The Vancouver International Maritime Center Signs Agreement with The University

The Vancouver International Maritime Center (VIMC) successfully hosted a major event in Athens, Greece, during Posidonia 2016, the world’s largest gathering of global shipping leaders.

Last week, more than 250 industry professionals attended a reception co-hosted by the VIMC, the Embassy of Canada and the Hellenic Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Senior Trade Commissioner David Mallette, representing the Embassy of Canada, opened the event.

One of the highlights of the evening was the signing of a Bilateral Agreement between the VIMC and the Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport of the University of the Aegean to develop faculty and student exchange programs as well as marine-related training initiatives between Greece and Canada. This unique collaboration is the first of its kind and is poised to accelerate educational and maritime opportunities between both nations while continuing to build on friendly and meaningful Canadian-Greek relations.

“The University of the Aegean, Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport is a well-known international academic department based on the shipping island of Chios, one of six islands in the Greek Archipelago where the University has campuses. We have more than sixteen undergraduate programs, multiple postgraduate programs and over 16,000 students,” said Professor Helen Thanopoulou, Head of Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport at the university.

“Young people are our future and strong international programs that actually cross boundaries will enhance education and training for the upcoming global leaders of tomorrow,” said Kaity Arsoniadis-Stein, Executive Director of the VIMC.

During Posidonia, the VIMC showcased the economic, business and lifestyle advantages of Vancouver, Canada, to shipping leaders looking to expand their reach to North American and Asian markets.

“Without question, Posidonia is one of the most important shipping conferences in the world and Greece is the largest ship owning nation on the planet. It is crucial that Vancouver and Canada make it known we are open for business,” said Graham Clarke, Chairman and CEO of the VIMC.

The VIMC continues its global outreach by attending Marine Money Week in New York City, June 21-23, 2016. Marine Money New York is the world’s largest international ship financing conference. The VIMC will be hosting the opening reception for the conference in the Cotillion Room at The Pierre Hotel, 5:00pm-6:30pm, June 21st