Five Aspiring Maritime Professionals Win the Navatrade Scholarships for the ICS Maritime Programme 2025–2026

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Greek Branch is pleased to announce the successful completion of the selection process for the Navatrade S.A. Scholarships, established in memory of the company’s founder, George Sklavounos. Five young professionals have been selected to receive a partial scholarship each to attend the ICS Professional Maritime Programme for the academic year 2025–26.

The five scholars are Mr. Georgios Karaiskos, Mr. Stylianos Kotsonis, Mr. Antonis Manousos, Mr. Marios Ntelis, and Ms. Antigone Vasilaki, who have now officially commenced their studies in the ICS Professional Maritime Programme, leading to the ICS Membership, the internationally recognized maritime qualification. The scholarship is an important opportunity for the recipients to gain practical  knowledge on commercia maritime topics, i.e. chartering, operations, S&P, shipping law, etc.

To mark the beginning of this important educational journey, a special gathering was held on Monday, 6 October, at the ICS Greek Branch premises in Piraeus. The event brought together the new scholars, Ms. Kelly Sklavounos of Navatrade S.A., Ms. Natalia Margioli, FICS, Managing Director of the HMC/ICS Greek Branch, and Ms. Stavroula Tape, FICS, Αcademic Director of the HMC/ICS Greek Branch, creating a warm and inspiring atmosphere. It was a valuable opportunity for the scholars to meet each other, engage with Navatrade, and celebrate their achievement.

With 44 years of presence in the dry bulk chartering sector, Navatrade S.A. remains committed to supporting the next generation of maritime professionals. These scholarships serve as a tribute to George Sklavounos, a charismatic businessman who was passionate about passing on his knowledge to the young generation.

The ICS Greek Branch expresses its sincere appreciation to Navatrade S.A. and to our Member, Kelly Sklavounos, for this meaningful initiative to support the ICS mission and warmly congratulates the five scholarship recipients. Such collaborations strengthen the ties between ICS and the maritime community, establishing the ICS as a reference point for professional maritime education and a key institution promoting professionalism in the shipping industry.