On Friday, March 29, 2019, within the framework of a Scientific Event on "University Education, Scientific Research and Vocational Training in the Port Sector, Freight Transport and Logistics - A Combined Initiative", held at the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the University of Piraeus, the Hellenic Institute of Transport CERTH/HIT and “EXANTAS” Port Training Institute.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Rector Prof. Angelos Kotios on behalf of the University of Piraeus, the Director Dr. Evangelos Bekiaris on behalf of CERTH / HIT, and the Chairman of “EXANTAS” and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ThPA S.A. Sotirios Theofanis  on behalf of the “EXANTAS” Institute.

The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding is to link vocational training to research and education, within the evolving environment of the Port Industry, Freight Transport and Logistics, as well as to related areas such as ship repair and the environmental and energy dimension of the above mentioned sectors, by ensuring essential synergies between the three entities.

The event was attended and welcomed by the Secretary General of Ports and Port Policy Mr. Christos Lambridis, as the representative of the Ministrer of Maritime and Island Policy, the Mayor of Piraeus Mr. Ioannis Moralis, the President of PCCI, Mr. Vassilis Korkidis, the Head of Maritime and Island Policy and New Democracy MP Ioannis Plakotakis, and the Chairman of the Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, Assoc. Professor Mr. Angelos Pantouvakis, while the Dean of the Maritime and Industrial School of Piraeus University, Professor Konstantinos Chlomoudis and a number of distinguished representatives from the Academic & Research Community, the Maritime and Ports Community and the Coast Guard attended the event.

The Trilateral Cooperation was presented by Assoc. Professor of the Department of Maritime Studies of the University of Piraeus and Head of the Department of Maritime and Air Transport, Environmental and Economic Issues of CERTH/HIT Dr. Maria Boile. The Rector Prof. Angelos Kotios, the Director of CERTH/HIT Dr. Evangelos Bekiaris and the President of the “EXANTAS” Institute presented the prospects of the contribution of their organizations in the successful implementation of the unique and timely initiative.