MARTECMA New Year’s Dinner highlights strong maritime ties
with leading shipbuilding nations
MARTECMA welcomed the arrival of 2026 with its annual New Year’s Dinner and traditional pita-cutting: an event that has become a long-anticipated gathering for members and friends of the Association. This year’s dinner brought together more than 300 distinguished guests, including representatives of maritime institutions, members of the academic and research community, and senior executives from the wider shipping industry. Reflecting the truly international nature of shipping, the event was honoured by the presence of the Ambassadors of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, representing three of the world’s leading shipbuilding nations and underscoring decades of strong cooperation, mutual respect, and shared maritime heritage between Greece and each respective country.
The dinner took place on Friday, 23 January 2026, at the Hotel Grand Bretagne in Athens and was attended, among others, by H.E. Mr Fang Qiu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Greece; H.E. Mr Ito Koichi, Ambassador of Japan to Greece; and H.E. Mr Lim Ju-Seong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Greece; as well as Vice Admiral Efstathios Drakoulis of the Hellenic Coast Guard, representing the Greek Government; Professor Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou, Rector of the National Technical University of Athens; Mr George Alexandratos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping; Mr John Xylas, Chairman of Intercargo; Mrs Ioanna Procopiou, President-Designate of BIMCO; Mr Costis Frangoulis, Chairman of the Propeller Club International; Mr George Koumpenas, President of the Union of Cruise Ship Owners & Associated Members; Mrs Eleni Polychronopoulou, Chairperson of HEMEXPO; Mrs Vivi Kolliopoulou, Chairperson of WISTA Hellas; Mrs Katerina Peppa, Director General of the Union of Greek Shipowners; Mrs Olga Stavropoulou, Director General of HELMEPA; Professor Konstantinos Belibasakis, Dean of the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering of NTUA; Professor Ioannis Theotokas, President of the Department of Maritime Studies of the University of Piraeus; Mr Nikolaos Liapis, President of the Institute of Marine Technology; heads and directors of classification societies; representatives of maritime associations and registries; members of the press; and executives of the shipping industry.
(L–R): Mr Nikolaos Liapis (HIMT), Vice Admiral Efstathios Drakoulis (HCG), Prof. Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou (Rector, NTUA), Ambassador Lim Ju-Seong (Embassy of Korea to Greece), Ambassador Fang Qiu (Embassy of China to Greece), Mrs Ioanna Procopiou (BIMCO), Ambassador Ito Koichi (Embassy of Japan to Greece), and Mr George Alexandratos (Hellenic Chamber of Shipping)
In his opening address, MARTECMA Chairman Mr Panos Kourkountis (Sea Traders S.A.) made special reference to the presence of the Ambassadors of China, Japan, and Korea, highlighting their exceptional importance to global shipping: “Approximately 90-96% of the world’s commercial vessels are built in your countries. Our members travel frequently to China, Japan, and Korea, and many of us, particularly in our earlier years, supervised newbuilding projects there, often living in your countries with our families for extended periods.”
He further emphasised that the connection between the shipping executives and the three respective Asian countries extends well beyond business, stating: “Beyond professional cooperation, we share strong personal bonds with your countries; connections built on friendships, experiences, and very fond memories.”
During his address, the Chairman also reviewed MARTECMA’s progress over the past year, noting that “for MARTECMA, 2025 has been a year of growth. We now count 235 executive members and 80 associate members. Our Association includes members not only from Greece but also from other countries.” He concluded by expressing his vision for the year ahead: “I sincerely hope that in 2026 we will continue to address ship-management challenges collectively, exchange experiences, and ensure that we remain well informed about developments in the shipping industry, and thus be better prepared for our work every day.”
Addresses by the Ambassadors
The Ambassadors of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea addressed the audience in alphabetical order by country.
(L–R): H.E. Mr Fang Qiu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Greece,
and Mr Panos Kourkountis, Chairman of MARTECMA
H.E. Mr Fang Qiu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Greece, referred to the current global uncertainty, stating: “As we look back on 2025, the international landscape has been marked by profound uncertainty. Against this backdrop, the Chinese economy has demonstrated strong resilience, continuing its steady progress toward high-quality development”. The Ambassador also emphasised the international nature of shipping and highlighted the cooperation between China and Greece at the Port of Piraeus as a model of mutually beneficial partnership, adding that prospects for deeper cooperation between the two leading maritime nations remain highly promising. “In a remarkably short period of time, this cooperation has transformed the port into a leading hub of the Mediterranean, while consistently contributing to local economic growth, employment, and regional connectivity. China and Greece are both leading maritime nations, and the prospect of leveraging respective strengths and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation in the shipping sector is highly promising. Looking ahead, China will continue to share the fruits of its development and stands ready to deepen its cooperation with Greek partners in the shipping community.”
(L–R): H.E. Mr Ito Koichi, Ambassador of Japan to Greece,
and Mr Panos Kourkountis, Chairman of MARTECMA
H.E. Mr Ito Koichi, Ambassador of Japan to Greece, highlighted the longstanding relationship between Japanese shipyards and Greek shipowners: “For many years, Japanese shipyards have been trusted partners for Greek shipowners, delivering ships that form the backbone of global commerce. I am confident it will continue to be so for many years to come. Japan’s shipbuilding industries, driven by relentless innovation and a commitment to quality, have consistently contributed to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainable growth at sea”. The Japanese Ambassador also made special reference to Japan’s initiatives to reinforce its shipyards stating that “In her first policy speech, the Prime Minister Sanae Takaich announced a new growth strategy for Japan, in which shipbuilding is among the top priority industry sectors. Finally, he stated that “Japan will take part in the Thessaloniki International Fair in September as the Honoured Country. We do hope our participation will help us further promote trade and investment from Japan to Greece, as well as from Greece to Japan.”
