HELMEPA Newsletter by helmepagr

Dear friends and partners,

I’d like to give you a quick look into some of our recent work at HELMEPA. While there's much more going on behind the scenes, I wish to highlight a few of our key initiatives that show how we're actively working towards our mission to “Save our Seas”. Our membership has grown to 335 shipping companies and organizations with a �eet of 2,302 vessels and thousands of seafarers.

We have formed new partnerships, revived past collaborations, co-designed projects with our stakeholders, excelled in EU endeavors, and delivered top training. First half of 2023 alone, 2,000+ seafarers and shipping professionals joined our webinars and bridge simulation seminars. Our �rst Postgraduate Diploma on Sustainability in Shipping was launched, providing credits exclusively for our members to upskill their employees.

Our public outreach programs (HELMEPA Junior, Youth Ambassadors, Beach Cleaning) rallied over 20,000 youth and volunteers, with the adoption and transformation of (former) PIKPA beach (including waste upcycling) igniting joy for kids with disabilities - a testament to impactful action. Meanwhile, our Secretariat is constantly evolving: quality enhancement, agile procedures, employee upskilling, equipment upgrades, and more. Signi�cant progress has been achieved and we will continue our dedicated efforts.

From September onwards, we are looking forward to unveiling new initiatives - ESG masterclass, pioneering decarbonization project, Marine Litter Monitoring program and many more.

As we re�ect on our journey, on behalf of HELMEPA’s team, I express my gratitude to you, our valued members. Your dedication is the driving force behind our collective achievements.

Summer is still here. Enjoy it. And let us leave no trace behind and minimize single-use plastics. "No garbage, no plastic in our seas and on our beaches."

Together, we can save our seas.

Olga Stavropoulou, HELMEPA Director General

THEY PROTECT US. DO WE PROTECT THEM?

Marine Protected Areas protect endangered species and vulnerable habitats - help �sh stocks recover - preserve biodiversity. They do nothing but good for the ecosystem and we enjoy their beauty. Let’s protect them too.

#MarineProtectedAreas #MarineLlife #SustainableDevelopment #Biodiversity #OceanConservation #SaveOurSeas #SeaIisLife

CREDITS FOR MEMBERS: 'SUSTAINABILITY IN SHIPPING' POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA

Calling all shipping professionals and maritime students!

Elevate your career with HELMEPA's �rst Postgraduate Online Diploma developed with BCA/Greek Institute of Maritime Education in collaboration with the World Maritime University (WMU). The course introduces sustainability challenges and opportunities for shipping, the Regulatory environment and international policy instruments and agreements, the role of shipping in shaping a zero-carbon economy, the maritime value chain activities across ships’ lifecycles (incl. innovative design, planning, and technology in facilitating a sustainable shipping business), ESG principles, good leadership to achieve change and how shipping companies can work together with regulators, customers, other businesses, and NGOs to bring about large-scale change in the sustainability arena.

Find out more! Exclusive Credits for our Members. Upskill – Evolve - Register and secure your spot

#Postgraduate4all #SustainabilityInShipping #ESG #LifelongLearning #Upskilling

#HELMEPA #BCA #GIME #WMU

NAFTEMPORIKI & HELMEPA LEAD IMPORTANT TALK ABOUT ESG IN SHIPPING

During the 7th Naftemporiki Shipping Conference, HELMEPA & Naftemporiki co-organized the ESG panel showcasing how sustainable shipping and community progress work together. Acting as the Youth Angel of HELMEPA's “Sea is Life” Panhellenic Visual Art Competition, Naftemporiki hosted school students' art exhibition at the central entrance, providing 650+ participants with a �rst-hand encounter with thought-provoking artworks. Winners’ artworks are now printed on HELMEPA’s new reusable thermos to combat singleuse plastic.

HELMEPA extends heartfelt gratitude to Naftemporiki for championing the cause of collective action and ESG, effectively translating talk into transformative walk.

#ESG #Advocate #Youth #Artivism #SustainableShipping #SeaIsLife

CLEAN, ACCESIBLE, INCLUSIVE: HELMEPA ADOPTS BEACH FOR DISABLED KIDS

HELMEPA and the Rehabilitation Center for Children in Voula (formerly PIKPA) have teamed up to create a welcoming beach environment for kids with disabilities. Restoration, beach and underwater cleanups, equipment installation, waste collection and management, and upcycling –breathing new life into dead seagrass and transforming it into sunglasses, rackets, etc. Heartfelt thanks to our dedicated Board of Directors and their companies for their unwavering support to revamp the beach, now buzzing with children and adults with disabilities, spreading happiness each day. Special thanks to G. Kallianis (Special Secretary) for on-site coordination and A. Giakoumelos (Board Member) and Antipollution for the waste management coordination / works.

