Greek Shipping Awards 2009

GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009

The Winners CONTENTS Awards & Winners THE WINNERS

11 Dry Cargo Company of the Year Navios Maritime Holdings

13 Tanker Company of the Year Capital Ship Management GREEK SHIPPING Share our Passion for Shipping 15 Passenger Line of the Year AWARDS 2009 Aegean Speed Lines

17 Shipbroker of the Year The Winners Golden Destiny

WRITER 19 Shipping Financier of the Year Nigel Lowry National Bank of Greece

DESIGN/PRODUCTION Jo Fuller Designs 21 Technical Achievement Award NTUA Ship Design Laboratory / Germanischer Lloyd AWARDS MANAGEMENT Event Producer: Peter Attwater Event Director: Nigel Lowry 25 Piraeus International Centre Award Event Administration: Shelagh Ingledow Event & Guest Co-ordination Office Hellenic Shipbrokers Association Tel.+30.210.42.91.195 Email: [email protected] 27 Ship of the Year SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING SALES ‘Aktea OSRV’ Janet Wood Tel. +30.210.41.27.217 Email: [email protected] 29 International Personality of the Year Commissioner Joe Borg EVENT PRODUCTION Orama New Age Productions Mix-Music 31 Seafarer of the Year Captains Efstratios Kavros, Haralambos Petras PHOTOGRAPHER Emmanuella Bourbouhaki & Alexandros Stamatakis

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS 33 Award for Achievement in Safety or Environmental Protection George Foustanos Nikos Kokkalias Efthimios Mitropoulos

AWARD TROPHIES Raoul Bollani 35 Award for Achievement in Education or Training Professor Costas Grammenos VENUE Athenaeum InterContinental Hotel, Athens 37 Lloyd’s List/Propeller Club Lifetime Achievement Award Lloyd’s List Captain Vassilis C. Constantacopoulos Editorial, Advertising and Subscriptions inquiries 69-77 Paul Street, London EC2A 4LQ 39 Greek Shipping Newsmaker of the Year Tel. +44 (0) 20 7017 5000 Victor Restis This special supplement is issued free to subscribers of Lloyd’s List and is one of a 41 Greek Shipping Personality of the Year series published at regular intervals each year. For additional copies contact the Andreas Vgenopoulos Co-ordination Office: Tel. +30 210 42 91 195 [email protected] 43 Special Award: Man of the Sea Lloyd’s is the registered trademark of the Thanos Mikroutsikos society Incorporated by the Lloyd’s Act 1871 by the name of Lloyd’s.

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. 3 Introduction: Event highlights returning confidence Reproduction of the editorial or pictorial * content by any manner without written 7 Louka T. Katseli: ‘Greeks and the sea are closely connected’ permission of the publisher is prohibited. 9 Ernst & Young: ‘Time to prepare for the rebound’ Published by Informa Australia 22 Personalities and Pictures – Greek shipping’s ‘Dinner of 2009’ 44 The Judges: ‘A record year for entries’ 3 Iassonos St., Piraeus 18537, Greece, *Our vessels are managed by Capital Ship Management Corp. (a subsidiary of our sponsor an business Tel: +30 210 4584900, Fax: +30 210 4285679, Capital Maritime & Trading Corp.) which was selected as “Tanker Company of the Year E-mail: [email protected], www.capitalpplp.com 2009” at the annual Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards. The company has received the Lloyd’s Register certification for ISO 9001, 14001 and OHSAS 18001 compliance. LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 1 CONTENTS Awards & Winners THE WINNERS

11 Dry Cargo Company of the Year Navios Maritime Holdings

13 Tanker Company of the Year Capital Ship Management GREEK SHIPPING Share our Passion for Shipping 15 Passenger Line of the Year AWARDS 2009 Aegean Speed Lines

17 Shipbroker of the Year The Winners Golden Destiny

WRITER 19 Shipping Financier of the Year Nigel Lowry National Bank of Greece

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS 33 Award for Achievement in Safety or Environmental Protection George Foustanos Nikos Kokkalias Efthimios Mitropoulos

Lifetime Achievement Award-winner Vassilis C. Constantacopoulos addresses about 1,000 guests at the gala dinner

‘Unmatched’ event Cocktail reception sponsored by Diana Shipping highlights returning confidence

OMING at the end of a tough year for Later in the evening, Lifetime Achievement guests could also sip a welcome drink on shipping, the 6th annual Lloyd’s List Award winner Vassilis C. Constantacopoulos arrival as they browsed a plasma-screen gallery C Greek Shipping Awards drew almost captured part of the event’s attraction, saying of past winners, which included Diana 1,000 guests to the December 4, 2009 gala it had become an institution. Shipping itself as winner of the Dry Cargo dinner in the Athenaeum InterContinental He welcomed the end-year gathering as Company award in 2007. hotel. providing an opportunity for people in the If anyone had earned the right to strike an Much of the sense of trauma felt in the shipping community to reunite with old optimistic tone for the ceremony, it was surely industry during the later stages of 2008 was friends who otherwise were rarely together Gabriel Panayotides, chairman and chief absent a year later as the shipping community on the same occasion. executive of Excel Maritime Carriers, which convened in relatively good spirits to applaud Support for the Greek Shipping Awards was sponsored the traditional champagne toast a strong cast of winners that underlined the also evident in the sponsors, headed once to the health of Greek shipping. strength and depth of the industry in Greece. again by overall event sponsor Ernst & Young A year earlier, Mr Panayotides had assured his “It is impressive to see the support for this and including numerous prestigious audience that by the time of the 2009 awards event,” said Lloyd’s List’s editor, Tom companies among the sponsors of the dinner the shock of late 2008 would seem Leander, as a preamble to presenting one of individual awards. “no more than an unpleasant memory”. the night’s trophies. Comparing the event to To start the evening, guests enjoyed a cocktail In Excel’s own dry bulk market, the events of other awards shows around the world, he party hosted in the ballroom lobby by highly- the following year largely proved him correct. said: “particularly in this very difficult year the rated New York Stock Exchange-listed dry bulk impressiveness of this crowd is unmatched”. company Diana Shipping. Courtesy of Diana, CONTINUES PAGE 5

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 3 THE WINNERS

Lifetime Achievement Award-winner Vassilis C. Constantacopoulos addresses about 1,000 guests at the gala dinner

‘Unmatched’ event Cocktail reception sponsored by Diana Shipping highlights returning confidence

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 3 THE WINNERS

The Greek shipping community turned out in force for cocktails and dinner. (Top right) Gabriel Panayotides delivered a champagne toast to the health of the industry. The Champagne Toast was sponsored by Excel Maritime Carriers

