January 2008 - propeller club
Transcription
January 2008 - propeller club
Newsletter, January 2008 Volume 5, Number 19 The PROPELLER CLUB THE INTERNATIONAL PROPELLER CLUB OF THE UNITED STATES PORT OF PIRAEUS, FOUNDED IN 1935 Key issues tackled at 81st Convention Newsletter, January 2008 The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Piraeus, Greece New Board of Governors According to the Propeller Club’s Constitution a new Board of Governors for the period 2007-2009 was elected during our General Assembly, held on July 12, 2007. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE VARIOUS COMMITTEES Nicolas Tsavliris – President Nicky Pappadakis –1st Vice President Christos Kokkinis – 2nd Vice President Despina Foros-Tsirozidis – General Secretary Antonios Stamos Faraklas – Treasurer Maritime Nicky Pappadakis – Coordinator Iacovos Perantinos – Deputy Coordinator George Dikeos Despina Foros-Tsirozidis John Kalafatides Damianos Los Dimitris Zorbalas MEMBERS Newsletter Publication Stefanos Costopoulos George Dikeos Apostolos Doucas John Kalafatides Theodore Kontes Kostas Koutsoubelis Damianos Los Vassilis Mantzavinos Iakovos Perantinos Gregory Timagenis Dimitris Zorbalas Stratis Molinos – Coordinator Dimitris Zorbalas – Deputy Coordinator George Dikeos Public Relations (Incl. Fund Raising, Donations, Memberships Committees) Stefanos Costopoulos – Coordinator Despina Foros-Tsirozidis – Deputy Coordinator Fund Raising & Donations Antonis Stamos Faraklas – Coordinator Theodore Kontes – Deputy Coordinator George Dikeos Dimitris Zorbalas AUDITING COMMITTEE George Gorgias Angelos Maroulis Demetrios Papacosmas Membership EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Vassilis Mantzavinos – Coordinator George Dikeos Christos Kokkinis Kostas Koutsoubelis Damianos Los John Veymos Program & Excursion Dimitris Zorbalas – Coordinator Theodore Kontes 2 The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus Newsletter, January 2008 Message from the Convention and Conference Chairman ATHENS CONVENTION 2007 The 81st International Propeller Club Convention entitled “Friends Across the Ocean – the Greek Maritime Tradition” has ended but the memories linger on. By all accounts from delegates it was considered a very successful Convention with distinguished speakers and moderators, lively discussions and most enjoyable entertainment. A day trip to Hydra, dancing under the stars at the Yacht Club, the hospitality of the Metropolitan Hotel and the splendor of the Gala Dinner at the Grande Bretagne, were some of the highlights of the Convention. I would like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, our sponsors who helped to make our dreams come true, our distinguished speakers and moderators, Themis Vokos, Natassa Vassilaki, and last but not least the members of the Convention Committee, namely Marianna Moschou, Despina Forou, Nicky Pappadakis, Markos Foros, Savas Kalafatidis, Dimitris Zorbalas, Kostas Koutsoubelis and John Kalafatidis. See you at the Baltimore Convention, October 2008. Apostolos Doucas, Convention and Conference Chairman Cover Photos Top photo (From left to right) George Gratsos – President, Hellenic Chamber of Shipping Nicky Pappadakis – Chairman, Intercargo / Chairman, Helmepa Nicos Efthymiou – President, Union of Greek Shipowners Spyros Polemis – Chairman, ICS / President, ISF Bottom photos (From left to right) John C. Lyras – Chairman, Paralos Maritime Corp SA Nicos Fistes – President, Intertanko Gregory J. Timagenis – Senior Partner, Law Office Gr. J. Timagenis Stavros Hatzigrigoris – Managing Director, Kristen Navigation Gelina Harlaftis – Associate Professor, Dept of History, Ionian University 3 Newsletter, January 2008 The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus New Year Reception Scholarship checks presented to Greek students O presentation of awards to the winners of the countrywide essay contest, which was announced by the Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, on the occasion of the Hellenic Maritime Day. The awards were presented by Nicolas Tsavliris to: 1st winner: student Nikiforos Pasalidis, from the The choir of the American Community Schools (ACS) during High School of Nea the New Year Reception. Behind the choir from left: Triglia, Halkidiki, moneStefanos Gialamas, Director of ACS, Mrs Mitsopoulou of ACS, U.S. Ambassador Daniel Speckhard, Nicolas Tsavliris, tary award of € 1,500 in president of the Propeller Club and Dr John S. Bailey, memory of ANTONIS president of the American College