasized the strong career prospects within the industry.
The event was attended and addressed by senior government officials, including Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Ioannis Pappas, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Domna Michailidou, Secretaries General of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, as well as representatives of the Hellenic Coast Guard and members of Parliament.
Scholarships Awarded
The scholarships granted under the 2023–2024 programme include:
The “Eugenides Foundation – M. Simou Bequest” Scholarship, a four-year PhD scholarship worth €20,000, awarded to a student of the University of the Aegean for research in maritime market evaluation and sustainability, in memory of Evangelia Stefanidaki.
The “Spyros Alexandratos” Maritime Studies Scholarship, an annual €5,000 award for postgraduate studies in Greece.
The “Bureau Veritas” Maritime Studies Scholarship, an annual €5,000 award.
The “Lloyd’s Register” Maritime Studies Scholarship, an annual €5,000 award.
The “INSB” Maritime Studies Scholarship, an annual €3,000 award.
The “Load Line Marine SA” Maritime Studies Scholarship, an annual €2,000 award.
The “Evdoxia Gerasimou” Scholarship, an annual €1,500 award for students of the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Two scholarships for the “MSc in Shipping Business” programme offered by BCA College.
One scholarship for the “MSc in International Maritime Business” programme offered by Metropolitan College.
Three scholarships for specialized training seminars at RINA Academy, offered by RINA Hellas.
Through its scholarship programme, EENMA continues to strengthen the link between education and the shipping industry, contributing to the development of skilled professionals and supporting the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of Greek shipping.