Pireas 2025 Celebrated 50 Years Of Greek Shipbroking With Global Forum And Spectacular Gala
The Hellenic Shipbrokers Association (HSA), proudly concluded the milestone edition of Pireas 2025, commemorating 50 years since the founding of the Association. Over two days, Piraeus welcomed leading figures of the global maritime industry for a celebration of shipping excellence, collaboration, and forward-looking dialogue.
On Thursday, July 3rd, the 9th Global Shipbrokers Forum, in strategic partnership with the Baltic Exchange, took place at the iconic Peace and Friendship Stadium, gathering more than 500 participants under the banner: “WAVES of CHANGE: Shipping at the Crossroads of Dynamics, Decarbonization & Direction.” A high-caliber lineup of speakers and moderators addressed the complex realities of the shipping sector amidst geopolitical shifts, energy transitions, and regulatory challenges.
Opening remarks were delivered by John N. Cotzias, President of the HSA, alongside Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vasilis Kikilias, President of the Peace and Friendship Stadium Christina Tsiligkiri, and CEO of Baltic Exchange Mark Jackson, underscoring the importance of resilience, innovation, and international cooperation.
The following evening, on Friday, July 4th, the celebrations culminated in a truly memorable Gala Dinner, welcoming close to 2,000 distinguished guests from across the global maritime industry. Hosted at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, the Gala was a masterfully organized evening of elegance and hospitality — showcasing Greece’s renowned “Filoxenia” at its best.
A highlight of the evening was the historical rollback of the past 50years, and the commemoration of all past Presidents and Board Members of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association, as a tribute to their invaluable contributions to the profession and to the Association’s journey over the past five decades. Special plaques of appreciation were awarded to three distinguished former Presidents: Michael Kokkinis (1989–1991), Captain Nick Pentheroudakis (1991–2005), Giannis Pachoulis (2005–2013). Their vision and leadership helped shape the legacy that HSA proudly upholds today.
That same evening, the public recognition and warm appreciation of the shipping community were directed toward Commander Giorgos Lykousas, Security Officer at EUNAVFOR ASPIDES OPERATION, for the important contribution of both himself and his team—demonstrated with professionalism and integrity—in safeguarding the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Red Sea, amid the unfortunately ongoing threats posed by the Houthis.
The evening culminated with the powerful live performance by KLAVDIA, the talented Greek performer and Eurovision Song Contest representative, who moved the audience with her interpretive ability and emotional rendition of “Asteromata”, as well as in a plethora of songs from Greek and international repertoire — adding a unique cultural highlight to a night already rich with pride, celebration, and maritime camaraderie.
From precise planning to warm execution, the event was universally praised as a benchmark in industry gatherings — a clear reflection of the dedication of the HSA Board, its members, and supporting partners.
As “Pireas” continues its legacy since 1995 as the premier gathering of global shipbrokers and maritime leaders, Pireas 2025 reaffirmed the vital role of Piraeus as a global maritime and shipbroking hub — resilient, forward-looking, and firmly anchored in excellence.
We extend our sincere thanks to all participants, speakers, sponsors, and supporters for their invaluable contribution to making this Golden Jubilee celebration of Greek shipbroking history an overwhelming success.
Hellenic Shipbrokers Association Board of directors:
John N. Cotzias – President
Aggelos C. Pavlou– Vice President
Dimitris C. Kittes – Gen.Secretary
Yiannis Sp. Kazianis – Treasurer
Helen Christofidi – Director
Yiannis Kourkoulis – Director
Napoleon Parameritis – Director
Source: Hellenic Shipbrokers Association (HSA)