of Greece. CHANDRIS, 2nd winner tainment with a demonstration of (€1,000) to student Maria their excellent skills. Petriti, from the Third High The event closed with a buffet School of Piraeus, and to the 3rd winner (€ 500) Constanti- reception. Among those present were nos Garavelis from the High Ambassador Daniel Speckhard, School of Larissa. Greek host students who received scholarship checks Eleftheria Bernidaki, deputy of Mr Tsavliris also preduring the New Year Reception. In the middle U.S. New Democracy, Nicolas sented monetary awards to stuAmbassador Daniel Speckhard and Nicolas Tsavliris, Tsavliris, President of the Prodent Anargyros Maheras from president of the Propeller Club. peller Club, Apostolos Doucas, the Shipping Department of plained that one of the main obthe Piraeus University and to stu- Regional Vice President for jectives of our Club is to support Southern Europe and Africa of dent Theodossios Sholiadis from top Greek students, providing the Propeller Club, Nicky Papthe Shipping Department of the monetary help. padakis, President of HELMEPA Aegean University. He then cut the ‘Pitta’ in the The best graduate of the Acad- and 1st Vice President of our presence of U.S. Ambassador. Club, Despina Foros-Tsirozidis emy of Merchant Marine of AsDespina Foros-Tsirozidis, General Secretary of the Club, propyrgos, captain Stavros General Secretary of the Propeller John S. Bailey, President of the Stavrou, was not present to reClub, then invited Ambassador American College of Greece, Speckhard to present scholarship ceive his award, as he is already Marios Kyriakou, representing working onboard. checks to: Anastasia Tsopela, stuthe American Hellenic Chamber A member of the family of our dent of the American Commuof Commerce, Christos Kokkinis, Club member Constantinos Dimnity Schools; Panagiotis nd 2 Vice President, Gregory Timaitriou won the golden coin in Papassifakis, student of the genis, Dimitris Zorbalas, Stefanos our Pitta. American College of Greece and Costopoulos, John Kalafatides Finally, the American Comto Lydia Legaki, representative of munity Schools, with their excel- and George Dikeos, members of the American Farm School of Thessaloniki on behalf of the stu- lent choir, and the dancing group the Board of Governors, and fordent, Evangelia Hatzikristofi. mer presidents of the Club, Arof the American College conThe event continued with the gyris Skondras and George Besi. tributed cheerfully to our enterur traditional New Year Reception during which we cut our ‘Pitta’ was held Sunday, January 13, 2008 at the Grande Bretagne Hotel. During the event, our President, Nicolas Tsavliris and the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador, Daniel Speckhard extended their warm greetings and wishes to members. Mr Tsavliris ex- 4 The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus Newsletter, January 2008 International Propeller Club of the United States 81st International Convention in Athens, Greece ence not only our lives but also the lives of our children and those of the next generations. “Greek shipping will retain its dynamism and will remain our nation’s major international success story, continuing to serve world trade. The resilience demonstrated over the centuries is a guarantee for the future,“ Panos Kammenos: The Ministry is he said. willing to help the industry. George Gratsos, President of the Greek Chamber of Shipping, in his speech ‘Shipping: The environmentally Friendly World Growth Enabler’ explained that, “Ships are the most environmentally friendly means of transport. Ships transport more than 90% of world trade but emit only 1.4% of world emissions. In other words, ships effect the largest amount of transport while emitting very little. Ship engines are the most efficient and burn the least fuel per unit of power generated. They emit impurities that depend only on those that exist in the fuel they burn.