Hundreds of Greek shipping companies were recognized for their participation at the AMVER program last year, during the 30th anniversary of the Greek AMVER Awards Gala Dinner, which took place last night at the Athenaeum Intercontinental Hotel, reports Nafsgreen.gr.
About the event
Held in the presence of Greek government officials, top US diplomats, and senior representatives from nearly the entire Greek maritime community, the event was organized by the International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Piraeus, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Greece and the United States Coast Guard.
The AMVER System (Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue) monitors ships, identifies possible problems, and informs ships in the vicinity to approach and provide assistance. It officially came to life on 15 April 1958 through the efforts of the United States Coast Guard and several commercial shipping representatives. Over 7,000 lives have been saved by AMVER-participating ships since 2000 and many of them owe their lives to the selfless and altruistic efforts of seamen and vessels of Greek interests. Over 11,000 international ships participate in AMVER and an average of 6,300 ships are added to the AMVER plot each day. The AMVER Center computer receives over 40,000 AMVER messages a day.
Fittingly, the event opened with renditions of the anthems of the United States and Greece, before the welcoming remarks by Costis Frangoulis, President of the International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Piraeus and Vice President of the International Propeller Club of the United States.
Mary Olson, Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in Greece, delivered a speech on behalf of His Excellency George James Tsunis, US Ambassador to Greece and an honorary member of the International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus. Mrs. Olson reiterated the significance of the AMVER Awards and emphasized the importance of the Hellenic-American relationship.
A video was projected with all the Greek companies that were honored with this year’s AMVER Awards.
Before her welcoming remarks, Rear Admiral Laura M. Dickey, honored the Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus for successfully promoting the AMVER Program and organizing the Greek Awards annually for 30 years.
Fourteen Propeller Club and Greek shipping industry representatives shared their views and impressions about the Propeller Club during a video reminiscing about the humble beginnings of the award scheme and sharing personal stories about the history of AMVER Awards, ranging from the first AMVER Awards during Posidonia in the early 90’s, the increase of Greek recipients from 45 in 1992 to this year’s record of 247, the initiative’s values of courage, filotimo and humanity, as well as to real rescue stories, such as one about 120 people saved near Libya’s coast by a Greek vessel.
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Source: Nafsgreen.gr
