On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the Deree Faculty Lounge was the setting for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Laskaridis Shipping Co. LTD. and The American College of Greece (ACG). Dr. Panos Vlachopoulos, Vice President of Academic Affairs at ACG, opened the ceremony by introducing ACG and elaborating on its significant role in promoting inclusive education and research excellence. He noted that the college’s diverse programs and Centers of Excellence are designed to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. By emphasizing these values, he set the stage for the signing of the MoU, showcasing ACG’s dedication to contributing meaningful advancements in academia and industry through strategic partnerships like the one with Laskaridis Shipping Co. LTD.
Mr. Georgios Christopoulos, Chief Operating Officer of Laskaridis Shipping Co. LTD, lauded his company’s pioneering initiatives in the maritime industry, highlighting their commitment to innovation and excellence. He expressed a strong eagerness to develop synergies with academic institutions such as ACG, recognizing the immense value that such collaborations bring. Mr. Christopoulos underscored the vast resources and deep expertise that Laskaridis Shipping Co. LTD contributes, from cutting-edge technology to industry-leading practices. He emphasized that the partnership with ACG would not only advance their own capabilities but also yield significant mutual benefits, enhancing research, education, and training outcomes for both entities. This collaboration, he noted, represents a strategic alignment of industry and academia, poised to drive substantial improvements in maritime safety, performance, and sustainability.
Dr. George Kokosalakis, Executive Director of the Center of Excellence in Shipping, Logistics, and Energy (CoESLE), elaborated on the foundational pillars of ACG’s Centers of Excellence: development, evolution, and the dissemination of knowledge. He highlighted the Centers’ dedication to applied research and integration into the academic curriculum, emphasizing the direct benefits to the Greek community. Dr. Kokosalakis reinforced that ACG’s mission to serve the Greek community is not just a statement but a core value ingrained in the institution’s motto and educational approach, from pre-K to graduate school. He stressed that the signing of the MoU with Laskaridis Shipping Co. LTD. is a critical component of this mission, as it facilitates the practical application of research and knowledge, thereby enhancing the educational experience and fostering societal advancement through community development and innovation.
The culmination of the event was the signing of the MoU agreement by Dr. Vlachopoulos and Mr. Christopoulos. The MoU between Laskaridis Shipping Co. LTD. and ACG sets the stage for a collaborative project focusing on enhancing Situational Awareness (SA) and Distributed Situational Awareness (DSA) using cutting-edge research and Team-Based Learning (TBL) methodologies. It involves studies on information processing and decision-making, tailored training programs, and the development of a new software package to streamline training. This initiative aims to improve safety and decision-making, reduce training time, and better prepare crews for emergencies. Continuous support and feedback will ensure ongoing improvements, making this partnership a significant step forward for the maritime industry.
The research team is composed of distinguished experts in their field dedicated to advancing maritime safety and performance. Dr. Ioannis Kalaitzidis leads the project, bringing his extensive expertise to the forefront. Dr. Panos Vlachopoulos will focus on innovative Team-Based Learning methodologies, while Dr. George Kokosalakis will provide deep insights into the shipping industry. Dr. Panagiotis Kourtesis will contribute his specialized knowledge in eye-tracking technology. Mr. Nikolaos Tsoulakos, serving as the Innovation and Technology Manager of Laskaridis Shipping Co. LTD., will be responsible for sharing and controlling the company’s data required for this research project.
The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in the partnership between ACG and Laskaridis Shipping Co. LTD. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in driving progress and excellence and is poised to drive substantial improvements in maritime safety and performance.