On the evening of Thursday, October 13^th, at Zappeion Megaron, leading personalities in the fields of Shipping, the Environment, Politics and Art, shared their common vision for a sustainable future. Based on the long-standing moto "Sea is Life", HELMEPA Director General Olga Stavropoulou presented the historical evolution and milestones of the Association and commemorated the personalities who, in its 40 years of operation, made it what it is today.

As mentioned by HELMEPA’s Chairperson, Semiramis Paliou in an emotional speech:

"The founders of HELMEPA belong to those genuine visionaries who reply to every mention of "it's not possible", with a "why not?". To those stubborn Greeks who do not hide, but dare and come forward without fear of responsibility, as the famous Greek writer, the late Nikos Kazantzakis states, "I alone have a duty to save the earth". And HELMEPA took this responsibility. To Save the Seas. Today, 40 years later, the Association’s work to protect the seas, our planet and humanity, is relevant, reliable, measurable, and inspiring."

Present at the event, among many others, were Honorary Member Peter Livanos, son of the late founder of HELMEPA, George P. Livanos, Captain Panagiotis Tsakos (one of the founding members), the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Melina Travlou, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Giannis Plakiotakis, the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Giorgos Amyras, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Evangelos Kyriazopoulos, Rear Admiral (ret.) Panagiotis Kosmatos (first General Director of the Association), the Regional Governor of Attica George Patoulis, the President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, Dr. George Pateras and INTERCARGO Chairman, Dimitris Fafalios.

Mr. Constantinos Constantakopoulos, son of the late Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos, Honorary Chairman of the Association and initiator of the HELMEPA Junior program, also honored the event and the work of HELMEPA with his presence.

The celebration event for HELMEPA's 40^th anniversary concluded with an extraordinary auction of 17 art pieces, donated by distinguished Greek artists, with the aim of spreading the noble cause To Save the Seas.