FROM PAGE 3 Andreas Vgenopoulos and shipowner Victor Restis, while corporate winners included HALL OF FAME Raising his glass to propose a toast for the Navios Maritime Holdings, Capital Ship INDUCTEES 2009 industry at the end of 2009, Mr Panayotides Management and Aegean Speed Lines. look ahead to “a more hopeful future and a In addition to the roster of commercial Paying tribute to giants of the past new year full of opportunities.” sponsors, the Greek Shipping Awards was Confidence laced with realism was the order supported by the Union of Greek Shipowners, of the evening. the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Capt Constantacopoulos said the year was an Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, apt illustration of the seafarer’s wisdom that the Association of Greek Passenger Shipping Antonis the sea, and by extension shipping, “may get Companies, the Hellenic Shipbrokers ill but it never dies”. Association, Helmepa, the Propeller Club, Angelicoussis Royal Bank of Scotland’s head of shipping, WISTA Hellas and the Association of Banking 1918-1989 Lambros Varnavides, said “2009 has been a & Shipping Finance Executives of Hellenic challenging year for those of us in shipping, Shipping. for those of us in banking – and especially While the main focus of the gala dinner was for those of us in both. to pay tribute to the Greek shipping industry “However, we end the year much better than in general and celebrate the achievements we started the year and I also feel it will be of the specific award-winners, the 2009 the same this time next year.” gala dinner also celebrated 275 years of The Awards saw many major names Lloyd’s List. recognised. Among them, the Secretary- For the centenary of his birth there was also a General of the International Maritime special tribute to seafarer Nikos Kavadias, the Eugene Organisation, Efthimios Mitropoulos, took radio operator who became one of Greece’s Eugenides the prize for Achievement in Safety or most admired poets. 1882-1954 Environmental Protection. An appreciation In addition, the dinner again hosted the for environmental commitment could announcement of inductees for the Greek be discerned in a number of the choices Shipping Hall of Fame. Tributes were paid to of winners. two giants of the past – Antonis Angelicoussis Key individual winners included Marfin’s and Eugene Eugenides.

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 5 THE WINNERS

NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE S.A.

Headquarters-shipping Division Shipping minister Louka Katseli. Representing the government at the dinner was Sokratis Katsikas, Akti Miaouli & 2 Bouboulinas Str. general secretary for Communication at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transportation and Networks Vati Building, 185-35 Piraeus, Greece Sokratis Katsikas Tel.: +30 2104144125 Fax.:+30 2104144120 Message: Louka T. Katseli

Shipping Branch Akti Miaouli & 2 Bouboulinas Str. Vati Building, 185-35 Piraeus, ‘Greeks and the sea are closely connected’ Greece An Address by Louka T. Katseli, Minister of Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping Tel.: +30 2104144000 Fax.:+302104144005 VEN at a distance, it is a pleasure be closely connected. That is why the new shipping to the benefit of businesses and the and an honour to greet all of you ministry incorporates in one ministry all the wider economy. London Branch “Eat such an important event that policy tools to promote competitiveness, I congratulate all the participants and 75, King William Str. pays tribute to the status and the exceptional growth and shipping. It is the first time in our especially the Award-winners for their London, EC4N 7BE, U.K. performance of Greek shipping. postwar history that all the levers of growth dedication to results and to exploiting their Tel.: +44-207-0150600 I would very much like to be with you today. concerning trade, the promotion of competitive advantages. I hope their example Fax.: +44-207-9290989 Unfortunately, a visit to the United States with investments, the developmental infrastructure, inspires other members of the maritime the aim of internationally promoting our and shipping are coordinated by one ministry. community to follow. country and attracting investments keeps me The concentration of so many tools for The Greek Government and I personally will away from this unique celebration of Greek development under the same roof can, if support all ambitions and efforts of this maritime achievement. managed reliably and effectively, provide nature. In my capacity as Minister of Economy, synergies to enhance competitiveness, Competitiveness and Shipping, I welcome promote investments and be instrumental in There is a power that works as a beacon of development for the aspiring and support initiatives such as the Lloyd’s List upgrading services offered in the ports, in Greek shipping companies of quality: National Bank of Greece. Today, with the Greek Shipping Awards which honour the transportation, in shipping, in maritime largest shipowning community in the world tourism, and in the essential support services. deepestk nowledge and a long lasting tradition in shipping finance, National Bank The Minister was on an official visit to and a number of the other important of Greece offers the most flexible and specialized financial services for their It is my commitment that the new Ministry of New York at the time of the gala dinner. She segments of the shipping industry. Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping will investment programs. Moreover, our presence in the traditional centre of Greek addressed the audience at the Greek Shipping Greeks and the sea were, are, and will always strengthen the competitive advantage of Greek Awards by pre-recorded video. Shipping, Piraeus, through our Shipping Branch, and in the City of London, establishes National Bank of Greece as the chief ally of Greek shipping. Thus, it can navigate its customers to the top, through the safest and more secure seaways, worldwide. LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 7 THE WINNERS

NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE S.A.

THE WINNERS

Ernst & Young has been overall Event Sponsor of the Greek Shipping Awards since 2005

Event Sponsor: Ernst & Young

‘Time to prepare for the rebound’

A speech by Dimitris Constantinou, Ernst & Young Partner and Shipping Sector Leader

ROM the crash of Lehman Brothers in On the other hand, we have seen most of the by offering them access to our industry insights September 2008 through to late Greek shipowners: and resources. We are convinced that our solid F February 2009, there was a real sense of • Successfully managing their relations with expertise enables us to help our clients to meet panic across the world. their lenders, charterers and shipyards their goals and compete more effectively. Uncertainty as to the financial strength – or • Restructuring their debt obligations Furthermore, as part of our continuous weakness – of a company extended from the • Securing alternative sources of financing investment in the shipping sector we have a boardroom to its customers, suppliers and and raising billions of dollars from the strong competitive advantage by having a US shareholders. The economic world, as we knew capital markets and, most importantly Capital Markets Partner stationed in Athens, with full authority to sign off registration it, looked over the edge – and stepped back. • Innovatively working on restructuring, statements and annual reports filed with the Shipping was not unaffected and during the reorganizing and repositioning their Securities and Exchange Commission. last year we have been witnesses of: businesses to not only sustain themselves • Historically low rates and vessel values in such a turbulent environment but to Tonight some of you will walk out with an • Significant impairments of assets and take advantage of the business award. We in Ernst & Young see all of you as goodwill opportunities that are arising. winners already, successful professionals with • Suspension of dividends payments Innovation of all types is what drives the vision and the drive to innovate. • Breaches of loan covenants, impaired world forward and the Greek shipping Being close to you, the message we get is: Now ability to make interest and principal community has evidently realised this fact. is the time to prepare for the rebound. obligations and, in some cases, hard Our shipping team in Greece with over 50 This is an edited version of Mr Constantinou’s defaults. experienced professionals supports our clients, speech

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 9 THE WINNERS

Athens Exchange Time to navigate the Greek Market

Angeliki Frangou (right) accepts the award, presented by Hellenic Exchanges’ president Spyros Capralos

Dry Cargo Company of the Year Winner: Navios Maritime Holdings

STRONG winner kicked off the am very confident of Navios and I am very To support its expansion the company raised night’s prize-giving action as chief confident of the superb group of people with more than $1.3bn in debt and equity funding A executive Angeliki Frangou took the whom I am associated.” including a recent $400m bond. stage to accept the Dry Cargo Company of the The year saw Navios acquire no less than As if this were not enough, it also expanded Year Award on behalf of Navios Maritime seven newbuildings without significant its unique South American Logistics business Holdings. dilution of its share price. Six capesize bulker with additions to its fleet of dry and liquid The New York Stock Exchange-listed company contracts were purchased for construction in bulk barges as well as boosting its own bulk emerged as a stand-out candidate for the Korea, while one panamax newbuilding was transhipment port in Uruguay with an $8m delivered from Japan. award through expansion and innovation in new silo opened at the end of the year. It has a year when most of its competitors chose to All the deals were achieved through a also been investing in new ore handling lie low. combination of cash and mandatorily facilities at the port. “While others [in 2009] were raising equity convertible stock that was accepted by the simply to survive, Navios was able through its sellers and the shipbuilders. partners in banking and the shipyards to Although this novel model was hailed by benefit our shareholders,” Ms Frangou said. analysts as a path to emulate in the prevailing &YMNSTS&[J&YMJSX,WJJHJ “Conditions are pretty much better now but credit crunch, few companies found YJQ KF] we are still facing a lot of challenges,” she told themselves in a position to follow Navios’ The Dry Cargo Company of the Year Award the audience. “But despite these challenges I example. was sponsored by Hellenic Exchanges Group. \\\MJQJ]LW