“ He said climate change is an important global phenomenon. If the current predictions are true almost everything else is irrelevant. To address climate change though one must structure the system property. More importantly, world growth and prosperity must continue. Regressive “solutions” are “false choices”. The true cost of all real choices must be investigated. Regulators must try to use market forces T he International Propeller Club, held its 81st Annual Convention in Athens, Greece from October 2nd to October 5th, 2007. This was a great honor for Greece and especially for the Port of Piraeus, as it was only the second time in 81 years that this annual event was held outside the Untied States of America. Panos Kammenos, Deputy Minister of Merchant Marine, Aegean and Island Policy pronounced the commencement of the Convention and addressing participants wished them success while assuring them the Ministry is willing to help the industry. The 81st Convention was one of the best in recent years and demonstrated the Propeller Club’s strength. It was very well planned, thanks to the Chairman of the Convention, Apostolos Doucas, and drew a considerable number of attendees. The daily sessions were very interesting and during the event everyone had the opportunity to meet Greek and international industry leaders. The Annual Convention covered important international maritime and trade issues. Nicos D. Efthymiou, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners and one of the main speakers, referring to the U.S. – Greek shipping relationship, pointed out that: “The importance of Greek shipping to the U.S. economy may be gauged from the fact that a significant percentage (more than 25%) of the total U.S. oil imports and a substantial part (about 20%) of U.S. exports of dry bulk commodities (cereals, coal fertilizers) are carried on Greek owned ships. These facts are well known to high level officials of the U.S. administration, who acknowledge the fact that the Greek fleet is a strategic partner for the U.S. transportation needs and especially for the security of its energy supplies. Emphasis was given to the necessity for security in sea borne trade, an element, which is of the utmost importance for the efficient operation of shipping. In closing this speech Mr Efthymiou mentioned that, “I would like to reassure you that we, having inherited a remarkable shipping tradition, will make every possible effort, nationally and internationally, to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The most important of these is the threat from the global warming and pollution of the environment, not only the marine, but especially the air pollution (i.e. air emissions). These issues will influ- From left to right: Apostolos Doucas, Spyros Polemis, Nicos Efthymiou, George Gratsos and John C. Lyras. 5 Newsletter, January 2008 The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus in order to guide business to make the “right Convention as soon as possible, in order to bring it choice”. into force”. In concluding Mr Gratsos said that: “Politicians He said that a way out of the existing deadlock, should praise shipping’s quiet, reliable created by the delay of ratification of the and responsible environmental perabove mentioned Convention, is the formance and should not promote legproposal of the Secretary General at the islation, which may finally deter youth 25th session of the IMO Assembly to from this fundamental career opportuadopt a Resolution recommending that, nity. If we cannot attract and do not for a limited period of time, States have enough well trained young offishould not require compliance with the cers, we question the future security of relevant standard contained in regulatransport and prosperity of the develtion D-2 of the Ballast Water Manageoped nations which rely so much on ment Convention. sea borne trade. Port State Control: Mr Lyras said that “In societies with mature laws all IMO has been effectively promoting a must contribute fairly. We are all reglobal network of Port State Control, sponsible for the environmental probJohn C. Lyras: Shipping community which is intended to close the safety net. lems we have created and should carry needs a climate of understanding, However, he added “often port state cooperation and respect. our fair share of blame. control is carried out systematically pri“Shipping is a leader in environmental responsimarily for reaching performance quotas and, more bility and supports all efforts to improve the environ- often than not, quality ships are subject to unwarment. This does not appear to be adequately ranted and multiple inspections”, as “proliferation of appreciated. inspections undermines the purpose and the scope “We wish to believe that this will change”. of port state control”. John C. Lyras, former President of the Union of He further referred to “sub-standard vessels, Greek Shipowners, referred to the Perspectives on which still manage to escape detention, even in Shipping Regulations. In his address he focused on ports with good PSC records”. The reason is that four areas, which he thought were of major