NEO: “The Empire State” to Greece!

“The Empire State” to Greece! Share \|
	The training ship ''EMPIRE STATE'' of the State University of New York - Maritime College, under Captain Richard S. Smith, visited recently the island of Andros and the main Greek port of Piraeus, part of its annual training trip, during which cadets have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in school, in real conditions. The visit to Piraeus coincided with “Posidonia,” one of the most important shipping conferences in the world. By Margarita Vartholomeou The purpose of the visit to Andros was to boost the maritime profession in the island, part of the campaign “Lets go to the Sea” that was officially launched in March by the Panandriaki Society of Sailors. As cadets had the opportunity to get a glimpse of the island’s rich maritime tradition, locals could visit the ship and get an idea of how the industry has developed and perhaps think it seriously as a career choice. A great number of dignitaries were there to welcome “The Empire State”, among them the Maritime Attache of the American Embassy in Athens Philip N. Campbell and Admiral (retired) John W. Craine Jr., President of the State University of New York - Maritime College. The visit, both in Andros and in Piraeus, was organized by Mr. Dimitrios Kokkinis, who took the initiative to bring the ship to Greece. Mr. Kokkinis is the Managing Director of Goldendestiny (the company that was honored as the best broker of the year 2009 by Lloyd's) and he is also the representative of the Sunny Maritime College in Greece.