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 11 THE WINNERS

Athens Exchange Time to navigate the Greek Market

Angeliki Frangou (right) accepts the award, presented by Hellenic Exchanges’ president Spyros Capralos

Dry Cargo Company of the Year Winner: Navios Maritime Holdings

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 11 THE WINNERS

Capital chairman Evangelos Marinakis (left) receives the Tanker Company Award from Alexander Prokopakis, general manager of JetOil Bunkering

Tanker Company of the Year Winner: Capital Ship Management

APITAL Ship Management Corp. dedication to quality, efficiency, safety and 14 vessels. The panel noted that through the won the Tanker Company of the Year environmental management. sale of the last three single hull vessels in C accolade for its excellence as a tanker Further independent recognition of the 2009 the year marked the completion of a manager and its determined commitment to company’s standards came when two Capital fully double hull fleet operation. continual improvement. tankers gained first place in BP’s ranking of Capital has qualified for period charters with Already recognised for high safety, security, top performing vessels for a second the likes of major oil companies and traders environmental and performance standards, consecutive year. such as BP, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, Total, Capital took quality achievements to new The Capital-managed fleet includes the StatoilHydro, Morgan Stanley, Vitol, Cargill, heights throughout its operation in 2009 tankers of New York-listed affiliate Capital Glencore, Trafigura and Bunge, and it recently despite the adverse tanker market. Product Partners L.P. and, with 10 medium- extended its impressive client base by fixing Exemplifying this, the year saw Lloyd’s Register range tankers on long time charters and long term business for two of its MR tankers confer on the company one of its first approvals bareboat charters to BP, Capital is the oil with Mexican national oil company Pemex. worldwide for Integrated Management System major’s largest counterparty for MR tankers. Taking the stage, Capital’s chairman Evangelos certification. Capital also became the first The relationship also includes a pair of Marinakis thanked the company’s employees shipping company to adopt Business Continuity suezmaxes on long period charter. around the world who “during very adverse Management principles in cooperation with LR. Modernisation of the fleet has been conditions in 2009 helped us perform as we These credentials added to existing compliance accomplished over a five year programme that did and achieve so much”. with ISO 9001, 14001 and OHSAS 18001, has included the introduction of the largest The Tanker Company of the Year Award was illustrating the company’s long term Ice Class 1A MR fleet in the world, comprising sponsored by JetOil Bunkering.

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 13 THE WINNERS

Capital chairman Evangelos Marinakis (left) receives the Tanker Company Award from Alexander Prokopakis, general manager of JetOil Bunkering

Tanker Company of the Year Winner: Capital Ship Management

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 13 M/T AKTEA OSRV THE WINNERS ShipShip of the Year 2009

EuropeanEurop Maritime Safety Agency is responsible aamongstmo other for the provision of assistance to the Member States to ship-source pollu- tiontio within the Community under regulation 7724/2004/EC. FurtherF to this EMSA has established throught contracted vessels, a network of pollution re- sponses ships ready to respond all over European Coast LineL in case of a major oil spill incident.

InIn 2007 the EMSA network of stand-by vessels was strengthenedst in the area of the Aegean Sea up to the sea of Cyprus with the new entry of M/T AKTEA OSRV. The area hashas been selected by EMSA based on the already existing marinemari traffic as well as taking in consideration the expected expansionexpans of marine traffic due to the new pipe line that is plannedplanned to be constructed between Burgas - Alexandroupoli.

EnvironmentalEnviron Protection Engineering S.A. with a leading role in thethe MediterraneanMe concerning the oil spill response for the last 30 years, has chartered AKTEA OSRV from the affiliate company POLROM OIL MC., for the purpose of this contract. During the first semester of 2008 all the necessary modifica- tions took place on board AKTEA OSRV in order to fit the oil spill response equipment, train the personnel and obtain all the documents in order to operate as an Occasional Oil Recovery Vessel classed with Lloyds Register.

In particular, three different systems of oil recovery from the sea surface have been fitted on board with a total skimming capacity of 850m3/hr, open sea oil booms, dedicated radar system Lloyd’s List editor Tom Leander presents Leonidas Demetriades-Eugenides (right) with Aegean Speed Lines’ award for the detection and tracking of oil spill on the sea surface, special equipment for the analysis of the density and viscosity of the selected oil as well as an interface detection system in the tanks and additional heating capacity in order to maximize the efficient operation of the vessel during oil spill. Furthermore, special training to the crew and office personnel has been pro- Passenger Line of the Year vided in terms of oil spill response tactics and operation of the equipment. Winner: Aegean Speed Lines The target of these special purpose vessels, contracted by EMSA, is the response to Tier 2 - 3 spill incidents, having the capacity to remain at the open sea long enough and collect as much as possible oil from the sea surface before it reaches the coast HEN it came to the passenger renewed its fleet with two more fast ferries some of which were “forgotten for many years”. line and without consuming the response time to / from the spill shipping sector, the panel and it established new routes in the Cyclades. It “strongly believes that offering a multitude site for unloading. W recognised the merits of one of the Acquired were the SuperSeaCat Three and of transportation solutions is catalytic to country’s younger and smaller ferry companies SuperSeaCat Four, a pair of fast mono-hull the growth and prosperity of all residents of Upon the completion of the pre-fitting works and all the neces- that amply demonstrated its dedication to ferries with a service speed of 35 knots that the region.” sary tests, AKTEA OSRV has been set on stand-by in the con- communications in the Aegean Sea. were built by Italy’s Fincantieri in 1999. Accepting the award, company founder tracted are, where at the same time it takes part in a series of Established in 2005 as a cooperation between Each vessel has capacity for 800 passengers Leonidas Demetriades-Eugenides said: National and International oil spill response exercises organized the Eugenides Group and Sea Containers of and up to 175 cars. “Without the self-sacrifice, the faith and the the UK, Aegean Speed Lines began with a by EMSA and with the participation of other Member States, As Speedrunner III and IV, the vessels were hard work of our crews we would not be here. single catamaran, in doing so becoming the keeping always the standards of training and response prepared- operated on services, respectively, to Tinos Our team on land has battled continuously first company to employ a foreign flag vessel to make the company what it is today. ness to the highest level. in the Greek ferry trades. and Mykonos, and to Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Kimolos and Folegandros. “Above all this award reflects the confidence Since then the composition of the ownership our passengers have shown in our company.” has changed, with Sea Containers exiting and Judges especially praised the commitment of a further Greek shipping investors participating quality new private player prepared to invest in the company. But the Eugenides Group in island services at a time when several other Environmental Protection Engineering S.A. POLROM OIL M.C. presence and the level of the company’s smaller players have dropped off the radar. 24, Dervenakion str., 185 45 Piraeus-Greece 35-39 Akti Miaouli str.,185 35 Piraeus-Greece service have been constants. According to the company, today’s three-vessel T: +30 210 4060000 • F: +30 210 4617423 T: +30 210 42 94 946, F: +30 210 42 94 772 In the course of 2009, Aegean Speed Lines fleet provides quality services to 11 destinations, www.epe.gr • [email protected] [email protected] • www.polrom.gr LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 15 M/T AKTEA OSRV THE WINNERS ShipShip of the Year 2009

