By Paris Tsirigotis

Piraeus Container Terminal’s (PCT) social strategy focuses on sustained investment in education and the next generation, with knowledge as a key driver of opportunities and sustainable development.

Since its establishment, the company, led by CEO Chen Dong, has placed educational support at the core of its corporate social responsibility, actively strengthening the local communities of Piraeus and the wider region.

PCT S.A. has supported more than 15 schools of all levels, offering technological and audiovisual equipment, school packages and infrastructure upgrade interventions.

It has also supported the educational actions of the Hatzikiriakio Child Care Institution.

Particular importance is also attached to the company’s Scholarship Program, which rewards excellence.

Piraeus, with a traffic of approximately 5 million TEUs annually, remains a leading trade hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.

China Classification Society appoints new general manager in Greece

Baochun Wang and Cui Yuwei from China Classification Society in Greece visited XRTC’s offices in Piraeus. XRTC’s cooperation with the Chinese Classification Society over the last 20 years has strengthened relations between the two countries in the maritime industry.

The successful agreements that XRTC has brokered during its long-standing relationship with CCS concern the sectors of maritime finance, trade and shipbuilding.

XRTC CEO George Xiradakis is Vice President of the Finance and Insurance Committee of the China Institute of Navigation (CIV) and a member of the Mediterranean Committee of CCS, and participates in its work both in Greece and in China regarding its policy in the Mediterranean.

CCS has had offices in Greece since 2002, following its entry into the Greek shipping industry.

Over the years, it has steadily expanded its presence in the Greek market. The number of Greek-owned ships following CCS has reached 8%. This is due to the development of bilateral relations at the maritime level, the acceptance of the know-how available in the Chinese classification society, as well as the continuous support of Greek shipping to the Chinese shipbuilding and ship repair industry.

Mr. Xiradakis welcomed the new director, Cui Yuwei, and wished him a good start in the new, important position entrusted to him by the world’s largest classification society.

Mr. Cui is a leading figure in the international classification and marine technology industry, with over three decades of experience in senior management and technical positions at the China Classification Society (CCS). With a degree in Naval Architecture from Dalian University of Technology and extensive experience in critical areas such as ship inspection, rule development, technological innovation and international regulatory processes, he has established himself as one of the most qualified experts in his field.

Since 2025, Cui Yuwei has served as General Manager of CCS Athens Branch, strengthening CCS’s role in European shipping and promoting high-level technical and institutional cooperation.

Previously, he led the CCS Shanghai Rules & Research Institute and Plan Approval Center, where he oversaw rule development, technology research and strategic planning for plan approvals.

At CCS Headquarters, he has served as Director General of the Department of Science & Technology and Information Management, where he led critical technological innovation initiatives, regulatory developments, technology affairs at IMO, as well as the Company’s digital transformation and cybersecurity.

His international presence is enhanced by his long-standing and active participation in the International Maritime Organization (IMO), where he has served as Coordinator of important Correspondence Groups for survey guidelines, as well as Head of China Delegation to the Subcommittee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE).

He has also played a key role in IACS, having served as Chairman of the IACS Survey Panel and as Head of technical groups that shape international ship survey and assessment practices.

With deep technical knowledge, international institutional experience and strong management skills, Yuwei Cui is instrumental in shaping global standards for safety, technology and sustainability in shipping.