On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, an online discussion was organized by the group PaNKS (Panhellenic Independent Student Movement) of the Department of Naval Architecture, University of West Attica, on the past, present, and future of Greek shipyards and the prospects they create for young shipbuilders-engineers.

The IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador in Greece and President of the Eugenides Foundation Mr. Leonidas Dimitriadis-Evgenidis was one of the keynote speakers, with Georgios Teriakidis (Area Manager, East Mediterranean, DNV), Panos Xenokostas (ONEX Neorion Shipyards), and Evangelos Kyriazopoulos, Secretary General of Ports, Port Policy and Maritime Investments of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.

Mr. Leonidas Dimitriadis-Evgenidis highlighted the crucial role of IMO, the importance of lifelong learning, as well as the need for cooperation between traditional education and modern technology (blended learning).

Additionally, referring to the competitive shipbuilding industry, Mr. Leonidas Dimitriadis-Evgenidis stressed that marine art and modern technological requirements set as a prerequisite for the new generation the acquisition of skills related to knowledge and know-how, as shipping is a constantly evolving sector.

Finally, the IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador mentioned the cooperation of the Eugenides Foundation with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, so that the Merchant Marine Academies operate smoothly during the Covid-19 pandemic, using Microsoft’s online platform, taking another step towards modern education.