Allied’s Nassos Hatzigeorgiou (left) presents the award to Golden Destiny founder Michail Kokkinis. Allied is a previous winner of the shipbroker’s award

Shipbroker of the Year Winner: Golden Destiny

OLATILITY was a feature of the year It is one of the busiest Greek shipbrokers in Accepting the award, Mr Kokkinis said: “It in shipping markets. Stability and terms of sale and purchase transactions, is an honour for me and my colleagues at V constancy were among the qualities covering virtually any ship type and project, Golden Destiny to have this title. praised in Golden Destiny, the judges’ choice ranging through newbuild contracting, resales “The Greek shipbrokers’ community year by as the Shipbroker of the Year. According to a and secondhand deals to demolition sales. year is becoming stronger and stronger, and nomination for the company it has expanded Counted among the firm’s competitive more competitive. Thanks to its its services to clients with “sure, steady steps”. advantages are strong relationships with the professionalism year by year it is obtaining a Established in 1994 by Michail Kokkinis, Far Eastern and Eastern European markets, bigger stake in the international shipbroking growth areas that provide a substantial already a well-known shipbroker and past arena.” president of the Hellenic Shipbrokers volume of business. The Awards were “promoting the shipping Association, the firm won the award in its But it offers a variety of other services industry and especially Greek shipping 15th anniversary year. including period chartering, shipping which throughout the centuries has been the Golden Destiny laid down an early marker of consultancy and ships’ valuations. leading factor in the prosperity of our nation,” its quality approach with ISO 9002 Two years of market research prepared the Mr Kokkinis commented. certification in 1998, making it the first way, in 2006, for a major expansion with the shipbrokerage house in Piraeus to be launch of Golden Destiny Inc., an affiliate compliant with this standard. Today it specialising in offering competitive marine operates under an updated ISO 9001:2008 insurance brokerage and consulting, covering The Shipbroker of the Year Award was system certified by Bureau Veritas. all marine risks. sponsored by Allied Shipbroking Inc.

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 17 THE WINNERS

Allied’s Nassos Hatzigeorgiou (left) presents the award to Golden Destiny founder Michail Kokkinis. Allied is a previous winner of the shipbroker’s award

Shipbroker of the Year Winner: Golden Destiny

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 17 THE WINNERS

Star Bulk CARRIERS CORP.

Akis Tsirigakis (centre) presents the award for NBG to Alex Tourkolias (right) with NBG’s head of shipping Dimitris Vassilacos (left)

Shipping Financier of the Year Winner: National Bank of Greece

WAR D-presenter Akis Tsirigakis, chief as one of the stronger banks in Europe and on Two difficult years had underlined the bank’s executive of sponsor Star Bulk Carriers, the shipping front it was one of the few banks commitment to the national shipping A had it just about right: “When the to be doing new business in 2009. community, and its cooperation with going gets tough, the tough get going,” he NBG prides itself on a stable approach to customers, but Mr Tourkolias was confident reminded the audience, summing up a worthy shipping, carefully selecting owners that the same policies would be continued in years financier of the year 2009 as being “creative, typically have a larger liquidity base than their to come. resilient and persistent”. borrowing, and young fleets with a good He also paid tribute to a long line of The National Bank of Greece has been a measure of secure employment. governors and other senior managers at the supporter of the industry for longer than any bank who were highly supportive of the other Greek bank, tracing its lending to During 2009 growth was conservative but still featured new business while many rival banks bank’s involvement in the Greek shipping shipping back to the 1960s and it has been industry. ever-present in the market since those days. had simply halted any new lending. At the end of 2008, NBG once again emerged Accepting the award, general manager of as the leading Greek lender to the industry corporate and investment banking Alex with a portfolio of $3.5bn, placing it among Tourkolias credited “an exceptional ship the top five lenders internationally to Greek finance division” staffed with experienced shipowners. officers for elevating NBG to become “not Against the backdrop of economic and only an important financier but also a long The Shipping Financier of the Year Award financial crisis, NBG has established a name term strategic partner of Greek shipping.” was sponsored by Star Bulk Carriers Corp. www.starbulk.com LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 19 THE WINNERS

Star Bulk CARRIERS CORP.

Akis Tsirigakis (centre) presents the award for NBG to Alex Tourkolias (right) with NBG’s head of shipping Dimitris Vassilacos (left)

Shipping Financier of the Year Winner: National Bank of Greece

Joe Hughes (centre), chairman and chief executive of Shipowners Claims Bureau Inc., managers of the American Club, presents the trophies to (left) GL’s head of Research & Development Pierre Sames, and (right) Prof. Apostolos Papanikolaou, director of the NTUA Ship Design Laboratory Technical Achievement Award Winner: NTUA Ship Design Laboratory / Germanischer Lloyd

NNOVATIVE hull designs can offer cargo area of an aframax class tanker to a 6x2 cargo tanks configuration. ship designers greater flexibility and identify the best performing designs in terms Interesting features of optimised designs were I shipowners new economic opportunities, of improving both environmental protection an increased double bottom height and and these were just a couple of the goals from accidental oil outflow and commercial reduced size of tanks in the forward ship’s behind a rare partnership between academia competitiveness. part, in direct response to damage statistics. and industry to carry out advanced studies of A full parametric multi-objective design The resulting designs are being explored with optimal tanker designs. optimisation platform was developed using owners in practice. The National Technical University of Athens genetic algorithms and taking into account The study suggested a novel oil tanker design (NTUA) and classification society probabilistic oil outflow calculation methods could offer 7% greater cargo capacity and a Germanischer Lloyd teamed up for the award- for side and bottom damages and a structural winning 2008-9 bilateral research which design assessment – with corrugated or flat 6% reduction in oil outflow in event of an stemmed from the EU funded SAFEDOR bulkheads – according to GL’s rules. accident. The hull form research provided a project begun in 2005. Designs were evaluated in terms of oil outflow principal component for GL’s new and With NTUA’s ship design laboratory taking consequences, structural weight and cargo ongoing BEST program: Better Economics the lead and GL providing support and capacity, design feasibility, ship with Safer Tankers. finance, more than 17,000 different designs maintainability and ballast water capacity. were generated using fully automated A variety of promising aframax designs procedures. emerged, compared with a standard yard- The Technical Achievement Award was The study focused on optimising the main optimised aframax double hull design with sponsored by the American Club.