regulaports, especially those without repair facilities, do tory interest. not want to detain truly substandard ships. Air emissions: He mentioned that, “prevention of He further referred to a case of control of a ship in sea and air pollution by ships requires continued ata U.S. port by a 20-person Drug Agency Squad, while tention and efforts by all sectors of the industry, flag the ship was moored alongside an oil terminal ready states and coastal states, and that “measures to reduce to discharge. During the inspection, according to the emissions from ships should be practical and cost efMaster’s report, the whole crew, (except the three on fective and must allow sufficient transition time”. watch) were all isolated in the ship’s office room for Further, he added that: “Air pollution is a comabout three hours. The ship’s cargo operation was plex issue and unless a holistic approach is pursued, halted until the end of the inspection. reduction in one pollutant may increase other polluThe speaker wondered whether the routine drug tants”. In concluding he pointed out that the United inspection was carried out in accordance with speStates Coast Guard supports the ICS position that cific guidelines. advocates a global-based approach to emission reConcluding, Mr Lyras pointed out: “I would like to ductions. “Emission limits should be set according to reiterate our concerns for the increasing tendency to the findings of authoritative environmental studies, criminalize the shipping profession and its harmful allowing the market and technology to find the apimplications for the industry and its seafarers. The propriate solutions, which comply with those limits.” shipping community needs a climate of understanding, cooperation and respect for all its stakeholders, Ballast Water Management: Regarding ballast water, Mr Lyras explained that “there is a paradox given the complexity and importance of their work.” During the panel discussions many prominent that, States which promoted the adoption of the Inspeakers addressed the participants, including: ternational Convention for the Control and ManageRobert E. Johnston, Senior V.P. Head of Shipping Opment of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (MWM) erations, OSG, who spoke about “Challenges and Ophave not yet ratified it. The shipping industry has portunities of Operating Internationally”; Captain been actively encouraging governments to ratify the 6 The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus Dana Goward, Director Maritime Domain Awareness Program with the topic “Securing the Maritime Domain”; Rear Admiral Joel Whitehead, USCG 8th District Commander, referred to “Container and Port Security”; Elizabeth Megginson, Chief counsel, U.S. Maritime Administration, spoke about “International Investment in U.S. Transportation“; Robert D. Somerville, Chairman ABS, noted that Propeller Clubs around the world have a crucial a role to play, informing people that the shipping industry has excellent safety records. He ended his speech by referring to shipping’s three legged stool – safety, efficiency, technology. Ugo Salerno, CEO, RINA, addressed the issue of the “Changing Shipping Industry – How to meet the Changes”; Tae-ik-Cho, VP Design Daewoo Shipbuilding, Marine Engineering Ltd adressed technology; Gelina Harlaftis, Associate Professor, Dept. Of History, Ionian University – Topic : From Greek Diaspora Merchants to Shipping Tycoons; Gregory Timagenis, Senior Patner, Law Office, Gr. Timagenis, discussed shipping’s culture; Simon P. Liziecki, VP Government and Industry Director EMEA BP Ship Ltd – Topic: Air Emissions from Ships: The Prespective of an Oil Major. From the floor Captain Panagiotis Tsakos noted that traditional shipowners are trying to fully comply with the strictest and highest safety requirements and that the lack of seafarers is the most important problem of shipping industry. Nicos Fistes, President Intertanko – Topic: The Need of International Regulations rather than conflicting U.S. State Regulations and Federal Regulations; Nicky Pappadakis, Chairman of Intercargo, Chairman of HELMEPA and 1st Vice President of the Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, in his speech referred to the cargo residues and the complete lack of shore-based reception facilities licensed to dispose of cargo residues and to the exorbitant charges made for removing one or two cargo residues. In concluding, Mr Pappadakis said that, if shipowners are keen to promote the environment they should be