WATCH VIDEO with BEFORE-AND-AFTER SCENES showcasing the beach transformation following our Chairperson’s Semiramis Paliou intro message. This project is a cornerstone of HELMEPA's new Marine Litter Monitoring program, available now to our members who wish to step-up and engage in a highly impactful action, yet simple to implement by their team of volunteers (employees, suppliers, customers & families).

#BeachAdoption #DisabledKids

#MarineLitterMonitoring #ESG

#Empowerment #EqualAccess #Inclusion #TransformingShores

#ImpactfulCommunity #SeaIsLife

IS YOUR HISTORY BOOKSHELF MISSING THIS TREASURE?

Crafted to celebrate our 40th anniversary, this limited-edition masterpiece blends history with messages from maritime leaders, alongside captivating photographs that portray the essence of our oceans, beaches, and vessels. This isn't a simple book: it's a stairway to our enduring legacy of environmental stewardship.

A book presentation was held at Public in Syntagma square (our strategic partner), bringing together prominent maritime �gures and the dedicated team behind the 40th Anniversary Album's creation – Editors, Writers, Photographers, Art Designers, and more.

Gift a Piece of History to your Stakeholders and support our cause. Contact Us for Your Copy (100€ plus VAT)

#40yearsHELMEPA #Founders #HistoryEvolution #MaritimeLeaders #Members

#Volunteers #Stakeholders #Milestones #PhotoAlbum #ImpactfulCommunity

SHAPING FUTURES: HELMEPA GRANTS 7 NEW SCHOLARSHIPS TO YOUNG SCIENTISTS

Seven new scholarships were granted to young scientists for postgraduate studies in Shipping, Environment, Sustainable Development and Education, for the Academic Year 2023-2024, with a total value of €75,000, honoring the memory of the late George Livanos, Capt. Vassilis Constantakopoulos, George Dalacouras, Vassos Hajioannou, Stavros Daifas, and Nikolaos Apostolopoulos, symbolizing a continuation of their legacy through the pursuit of knowledge.

Since 1998, 56 scholarships have been awarded, shaping the future across the Shipping and Environment �elds thanks to our Donors and member-companies. Together we pave the way for future leaders who will safeguard our seas.

#HELMEPAScholarships #Science #Excellence #PostgraduateStudies #BrainGain #EmpowerNextGen #Inclusion #EqualOpportunities #Legacy

SEMIRAMIS PALIOU - FIRST WOMAN CHAIRPERSON OF INTERMEPA

INTERMEPA, the International Marine Environment Protection Association, representing national MEPAs worldwide, has reached a momentous milestone by electing Semiramis Paliou as its �rst woman Chairperson of the worldwide organization for Oceans Sustainable Development. This signi�cant step builds on the outstanding leadership of Joe Hughes, who served as INTERMEPA's Chairperson over the past years, marking a groundbreaking revival and progress for the organization. George Tsavliris (CYMEPA Chairperson) was elected Vice-Chairperson of INTERMEPA.

Amid the challenges presented by the recently revised IMO GHG strategy, aiming for netzero emissions from shipping by 2050, INTERMEPA rises as a global advocate for sustainable development. National MEPAs (CYMEPA/Cyprus, HELMEPA/Greece, NAMEPA/North America, NIMEPA/Nigeria, PHILMEPA/Philippines, TURMEPA/Turkey, UKRMEPA/Ukraine, URUMEPA/Uruguay) remain resolute in their commitment to lowering GHG emissions, combating marine pollution, advancing sustainable maritime training (ESGs – SDGs), and nurturing environmental consciousness to fortify the Blue Economy, with a focus on empowering youth.

In this context, INTERMEPA carried out a joint campaign reaching out to thousands of people in 5 continents, marking the United Nations #WorldOceansDay – 8 June to raise awareness on the urgent need to protect our seas and oceans through global collaboration and collective action.

#SustainableShipping #UnitedWeCanSaveTheSeas #MARPOL #INTERMEPA

#NationalMEPAs #GlobalAction #WomenInLeadership

HELMEPA MEETS USCG LEADERSHIP

Chairperson Semiramis Paliou and Director General Olga Stavropoulou convened with USCG leadership at the Washington DC headquarters, reinforcing their enduring cooperation. Discussions included the forthcoming annual HELMEPA Delegation visit for our membercompanies.

Earlier, at the 2023 Safety at Sea Seminar & AMVER Awards, hosted by NAMEPA, our sister MEPA organization in North America, Semiramis Paliou delivered a powerful speech highlighting the signi�cance of the life-saving voluntary program AMVER.

The US journey of HELMEPA's leadership commenced in New York, where HELMEPA’s Chairperson achieved a signi�cant milestone – induction into the prestigious Maritime Hall of Fame by the Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey, a moment of immense pride for us all.

#USCGCollaboration #MaritimePartnership #AnnualDelegationVisit #SafetyAtSeaSeminar #AMVERAwards #USLeadershipMeeting #MaritimeHallOfFame #ProudAchievement

REMARKABLE 70% INCREASE: HELMEPA IMPACTFUL 2023 TRAINING PROGRAM

In the �rst half of 2023, HELMEPA's Refresher Training Program has recorded a 70% increase in participation, underscoring the program's resonance and quality, with 9 out of 10 participants rating it as 'very good to exceptional'.

Guided by a newly established Training Committee with de�ned roles, our program addresses the maritime industry's pressing concerns through a comprehensive and engaging approach. Soft skill development, emissions regulations, safety insights, Port State Control preparation, and MARPOL/SOLAS-related de�ciencies have taken center stage.

With 14 webinars and 4 seminars held, featuring 2,128 participants —half of whom are international crews—from 114 companies, our reach has been truly extensive and impactful.

#Training #Upskilling #Reskilling #Sustainability #Safety #CrewWellness #Cybersecurity

#SoftSkills #GreenShipping

SHE4SEA: DE-GENDERING BLUE ECONOMY SECTORS

With women comprising just 2% of the seafarer workforce, building a diverse workforce is more important than ever for ensuring an equal, safe, and sustainable maritime industry. HELMEPA with project partners from Greece, Spain, Bulgaria and with the support of associate partners WISTA Hellas and Knowl Social Enterprise, implement the Erasmus+ project with the acronym She4Sea to de-gender traditional notions of jobs in sea tourism, �sheries/aquaculture, and maritime transport as predominantly male-orientated by promoting women’s employability, professional involvement, and entrepreneurial development.

She4Sea outcomes foresee enhancing women’s soft skills on Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability as well as tools and methodologies for VET trainers and maritime community.

#WomenInMaritime #GenderDiversity #Equality #Inclusion #SoftSkills #Upskilling #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Sustainability #ErasmusPlus #EUproject #She4Sea

IMPACTFUL WORK ON SAFETY AT SEA

During 2019-2022 we have achieved: 1,200+ near-miss reports submitted by 36 major shipping companies through HELMEPA's Voluntary Incident Reporting Platform (VIRP); Over 100 training opportunities for 2,035 seafarers, shipping professionals, and 1,000 �shermen, boaters, port, and marina workers from 98 companies; Spreading safety awareness to 250,000+ coastal inhabitants through the 'Stay Safe at Sea' campaign; Empowering 243 Safety Ambassadors to promote safety within their local communities; 150 shipping companies and 2,280 vessels improving onboard safety through VIRP Digest.

Achievements were realized through our program “Enhancing the Understanding of New and Enduring Challenges in Maritime Safety Culture in the East Mediterranean” coordinated by HELMEPA in partnership with Lloyd's Register, CYMEPA and DYNAMARINe and the kind support of Lloyd's Register Foundation.

Read the Impact Report here

#StaySafeatSea #ProtectHumanLife #NurtureSafetySpirit #Training #Environment #Sustainability #Safety #CrewWellness #SaveOurSeas #SeaIsLife

EMPOWERING YOUTH FOR BLUE CAREERS: HELMEPA'S IMPACT IN 2023

Throughout 2023, we've connected with over 4,000 young individuals (aged 15+) across Greece, guiding and empowering them to pursue a career in the Blue Economy. From practical training on HELMEPA's ship's bridge simulator to the Blue Generation Career Platform and personalized Career Mentoring, we're setting the stage for their upcoming journeys into Blue Careers. Explore www.bluegeneration.org

#BlueGenerationProject #Shipping #CoastalTourism #FishFarming #OceanEnergy #MarineBiotechnology #Fisheries #Shipbuilding #TrainingMentoringStudyVisits #YouthEmpowerment

OCEAN AND CLIMATE LITERACY IN NAUTICAL HIGH SCHOOLS

Students, teachers, citizens, and local communities are engaging in ocean and Mediterranean Sea awareness through the "Ride the Wave" project. This initiative aligns with the European Ocean Coalition EU4Ocean, Generation Climate Europe, Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, and the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences. HELMEPA and Italy's Marevivo NGO, along with local schools, collaborate to enhance understanding of the global ocean's vital role in climate regulation. Excitingly, EPAL Konistres and Istituto Tecnico Nautico "G. Da Verrazzano" have earned the European Blue Schools Network certi�cate for 2022-2023, joining the EU Blue Schools community. We are very proud of the work achieved.

