Greece “rules the waves”. The Greek merchant fleet is the largest fleet in the world, with over 4,000 Greek-owned ships (54% of the EU fleet and 20% of global capacity), having created more than 200,000 jobs. Since 2000, the Greek-owned fleet has increased by 12% as regards the number of vessels and by 126% in terms of tonnage! In this environment, the demand of Greek and foreign companies for graduates of maritime studies is very strong and there are practically no limits – and, of course, no borders – to their professional prospects.
It should be noted that this is not an easy job. The management of shipping companies needs executives with a high level of studies. The environment is highly competitive, with great opportunities and great risks.
However, it offers a very interesting and exciting career, especially for those seeking to acquire international culture, meet important people, travel and live abroad, while being at the forefront of the business arena worldwide. Successful managers of shipping companies are among the best paid in the global market.
BCA was the first college in Greece to offer Shipping studies. It has created and established relationships of trust with the shipping market: approximately 3000 BCA graduates have a career in shipping companies all over the world. At the same time, due to the close cooperation of BCA with shipping companies, the curriculum, especially in undergraduate programmes, is continuously enriched, following the latest trends and developments in global shipping.
At BCA we place great emphasis on experiential learning and practice. Our students not only study, but live in the professional field of their choice, from the very first days of their studies.
Mr. Poulovassilis joined Lloyd’s Register of Shipping in 1989 and had a distinguished 25-year career with the leading Classification Society, holding the post of Regional Marine Manager, Europe, Middle East & Africa from 2009 until 2015.
For the past five years, he has held leading positions for Ship Management and Operating companies and currently is the Chief Operating Officer of a prominent Greek Shipping Company. He is a highly respected and experienced Senior Executive of the Maritime Industry and is also actively involved in numerous joint industry projects.
He holds a BEng and MSc from Imperial College and University College London, respectively.
Mr. Panagopoulos possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, a Bachelor’s Degree from the Hellenic Navy Academy – Supply Corps Cadets Department and a Master of Science Degree in Management / Logistics Management from the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), USA. He has also obtained a significant number of certificates from American and Greek institutions. Since he served on various vessels and land installations in Greece and abroad, performing the duties of the finance, supply and logistics, he has acquired valuable knowledge and experience in the shipping and logistics industry. He was also awarded the “Golden Cross of the Order of Honor” (2002), the “Golden Cross of the Order of Phoenix” (1999), the “Commander of the Order of Honor” (2018), and the “Grand Commander of the Order of Phoenix” (2018) by the President of the Hellenic Republic.
Recognition of professional equivalence of degrees from BCA’s collaboration with British Universities.
