Welcome Speech – IMAM 2025, Chania, Crete
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends,
On behalf of the Hellenic Institute of Marine Technology, it is a great honor and privilege to welcome you all to IMAM 2025 here in the historic and beautiful city of Chania, Crete.
HIMT was established in 1972. In its long history, the Institute has left a significant mark on the evolution of Shipping, contributing decisively to the scientific development of Naval Architecture and Engineering and to facilitating the exchange of ideas in all aspects of marine technology and science.
The role of HIMT will be further strengthened in our time, where the consequences of climate change, the road to decarbonization, the energy crisis and the utilization of information technology and mega-data are bringing stormy changes to Shipping and Maritime Technology.
The Institute is an important hub for the dissemination of Technology, a body that, in collaboration with Universities and Educational Institutions, encourages study, research and scientific and technological development.
It is also a Consultant to state and non-state maritime bodies and a point of reference for Maritime scientists and engineers. It produces positions that help the shipping community develop radical, sustainable technology solutions in order to move towards zero-carbon fuels and technologies.
HIMT thus supports Shipping scientifically and technologically. For this reason, it participates creatively in IMAM, and in fact co-organizing today its fourth conference in Greece.
IMAM has always been a forum where science, technology, and maritime practice come together. This year, we are especially proud to co-organize with NTUA a conference that reflects both the rich maritime heritage of Mediterranean and the cutting-edge research and innovation shaping our industry’s future.
Chania is more than a picturesque setting — it is a living symbol of Greece’s centuries-long bond with the sea. Hosting you here underlines our shared commitment to advancing naval architecture, marine engineering, shipping, and logistics, while never forgetting the traditions that anchor us.
We gather at a moment when our sector faces challenges of unprecedented scale: decarbonization, digitalization, safety, and resilience in global supply chains. These are not abstract themes but urgent priorities that require the collaboration of academia, industry, regulators, and innovators. Conferences like IMAM are where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are born, and solutions begin to take shape.
I would like to express my gratitude to our partners, sponsors, and all those who have worked tirelessly to bring us together. Most of all, I wish to thank each of you — researchers, practitioners, and students — whose presence here shows your dedication to the maritime world.
Over the coming days, I encourage you to share openly, debate passionately, and connect meaningfully. Let Chania’s warm hospitality inspire fruitful discussions and lasting collaborations.
On behalf of HIMT, I warmly welcome you once again to IMAM 2025. May this conference be a memorable milestone in our common journey toward a sustainable and innovative maritime future.And last, I would like to invite you all toour coming Annual Conference , 9 and 10 of December 2025, in Athens.
Thank you, and I wish you a successful and inspiring conference.