#OceanLiteracy #ClimateAwareness #RideTheWave #UNDecadeOfOceanSciences #HELMEPA #Marevivo #BlueSchools #CommunityEngagement

CHILDREN'S ACT TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE, AVAILABLE IN POSTERS

4,044 children—members of HELMEPA Junior—representing 150 schools across Greece, took part in HELMEPA’s Panhellenic Drawing Competition, themed 'Climate Change: There are solutions!'

The winning artworks, now available in posters, will decorate school classrooms starting September 2023. This competition is more than just a contest; it's a dynamic learning opportunity that empowers and encourages volunteerism. It provides children with an insightful lens into environmental challenges while fostering essential soft skills like creativity, critical thinking, solution-�nding, adaptability, and empathy.

Through their artwork, these young visionaries become catalysts for change, driving the message of environmental awareness. As they share their perspectives on climate change, they remind us all that every effort counts towards securing a sustainable future.

#ArtContest #NewGeneration #SeaIsLIife #Na_Sosoume_Tis_Thalasses #SaveOurSeas

#Sustainability #Youth #Art #Volunteer #Empowerment

YOUTH FOR

HELMEPA Junior teamed up with Axion Hellas, a nonpro�t organization dedicated to providing vital medical care and infrastructure in a joint effort to raise awareness about marine protection among children. Dimitris Kazas, HELMEPA's New Generation Manager, conducted an engaging interactive presentation on ocean signi�cance and conservation to Symi's Primary Schoolchildren. The day concluded with a beach cleanup.

#HELMEPAJunior #AxionHellas #NewGeneration #OceanLiteracy #UNDecadeOfOceanSciences

#SaveOurSeas #SeaIsLife #Na_Sosoume_Tis_Thalasses

EMPOWERING CHANGE: SYMI JOURNEY WITH AXION HELLAS

DO YOU LOVE EARTH? MAKE A FASHION STATEMENT

HELMEPA and Public joined forces to create a 100% cotton, recyclable tote bag. The brand-new reusable shoulder bag is a symbol of love for our Earth. Using it, you make a strong fashion statement for environmental protection and support HELMEPA's work for the health of our seas. You can �nd it here

#LoveEarth #SaveOurSeas #EthicalFashion #ConsciousConsumer #SayNoToSingleUsePlastic #ReduceReuseRecycle #SustainableLiving #EcoChic #FashionForChange #BeTheChange

MEGA CLEANUP EVENT

The highest participation in a joint cleanup was reached by 11 managing companies – all members of the Association, with their 250+ employees getting together at the beach behind Peace and Friendship Stadium, in the frame of the International Coastal Cleanup Campaign.

56 bags of 160 kilos of marine litter were collected on the day: these included litter ranging from plastic bottles and other consumer goods to elastic tires and mooring lines.

VIEW FULL VIDEO

DOWNLOAD our 3rd VIRP Digest issue on the bene�ts of using personal protective equipment onboard and in port facilities.

DOWNLOAD our latest "Glaropoula" issue (in Greek) by HELMEPA Junior, and enjoy the fresh content approach, structure and layout!

SHARE the VIDEO with our Seagull's message "No garbage, no plastic on seas and beaches." Let us joint forces to save our seas.

HELMEPA Visual Art Competition on the national news, calling for students to express their love for the sea @ ERT

4,044 children from 150 kindergartens and primary schools in Greece participated in the Panhellenic Drawing Contest of the HELMEPA @TA NEA

250+ young men and women aged 15-25 enthusiastically participated in the Blue Horizons initiative: shipping for the new generation and exploring career prospects in maritime professions in a three-day workshop aiming to meet, learn and network with the maritime community @EFOPLISTIS

HELMEPA's initiatives for the New Generation are showcased on the latest issue: workshops, networking, skill development and career opportunities @ISTIOPLOIKOS KOSMOS