New Year “Vasilopita” Cutting Ceremony 2012

More than 180 distinguished guests and members of the International Propeller Club of the United States, International Port of Piraeus gathered for the traditional cutting of the ‘vasilopita’ (the Greek New Year’s cake) on Sunday, January 29, 2012, at the Grande Bretagne Hotel.

The event was honored by the presence of the Minister of Development, Competitiveness and Shipping, Mr. Michalios Chrisochoidis, and the Ambassador of the United States in Greece, Daniel Bennett Smith.

Secretary-General, Mr. Theodoros Kontes, commenced the reception by greeting guests and extending warm wishes for a prosperous New Year. Mr. Antonios Stamos Faraklas, President of the Propeller Club, then welcomed all members and guests, referring to the activities of the Propeller Club during 2011, emphasizing the importance of the Propeller Club scholarship program and congratulated all students on their academic efforts.

In his speech, Minister of Development, Competitiveness and Shipping, Mr. Michalios Chrisochoidis, highly stressed the role of Maritime education in Greece and the importance of strengthening shipping in today’s economy.