Greek Shipping Awards Celebrate Industry Excellence
ATHENS – The Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards returned on December 5, drawing over 1,100 attendees to honor the maritime sector’s achievements. This prestigious event, often referred to as Greek shipping’s “Dinner of the Year,” showcased the industry’s blend of tradition and innovation, bringing together prominent shipowners, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders for a night of celebration.
Highlights of the Evening
Co-hosted by ERT broadcast journalist Andriana Paraskevopoulou and Lloyd’s List Athens correspondent Nigel Lowry, the evening featured a special performance by vocalist Nafsica, who delighted guests with renditions of popular songs, including a tribute to the late Greek singer Dionysis Savvopoulos. The event commenced with a welcoming address from Greek Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, who emphasized the vital role of Greek shipping in global trade.
The night’s most prestigious accolade, the Greek Shipping Personality of the Year, was awarded to Maria Angelicoussis, recognizing her leadership following the Angelicoussis Group’s historic $2 billion acquisition of Altera Shuttle Tankers. Christopher Wiernicki, retiring after a notable 15-year tenure as chairman and CEO of ABS, received the International Personality of the Year Award, assuring attendees of his continued involvement in the industry.
Other notable awards included the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Antonis Comninos for over five decades of service in the maritime sector. Marielena Procopiou, recognized as a rising star under 40, received the Next Generation Shipping Award for her rapid expansion of Delos Navigation and Akrotiri Tankers. Semiramis Paliou, CEO of Diana Shipping, was named Newsmaker of the Year for her strategic leadership in the company’s acquisition efforts.
Corporate Achievements and Recognitions
The awards also highlighted significant corporate accomplishments within the maritime industry. Neptune Lines was celebrated for its impressive performance in automotive transportation, while Seaven Tanker Management made history as the first short-sea operator to win Tanker Company of the Year. Tsakos Energy Navigation earned the Deal of the Year Award for its lucrative partnership with Petrobras, projected to generate around $2 billion in revenue.
In addition, the Safety Award was presented to Megatugs Salvage & Towage for their heroic efforts in salvaging a tanker after a Houthi attack. Captain Dionysios Arkalis of Costamare was honored as Greek Seafarer of the Year for rescuing stranded crew members in the South Atlantic. The event also recognized educational contributions, awarding the Aspropyrgos Merchant Marine Academy for nearly 70 years of maritime education service.
Proceeds from the event supported Argo, a charity dedicated to assisting children with disabilities in the families of Greek seafarers. Winners were selected by an independent judging panel, reflecting a diverse cross-section of the maritime community, underscoring the event’s commitment to celebrating excellence in the industry.
