The 33rd General Assembly of HELMEPA members

The Assembly was held under HELMEPA’sChairman, Dr. J. Coustas with acting Secretaries Mrs M. Christopoulou from NEDA MARITIME AGENCY CO. LTD. and Mr. M. Fragkias from S. LIVANOS - HELLAS S.A.

The Association’s Director-General, Mr. D. Mitsatsos presented the activities carried out by the Board of Directors during the year 2014, which were unanimously approved by the Assembly. Also the Assembly unanimously approved the financial status as presented by the Auditors, Moore Stephens, and released the Board of Directors and Auditors from any management responsibility for the year 2014.

Following, theAssemblyapprovedamendmentstotheAssociation’sConstitution, by which all shipowning companies of Greek owned vessels have the right to vote and be represented at the General Assembly. Also, a new member category is created for the shipowning companies of vessels between 500 and 5,000 GRT with an annual contribution of €500.

TheChairmanoftheHellenicShort-seaShipownersAssociation (H.S.S.A.) Mr. Ch. Simantonis, whichwaspresent, thankedHELMEPAforprovidingtheopportunitytotheshort-seashipping community toparticipateinthevoluntaryinitiativefortheprotectionofseasandmentionedthatapproximately 15 companiesandvesselsformH.S.S.A. are soon expected to join HELMEPA’s membership.

Following a proposal by Honorary Member, Mr. Sp. Mavrikis and the Chairman Dr. John Coustas, the Assembly approved the creation of a further new member category titled “Partner Members”, which will include P&IClubs, Shipyards, Classification Societies and other organizations, the contribution of which will be annually determined.

Then Founding Member Mr. G. Foustanos took the floor to say that he is determined to dedicate a special chapter on HELMEPA’s history on the web museum about Greek Shipping, which he has created under the title “Greek Shipping Miracle”.

TheExecutiveDirectorof associatecorporatememberGreenAwardFoundation, Mr. J. Fransen, took the floor and praised the Association’s work emphasizing the importance of marine environmental protection for all. Also, Mr. E. Geitonas, Chairman and CEO of associatemember Geitonas School, mentioned specific programs which they perform with students and parents and proposed the incorporation of marine environment protection issues in cooperation with HELMEPA. Finally, Mr. G. Tsavliris, Chairman of CYMEPA and INTERMEPA, also made a brief address.

The event came to a close with the Chairman announcing that associatecorporatemember DNVGL will sponsor the acquisition of a Bridge Simulator, amounting to €200,000, which will be installed at HELMEPA’s premises in order to enrich the voluntary training programs and upgrade the level of services offered to the Members.