Evangelos Marinakis received an honorary Doctorate from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy for his significant contributions to the shipping industry. The prestigious US-based academy awarded him the degree of Doctor of Business Administration.
This year's graduation ceremony at Massachusetts Maritime Academy featured Evangelos Marinakis, the founder and CEO of Capital Maritime and Trading Corp., who was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration.
The commencement event, held at the Academy’s campus in Buzzards Bay on Saturday, June 22, was attended by representatives of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, officials of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including Greek-American House of Representatives member Steven G. Xiarhos, and global shipping executives.
Among the notable attendees were U.S. Navy Admiral William ‘Bud’ Flanagan, Michael Tusiani, Chairman Emeritus of energy consulting and brokerage firm Poten & Partners, former OCIMF Chairman and longtime shipping executive Gerhard Kurz, and U.S. Ambassador to Greece George J. Tsunis.
Marinakis was one of four distinguished individuals selected by the Academy to receive honours at the 2024 commencement. The other recipients included Massachusetts State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Leon J. Topalian, CEO of Nucor (the largest steel manufacturer in North America), and Brigadier General Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse, the last surviving member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a distinguished group of all-Black military aviators who served with distinction in World War II.
During the ceremony, Marinakis was recognized for his significant achievements alongside Leon J. Topalian, State Senator Michael L. Rodrigues, and U.S. Ambassador to Greece George J. Tsunis.
Marinakis, known for his successful track record spanning over 30 years in shipping and capital markets, has led Capital Maritime and Trading Corp., overseeing a fleet of 130 vessels with a total tonnage of 12.5 million tons across various sectors, including tankers, containers, LPG, ammonia, and dry bulk. He is also associated with Nasdaq-listed Capital Product Partners LP.
In his speech at the graduation ceremony, Marinakis emphasized his deep passion for the maritime industry, rooted in Greece's maritime heritage. He highlighted the industry's global significance and its central role in Greek-American relations.
Reflecting on the Academy’s legacy and mission, Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, President of Massachusetts Maritime Academy, emphasized the institution's commitment to producing leaders who prioritize collective good over individual distinction.
The Academy recently sent a delegation to the Posidonia maritime conference in Athens as part of its efforts to expand international collaborations beyond the United States.
Marinakis concluded his address to the graduates with a quote from the renowned Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis, urging them to embrace responsibility and strive to make a positive impact on the world.
The Massachusetts Maritime Academy, originally established in 1891 as the Massachusetts Nautical Training School in Boston, has evolved to include a wide range of programs such as Facilities Engineering, Marine Science Safety, Environmental Protection, Emergency Management, Energy Systems Management, and International Maritime Business.
As the Academy continues to prepare its cadets for the challenges of the modern maritime industry, it remains committed to honouring figures like Marinakis, whose contributions exemplify excellence and leadership in global shipping.