From October 15–17, 2025, Sustainable Development Unit, Athena Research Center (AE4RIA) and HELMEPA proudly hosted the EXCEED Policy board members meeting, Trainers Study Visit and 4rth Transnational Project Meeting in Athens, gathering a vibrant community of educators, policymakers, project partners and maritime professionals to exchange insights and accelerate sustainable vocational education and training (VET) in the maritime sector.
Day 1 kicked off at the Athens University of Economics and Business, where Policy Board members guided by Mr. Alessandro Guardagni, presented comprehensive SWOT analysis sessions across participating territories, setting the foundation for shared learning. Mr. Athanassios Tsagatakis, from the General Secretariat of VET Education and LLL delved into the VET landscape in Greece. In the afternoon, participants toured the iconic Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. The visit which focused on the sustainability, education and innovation aspects, included a tour of the innovative architectural building complex, created by the architectural firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), which houses the National Library of Greece (NLG) and the National Opera House (GNO). The group then had an interactive visit to HELMEPA’s Maritime Academy, where they had an overview of HELMEPA’s educational programs, including skills development opportunities for seafarers and shore-based personnel. Participants experienced navigating a vessel under various weather and traffic conditions for operational safety and environmental awareness.
Day 2 opened with a powerful welcome from Prof. Dr. Phoebe Koundouri with an insightful presentation of AE4RIA and its projects and Mr. Constantinos Triantafyllou who presented HELMEPA and METAVASEA, followed by inspiring presentations from Mr. A. Tsagatakis from the Greek Ministry of Education, VET Secretariat and Mrs. K. Alexomanolaki from the Ministry of Labour. The day continued with the project partners involved in a well prepared “Talent Factory” workshop, and insightful project updates from the EXCEED coordinator Elena Romanini from Centoform describing the strategic planning for 2025. From ATHENA RC, Stavroula Samara and Hezal Dilan Sari presented the progress of the communication campaign on gender equality in VET education. The day concluded with a warm social dinner under the lights of historic Athens.
Day 3 took participants to the Port of Eleusis, where we were welcomed by key stakeholders including the Port Authority, Hellenic Coast Guard, and HELMEPA. The day focused on the port’s pioneering wreck recycling efforts, shipping decarbonization strategies, and maritime innovation. Captivating presentations showcased emerging technologies, legislative frameworks, and people-centered initiatives like METAVASEA addressing skills development in ship-repair regions. We were first welcomed by Chrysa Martini, Director of Premises and Infrastructure, 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture who gave a presentation on Eleusis Transformation: Mysteries of Transition. Dr. Dimitrios Armanes, Manager, Engines and Controls Center, ABS Technology spoke about the Framework and Legislation Driving Maritime Additive Manufacturing, while Alberto Di Cecio, Consultant, ERMA First, described the Carbon Capture and Storage pilot project. From the Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters Cluster of Innovation, Christos Papakis presented HEMEXPO. Ms Vera Alexandropoulou, Vice President THALASSA Foundation & Founder of VA Law Greece and collaborator of AE4RIA presented the Legal Framework of Maritime Decarbonization. Finally, Mr. Costas Triantafyllou, HELMEPA presented METAVASEA Project: People-Centered Maritime Decarbonisation in the East Mediterranean.
The visit closed with heartfelt reflections and a group photo at the Old Oil Mill Factory, echoing the spirit of transition and collaboration that defined this memorable study visit.
