The Cyprus Marine Club officially welcomed members back following the winter break with a well-attended gathering that highlighted the Club’s continued growth, strong sense of community, and ambitious plans for the year ahead.
The event was fully sponsored by Nippon Paint, whose generous support covered both dinner and drinks. The Club expressed its sincere appreciation for Nippon Paint’s continued commitment and partnership.
Guests were pleased to welcome Johan Wilckens, Managing Director of Nippon Paint, who addressed attendees and shared insights from his experience leading Nippon Paint Marine Europe & Middle East. Wilckens has headed up Nippon Paint Marine Europe & Middle East, based north of Hamburg, since 2021. He has a background in business and IT and previously worked in shipping in Copenhagen before joining Nippon Paint.
Opening the evening, Club President Capt. E. Koch reflected on the importance of its members, whose continued presence remains the foundation of the Club’s mission and success. The event provided an opportunity to reconnect in a familiar and welcoming setting while celebrating recent milestones achieved together.
The President thanked all those who supported the first Charity Gala, an event that brought together the maritime community in a spirit of generosity and togetherness. Thanks to the collective efforts of members, sponsors, artists, donors, and guests, almost €20,000 was raised to support Little Heroes Foundation, including a €5,000 contribution from the Club itself. The achievement marked a significant milestone and underlined the Club’s commitment to social responsibility.
Capt. Koch further expressed its sincere appreciation to all those who support its activities, including the Gala Sponsors Marlow Navigation, UW Group, Olympia Ocean Carriers, One Net, and Pagasarri Navigation. Gratitude was also extended to the Club’s Annual Sponsors whose support plays a vital role in enabling the Club’s initiatives and events.
The event also served as an opportunity to welcome new members who have recently joined the Club, further strengthening its professional network. Corporate members welcomed included Sole Shipping Ltd, UKDC, One Tech, ABS Europe, SmartSea, and London P&I Insurance Company (Europe), alongside new individual members. With a total of 176 members, representing an increase of 23 members compared to February last year, the Club continues on a strong upward trajectory.
Members were also given a preview of the Club’s programme for the first half of the year, which promises a dynamic schedule of events and initiatives aimed at encouraging active engagement across the maritime community. The Club’s next event features Weselmann Analyst from Hamburg, Christiane Wittig, who will delve into vessels’ valuations in the age of uncertainty.
The Cyprus Marine Club looks ahead to the coming year with confidence, driven by a growing membership base, strong partnerships, and a shared vision of collaboration, progress, and community within the maritime sector.
Should you be interested in the membership, please contact the General Manager, Julia Paczkowska at info@cyprusmarineclub.org.cy or 25662555.
