Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association
Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association
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About HSSA

HSSA is shaping the future of Greek and European Shortsea Shipping

Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association
ABOUT

About the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association

For more than eight decades, the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA) has stood at the forefront of Greek and European shortsea shipping. Representing a dynamic sector that carries a significant share of intra-European trade, the Association has consistently championed connectivity, competitiveness, and sustainable maritime growth.

Shortsea shipping is not simply a transport solution. It is a strategic pillar of Europe’s supply chain resilience — facilitating the seamless movement of goods, reducing congestion on European road networks, and contributing to safer and more environmentally responsible logistics systems.

The Association’s mission is clear:

  • To represent Greek shortsea shipowners at national and European level
  • To advocate for balanced and effective maritime policies
  • To empower members through information, dialogue, and cooperation

By engaging with European institutions, national authorities, and industry stakeholders, HSSA ensures that the voice of shortsea shipping remains central to transport and sustainability strategies.
 
 

USEFUL NUMBERS

The Association in Numbers

Years of Collective Representation
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Million (GT) total capacity of member's fleet
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Billion in added value to the Greek economy
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Seafarers employes directly
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Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association
Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association
Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association
Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association
Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association
OUR ROLE IN EUROPE

Strengthening the Greek & European Maritime Network

HSSA actively collaborates with European partners and shortsea promotion networks, contributing to the strategic development of maritime transport within the EU framework.

Shortsea shipping today accounts for a substantial portion of intra-EU cargo flows, playing a critical role in:

  • Enhancing supply chain resilience
  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through modal shift
  • Supporting island and peripheral regions
  • Promoting maritime innovation and digitalization

The Association remains committed to ensuring that regulatory developments, including environmental and emissions frameworks, reflect operational realities and safeguard the competitiveness of European shortsea operators.

TEAM

Board of Directors

Χαράλαμπος Σημαντώνης

Charalampos
Simantonis

President

Ευστράτιος Τσαλαμανίος

Efstratios
Tsalamanios

A’ Vice President

Σήφης Ι. Βαρδινογιάννης

Sifis I.
Vardinogiannis

B’ Vice President

Έλπη Πετράκη

Elpi
Petraki

General Secretary

Αλεξάνδρα Γκανά

Alexandra
Gana

Treasurer

Αλέξανδρος Λεμονίδης

Alexandros
Lemonidis

Member

Δρ. Νικόλαος Λιάπης

Dr. Nikolaos
Liapis

Member

Στεφανία Λιβέρη

Stefania
Liveri

Member

Δημήτριος Παπαθανασίου

Dimitrios
Papathanasiou

Member

Νικόλαος Κορδονούρης

Nikolaos
Kordonouris

Alternate Member

TEAM

Our Secretariat

Danae Tsopela

Director

Alexandros Lagouros

Maritime Affairs
Advisor

Maria Dimitrakou

Secretariat

Mary Papamichael

Comms Coordinator

ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ

The Association's Legacy

80+ Years of Representation and Leadership
in European Shortsea Shipping

Founded in the mid-20th century, the Association was established to provide a unified voice for Greek shortsea shipowners operating across European waters. 

From its early years, it played a decisive role in shaping policy discussions, fostering collaboration among operators, and strengthening Greece’s position within the broader European maritime ecosystem.

Throughout its history, the Association has:

  • Advocated for fair and competitive regulatory frameworks
  • Supported modal shift initiatives from road to sea
  • Contributed to European maritime policy development
  • Promoted safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility

Today, the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA) continues to build on this strong foundation, adapting to new market realities, technological transformation, and the decarbonization agenda.

Presidents of the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA) from 1940 to the Present:

  • Charalampos Simantonis | 2012 – Present
  • Nikolaos Varvates | 2000 – 2012
  • Spyridon Alexandratos | 1985 – 2000
  • Georgios Kouremenos | 1984 – 1985
  • Dimitrios Leventakis | 1979 – 1984
  • Spyridon Markantonakis | 1964 – 1979
  • Loukas Nomikos | 1952 – 1964
  • Alexandros Sigalas | 1950 – 1952
  • Loukas Nomikos | 1949 – 1950
  • Andreas Synodinos | 1945 – 1949
  • Loukas Nomikos | 1940 – 1945
“The Association has now redefined its role and objectives. The transition from Mediterranean Shipping to Shortsea Shipping marks new challenges and opportunities. Only through extroversion and partnerships will Greek shipowners be able to establish a strong presence within the European landscape.”
Charalampos Simantonis
Charalampos Simantonis2012 – Present​
“The request for fleet renewal is not merely a demand; it is a prerequisite for the survival of this sector, which contributes significantly to the movement of the large volume of goods within the European Union.”
Nikolaos Varvates
Nikolaos Varvates2000 – 2012
“For Mediterranean vessels, we have almost forgotten when measures were last taken to improve their competitiveness. One might say that Mediterranean shipping has been left to its fate.”
Spyridon Alexandratos
Spyridon Alexandratos1985 – 2000
“Moreover, Greek Mediterranean cargo shipping, due to the geographical scope of its activities, is expected—following Greece’s accession to the European Economic Community—to exert a decisive influence on the shaping of the Community’s maritime policy.”
Dimitrios Leventakis
Dimitrios Leventakis1979 – 1984
“We are the great maritime school of our nation. We are also those who will sail the oceans in the future.”
Spyridon Markantonakis
Spyridon Markantonakis1964 – 1979
“A cargo vessel of 4,000 tons is as important to the Mediterranean as a ‘Liberty’ ship is to the Atlantic.”
Loukas Nomikos
Loukas Nomikos1940 – 1945