Intermarine's Grikitis to Receive Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award
Andre Grikitis, CEO of Houston-based breakbulk and heavylift company Intermarine, has been chosen to receive the Admiral of the Ocean Sea award by the United Seaman's Service.
Recognized as one of the most prestigious award in the maritime industry, the Admiral of The Ocean Sea award has been presented annually by the United Seamen's Service for the past 47 years. It is given in recognition of individuals and organizations that have shown outstanding support for American seafarers and the maritime industry of the United States.
Andre Grikitis is recognized for using a combination of personal commitment and business savvy to propel Intermarine to the forefront of the U.S.' heavylift and specialized cargo shipping business.
Grikitis received a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Central Connecticut College and a master's degree in Criminal Justice from C.W. Post in New York. He began his career in the maritime industry as a chartering manager with World Trade Shipping, a New York-based vessel operator. In the early 1980's, he joined another New York-based vessel operator, T.J. Stevenson, as Vice President. In 1993, Grikitis acquired the vessel operations of this then employer, D.W. Lee, Inc., which he later renamed Cargoships, Inc.
Cargoships became responsible for all ship chartering for Intermarine's services. In 2006, Grikitis became the Chief Operating Officer and later Chief Executive Office for Intermarine and assumed responsibility for the company's U.S. flag division. During his term as President and CEO, and as also while serving in the role of Operating Chairman, Grikitis led the expansion and development of the company and its services. These include a U.S. flag fleet consisting of seven U.S. flag multi-purpose vessels engaged in worldwide trade and an international fleet of approximately 40 internationally registered vessels engaged in Intermarine's liner and worldwide services.
Grikitis also recently led the company's efforts in connection with a newbuilding program for the construction and delivery of state-of-the-art, efficient and economical vessels that will deliver over the next five years.
"Andre is a fitting recipient of the Admiral of the Ocean Sea award. He has served a critical role in the growth and development of Intermarine as a U.S. based and operated company, and the building of the Company's U.S. Flag multipurpose fleet," said Will Terrill, CEO and President of US Ocean. "He is an innovator, as well as an outstanding leader and mentor. He is a deserving recipient of the most prestigious award in the marine industry."
The United Seaman's Service provides community services for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the American Armed Forces and seafarers of the world. It is a non-profit agency established in 1942 which operates centers in six foreign ports in Europe, Asia, and Africa and in the Indian Ocean, and also provides seagoing libraries to American vessels through its affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association.
The award will be presented at the organization's 48th annual gala at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York City, on October 13.