The 2025–26 school year begins with a strong commitment to maritime culture education.
By Irene Notias
On Monday, November 24, 2025, PROJECT CONNECT launched its first Adopt a Ship program teachers assembly of the 2025–26 school year at the Marriott Hotel, Athens. The venue was generously sponsored by Mr. John Xylas, Ariston Navigation, reflecting his strong support for maritime education and Adopt a Ship.
Educators, principals, and teachers from across Greece attended in person, while many more joined digitally thanks to Mr. Petros Pappas, Starbulk, enabling participation from Greece, Florida, and New York City. Teachers from Alexandroupolis and Thessaloniki were also present.
The event underscored the strong commitment of schools, shipping companies, teachers, and captains — both ashore and at sea — who came together to share their work and insights.
Distinguished Remarks
- Mr. John Xylas, Chairman of Intercargo, Executive Board Member of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) and HELMEPA, and President of Ariston Navigation, expressed gratitude on behalf of the shipowning community: “You, the teachers and educators, are one of the fundamental pillars of this program—together with the captains who participate with such enthusiasm and dedication. Thanks to your commitment, creativity, and the warmth with which you embrace the idea, Adopt a Ship is not just an educational activity. It is a journey. A journey that brings together classrooms, children, vocational students, and the world of oceangoing shipping. A journey that opens windows: to geography, ports, seas and weather, to trade and cargoes, and—most importantly—to an understanding of the vital role shipping plays in the prosperity of nations.”
- Captain Konstantinos D. Geomelos, Msc, AFNI, Master Mariner and Navigation Manager, from Chandris Hellas, highlighted the importance of seafarers’ engagement as well as “that every message sent from a ship’s bridge to a school feels like a wave of light travelling across the sea .a living bridge between seafarers and children. Through “Adopt a Ship”, we share more than routes, oceans, and ports; we share the spirit of discovery. We invite students to navigate the world with knowledge as their compass and imagination as their sail. If we offer them inspiration today, they will chart the future of shipping tomorrow. And as they learn, they also touch the deep roots of Greek maritime heritage — the legacy of our shipowners and seamen who, for generations, have carried the Greek flag, our values, and our spirit across every ocean.”
- Dr. Adamantia Spanaka, educators’ consultant, presented the threelevel program design and emphasized its adaptability for different age groups. She also expressed gratitude to all participants for their dedication and passion in inspiring the next generation through Adopt a Ship.
- Ms. Irene Notias, Director of Project Connect, stressed the importance of connecting youth with maritime values and fostering empathy for essential workers at sea and how families can thrive from shipping.
A teachers remark on chat: “Our participation in the Adopt a Ship program opened new horizons. We discovered the fascinating world of shipping, and it unlocked a new door for young people’s professional development. A breeze of freedom and hope for the future was felt.”
Looking Ahead
Adopt a Ship by PROJECT CONNECT is inspiring children and teens, uplifting crews, and strengthening the bond between society and the sea.
With the support of its new automation system, AaSoP (Adopt a Ship on Platform) created by Dynamarine, Adopt a Ship is now ready to welcome more schools and shipping companies worldwide. This innovation ensures the program can scale to meet growing demand and continue inspiring the next generation through maritime culture education.
