George Procopiou with North Chairman Pratap Shirke
Pratap Shirke, chairman of the ‘A’ rated 170 million grt North of England P&I club, stressed the importance of last week’s Posidonia 2012 exhibition in Athens as one of the most prestigious global shipping gatherings.
Despite the current economic climate in Greece, North hosted its traditional pre-Posidonia reception, albeit on a smaller scalethan in the past, to show its support for the industry and Greece.
Addressing around 500 members and guests at theAstir Palace in Athens, Shirke stated, ‘It gives me tremendous pleasureto be here for this special occasion. Posidonia marks the coming together ofall shipping industries and is testament to the prominent role of Greek shipping.’
Shirke concluded byurging Greek shipowners to continue playing a prominent role in the international shipping community. ‘Active participation in industry interest groups and P&I directorships underpins the powerful voice of Greek shipping.’
Attendees at the reception included Union of Greek Shipowners president and North director Theodore Veniamis of Golden Union, as well as North’s Greek directors George Procopiou of Dynacom, Chris Kanellakis of AlphaTankers & Freighters and Lou Kollakis of Chartworld. They were welcomed by joint managing director Paul Jennings, directors Savraj Mehta, Mike Salthouse and Stephen Mills, associate director Simon Williams and North’s Greek office team, led by associate director Tony Allen.
Paul Jennings addressing guests
Jennings updated guests on North’spositive financial and membership developments and thanked Greek directors and members for their continued support and commitment since the early 1980s. North’s Greek membership now stands at 29 million entered grt, which represents nearly 20% of the club’s membership overall.
Jennings concluded, ‘North is committed to providing very high levels of service to ensure that we continue to support you and all of our members in these difficult times for world shipping.’
