Kefalonia, a Bridge to Shipping: From Yesterday’s Tradition to Tomorrow’s New Opportunities

Isalos.net, in collaboration with the George & Marie Vergottis Foundation, is organising an educational event entitled “Kefalonia, a Bridge to Shipping: From Yesterday’s Tradition to Tomorrow’s New Opportunities”. Marking the Foundation’s 50 years of operation and contribution, the event will take place on Saturday 17 October 2026 at 19:00, at the Vergottis Cultural Centre in Kourkoumelata, Kefalonia.

Event Programme

19:00 Welcome address by the President of the George & Marie Vergottis Foundation, Mr Gerasimos Vergottis.

19:10–20:00 Open discussion as part of the Isalos.net initiative “Blue Chairs: Shipping in Dialogue with Society”.

The discussion will bring together the President of the Vergottis Foundation, Mr Gerasimos Vergottis, as the principal speaker, and the audience. It will be moderated by Ilias G. Bissias, Assistant Professor in the Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport at the University of the Aegean and Publishing Adviser to Naftika Chronika. The discussion will focus on Kefalonia’s shipping example and on shipping’s multifaceted contribution to cultural, educational and social life in Greece, with particular emphasis on the role of the Kefalonian shipping community. Special attention will be given to its longstanding support for maritime education and its contribution to Kefalonia and to Greek society more broadly through public-benefit initiatives, projects and philanthropy.

20:00–20:45 Presentations on the following topics:

• “Maritime Education in the Ionian Islands: From the Stathatos School to the Merchant Marine Academy of the Ionian Islands — Historical Development and Contemporary Challenges”, by Panagiotis Korakas, Director of Isalos.net.
• “Kefalonia’s Shipping Enterprise through Naftika Chronika: People, Journeys and Legacies”, by Thomas Mitzelos, Naftika Chronika Archive.

These presentations will highlight significant aspects of maritime education in the Ionian Islands and the most important shipping houses with roots in Kefalonia, connecting their historical legacy with today’s realities and the challenges and prospects of the future. The first presentation will trace the historical development of maritime education in the Ionian Islands, from the Stathatos School to today’s Merchant Marine Academy of the Ionian Islands, while also focusing on contemporary challenges. The second will draw on archival material from Naftika Chronika to explore the people, business journeys and stories that not only shaped Kefalonia’s shipping tradition but also form part of today’s shipping enterprise.

Participation in the event is free.

Information & Contact

Website: vergottisfoundation.org

Sofia Eleni Athanasatou
Administrative Director

George & Marie Vergottis Foundation
Telephone: (+30) 26710 42255
Email: info@vergottisfoundation.org

Important Notice

By attending this event, you enter a space where photography, audio recording and video recording may take place. By entering the event premises, you consent to these forms of recording and to their publication, display or reproduction by the organisers.

Press release from the George & Marie Vergottis Foundation, 13 October 2026.