In the midst of rapid changes in the regulatory framework, a multitude of technical challenges and ongoing technological developments, the exchange of knowledge, information and experience among shipping company executives, not only shields but significantly enhances the expertise of the maritime sector.
In this environment, MARTECMA – Marine Technical Managers Association welcomed 2025 with its annual dinner and pita cutting, attended by representatives of maritime institutions, members of the academic and research community, as well as members and friends of the Association.
The dinner, which took place at the Grand Hyatt Athens on Friday, 10 January 2025, was attended – among others – by HE the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Athens Mr Ju-Seong Lim, the Director General of the Union of Greek Shipowners Mrs Katerina Peppa, the Rector of NTUA Prof. Ioannis K. Hadjigeorgiou, the President of the Propeller Club Port of Piraeus Mr Costis Frangoulis, the President of HEMEXPO Mrs Eleni Polychronopoulou, the president of WISTA Hellas Mrs Vivi Koliopoulou, the president of the Hellenic Institute of Marine Technology Dr Nikolaos Liapis, the dean of the School of Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineering at NTUA Prof. Konstantinos Belibasakis, directors of the classification societies, representatives of INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, registries and companies of the wider shipping community, members of the press, etc.
In his opening address, MARTECMA Chairman Panos Kourkountis (Sea Traders S.A.) highlighted the organization’s crucial role in the exchange of critical information and the sharing of knowledge and experience among technical directors, a fact that is confirmed by MARTECMA’s recent distinction with the Lloyd’s List Technical Achievement Award. Mr Kourkountis also presented the renovated hall of the NTUA. The renovation was carried out thanks to MARTECMA’s sponsorship of 10,000 euros, in memory of its distinguished member the late Stavros Daniolos, who stood out not only for his deep knowledge of technical matters but also for his willingness to share it generously with his colleagues, as well as with new executives in the industry. For this reason, a plaque bearing Stavros Daniolos’ name has already been placed in a prominent position in the NTUA hall. The MARTECMA Chairman pointed out that “universities are vital hubs for cultivating and sharing knowledge and skills, shaping tomorrow’s shipping executives. MARTECMA will always be committed to supporting this invaluable work”.
As part of the event, the Board of Directors declared Mr C. Dean Tseretopoulos honorary president of MARTECMA, for his contribution to the establishment and development of the Association, as well as to the dissemination of technical ship management know-how within the Greek shipping community.
Mr C. Dean Tseretopoulos graduated from the University of Michigan in 1972 as a naval engineer and has completed a postgraduate programme in Finance and Business Law. Early in his career in the shipping industry, he worked for Goulandris Orion & Global Chartering in New York, and in 1975 he joined Thenamaris. In 1990, he was appointed Technical Director of the same company, a role he held for 19 consecutive years until 2009.
The honorary plaque was presented by the Vice President of MARTECMA, Mr Fotis Belexis (Star Bulk Carriers Corp.) and was received by Mr C. Dean Tseretopoulos’ son, Pavlos Tseretopoulos.
On the occasion of the event, Mrs Eleni Polychronopoulou, President of HEMEXPO, announced the declaration of MARTECMA as an honorary member of HEMEXPO – Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers & Exporters, thus sealing the cooperation between the two associations to enhance the competitiveness of marine equipment produced in Greece. The commemorative plaque was received by the Vice President of MARTECMA, Mr Antonis Georgantzis (Latsco Shipping Ltd.).
It is worth mentioning that during the MARTECMA annual dinner, president Mr Panos Kourkountis thanked Mrs Eleni Fragiadou, the Association’s Secretary, for her 25 years of service and presented her with a commemorative gift. He also introduced the Association’s new Secretary, Ms. Sofia Mantelou.
The event was held with the kind support of the golden sponsors: BPCO, Bureau Veritas, DNV, Ergomatic, Erma First, FRANMAN, G. Moundreas, JOTUN, Latsco Shipping Ltd., Marine Plus, Seabright, Technava, and the supporters: ABS, Alpha Marine, Angelicoussis Group, CMP CHUGOKU Marine Paints, DK Fotinakis, HEMEXPO, Lloyd’s Register, Oceanking, Olympic Shipping & Management S.A., RINA.
Source: MARTECMA – Marine Technical Managers Association
