We often hear that the Greek shipping fleet is the largest in the world. Is it true? What does that mean? How has Greece, with such a small population, only 11m people which translates to 0.15% of the world’s population, managed to control approximately 16% of global cargo tonnage? Has it always been this way? What do Hellenic Shipowners know that has made them so successful?

Industry specialist and academic George Vrakas (photo), will answer these questions during a lecture he will present on Thursday 8 September, at the Greek Centre, as a part of the Greek History and Culture Seminars, offered by the Greek Community of Melbourne.

Greece has long purported to be a nation of seafarers. Seafaring has been at the heart of the Greek psyche and Greek ship-owners, like Aristotle Onassis, have often captured the public imagination.

"If you deconstruct Greece, you will, in the end, see an olive tree, a grapevine and a boat remain”, said Odysseus Elytis

However, little seems to be widely known about the actual facts relating to Hellenic Shipping. One astounding fact is that despite the economic depression Greece is experiencing today, Hellenic shipping is still in a leading position on the global stage and going from strength to strength.

If you want to learn more about Hellenic shipping, its evolution in recent times, its position and significance for Greece and globally, join us for an hour of exploration, questions and answers to these intriguing questions.

George is a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy of Aspropyrgos Greece and has an MBA specialising in International Supply Chain Management and Applied Economics from Victoria University in Melbourne. He also holds certification relating to Contract and Relationship Management, Negotiations, International Regulations, Problem Solving and Change Management. His industry expertise expands over 22 years and covers a variety of positions ranging from travelling around the world on Lyras and Latsis oil tankers as a Navigation Officer (Captain Class C), as a Procurement and Operations Manager for ANL Container Line in Melbourne procuring vessel chartering, port services, road and rail transport to now working for Patrick Ports and Terminals at The National Operations Centre in Melbourne, ensuring the delivery of best practice Contract and Relationship Management levels of service.

George is the author of the industry themed blog, www.georgevrakas.com and has had articles published in various industry publications such as, Procurement and Supply Australasia and The Source e-news. He has also hosted webinars on Action Management and featured as a guest lecturer and speaker at RMIT and Victoria University on Global Shipping and Movement of Freight, Services Procurement and the Future of Supply Chain.

George has also served on the Executive Committee of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILTA) and the Greek Australian Cultural League for which he was the 2012 editor of the Antipodes periodical.

When: Thursday 8 September 2016, 7:00pm
Where: Greek Centre, (Mezzanine Level, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne)