The 98th International Convention of the International Propeller Club, hosted in Lyon, France, from 13 to 15 October 2025, was successfully concluded, gathering wide participation from members and representatives across the global maritime community.
The Convention closed with the appointment of the new Board of Governors — marking, for the first time in the organization’s 98-year history, the election of a non-American as President.
That milestone belongs to Costis Frangoulis, Founder & CEO of Franman and current President of the Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus.
Frangoulis has been closely tied to the growth of the Piraeus chapter. A lifetime member since 2000, a Governor since 2017, and its 37th President since 2019, he is now serving his third and final term, which will make him the longest-serving President in the chapter’s history. In 2024, he was named International Propeller Member of the Year.
Under his leadership, Piraeus quintupled its membership, surpassing 1,000 members (1,100 today) — a milestone unmatched across the global network — and significantly increased its financial resources, which allowed it to quadruple its charitable activities. He is also a member of the Propeller Club, Port of New York, and since 2021 has served on the International Board, holding positions as Third, Second, and First Vice President.
Frangoulis’ election as President of the International Propeller Club is both a personal achievement and a national distinction. The Club is one of the oldest institutions in global shipping, with a long record of advancing maritime affairs and international cooperation. Today, it stands as the world’s largest networking association in the maritime industry.
This remarkable achievement was further highlighted by the recognition of the Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, as “Club of the Year,” standing out among 82 Ports worldwide. This marks the second time in five years that the Greek chapter has been named Propeller Club of the Year, reaffirming its consistency, engagement, and international prominence.
Three more members of Propeller Club of Piraeus were also honored and recognized during the Convention:
• Dorothea Ioannou, elected First Vice President of the International Propeller Club,
• Christos Timagenis, appointed Director Ex Officio to the International Board,
• Akis Tsirigakis, re-elected Regional Vice President for Southern Europe & Africa,
While Danae Bezantakou continues her term as Director at Large, which began in 2024 and runs through 2027.
Commenting on his election, Costis Frangoulis stated:
“I feel deeply honored to assume the presidency of an international organization with the history and legacy of the International Propeller Club. I step into this role with vision, responsibility, and commitment, determined to modernize the Club, support its growth, enhance its mission, and strengthen its international direction and collaboration across our network.
First of all, I would like to sincerely thank outgoing President, Maria Conatser, for her leadership and the excellent collaboration during her term, and our Executive Vice President, Joel Whitehead, for his continuous commitment and contribution. My congratulations go to Dorothea Ioannou on her election as First Vice President, to Regional Vice President Akis Tsirigakis (re-elected), to Christos Timagenis, Secretary General of the Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, on his appointment as Director Ex Officio to the International Board, and of course to the Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, for being named Club of the Year. These are especially meaningful distinctions for our historic chapter.”
Convention Awards:
• Chris Carr — International Member of the Year
• Kathy Metcalf — Maritime Person of the Year
• Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus — Club of the Year
• Sean Duffy — Lifetime Achievement Award
The 99th International Propeller Convention will take place on 22–24 September 2026 in the United States, hosted by the Propeller Club, Port of San Diego