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 21 THE WINNERS

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 21 Personalities and Pictures Personalities and Pictures THE WINNERS THE WINNERS Greek shipping’s ‘Dinner of 2009’

Leading industry personalities were again among the 1,000-strong audience for the Awards Dinner

One for the kids – Event producer Peter Attwater of Three-way tie – From right: Anek Lines’ Adamantios Krasanakis and Hellenic Informa Australia presents a cheque to Despina Seaways’ Constantinos Fortetsanakis stepped up to accept Seafarer of the Year The event did not lack Papastelianou, president of Argo, the organisation trophies for two absent Anek masters. They joined the co-winner Alexandros glamour: Milena (right) for children with special needs in seafarers’ families Stamatakis of Minoan and presenter Alexander G. Tsavliris on stage (see page 31) and Mariela Tsavliris

Diana Shipping’s Simeon Palios (second from left) with Guests browse the Hall of Fame plasma display of past winners Helen Petmeza (left), French Ambassador in Greece as they sip drinks sponsored by Diana Shipping Christophe Farnaud and US Ambassador Daniel Speckhard

Owners’ talk: Minos Kyriakou (left) and Family fan clubs: Victor Restis with mother Bella and Evangelos Marinakis with son Miltiadis Marinakis Anthony Comninos

From left: Government representative Sokratis Katsikas, Vicky Gratsos, Hellenic Chamber of Shipping president George Gratsos, and Prof. George Vlachos of the University of From left: Union of Greek Shipowners president Theodore Veniamis, National Bank From left: British Ambassador David Landsman OBE, Lloyd’s List editor Contender for ‘Couple of the Year’? Lloyd’s List’s Nigel Lowry Piraeus who has subsequently been confirmed as general secretary of merchant marine of Greece chief executive Apostolos Tamvakakis, and shipowner Nicolas Moundreas Tom Leander and lawyer Lily Politsopoulou-Timagenis Pericles and Katerina Panagopulos hosted the dinner in the ministry of economy

22 LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 23 Personalities and Pictures Personalities and Pictures THE WINNERS THE WINNERS Greek shipping’s ‘Dinner of 2009’

Leading industry personalities were again among the 1,000-strong audience for the Awards Dinner

Owners’ talk: Minos Kyriakou (left) and Family fan clubs: Victor Restis with mother Bella and Evangelos Marinakis with son Miltiadis Marinakis Anthony Comninos

22 LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 23 THE WINNERS

Dimitris Vranopoulos, managing director of Marine Plus, the award sponsor (left), presents HSA president John Pachoulis (centre) with the trophy, with HSA secretary general Dimitris Iliou (right)

Piraeus International Centre Award Winner: Hellenic Shipbrokers Association

HE Hellenic Shipbrokers Association Shipbroking Gnosis (Knowledge) Certificate, Forum and Gala Dinner has been one of the won the Piraeus International Centre successfully launched in 2004 to focus on the highlights of the calendar for the shipping T Award as it approached its 35th ability to practically apply theoretical community based in the greater Piraeus- anniversary and was acknowledged by the knowledge in shipbroking. Athens area. Several thousand guests, with a panel of judges as playing a crucial role in Its chartering and sale & purchase committees strong contingent attending from overseas, Greece’s maritime life. are active in solving disputes arising in have made the Pireas Gala one of the largest Since its launch as a non-profit organisation shipbroking practice. maritime gatherings worldwide. back in 1975, the HSA has grown steadily in But the HSA is also credited with a much Accepting the award on behalf of the terms of both its membership and the scope wider impact on Greek shipping affairs and is association, Mr Pachoulis said: “We are very of its activities. credited with selflessly sharing knowledge with happy to receive this award and the good Nowadays it cites a roster of about 400 work will be continued with the assistance of the rest of the maritime community at large. professional members, making it, in the the board of directors and all our members.” words of today’s president John Pachoulis It fields a team of shipping experts to provide “one of, if not the largest, shipbroking services whenever required while members associations in the world.” maintain close bonds with numerous other Educational initiatives taken by the shipping organisations internationally, association have done much to raise the enhancing the HSA’s ability to offer standard of shipbroking in Greece and these international know-how. The Piraeus International Centre Award was include the HSA’s own training diploma, the In recent years, the HSA’s biennial ‘Pireas’ sponsored by Marine Plus.

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 25 THE WINNERS

Dimitris Vranopoulos, managing director of Marine Plus, the award sponsor (left), presents HSA president John Pachoulis (centre) with the trophy, with HSA secretary general Dimitris Iliou (right)

Piraeus International Centre Award Winner: Hellenic Shipbrokers Association

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 25 Dedicated to safer THE WINNERS cleaner seas

ClassNK executive vice president Tateo Kaji (centre) presents the trophy to Polrom’s operations manager Stefanos Skarvelas (left) and technical manager Yiannis Romanidis (right)

Ship of the Year

Winner: ‘Aktea OSRV’ The award-winning Aktea OSRV

ITTINGLY – in a year when the The tanker has been specially modified to affiliate of John Polychronopoulos-led environment loomed so large – the host three different systems for recovering oil Environmental Protection Engineering S.A., F 2009 Ship of the Year Award went to from the sea surface. which has developed into a leading oil spill a vessel that has an important role to play in It has a total hourly skimming capacity of response contractor during three decades safeguarding the seas around Greece. 850m3 and is fitted with open sea oil booms, of experience. Operational since the second half of 2008, the dedicated radar for the detection and tracking The award came as recognition of the Aktea OSRV is a specially converted tanker of oil spilt on the sea surface, special EPE group’s wide-ranging environmental that has joined the European Maritime Safety equipment for the analysis of the density and operations in Greece and the Mediterranean Agency’s network of pollution response ships viscosity of the oil as well as an interface region. standing by around Europe’s coastline in case detection system in the tanks. Additional of spills. It was the first Greek vessel with the heating capacity allows for maximising class notation“Motor Tanker with Occasional efficient operation during oil spill recovery. Oil Recovery Duties”: As with other EMSA-contracted vessels the The area of the Aegean Sea up to Cyprus was Aktea OSRV has the capacity to remain at sea selected by EMSA based on its sensitivity and long enough to collect large quantities of oil, current levels of marine traffic, while taking maximising operational time to respond to into consideration a likely expansion of traffic the spill without having to leave the spill site that is expected to result from the construction for discharging. The Ship of the Year Award was sponsored by www.classnk.or.jp of the new Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipe line. The vessel is deployed by Polrom Oil, an ClassNK.

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 27 Dedicated to safer THE WINNERS cleaner seas

ClassNK executive vice president Tateo Kaji (centre) presents the trophy to Polrom’s operations manager Stefanos Skarvelas (left) and technical manager Yiannis Romanidis (right)

Ship of the Year

Winner: ‘Aktea OSRV’ The award-winning Aktea OSRV

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 27 THE WINNERS

Spyros Fokas (right) of Aegean Marine Petroleum hands the trophy to Carla Montesi, EC director for Maritime Affairs (Mediterranean and Black Sea) who accepted the award on behalf of Joe Borg

Commissioner Joe Borg International Personality of the Year Winner: Commissioner Joe Borg

