A new initiative aimed at introducing our students to the field of shipping was launched on Monday, January 19, 2026, with the event "Shipping: One Sector... A Thousand Professions." The event was attended by students from Junior High School Grade 3 and High School Grade 1 at Athens College and Psychico College.

Representatives of the shipping industry spoke to students about Greece's pioneering shipping industry, the professions associated with the sector, the studies and skills required, the financing of shipping companies, the challenges they face internationally, and expected future developments.

The speakers were welcomed by the President of Athens College, Professor Spiros N. Pollalis, who emphasized the importance of informing students about the multiple dimensions of the shipping industry, an area in which Greece holds a leading position.

Speakers:

-Dimitris Patrikios, Managing Director, Greece & Med. Cluster V.Group, (V.Ships Greece and Cyprus)

"Professions Related to Ship Management"

-Ioannis Kotzias x84, Co-founder of Xclusiv Shipbrokers Inc. and President of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association (HSA), Lecturer on Ship Sales and Purchases at HSA 

"Professions Related to Brokerage, Chartering & Ship Sales"

-Katerina Stathopoulou, Executive Director, Investments & Finance Ltd., Lecturer at the Greece Branch of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers

"Professions Related to Shipping Finance"

-Orestis Schinas, Associate Professor, Department of Shipping Trade and Transport, University of the Aegean, Partner at HHX.blue GmbH

"Sustainability, AI & Future Professions in Shipping."

The event was coordinated by Mr. Christos Timagenis, a lawyer in Piraeus & New York, Partner at Timagenis Law Firm, and Secretary General of the International Propeller Club (Port of Piraeus). Mr. Timagenis also delivered a brief presentation on Greek shipping and discussed the legal profession within the sector.

Following the presentations, the speakers answered questions from the students.

The event concluded with remarks by the Advisor to the President, Mr. Sokratis Kougeas, who highlighted the goal of establishing a Shipping Club within the framework of a specialized Shipping Center at the School. This initiative will enable students to attend lectures by industry professionals, gain access to and visit shipping companies and shipyards, and participate in shipping-related projects.