ATHENS — The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) supports the Hydra Merchant Navy Academy, seeking to contribute to Greece’s deep maritime tradition, to strengthen the human resources available to the Greek merchant shipping industry, and, simultaneously, to help sustain the historically significant island of Hydra.

The SNF grant includes construction work to conserve and upgrade the Academy’s historic building, new technological equipment for classrooms, a state-of-the-art bridge simulator designed to international training standards, and scholarships to international universities for Academy graduates.

Founded in 1749, the Hydra Merchant Navy Academy is the oldest operating merchant marine academy in the world. It has been an important presence in Greece’s maritime industry from before the foundation of the Greek state through to today, a living maritime monument and a tangible manifestation of a continuous Greek maritime tradition.

SNF Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos commented: “Maritime shipping is closely linked both to the history of our country of origin and to the life of our founder, Stavros Niarchos. The Hydra Merchant Navy Academy is a touchstone in Greece’s maritime history, fulfilling a dual role: On the one hand, it produces the officers of our merchant navy who sail around the world with professionalism and dedication, maintaining Greek shipping’s world-class status. On the other hand, it keeps the historic island of Hydra alive and productive. We are honored to be able to support the work of the Academy and its graduates, contributing, to the best of our ability, to the rich history and the future of our merchant navy.”