HE European Union’s commissioner promote the continent’s common maritime “We are very glad that the shipping industry for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, heritage and the launch of European Maritime shares these goals,” she said. T Joe Borg, was unveiled as the Day to raise the visibility of maritime affairs. Ms Montesi also said that commissioner- International Personality of the Year in Dr Borg’s schedule in Brussels would not designate Maria Damanaki of Greece (who recognition and appreciation of his allow him to attend the ceremony in person, has since taken over the portfolio from outstanding efforts to shape a realistic but the award was accepted on his behalf by Dr Borg) was keen to boost his policy. and holistic EU maritime policy. 24 Carla Montesi, director for Maritime Affairs “We will give her all our support,” said During his time as Commissioner, Dr Borg’s (Mediterranean and Black Sea) of the Ms Montesi. WORLDWIDE SERVICE 24 HOURS approach acknowledged the importance European Commission. and unique characteristics of the shipping industry. “Commissioner Borg is very happy to receive this award and he was very sorry not to be He has also highlighted the importance of maritime issues and of understanding the here tonight with you,” Ms Montesi told the maritime world as a whole rather than a audience. ALL SUPPLIES WITH DD BARGES more piecemeal approach to policy. With the policy launched by Dr Borg, “the EU The panel of judges was also appreciative of wants to ensure that maritime activities such as shipping develop in a sustainable manner, www.ampni.com Dr Borg’s steps to increase public awareness of The International Personality of the Year the industry as part of the integrated maritime combining economic development with Award was sponsored by Aegean Marine policy, including educational initiatives to environmental sustainability. Petroleum

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 29 THE WINNERS

Spyros Fokas (right) of Aegean Marine Petroleum hands the trophy to Carla Montesi, EC director for Maritime Affairs (Mediterranean and Black Sea) who accepted the award on behalf of Joe Borg

Commissioner Joe Borg International Personality of the Year Winner: Commissioner Joe Borg

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 29 THE WINNERS

Co-winner: Capt Efstratios Kavros

Alexander G. Tsavliris of the Tsavliris Salvage Group (left) presents the trophy to one of three masters sharing the 2009 Award, Capt Alexandros Stamatakis of the Knossos Palace

Seafarer of the Year Co-winner: Capt Haralambos Petras Marine salvage Ocean rescue Winners: Captains Efstratios Kavros, Deep-sea towage Cargo & ship recovery Haralambos Petras & Alexandros Stamatakis

Contingency planning Sub-sea works OR the first time, the Seafarer of the The panel, who chose the trio’s actions from a Constantinos Fortetsanakis, operations Year Award was shared – with three shortlist of candidates provided by the manager of Piraeus based sister company F ferry masters all being honoured for Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO), Hellenic Seaways expressed his gratitude to Wreck removal Offshore support the key roles they played in an extremely judged this a fine example of the capabilities all the seafarers serving at sea. well-coordinated operation in the Aegean Sea and selfless professionalism of the masters Accepting the trophy for Capt Petras, Anek to rescue 53 people. and crew of the Aegean ferry lines who are Lines human resources manager Adamantios Pollution control Fire fighting On the night of January 13, 2009, the three sometimes called on for such humanitarian Krasanakis delivered a message from the ro-ro passenger ferries Elyros and Kriti II of missions. co-winner. The Kriti II master commended Anek Lines, and Knossos Palace of Minoan “I did nothing more than my duty as a human the “readiness and training of the crew, and Lines, interrupted their regular services to being and as a Greek seafarer,” said Knossos the support of the company, without which 10 Akti Poseidonos 185 31 go to the aid of a packed refugee boat, the Palace master Alexandros Stamatakis as he the rescue would not have been a success”. Piraeus Greece, Jelie Su. accepted his award. Tel.: +30 210 422 1000 A.O.H: +30 6976 444 100/103 Telefax: +30 210 422 1008/417 4885 The stricken vessel was semi-sunk and being E-mail: [email protected] pounded by very bad sea conditions. Co-winners Efstratios Kavros, master of the 38 Bruton Place, Mayfair W1J 6NX The trio of passenger ro-ros manoevred with Elyros, and Haralambos Petras, master of the London United Kingdom, no little skill in high winds and waves to Kriti II, unfortunately could not attend as they Tel.: +44(0) 207629 7373 Telefax: +44 (0)207 629 7379 E-mail: [email protected] create shelter for all the shipwrecked migrants were on duty the night of the Awards dinner. The Seafarer of the Year Award was sponsored to be taken safely aboard another ship. Accepting the trophy for Capt Kavros, by the Tsavliris Salvage Group.

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 31 www.tsavliris.com THE WINNERS

Co-winner: Capt Efstratios Kavros

Alexander G. Tsavliris of the Tsavliris Salvage Group (left) presents the trophy to one of three masters sharing the 2009 Award, Capt Alexandros Stamatakis of the Knossos Palace

Seafarer of the Year Co-winner: Capt Haralambos Petras Marine salvage Ocean rescue Winners: Captains Efstratios Kavros, Deep-sea towage Cargo & ship recovery Haralambos Petras & Alexandros Stamatakis

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 31 www.tsavliris.com !QN@CDQÄ THE WINNERS JMNVKDCFDÄÄ ENQÄ@ÄR@EDQ VNQKC

Apostolos Poulovassilis (right), managing director of Hellenic Lloyd’s and regional marine manager for Europe, Middle East & Africa, presents the award for the IMO secretary-general to Adm Mitropoulos’ son, Elias Achievement in Safety or

Environmental Protection Efthimios Mitropoulos Winner: Efthimios Mitropoulos

FTHIMIOS Mitropoulos would Son Elias Mitropoulos did the honours. pertaining to all ships and not just those of probably make a good contender for Accepting the trophy, he said his father wished the industrialised nations as decided at the E the Award for Achievement in Safety or to thank the members of the IMO and his earlier Kyoto summit. Environmental Protection in almost any year - colleagues on the secretariat for all their The IMO has developed practical instruments +KNXCiRÄ1DFHRSDQÄAQHMFRÄSNFDSGDQÄ@MÄDWSQ@NQCHM@QXÄAQD@CSGÄÄ such has been the International Maritime support for the “effective work” the such as an energy efficiency index to be NEÄDWODQHDMBDÄ@MCÄDWODQSHRDÄVHSGHMÄ@ÄFKNA@KÄSD@L Ä3NFDSGDQ ÄÄ Organisation’s work on safety and organisation was doing in the cause of applied to vessels and a timetable has been VDÄ@QDÄTMHPTDKXÄDPTHOODCÄSNÄGDKOÄL@QHMDÄATRHMDRRDRÄDMRTQDÄ environmental concerns in shipping. curbing greenhouse gas emissions from ships. set to develop appropriate market-based SGDXÄ@QDÄLDDSHMFÄQDFTK@SHNMRÄ@MCÄNODQ@SHMFÄR@EDKXÄHMÄQDK@SHNMÄÄ But the panel specifically selected the IMO A successful nomination for Adm measures for shipping. SNÄSGDHQÄ@RRDSR ÄODNOKDÄ@MCÄOQNBDRRDR ÄÄ secretary-general for his leadership of the Mitropoulos said he had displayed The panel of judges intended the award to agency in shaping an emissions reduction “extraordinary skill in navigating the IMO” also reflect support for the IMO in its work strategy for shipping in the lead-up to the UN towards the Copenhagen summit. “He has +D@QMÄLNQDÄ@ANTSÄNTQÄFKNA@KÄMDSVNQJÄmÄ to reduce CO2 from shipping. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. successfully highlighted the IMO’s own work FNÄSNÄVVV KQ NQFL@QHMDÄ The award was certainly timely in that on the issue and co-opted international Admiral Mitropoulos left for Copenhagen support.” only two days after the gala dinner in Athens, Adm Mitropoulos has been steadfast in but the schedule engendered by this and the striving to ensure the organisation retains IMO general assembly in the same week as control over emissions reduction rules for the The Award for Achievement in Safety or the awards event in the end prevented him industry, and he has been adamant that the Environmental Protection was sponsored from a flying visit to Athens. solution for shipping must be global, by Lloyd’s Register.