given sensible international legislation and they should be assured that the facilities will be there and will be supplied at a price which will encourage usage. Spyros Polemis, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping and President of the International Shipping Federation, and a member of many other very important shipping organizations, honored us with his presence. In addressing participants he pointed out that “regulators need to consult, and trust, shipping professionals and use permanent means of communication, as shipping is the most ef- Newsletter, January 2008 Captain Panagiotis Tsakos: The lack of seafarers is the most important problem of shipping industry. ficient cost and safe sector of transportation”. Efthimios Mitropoulos, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, addressing guests at the Gala dinner which ended the four-day convention, urged the shipping industry to ”engage in a global campaign to promote the positive story of shipping starting with the young people”. Lamenting the industry’s image, Mr Mitropoulos said “shipping is at the cutting edge of technology and is developing a fleet which points to an industry which is ready to take the lead” in achieving ”zero accidents, zero loss of life and zero pollution”. He said shipping needs a constant stream of competent young people, “people who are high achievers” and this need can only be satisfied if the industry is seen as a good place in which to work. He said the industry should concentrate on preventing accidents, for if there are no accidents “there is no need to worry about the image”. Mr Mitropoulos reminded his audience that at the recent Maritime Cyprus event, the campaign “Shipping’s New Image” was launched. He said that as IMO prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2008, “a landmark I hope will be celebrated in Greece”, the organization is determined to lead the drive for shipping to become “greener and greener”. Ending his speech Mr Mitropoulos said shipping has no image, never makes the headlines “until there is an accident”. The 81st International convention was a success. The 2008 Convention will be held in Baltimore, Maryland. WE MUST CONGRATULATE THE CONFERENCE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE FOR THEIR GREAT EFFORT SPENT ORGANIZING ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL CONVENTIONS OF RECENT YEARS: APOSTOLOS DOUCAS, CONVENTION AND CONFERENCE CHAIRMAN, AND MEMBERS MARIANNA MOSCHOU, COSTAS KOUTSOUBELIS, DIMITRIS ZORBALAS, MARKOS FOROS, SAVAS KALAFATIDES AND NICKY PAPPADAKIS. 7 The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus Newsletter, January 2008 Social highlights of the Convention in Athens Grace to a very interesting social program all delegates had the opportunity to experience the famous Greek hospitality and visit wonderful sites and places around Athens. On the first day, the Convention Committee organized a welcome reception at the “Veranda” Restaurant of the Metropolitan Hotel with a panoramic view of the Parthenon. The second day’s program included a Ladies sightseeing tour to the Acropolis and in the evening all delegates and wives were invited to the President’s Reception. The event took place at the Yacht Club, which is located on a hillock at Kastella, from where there is a wonderful view of Mikrolimano and the Saronic Gulf. Everyone enjoyed the excellent food and dancing to live music. The last and more glamorous social event was the Formal Cocktail Reception followed by the Formal Gala, which took place in the “Grand Ballroom” of the traditional “Grande Bretagne” Hotel. It was a magnificent night where everyone “had a ball”. Keynote speaker was Efthimios Mitropoulos, Secretary General of IMO. CONVENTION WRAP-UP Propeller Club annual awards were presented during the Gala Dinner to deserving individuals and Port. The Propeller Club recognized Honorable Sean T. Connaughton, U.S. Maritime Person of the Year. ● Efthimios Mitropoulos, General Secretary of IMO, International Propeller Club Person of the Year. ● Nicky Pappadakis, Propeller Club Member of the Year. ● Port of NORFOLK, Propeller Club Port of the Year. ● During the 81st Convention, Markos Foros, was elected International Second Vice President and Apostolos Doucas was elected Regional Vice President for South Europe and Africa. A half-day cruise to the picturesque island of Hydra was featured in the third day’s program. Participants departed from the Metropolitan Hotel at 13.00hrs for Piraeus, where they embarked on the cruise ship “Anna Maru”. After a relaxing trip they spent a few hours on the island of Hydra, admiring its physical beauties. During the return to Piraeus passengers enjoyed a buffet dinner on board and dancing to the music of a seven-member orchestra. Efthimios Mitropoulos, IMO Secretary General, (centre) together with Rockney Nigretto, Propeller Club’s International President (right) and Markos Foros, Propeller Club’s International Second Vice President (left). 