North P&I Club Chairman stresses importance of Posidonia at Greek reception

Mr Pratap Shirke, Chairman of the ‘A’ rated North P&I Club welcomed Greek Members at North’s pre-Posidonia reception last night (29 May 2012) and stressed the importance of Posidonia as one of the most prestigious global shipping gatherings.

Despite the current economic climate in Greece, North hosted its traditional pre-Posidonia reception, albeit on a smaller scale than in the past, to show its support for the industry and Greece. Addressing around 500 Members and guests at the Astir Palace in Athens, Shirke stated “It gives me tremendous pleasure to be here for this special occasion. Posidonia marks the coming together of all shipping industries and is testament to the prominent role of Greek shipping.”

Shirke concluded by urging Greek shipowners to continue playing a prominent role in the international shipping community “Active participation in industry interest groups and P&I directorships underpins the powerful voice of Greek shipping.”

Attendees at the celebration included Union of Greek Shipowners president and North Director Theodore Veniamis of Golden Union, as well as North’s Greek directors George Procopiou of Dynacom, Chris Kanellakis of Alpha Tankers & Freighters and Lou Kollakis of Chartworld. They were welcomed by Joint Managing Director Paul Jennings, Directors Savraj Mehta, Mike Salthouse and Stephen Mills, Associate Director Simon Williams and North’s Greek office team, led by Associate Director Tony Allen.

Jennings updated guests on the Club’s positive financial and membership developments and thanked Greek Directors and Members for their continued support and commitment since the early 1980s. North’s Greek membership now stands at 29 million entered GT, which represents 20% of the Club’s membership overall.  Jennings concluded “North is committed to providing very high levels of service to ensure that we continue to support you and all of our Members in these difficult times for world shipping.”

North is a leading marine mutual liability insurer providing P&I, FD&D, war risks and ancillary insurance to 4000 ships entered by 400 Members worldwide. It is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK with regional offices in Greece, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. The Club is a leading member of the International Group, with over 13% of the Group’s owned tonnage. The 13 Group Clubs provide liability cover for approximately 90% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage and, as a member of the Group, North protects and promotes the interests of the international shipping industry.

Contact: Paul Jennings +44 191 223 5221 or Tony Allen +30 210 4283038