H.E the Greek Ambassador Konstantinos Bikas with Prof. Costas Grammenos during the ceremony
22 November 2013 – Professor Costas Grammenos has been awarded one of Greece’s highest honours in recognition of his services to shipping.
Professor Grammenos, founder and director of Cass’s Centre for Shipping, Trade and Finance, received the Commander of the Order of the Phoenix for his world leading teaching and research on the maritime industry.
The Order of the Phoenix, which was established in 1926, is bestowed by the Greek President to Greek citizens who have excelled in the arts and literature, science, public administration, shipping, commerce and industry.
Professor Grammenos said: “I am truly humbled to receive such an honour from the Greek President, which I gratefully accept on behalf of the Centre, and all of my colleagues who have contributed to its teaching and research over the past 30 years.”
Professor Grammenos was presented with the award by the Greek Ambassador, Mr Konstantinos Bikas, at the ambassador’s residence in London.
The award citation acclaimed Professor Grammenos for his teaching and research which has had a “wide-reaching influence and impact on the commercial shipping industry, in which area he is considered to be a global authority”.
Professor Grammenos is credited as the founding father of shipping finance, having introduced the principles of credit risk analysis which are widely used by shipping banks today.
Much of Professor Grammenos’ influence stems from the Centre for Shipping, Trade and Finance, which he founded at Cass in 1983. The centre, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, was the first in the world to offer an MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance. It also undertakes research published in leading academic journals and brings together academics, policy makers and businessmen through conferences and public meetings.
In the 30 years since he pioneered the degree, and other qualifications, Professor Grammenos has helped to educate some of the sharpest minds in the maritime world. The centre has produced some 3, 000 graduates from more than 120 countries, meaning that almost a whole generation of key decision makers in shipping have been influenced by his courses. (source: Cass Business School)
