With a profound sense of pride and solemn reverence, the inauguration of the new Merchant Marine Academy TEENS took place on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, in Chios. The event was graced by the presence of His All-Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who bestowed his blessing upon the Academy.
Established under the auspices of the “Maria Tsakos” Public Benefit Foundation – International Centre for Maritime Research and Tradition, the Academy is the first Non-State and Non-Profit Merchant Marine Academy in Greece, aiming at preparing the next generation of young professionals aspiring to become competent, qualified and well-trained deck and engine officers in the maritime industry.
The Academy is Capt. Panagiotis N. Tsakos's third educational venture in his homeland of Chios. It is preceded by Maria’s Home, established in Kardamyla in 2013, and the Model Vocational Nautical Lyceum, "Tsakos Enhanced Education Nautical School” (TEENS), founded in the capital of Chios in 2018. The Merchant Marine Academy was strategically designed to build upon and strengthen the solid educational foundation laid by TEENS, which has by far exceeded its original expectations of success since its inception.
The new milestone marks the fulfilment of Captain Tsakos’ vision and determination to create a hub of educational excellence and seamanship that will attract the younger generation to the maritime profession at a time of significant global seafarer shortages. It also provides opportunities for professional advancement to the next generation of maritime professionals. The establishment of the Academy is part of the “Maria Tsakos” Foundation's broader strategy to promote maritime education and training and to strengthen Greek shipping, with the choice of Chios acknowledging and paying tribute to the island's rich maritime heritage and its pivotal role in Greek shipping.
The new Academy is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art training and educational aids. These include advanced simulators, cutting-edge maritime technology, and comprehensive training programs designed to meet the highest standards of maritime education and safety. The Academy aims to provide students with a robust education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring they are well-prepared and qualified to respond satisfactorily to the demands of the modern maritime industry. As a non-profit private initiative, the Academy also aspires to serve as a beacon of expertise, knowledge, and innovation, fostering best practices in maritime education and contributing to the ongoing advancement of the industry. It is indicative of the attention the Academy has generated, the fact that it received over 170 applications from candidates all over Greece, highlighting the growing interest of younger generations in pursuing a maritime career.
The inauguration event was also attended by the Deputy Minister for Shipping of Cyprus, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, whose team played a pivotal role in the creation of the Academy, certifying it in line with prevailing international standards.
The event was honoured by the presence of numerous distinguished guests from the realms of politics, maritime affairs, business and local authorities, alongside students, their parents and seafarers.
Following the Inauguration Ceremony, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, accompanied by Metropolitan Markos of Chios, Psara and Oinousses, bestowed his blessings upon the Academy’s teaching and administrative staff, as well as to the attending students from the Academy, the Merchant Marine High School TEENS and Maria’s Home, wishing them all good health and success in their academic pursuits.
Succeeding welcoming remarks by Cpt Tsakos, Panagiotis N. Tsakos, Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanoli, and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, awards were presented to the top-performing students from the June 2024 Panhellenic Examinations, including those from High School TEENS and Maria’s House. The ceremony concluded with attendees singing the National Anthem of Greece and Cyprus.
After the inauguration and Blessing ceremony for the new school year, the Founders of the 'Maria Tsakos' Foundation, Capt. Panagiotis N. Tsakos and Mr. Nikos P. Tsakos, along with Mrs. Celia Tsakos, and Panagiotis N. Tsakos Junior, hosted a dinner in the courtyard of the 'Maria Tsakos' Foundation in honour of the Ecumenical Patriarch, his entourage and esteemed guests.
During the dinner, Capt. Panagiotis N. Tsakos praised the Patriarch’s pioneering work on a global scale for the protection of the environment, both marine and atmospheric. In recognition of the Patriarch’s divinely inspired environmental efforts, Capt. Panagiotis presented him with a commemorative album containing a selection of related speeches and writings he had made spanning many decades, as well as a commemorative plate depicting the Chian Sphinx.
Subsequently, commemorative gifts were offered on behalf of the Tsakos family to:
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Their Eminences, Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna and Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico,
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His Eminence, Metropolitan Markos of Chios, Psara and Oinousses,
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The Deputy Minister for Shipping of Cyprus, Mrs. Marina Hadjimanoli, and
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Mr. Giannis Maniatis, member of the European Parliament, former Minister of Energy, and Board Member of the Foundation.