Kimberly Guilfoyle: “Strengthening Cooperation with Greece is President Trump’s Personal Commitment”

U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle was honored by the Propeller Club Port of Piraeus, continuing a nearly century-old tradition of American ambassadors serving as the Club’s honorary presidents since 1935. The event underscored the pivotal role of shipping as a bridge in Greek American relations.

At the ceremony, held at the Yacht Club of Greece, Ambassador Guilfoyle delivered a message that went far beyond ceremonial formality. She reaffirmed President Donald Trump’s personal commitment to strengthening cooperation with Greece, emphasizing shipping as a central pillar of the bilateral strategic relationship.

“Shipping has always been a bridge between our nations,” Guilfoyle said, recalling the historical role of 98 U.S.-built Liberty ships in rebuilding the Greek economy and fleet after 1946. This legacy, she stressed, continues today with renewed momentum.

A Strategic and Geopolitical Message

The ambassador highlighted shared U.S.-Greek strategies on freedom of navigation and preventing “state-backed companies” from dominating key segments of global shipping — a clear, if indirect, reference to China. She underscored:

“The United States and Greece are committed to ensuring that no country can use its state-funded companies to control an entire sector.”

Guilfoyle also announced tangible commitments from Greek shipowners to purchase U.S.-built LNG carriers once American shipyards are ready, along with agreements to increase repair work in U.S. facilities. These moves signal a renewed American focus on shipbuilding and industrial collaboration.

She praised her relationship with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias, calling them visionary leaders with a clear roadmap for the sector.

Reinforcing the U.S. Role in Global Shipping

By referencing U.S. shipyards and Greek investments, Guilfoyle positioned the United States as reasserting its industrial and strategic presence in a sector long dominated by Asian shipbuilders. The ambassador tied ports, shipyards, and infrastructure to strategic security, noting close U.S.-Greek cooperation in ensuring freedom of navigation, energy stability, and supply-chain resilience.

In closing, she thanked the Greek shipping community for its global impact:

“When the United States and Greece work together, our countries become stronger, safer, and more prosperous.”

A Historic Tradition with Modern Significance

Propeller Club Piraeus President Kostis Frangoulis opened the event with remarks that blended history and contemporary relevance. He noted the Club’s long-standing tradition of hosting American ambassadors as honorary presidents and highlighted Greece’s strategic ties to global shipbuilding powers, including the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.

Frangoulis also emphasized the broader context of recent energy, infrastructure, and strategic agreements, as well as unprecedented U.S.-Greek engagement, describing the Propeller Club as “a strong bridge between Greece, the U.S., and the international shipping community.” He presented Ambassador Guilfoyle with the certificate and key symbolizing her role as honorary president.

This ceremony was more than a welcome. It was a moment where history, geopolitics, and industry converged, reaffirming shipping as the strongest link in Greek-American cooperation and signaling a new chapter in the partnership.