8 The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus Newsletter, January 2008 AMVER Awards Dinner Greek Shipping Community No 1 in number of AMVER Awards worldwide George Vlachos, both Secrence more the Propeller taries General of the Ministry Club of the United of Merchant Marine, Aegean States, Port of Piraeus, in and Islands Policy, and by the cooperation with the American Commercial Counselor of the Embassy and the U.S. Coast Amercian Embassy, Mr Alley. Guard, organized the AMVER President, Nicolas Tsavliris Awards Dinner, which took presented Club special awards place on November 15, 2007, at to the representatives of the Divani Apollon Palace. Anangel Maritime Services Inc, From left to right: Mrs Eleni Tzouli Kammenou, It was again a wonderful Mr Panos Kammenos, Mr Nicolas Tsavliris, Blue Waters Shipping Ltd and event which brought together Mr Nicky Pappadakis and Mrs Haide Pappadakis. to the Springfield Shipping Co maritime community leaders. Panama SA, in recognition of The President of the Propeller Club, Nicolas Tsavliris the efforts made by their crews to save lives of extended special greetings to all representatives of crew members of vessels in distress. shipping companies receiving awards, and referring Among those present were also Senator Spyrou, to the importance of the AMVER program noted Nicky Pappadakis, 1st Vice President of the Propeller that in 2006 the AMVER program witnessed an unClub, Port of Piraeus and President of HELMEPA and expected growth around the world. Some 1,000 adhis wife, Captain Yannis Karastamatis, Thanassis ditional vessels joined the program thus making a Martinos, Christos Kanellakis and his wife, Antonis total of 17,000 vessels participating in it. He also Mavrakakis, Antonis Vrodissis, Alexandros Karymentioned that in 2006, 213 ships from 31 coundopoulos, Katerina Panagopoulou, Dimitra Kambani, tries were diverted to assist vessels in distress and and Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus board members that AMVER is responsible for saving 333 lives and Kostas Koutsoubelis, Iakovos Perantinos, Despina assisting 63 more people. Forou-Tsirozidi (General Secretary), Apostolos DouEnding this speech, Mr Tsavliris pointed out that cas (Regional Vice President for South Europe and AMVER brings together people, ships, companies Africa), Antonis Stamos Faraklas (Treasurer), Dimand governments in its common humanitarian goal, itris Zorbalas, John Kalafatides and George Dikeos. and addressing the representatives of the shipping companies, which participate in the AMVER, noted AMVER AWARDS that they should be proud as this program is dediNovember 15, 2007 / Apollon Divani Palace cated to the safety of life at sea. Panos Kammenos, Deputy Minister of Merchant Gold Sponsors Marine, Aegean and Island Policy addressed the par● DILEK TRANSPORTING INC ticipants stressing the importance of the AMVER pro● OLYMPIC SHIPPING AND MANGEMENT SA gram and urging the members of the shipping Silver Sponsors community to register their vessels in this program. Mr Alley, Commercial Counselor, representing ● AMERICAN EXPRESS PRIVATE BANK the U.S. Embassy, addressing the attendees made ● CHEVRON ● INJEGOV favorable comments about the AMVER system and ● QUINTANA ● RINA congratulated the Greek shipping community for Bronze Sponsors their numerous participation in the program with ● BRIGHT MARITIME CORPORATION 775 vessels, which made Greece No. 1 in number of ● OSG ● THE MARSHALL ISLANDS REGISTRY awards and Japan No. 2 with 100 fewer awards. ● ATLANTIC BULK CARRIERS MANAGEMENT LTD The awards were presented by the Deputy Min● EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN MARITIME LTD ister, Panos Kammenos, Ioannis Tzoannos and O 9 The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus Newsletter, January 2008 Director’s corner ✍ No doubt the 81st Annual International Convention of the Propeller Club of the United States, hosted by the Port of Piraeus Club from October 2-5, 2007, was the most outstanding event of last year. It took place at the Evgenidion