The Marshall Islands Registry: Celebrating 50 Years of Service and Support in Piraeus

Posidonia 2024 marked a significant milestone for the Piraeus office, commemorating its 50th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1974 along the historic Akti Miaouli, the Piraeus office has been instrumental in providing essential services and support to owners and operators globally. Initially serving as a marine safety centre for clients of International Registries, Inc.’s (IRI) predecessor company, the office has evolved into the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry’s largest regional hub. Today, it offers a comprehensive range of maritime operations services, including administrative, technical, seafarer, and marine safety services.

The occasion was marked by reflections from Theo Xenakoudis, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director of Piraeus, who noted the office’s remarkable journey over the past five decades. Reflecting on his tenure of over 20 years with IRI, Theo expressed pride in the office’s growth and emphasized the hard work, dedication, and client-focused approach that have been pivotal to its success.

Presently, the Piraeus office plays a vital role in the decentralized structure of IRI, providing administrative and technical support to the RMI Registry’s extensive fleet. With 28 offices worldwide, the Registry maintains its position as a top choice for Greek owners and operators opting for foreign flags. The office’s contributions extend beyond marine safety, encompassing corporate and ancillary services while adhering to global regulatory standards and guidelines.

Embracing digital transformation, the Piraeus office has transitioned from traditional practices to a fully digitalized operation, enabling seamless client service delivery around the clock. Theo Xenakoudis emphasized the office’s commitment to providing immediate support and fostering client relationships in an increasingly digital landscape.

Bill Gallagher, President of IRI, acknowledged the significance of the Greek market and praised the local team’s understanding and support of the shipping community. He highlighted the Piraeus office’s active involvement in community and philanthropic initiatives, contributing to the development of maritime talent and advocating for industry interests on international platforms.

The Piraeus office’s achievements, including its role in driving the RMI Registry’s growth and quality technical support, were recognized alongside other milestones achieved by the Registry. These include surpassing 200 million quality gross tons and qualifying for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 roster for an unprecedented 20th consecutive year.

In closing, Bill Gallagher expressed gratitude for the trust and collaboration of clients and stakeholders, emphasizing the office’s unwavering dedication to client service. He credited the success to the collective efforts of the exceptional team in Piraeus and worldwide, reaffirming the Registry’s commitment to excellence in service delivery.

As the Piraeus office celebrates its golden jubilee, it stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction in the maritime industry.