(L–R): H.E. Mr Lim Ju-Seong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Greece,
and Mr Panos Kourkountis, Chairman of MARTECMA
H.E. Mr Lim Ju-Seong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Greece, praised the contribution of Greek technical expertise to shipbuilding excellence, remarking on the trust built through the close cooperation between Greek engineers and Korean shipbuilders: “The engineers of the shipping industry are the backbone of the Greek maritime industry. When Korean engineers and shipbuilders received your ‘comments’, they could not sleep that night, or for several nights thereafter, as they adjusted their plans and applied them to production. It was not easy, but thanks to these comments, they were able to grow and develop. More than that, they were able to build trust with you.” The Ambassador also reflected on today’s era of uncertainty, expressing confidence that collaboration among trusted partners would continue to guide the industry forward: “These days, the two words we hear most frequently are ‘unprecedented’ and ‘uncertainty’. During my thirty-year diplomatic career, I can confirm that this is the most uncertain time. But I believe that if we sail together with trusted friends, experts, and those with strong resolve, we can make it.”
Support for Maritime Education
During the dinner and continuing MARTECMA’s long-standing commitment to maritime education, the Board of Directors announced two new sponsorships.
(L-R): Mr Antonis Georgantzis, Vice Chairman of MARTECMA and,
Prof. Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou, Rector of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)
The Vice Chairman of MARTECMA, Mr Antonis Georgantzis, announced a €15,000 sponsorship to the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), supporting the further development and outreach of the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Mr Georgantzis delivered the sponsorship to the Rector of NTUA, Prof. Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou, who warmly welcomed the contribution in support of the newly established MSc programme “Ship Performance Analysis and Management” and the initiative “Open Labs NTUA 2026”, which will invite members of the public and students to visit the University’s laboratories and become acquainted with its research activities, emphasising the vital role universities play in shaping future shipping executives.
(L-R): Mr Fotios Belexis, Vice Chairman of MARTECMA and,
Vice Admiral (HCG) Efstathios Drakoulis
Additionally, the Vice Chairman of MARTECMA, Mr Fotios Belexis, announced a €5,000 sponsorship to the Merchant Marine Academy of Kalymnos, aimed at supporting infrastructure upgrades, technological equipment, and general operational needs. The sponsorship was delivered by Mr Belexis to Vice Admiral (HCG) Efstathios Drakoulis, representing the Commandant of the Hellenic Coast Guard. The representative of the Commandant of the Hellenic Coast Guard thanked the Association for its generous sponsorship, emphasizing that its contribution will help strengthen the Academy’s educational work at the historic maritime site of Kalymnos.
Honorary Membership for Mr Stefanos Tsonakis
As part of the evening, Mr Dean Tseretopoulos, Honorary Chairman of MARTECMA, announced the induction of Mr Stefanos Tsonakis as an Honorary Member of the Association, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to MARTECMA and his invaluable efforts in promoting technical ship-management expertise within the Greek shipping community.
(L-R): Mr Dean Tseretopoulos, Honorary Chairman of MARTECMA, and
Mr Stefanos Tsonakis, new Honorary Member of MARTECMA
During his moving speech, the newly inducted Honorary Member of MARTECMA, Mr Stefanos Tsonakis, who has completed 44 years of service in the shipping industry, thanked the Association for the honour, as well as his colleagues in the office, classification societies, shipyards, brokers, the shipowner he served for decades, and his family. He reflected on the evolution of the Association, noting: “When the Association was established, I was among the youngest. Now I am a veteran and among the oldest. But I am happy to see many new technical managers who are continuing the very important follow-up of the new rules applied to the shipping industry, which in many cases are very strict”. He also shared a personal note, adding: “I miss the daily activity in the office with my colleagues, the trips, the shipyards, the ports. Of course, in order for me to be able to carry out all these activities calmly, my good wife was at home, taking care, alone and successfully, of all family matters.”
During the dinner that followed, guests had the opportunity to taste Korean soju, Japanese sake, and aged Chinese huangjiu (Shaoxing wine); a gesture of appreciation from the three Embassies and a nostalgic reminder for MARTECMA members of their longstanding ties with Asia.
As a small symbolic gesture, MARTECMA presented all three Ambassadors with a statue of Poseidon, the Olympian god of the sea, representing the strong maritime ties between Greece and the respective countries, which are expected to continue and strengthen in the future.
The event was moderated by Mr Panagiotis Korakas (Naftika Chronika) and was held with the generous support of Gold Sponsors: BPCO, Bureau Veritas, Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Ergomatic, ERMA TECH GROUP, FRANMAN, George Moundreas & Co., INJEGOV, JOTUN, Marine Plus, Seabright, and Technava.
Supporters included: ABS, Alpha Marine, Angelicoussis Group, CMP Chugoku Marine Paints, DK Fotinakis, HEMEXPO, Latsco, Lloyd’s Register, Oceanking, RINA, Sea Power, and T.J. Giavridis.
Explore more photos from the MARTECMA event here.