Foundation, which is located next to the Metropolitan Hotel, the base for the delegates participating in the Convention. Prominent speakers from the maritime industry and other sectors participated in various sessions and focused to important maritime and trade issues. A well-organized social program and the good weather gave the opportunity to all delegates and their wives to have a wonderful time. The 81st Convention was one of the best in recent years and made all of us, and especially the Convention Committee, very proud. ✍ Another successful event was the annual AMVER Awards Dinner, which is organized in co-operation with the American Embassy and the United States Coast Guard. This Year 147 Greek shipping companies received awards on behalf of 770 vessels. This fact made Greece No.1 in number of awards worldwide. ✍ We also organized in cooperation with the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce the traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. ✍ As every year, during the New Year Reception our president this time Nicolas Tsavliris, cut the ‘Pitta’ in the presence of U.S. Ambassador Daniel Speckhard and then they presented scholarship checks to the best graduates of the Shipping Departments of the Piraeus and Aegean Universities, the Academy of Merchant Marine of Aspropyrgos, the American College of Greece, the American Community Schools and the American Farm School of Thessaloniki. Awards were also presented by Mr Tsavliris to the winners of the essay contest which was announced by the Port of Piraeus Club, on the occasion of the Hellenic Maritime Day. The first award was in memory of Antonis Chandris. JOHN VEYMOS, Executive Director – Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus THANKSGIVING DINNER A s every year, the Propeller Club and the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce organized a joint venture to celebrate the Thanksgiving Day November 21, 2007. Guest of honor was Thomas Countryman, U.S. Chargé d’ Affaires. During the dinner Yanos Gramatidis, President of the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Stefanos Costopoulos, member of the board of the Propeller Club addressed the audience and wished Happy Thanksgiving Day. Thomas Countryman briefly referred to the background of the day. 10 The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus Newsletter, January 2008 On this page we host profiles of companies which have been sponsors of our events 11 Newsletter, January 2008 The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus 12 The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus 13 Newsletter, January 2008 Newsletter, January 2008 The International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus With our special thanks and appreciation to all the sponsors that have supported the International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, so far. A.G. Pappadakis & Co. Ltd ● Akaport ● Alpha Bank ● Alpha Tankers and Freighters Int’l ● American Bureau of Shipping ● Ameron ● Angelicoussis Shipping Group ● Antares Shipping ● Arcadia ● Arnokouros ● Association of Greek Passenger Companies ● Bayerische, Hypo-UND, Vereinsbank A.G. ● Boutaris ● Brave Maritime ● Bureau Veritas ● Calyon Bank ● Capital Ship Management Corp. ● Celebrity Cruises/SEEN ● Ceres Hellenic Shipping Enterprises ● Chartworld Shipping Corp. ● Chevron ● Common Progress ● DESME ● Deutsche Schiffsbank ● Eastern Mediterranean ● Eletson Corporation ● Ernst & Young ● European Navigation ● First Financial Corporation ● G. Timagenis Law Office Global Oceanic Carriers Ltd ● Goldman Sacks ● Greek Chamber of Shipping ● Hempel Paints ● Ifchor S.A. Switzerland ● ING ● Katrantzos S.A. ● Lloyd’s Register ● Louis Cruises ● Marfin Bank ● Metropolitan Hotel ● National Bank of Greece ● Norton Rose ● Ocean Bulk Maritime ● Olympic Shipping and Management ● OSG ● Prime Maritime ● Quintana Management LLC ● Registro Italiano Navale ● Seaworld Management & Trading Inc. ● Stealth Maritime Corporation ● TAMES S.A. ● Technomar Shipping ● Toyota ● Trinity Marine ● Tsakos Group ● Tsavliris (Hellas) Marine Corp. S.A. ● XRTC ● Zorbalas Dimitris ● ● Newsletter Vol. 5, No. 19 Owner International Propeller Club of the United States Port of Piraeus 87 Akti Miaouli 185 38 Piraeus Tel: 210 4290 976 Fax: 210 4290 974 E-mail: propclub@otenet.gr Website: www.propellerclub.gr Publisher and Editor John Veymos Layout and Production A. Vassilaki - D. Glass O.E. Editorial Committee Stratis Molinos, Dimitris Zorbalas, George Dikeos 14