2DQUHBDRÄ@QDÄOQNUHCDCÄAXÄLDLADQRÄNEÄSGDÄ+KNXCiRÄ1DFHRSDQÄ&QNTO +KNXCiRÄ1DFHRSDQÄHRÄ@MÄDWDLOSÄBG@QHSXÄTMCDQÄSGDÄ4*Ä"G@QHSHDRÄ BSÄ LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 33 !QN@CDQÄ THE WINNERS JMNVKDCFDÄÄ ENQÄ@ÄR@EDQ VNQKC

Environmental Protection Efthimios Mitropoulos Winner: Efthimios Mitropoulos

Prof. Costas Grammenos (right) accepts the Award for Achievement in Education or Training from Nicholas Manias, managing director of sponsor, Arcadia Shipmanagement

Achievement in Education or Training Winner: Professor Costas Grammenos

DUCATION, education, “If there is one thing that I am especially Hellenic University in Thessaloniki in 2006 education”, intoned Professor proud of it is my students, and I have seen and the following year the school he founded “E Grammenos on receiving his Greek quite a few of them here tonight,” he said. at the City University was renamed the Costas Shipping Award for services to education. “I Prof. Grammenos started his career in the Grammenos Centre for Shipping, Trade and would say only education will secure Greek National Bank of Greece in 1962, and was Finance. shipping, not only in the present but also the financial shipping expert at head office from He became president of the Managing future,” he said. 1973 to 1974. Committee of the new state International Since Prof. Grammenos founded the His text book 'Bank Finance for Ship Hellenic University in Thessaloniki in 2006. International Centre for Shipping, Trade and Purchase' was acclaimed on its publication in Prof. Grammenos’ reputation and influence in Finance in 1983 at the Cass Business School, 1978 and he is credited with pioneering ship City University London, he has been a mentor maritime studies and education are so great finance as an academic subject. to many young stars of the Greek shipping that he was awarded a CBE in the 2009 and banking sectors. He joined City University in 1982 and has Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. been pro vice-chancellor since 1998, and Altogether about 2,500 students have passed By his own admission, in 2009 he was “busier deputy dean since 2002. through the centre and are currently working than ever”. in about 60 different countries in shipping, He was made OBE in 1994 and he was 1998 Seatrade Personality of the Year. shipbroking, banking, other marine The Award for Achievement in Education or businesses and adjacent sectors. They He became president of the Managing Training was sponsored by Arcadia originate from some 100 different countries. Committee of the new state International Shipmanagement.

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 35 THE WINNERS

Prof. Costas Grammenos (right) accepts the Award for Achievement in Education or Training from Nicholas Manias, managing director of sponsor, Arcadia Shipmanagement

Achievement in Education or Training Winner: Professor Costas Grammenos

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 35 THE WINNERS

We have strong bonds with the sea

Captain Vassilis C. Constantacopoulos (right) is presented with the award by Christos Kokkinis, Alpha Bank’s head of shipping

Lloyd’s List / Propeller Club Lifetime Achievement Award More than 10 successful years Winner: in maritime finance. Capt. Vassilis C. Constantacopoulos

ASSILIS C. Constantacopulos is an unknown quantity by the club of Costamare and Temes, a resort development Full speed ahead with the strength of Alpha Bank. among the greats of modern Greek international liner operators. company whose flagship project is an V shipping – a self-made shipowner Costamare soon established itself as one of ambitious model leisure and tourism project who pioneered the country’s presence in the the largest and most admired companies in his native region of Messinia in the Shipping Finance Division 89 Akti Miaouli, GR - 185 38 PIRAEUS, container sector. in container shipping, which has been its southern Peloponnese. Tel.: +30 210 429 0116, Fax: +30 210 429 0268, E-mail: [email protected] Capt Constantacopoulos embarked from exclusive focus until today. It inspired a new “I wish to dedicate this award to my Piraeus on his first ship as a deck hand in wave of Greek operators in the sector. colleagues at sea and ashore, and to my wife June 1953 on board “an old vessel, unpaid At the same time Capt Constantacopoulos Carmen”, he told the audience. and having to cover my own meals for the first has been a tireless advocate of the “Since this time last year things have got three months”, as he later recounted. environment, especially as a leading light of better, demonstrating once again what After 20 years at sea during which he rose to anti-pollution body Helmepa and the chief the seafarers say: that shipping gets ill but master, Capt Constantacopoulos came ashore benefactor of its highly successful children’s never dies.” to start his own shipping business, Costamare wing, Helmepa Junior. Shipping. He is currently Helmepa’s chairman for a After an initial period as a well regarded but third term. outwardly unremarkable dry cargo operation, He has also been a champion of the seafaring profession, which provided his start. the company astutely made its first The Lloyd’s List / Propeller Club Lifetime investments in container vessels for charter, While still highly active, Capt Constanta- Achievement Award was sponsored by at a time when Greek owners were considered copoulos has officially retired from Alpha Bank.

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 37 THE WINNERS

We have strong bonds with the sea

Captain Vassilis C. Constantacopoulos (right) is presented with the award by Christos Kokkinis, Alpha Bank’s head of shipping

Lloyd’s List / Propeller Club Lifetime Achievement Award More than 10 successful years Winner: in maritime finance. Capt. Vassilis C. Constantacopoulos

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 37 THE WINNERS

Victor Restis (right) is presented with the Newsmaker of the Year trophy by George Xiradakis, managing director of XRTC

Newsmaker of the Year Winner: Victor Restis

ENIOR journalists at Lloyd’s List decide operation and commercial fleet operations, Investment Company to jointly invest an the winner of the Greek shipping with numerous non-maritime interests in initial $1.5bn in shipping, energy and S ‘Newsmaker of the Year’ title – the one Greece and internationally – including the transport projects. A new tanker fleet is award which is not conferred by the Greek MTV franchise, media, sport, property, believed to be one of the aims. independent judging panel. power generation, several banks and On the dry cargo side, the group agreed a While a number of prominent names were in numerous investments in a multitude of joint venture with the government of Iraq the frame, 2009 underlined the emergence of other sectors. to help manage Iraqi national commodity Victor Restis as one of the most dynamic The year saw a number of imaginative shipping needs. shipping businessmen of his generation. initiatives, but also reflected the critical work Mr Restis continued support of two publicly Dedicating the award to his mother, Mr Restis previously done by the young entrepreneur to listed dry bulk shipping companies – said: “We must invest in the greatest create a shipping presence that can weather handysize owner FreeSeas, where the family inheritance for our country – Greek shipping. different markets. Critical to this: a strategy controls a minority stake, and majority- We all have a duty to support it, to modernise of forging close relations with cargo interests controlled Seanergy Maritime which took a it and to develop it,” he told the audience. and states with important commodity huge leap forward by taking control of the Already Mr Restis had led the expansion and interests, and to hedge vessel ownership with Bulk Energy Transport (BET) fleet of four diversification of his family’s business from chartering-in operations. capesizes and one panamax. being a well-respected reefer owner to a multi- Among strategic moves that caught the eye in faceted business empire dominated by dry 2009 was a joint venture with Abu Dhabi’s The Newsmaker of the Year Award was bulk interests, a model modern tanker state-owned International Petroleum sponsored by XRTC Business Consultants.

