On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the 17th ceremony of the Euripides Awards took place at the American School of Classical Studies in central Athens.
The Euripides Awards, organized by the Nautical Chronicles magazine, have been a significant reference point for the Greek maritime community since 2008.
This year’s 17th consecutive award ceremony once again showcased the consistency and reliability of an event aimed at highlighting exemplary figures and standards within the Greek shipping family.
Attendees included representatives from the political and military leadership of the country, as well as distinguished members of the Greek maritime community, representing institutional bodies for shipowners and maritime labor, culture, academic research, and the broader maritime cluster.
The honored individuals, companies, and organizations were chosen based on the verdict of the Euripides Awards judging committee. Guided by the principle “We honor those who honor our shipping,” the committee members represent the fields of academic research, maritime literature, specialized maritime reporting, and maritime business. This year’s committee included past award recipients, regular contributors to the Nautical Chronicles, and representatives from the academic, business, and maritime communities.
The ceremony opened with a speech by the Deputy Minister of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms. Marina Hadjimichael.
This year, the following personalities, companies, and organizations were honored:
Lifetime Achievement Award in Shipping
The Euripides 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award in Shipping was awarded to Mr. Pantelis (Lou) Kollakis, Honorary President of the Chartworld Shipping Corporation.
Mr. Pantelis (Lou) Kollakis, born in 1948 in Great Britain and hailing from the historic maritime region of Oinousses, was recognized for his long and distinguished career in international shipping. His multifaceted career has been characterized by hard work, insightful decisions, patience, and composure during critical moments in the shipping market. Mr. Kollakis not only continued the family tradition in shipping but also expanded it, establishing the Kollakis Group as a leading force on a global scale.
The judging committee unanimously acknowledged Mr. Kollakis’ significant philanthropic initiatives benefiting the wider community.
Award for Social Contribution by a Maritime Personality or Organization
The Euripides 2024 Award for Social Contribution was presented to Ms. Alexandra Martinu, President of the “Together for the Child” Union.
Ms. Alexandra Martinu has been actively involved in charitable work since the early 1980s, dedicating much of her daily life to supporting needy children through initiatives and programs that provide substantial aid and create opportunities for thousands of children and families.
The committee recognized Ms. Martinu for her multifaceted and enduring contributions to Greek society, both through her personal initiatives and her engagement with numerous charitable organizations, highlighting the importance of volunteerism and selfless service.
Green Development Award in the Maritime Industry
The Euripides 2024 Green Development Award in the Maritime Industry was awarded to Danaos Shipping Co. Ltd.
It’s noted that the judging committee for this award consists of members of the Board of Directors of HELMEPA. The committee recognized Danaos Shipping for its commitments, initiatives, and practices aligned with international sustainability standards, which enhance its environmental and social performance.
This award acknowledges Danaos Shipping as a reliable leader integrating environmental, social, and labor responsibility into its operations while consistently contributing to a modern and sustainable operational model.
Award for Support in Maritime Education
The Euripides 2024 Award for Support in Maritime Education was awarded to Neda Maritime Agency Co. Ltd., recognizing its significant contributions to maritime education and encouraging young people to pursue maritime careers while respecting the values of Greek seamanship.
The committee emphasized the company’s ongoing support for initiatives to enhance the public image of shipping and strengthen ties with the younger generation. The committee’s decision was influenced by the considerable number of Greek sailors employed by the company and its dedication to recruiting cadets from the country’s Maritime Academies.
Award for International Promotion of Greek Shipping
The Euripides 2024 Award for International Promotion of Greek Shipping was presented to Mr. Dimitris I. Fafalios, Honorary President of INTERCARGO and President of Fafalios Shipping S.A.
The judging committee acknowledged Mr. Fafalios for leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience in service to shipping both nationally and internationally. They noted his reasoned voice at international maritime forums, addressing critical issues such as the green transition in a calm and realistic manner, embodying trust and respect within the shipping community.
“Marilena Laskaridis” Award for Excellence in Maritime Culture
The “Marilena Laskaridis” Award for Excellence in Maritime Culture was awarded to Ms. Katerina Mylonidou, Director of the Municipal Library of Litohoro.
Founded in 1963, the Litohoro Municipal Library participates in the National Library of Greece’s network, and its diverse activities, ranging from Erasmus+ programs to environmental initiatives, serve the community’s educational needs.
Ms. Mylonidou is celebrated for her dedication to the library and her impactful contributions to students and the broader community.
Best Manager Award
The Euripides 2024 Best Manager Award was awarded to Mr. Vasilis Terzis, CEO of Queensway Navigation, recognizing his vast knowledge and exemplary professionalism that have positioned the company to thrive on robust foundations.
Award for Contribution to Shipping Thought
The Euripides 2024 Award for Contribution to Shipping Thought was awarded to Mr. Nikos Triantafyllakis, Managing Director of W Marine, honoring his continuous presence in maritime discourse.
Best Communication Strategy Award
The Euripides 2024 Best Communication Strategy Award went to Dorian LPG, recognized for its structured and transparent communication strategy.
Award for Supporting Greek Shipping Entrepreneurship
The Euripides 2024 Award for Supporting Greek Shipping Entrepreneurship was awarded to Niovis Shipping Co. S.A., acknowledging its tangible support for the Greek maritime equipment industry.
Award for Contribution to Technological Innovation
The Euripides 2024 Award for Contribution to Technological Innovation was awarded to Blue Astra Maritime Inc., recognizing its commitment to modernizing its fleet with advanced energy efficiency technologies.
The ceremony was initiated by Mr. Yiannis Smyrnaeos, Country Managing Director for Greece and Cyprus at Accelleron, one of the event’s primary sponsors.
It concluded with remarks from Mr. Giannis Theodoropoulos, Editor-in-Chief of Nautical Chronicles, outlining the magazine’s goals and vision.
Furthermore, the ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including:
- The Deputy Minister of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms. Marina Hadjimichael.
- The Ambassador and General Consul of Panama in Greece, Ms. Julie Liberopoulou-Karnaki.
- The Ambassador of Cyprus in Athens, Mr. Stavros Avgoustidis.
- The Captain of the Hellenic Navy, Michael Giakoumakis.
- The Deputy Chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Foivos Kiamas.
- The President of the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, Mr. Charalambos Fafalios.
- The President of INTERCARGO, Mr. Giannis Xylas.
- The President of the Nautical Chamber of Greece, Mr. Georgios Sp. Alexandratos.
- The President of the “Maria Tsakos” Foundation, Mr. Efthymios Mitropoulos.
- The General Secretary of HELMEPA, Ms. Irini St. Daifa.
- The President of the Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Shipping Organizations, Captain Georgios Koubenas.
- The President of the Piraeus Maritime Club, Mr. Paris K. Xanalatos.
- The Vice President of the Nautical Chamber of Greece, Mr. Vasilis Logothetis.
- The First Vice President of ENMA, Mr. Eustratios Tsalamanios.
- The Vice President of INTERCARGO, Ms. Metaxia Psaltis.
- The Director of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Ms. Katerina Pepa.
- The representative of the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation, Mr. Panos Laskaridis, and Mr. Konstantinos Mazarakis Ainianos.
The event was hosted by the journalist of Kathimerini, Ms. Margarita Pournara.
