Distinguished guests from the international maritime and academic communities, together with representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, attended the opening ceremony of “Miltiadis Marinakis Hall” at Massachusetts Maritime Academy on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. The Academy is one of the oldest and most renowned academic institutions in the United States.
The new, state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and was named in honour of the late Miltiadis Marinakis following a major donation to the leading US maritime academy by Vangelis Marinakis, founder and chairman of Capital Maritime & Trading Corp.
The centre has 4,000 m² of state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including modern classrooms and specialist training spaces. More specifically, it has fabrication labs and a makerspace, operations and control systems labs, electronics labs, and specialist biology, physics and chemistry labs.
“Miltiadis Marinakis Hall” represents a breakthrough in environmental sustainability: it is the university’s first building designed to be net-zero energy-ready and the first to be connected to the Academy’s new geothermal heating and cooling system, demonstrating that technological progress and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
The opening of “Miltiadis Marinakis Hall” marks a historic milestone for the Academy, according to a statement. The state-of-the-art facility has been designed to provide an outstanding academic environment, equipping future generations of maritime professionals with the technological and scientific skills they need to meet the challenges of the 21st century and lead the global maritime industry.
The opening ceremony was deeply moving. With the completion and handover of this landmark building, Mr Vangelis Marinakis is ensuring that his father’s legacy—a man who deeply loved and faithfully served the maritime industry—will continue to inspire young students for decades to come.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Vangelis Marinakis said, among other things:
“Today is a very special day. Not only for Massachusetts Maritime Academy, but for me personally and for my family. Miltiadis Marinakis Hall is not just a building or a state-of-the-art training centre. It is the embodiment of my father’s vision, values and boundless love for the maritime industry and its people.
Miltiadis Marinakis firmly believed in the power of education and the limitless potential of young people. His loss left a great void, but his memory lives on. I sincerely hope and wish that, in these spaces, the future leaders of the maritime world will find the inspiration and tools to chart their own successful course, honouring the tradition of seamanship and advancing innovation. Thank you for being here today and joining us in honouring his memory.”
As part of the event, guests toured the new facilities, which are expected to transform maritime education in the heart of the US.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy president Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald expressed his gratitude for Mr Marinakis’s significant donation and spoke of the new facility’s immense importance.
“Marinakis Hall is a tribute to the memory of Miltiadis Marinakis, Evangelos’s father. Miltiadis’s passion for the maritime industry and his constant drive to be at the forefront serve as a lasting reminder of the value of maritime education. We are deeply grateful for Vangelis Marinakis’s generosity and support,” he said, adding: “This new building, this remarkable living laboratory, marks a transformative moment for this important university… think about this: 100 per cent of our cadets, regardless of their programme of study, will take STEM classes in this building for decades to come.”
Mr Marinakis was honoured by Massachusetts Maritime Academy with the Admiral's Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his valuable contribution.
Greek-American state representative Steven Xiarhos also addressed the ceremony, warmly thanking Mr Marinakis on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States.
Mr Xiarhos recalled the duty to honour and keep alive the memory of those who have died, moving those present. His eldest son, Nicholas, lost his life in the line of duty while serving as a Marine in Afghanistan.