At the 13th Annual Capital Link Greek Shipping Forum, held in Athens earlier in February, friends and industry colleagues of Vokos shared their memories of his work in front of a high profile crowd, including Bimco President Sabrina Chao, IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim, Intercargo Chairman Dimitrios Fafalios, Intertanko Chairman Paolo d’Amico and International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Chairman Emanuele Grimaldi.
In his acceptance speech, Vokos thanked a long list of industry personalities and friends for their guidance and support through the establishment and development of Seatrade and Posidonia. The list doubled as a who’s who of Greek and international shipping, many still either active in shipping or with family active in the industry.
Eletson Corporation Co-Founder Gregory Hadjiefelfteriadis and Professor Costas Th. Grammenos introduced Vokos, recalling the first Posidonia in 1969, the first publishing of Seatrade magazine in 1970 and the subsequent first Seatrade conferences – held simultaneously in London and in New York some 50 years ago.
Accepting the 2023 Greek Shipping Leadership Award, Vokos said: “In the early 70s, the various elements of the shipping industry were operating in separate boxes… It became Posidonia's and Seatrade's mission to organise conferences, exhibitions and training programs around the world, from Rio to Tokyo, from London to Hong Kong and from Miami to Shanghai.
“Doing the job I did and trekking from one side of the world to the other over so many years was as stimulating as it was rewarding, and it was also a lot of fun. If there was a price to pay for this disruptive way of life, I escaped it.
“My wife, Jenny, stayed the course with me all through this period. As I was coming in from one door and getting out from the other, she was there always by my side. So after being 57 years together, and enjoying time now with our four children and 11 grandchildren. I do consider myself a very lucky man. Thank you.”
The full award presentation can be seen on Capital Link’s Youtube channel and embedded below.
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