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 39 THE WINNERS

Victor Restis (right) is presented with the Newsmaker of the Year trophy by George Xiradakis, managing director of XRTC

Newsmaker of the Year Winner: Victor Restis

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 39 THE WINNERS

Andreas Vgenopoulos (right) is presented with the Greek Shipping Personality of the Year Award by Lambros Varnavides, Royal Bank of Scotland’s head of shipping

Personality of the Year Winner: Andreas Vgenopoulos

NDREAS Vgenopoulos is one of Investment Group (MIG) and vice president member Investment Bank of Greece played a Greece’s foremost business of Marfin Popular Bank (MPB). pivotal role in Grandunion’s acquisition of A personalities and his increasing The judging panel recognised a multitude of Nasdaq listed Aries Maritime by fully imprint on the country’s shipping industry is achievements over the last 12 months that underwriting a $145m issue of convertible the result of activities spanning investment in made Mr Vgenopoulos Personality of the Year. notes to fund new vessels and reduce debt. shipping, financing for the industry, and Decisive steps to renew Attica Group’s ferry The panel also had praise for MIG’s buyout of maritime law. fleet dispelled any doubts of MIG’s the airline first launched by Aristotle Onassis, Early in his career he held the position of commitment to the group since it acquired rehabilitating it in 2009 as Olympic Air. human resources director at Thenamaris Ships control from the Panagopulos family. In Looking beyond the outward picture, Management, one of Greece’s leading 2008-9, two newbuildings were acquired and nominations also praised Marfin’s social shipping companies. He is a lawyer and delivered to its SuperFast Ferries division and and environmental programmes with founder of the firm Vgenopoulos & Partners a pair of newbuilding ferries for domestic Mr Vgenopoulos at the helm. which is established as a leading shipping and service were ordered in South Korea. maritime law firm. In ship finance, MPB and Greek subsidiary During the last decade his leadership Marfin Egnatia Bank continued their established and expanded Marfin to become emergence as a significant supporter of the one of the largest investment groups in south- industry. Important transactions for shipping east Europe as well as a leading bank. He is and logistics have included lending for The Personality of the Year Award was currently executive chairman of Marfin Seanergy and Navios while MPB group sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland.

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 41 THE WINNERS

Andreas Vgenopoulos (right) is presented with the Greek Shipping Personality of the Year Award by Lambros Varnavides, Royal Bank of Scotland’s head of shipping

Personality of the Year Winner: Andreas Vgenopoulos

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 41 THE WINNERS

Composer Thanos Mikroutsikos (left) is presented with a special ‘Man of the Sea’ trophy by Nigel Lowry of Lloyd’s List

Special Award: Man of the Sea Winner: Thanos Mikroutsikos

HE 6th annual Greek Shipping of Kavadias’ books rocketed and Mikroutsikos’ “We Greeks all have something of Odysseus Awards took place just a matter album eventually became a million-seller. inside us,” he said in a message that was T of weeks before the centenary of Primarily through the music, Kavadias’ words videoed for the audience. “We look for the birth of Nikos Kavadias, the country’s continue to gain new fans today. adventure and the sea is the great adventure.” well-known seafarer poet. For his genius in making Kavadias accessible As a poet Kavadias “spoke to the soul of Kavadias was a radio officer throughout his to a wide audience and a distinctive anyone who travels”, said Mr Mikroutsikos. sea career. His ability to communicate – contribution to the maritime element of “He used the sea as a stage, but he used it in through poetry that was full of exotic words Greek culture, Mr Mikroutsikos was awarded such a way as to say to all of us, and especially and place names the average reader was the ‘Man of the Sea’ Award for 2009. to each new generation, that the journey unfamiliar with – exceeded the equipment he This is a discretionary award reserved for means liberation. worked with in his seagoing job. special cases that the shipping community “It means going beyond the usual limits. At the time of his death in 1975 – just months has reason to recognise although they may lie Kavadias is the poet who says: Dance on the after the end of his sea career – his first two outside the usual run of maritime business fin of a shark.” books of poems had sold 12,000 copies. Not and professional activities. bad for a poet, but he was not a household Mr Mikroutsikos was unable to attend the name. Gala Dinner due to a pre-existing concert However after composer Thanos Mikroutsikos date outside Greece, but a few days earlier stirringly set his poems to music in the late was presented with the trophy at his home 1970s, firstly with the ‘Southern Cross’, sales in Athens.

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 43 THE WINNERS

Composer Thanos Mikroutsikos (left) is presented with a special ‘Man of the Sea’ trophy by Nigel Lowry of Lloyd’s List

Special Award: Man of the Sea Winner: Thanos Mikroutsikos

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 43 THE WINNERS

The Judges Tough decisions needed making ‘A record year for entries’

HEN an industry endures turbulent written nomination from the shipping times, as shipping did in 2009, this community at large. JUDGING PANEL 2009 W does not necessarily mean there Out of the 15 different awards, 13 are open will be a reduction in the number of deserving to nominations from the shipping public. (As pictured above) From left:- cases for recognition. The two exceptions are the Newsmaker of the George Foustanos – maritime historian That was one conclusion that could be drawn Year Award, the only category to be decided and author; from the crop of nominations for the 2009 directly by Lloyd’s List, and the Seafarer of John Pachoulis – president of the Hellenic Awards, which was comfortably more than in the Year Award, which is chosen as normal by Shipbrokers Association; any previous year. the panel but from a short list of candidates Prof. Apostolos Papanikolaou – director In spite of the higher number of entries and exclusively proposed by the Panhellenic of the Ship Design Laboratory, National the tough decisions that needed making in the Seamen’s Federation (PNO). Technical University of Athens; most competitive categories, the judges as So as you leaf through this commemorative Charlotte Stratos – senior advisor, Morgan usual did a great job of choosing fine winners. magazine, if you feel there was any category of Stanley, Investment Banking Division; As far as possible, the adjudication panel – award where you would have chosen a better George Gratsos – president of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping; the composition of which is refreshed from winner, you may wish to use your chance to year to year – offers a balance of commercial, influence proceedings in 2010. John Platsidakis – vice-chairman of Intercargo; technical and financial experience. The Anyone can nominate a candidate, in as Gregory Timagenis – chairman of NAT, prestigious personalities on our panel are many different categories as you may wish. the Seamen’s Pension Fund; traditionally drawn from various sides of the Experience shows that a well-written Dinos Caroussis – vice-chairman of the industry and in effect they serve as guarantors nomination for a strong candidate will always Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, that the awards procedure combines fairness get the judges’ attention and be a strong chairman of the UK P&I Club; with industry expertise. contender for their vote. Capt. John Halas – general secretary of While the calibre of judges is of the utmost the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation; importance in ensuring the credibility of the We thank the judging panel for 2009, the PNO Nigel Lowry – Athens correspondent Greek Shipping Awards they can only choose and everyone who submitted nominations of Lloyd’s List. winners from the candidates put forward by for the awards.

44 LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS THE WINNERS

The Judges Tough decisions needed making ‘A record year for entries’

44 LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS THE WINNERS

Ernst & Young has been overall Event Sponsor of the Greek Shipping Awards since 2005

Event Sponsor: Ernst & Young

‘Time to prepare for the rebound’

A speech by Dimitris Constantinou, Ernst & Young Partner and Shipping Sector Leader

LLOYD’S LIST GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2009 ■ THE WINNERS 9