On Tuesday, March 3rd, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of bright and curious students from Stetson University at our Athens offices. Their visit began with a warm welcome from Captain George Vasilakis, Managing Director, who introduced them to the spirit of our organization and the pivotal role the maritime industry plays in connecting the world. The students quickly felt comfortable to express themselves and ask questions, setting a relaxed and positive tone for the day.
The students then joined a series of presentations designed to give them a broad, real-world look at how the shipping industry operates. Mr. Nondas Kalinteris, Technical Manager, opened the session by guiding them through the history of Optimum and its place within the wider Scorpio Group, giving context to how our organization has grown and evolved. With an engaging and accessible style, he walked them through our fleet composition, the structure of our operations, and the values that define the way we work — from safety and reliability to teamwork and continuous improvement. His session offered the students a genuine behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to support and manage a global fleet.
Next, the students explored the technological side of shipping with Ms. Mary Koutsikou, who explained how digital tools, platforms, and systems support everything from vessel performance to financial processes and daily operations. The visit concluded with Mr. Demetris Nenes, Assets Managing Director, who introduced them to the world of shipping investments, explaining how decisions are made, how market timing matters, and what it truly takes to be involved in global shipping from an asset and commercial perspective.
The day ended with lively discussions and thoughtful questions, making the visit both interactive and enjoyable. It is always important for us to introduce young people to the maritime industry and give them the chance to explore its many different paths and opportunities. We truly hope their visit sparked curiosity and inspired them to learn more about this dynamic field.