Athens, April 7, 2025 – Emotion and pride were the hallmarks of the 10th Anniversary Scholarship Ceremony organized by the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (EENMA) at the Hotel Grande Bretagne. The event celebrated the 2024–2025 academic year, honoring 23 young scholars who have chosen maritime studies for their postgraduate education. The President and the new Board of Directors of EENMA welcomed scholarship recipients, donors, government officials, academic representatives, and over 220 distinguished members of the wider maritime community.
In his opening remarks, EENMA President and European Shortsea Network Chair, Charalampos Simantonis, highlighted that this year’s event marks not only a decade of scholarship awards but also the steadfast commitment of the maritime community to EENMA’s scholarship program. Established in 2015 during a period of economic crisis in Greece, the program has now awarded over 110 scholarships, demonstrating the enduring value of supporting maritime education. Mr. Simantonis encouraged the new scholars to surpass the achievements of their predecessors, advancing Greek shipping and contributing to Greek society.
Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos praised the maritime community, emphasizing that shipping has historically been synonymous with Greece’s progress, and highlighted the importance of scholarships in shaping the professional choices of young people.
Deputy Minister of Shipping Stefanos Gkikas noted that despite shipping’s economic significance, it is not always a first career choice for young professionals. He stressed the need for enhanced awareness and recruitment initiatives to address workforce shortages both at sea and in maritime offices. Scholarships play a crucial role in motivating and retaining talent in the sector.
Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou, congratulated EENMA for fostering the spirit of seafaring in Greece, emphasizing that without skilled seafarers, the country cannot maintain its leadership in the industry.
EENMA’s work was further lauded by George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, who pledged his continued support for the association’s efforts to strengthen the maritime professions, which today encompass over 100 direct and indirect careers connected to shipping.
Professor Angelos Pantouvakis, Chair of the Scholarship Evaluation Committee at the University of Piraeus, underscored the rigorous selection process, balancing academic and social criteria, noting that “excellence is not just about the highest grades, but about the journey from start to peak.”
The IMO Ambassador to Greece, Leonidas Dimitriadis-Evgenidis, emphasized that scholarships allow young people to integrate into the maritime cluster—an opportunity that would otherwise be difficult to achieve.
Honored guest Captain Panagiotis Tsakos, a patriarch of Greek shipping, concluded the introductory remarks, expressing his admiration for young people embarking on maritime careers.
Scholarships were then presented by donors, who reaffirmed their support extends beyond financial assistance to guiding recipients in their first professional steps.
Recipients of the 2024–2025 Scholarships included:
Spyros Alexandratos Scholarship: Dimitrios Lalousis, MSc in Shipping Management, University of Piraeus
Bureau Veritas Scholarship: Ioannis Giannikakis, MSc in Shipping Management, University of Piraeus
Lloyd’s Register Scholarship: Elissavet Sardeli, MSc in Sustainable Blue Economy, University of Piraeus
Spanopoulos Group Scholarship: Sub-Lieutenant Andreas Kokonis, MSc in Port Organization, Management & Development, University of West Attica
INSB Scholarship: Athanasios Kalantzis, MSc in International Shipping, Finance & Management, Athens University of Economics & Business
Load Line Marine Scholarship: Thanos Georgountzos, LLM in Maritime Law, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens
Eudoxia Gerasimos Scholarship: Margarita Spyropoulou, LLM in Maritime Law, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens
BCA College Scholarships: Nikolaos Tsoulos & Iosif Mantzaris, MSc in Shipping Business
RINA Scholarships: Giorgos Samoladas, Lianna Serafeim, Emiliano Chyssa
American Bureau of Shipping Scholarships: 12 recipients for MSc in Shipping, Transport & International Trade, University of the Aegean
Evangelia Stefanidaki Scholarship: Stefania Stefanoglou, PhD candidate, University of the Aegean
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of an honorary plaque to Giorgos Alexandratos, General Secretary of EENMA for 19 consecutive years, who stepped down to assume the presidency of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, with heartfelt congratulations from attendees.
The event’s entertainment was provided by Paris Skordakis and Christianna Zarou, with program hosting by journalist Maria Nikoltziou (Alpha TV), and photography coverage by Maria Koukou.
EENMA extends sincere thanks to the supporters of the 10th Anniversary Scholarship Ceremony:
Platinum Sponsors: ENEA Management, Foteinakis, SEAVEN, Queensway Navigation
Gold Sponsors: Stavros Kassidiaris, SEKAVIN
Silver Sponsors: GANMAR, Oceanking
Supporters: Katradis, Lyboussakis