compiled by Anny Zade and John Faraclas of allaboutshipping.co.uk
With just over 800 participants – a figure approaching last year’s record of 842 and representing 40-plus nationalities, this year’s 31st Annual Dinner & Dance of the Hellenic Engineers Society of Great Britain, was more than a …welcome to the Chinese Year of the Horse, and judiciously designed and presented by Grace Pappas!
The JW Marriott Grosvenor House, the only venue that can accommodate and stage such an event, was looking its best decorated with colours of Hope for Peace on Planet Ocean given the military confrontation in the Middle East which started on the same night – coincidentally being the date that ended the First Gulf War in 1991!
It is of great significance that this annual HESGB event encompassing the entire shipping spectrum is interwoven with the implications of the War at Sea, not just in relation to oil and gas, but also for dry and container shipping, creating an uneasy situation in the already uncharted political waters…
At the drinks reception there was much discussion on the Marine Insurance front as there were quite a few guests from this important sector of the industry, mulling over what is covered and what is not, given the unique shock and awe of the war… Remember, insurers are not a charity… and syndicates can go completely under with incalculable repercussions…
Thank the 12 Greek Gods that the organisers had included in the program The Divine Banquet – initially we thought the …Grapes of Wrath who appeared, but the sweetener was very tasty chocos as well as the Living Statues …diffusing the tension and discussion on the War in the Middle East! Very thoughtful ! Add the customised HESGB magazine cover photo booth attracting guests and the changeover to a jovial mood was a fact and above all a success.
The call to go down to the Great Room came, the place of reference for many events, conferences and balls that the Shipping Industry organises. 66 tables nicely laid with exquisite decorations, well done.
All guests settled in their places and the HESGB president Dimitris N. Monioudis took the podium delivering a coherent and optimistic welcome covering all aspects of the unfolding event! Perfect, Mr. President!
This very event epitomises the success of the Hellenic Shipping cluster beyond Greece and its Archipelagos …. beyond the Seven Seas!
The prospering of this regular occasion stems from the loyalty of the British, Greek and Cypriot international friends – be it in person or company-wise who gather every February in the British capital, the administrative centre of World Shipping!
This flagship event of HESGB continues with the participation of companies ever since its launch in 1995 and being complemented every year with more newcomer companies and the annual booklet says it all! Very much worth mentioning the charities supported this year – Merimna, Anagennisi and Takis Shelter – as well as the Raffle with very thoughtful and generous gifts.
Many congratulations to the HESGB events team with Camila, Patty, Vicky and Evan doing their utmost! Camila’s devotion to the event is second to none!
Viewers can see some pictures confirming the success of “the Nuts and Bolts” – this is how we have branded the HESGB:
We look forward to next year’s 32nd AD&D event which will take place on the 27th of February 2027. Ensure you book on time!
Lastly, due to last minute unexpected health issues a few guests didn’t make it. We hope they are all recovering and we look forward to seeing them next year!
