The story of HELMEPA begins with a vision, a bold call to action voiced by the late George P. Livanos, a trailblazer in both Greek and global shipping. As early as 1979, Livanos warned of the growing threat posed by ocean pollution from ships.  

“Although  ship-generated  marine  pollution is only a component of the total marine pollution  problem,”  he  declared,  “it  is  one  that  can  virtually  be  eliminated  with sufficient care and effort”.  He wasn’t just voicing a concern; he was lighting a spark. 
At  a  time  when  the  world  was  only  beginning  to  grasp  the  environmental consequences  of  industry,  Livanos  urged  Greek  seafarers  to  lead  by  example, inspiring change throughout the global maritime community. His conviction emerged alongside key international developments, conventions, regulations, and the world’s first  Environmental  Conference,  all  pointing  to  one  urgent  truth:  the  health  of  our oceans could no longer be taken for granted. Out of this momentum, HELMEPA was born. 

In  1982,  HELMEPA  was  founded  by  those  visionary  shipowners  and  seafarers, emerging  as  the  first  voluntary  initiative of its kind in the world. Uniting the Greek maritime community in a shared commitment to protect the marine environment and promote  safety  at  sea.  HELMEPA  has  grown  into  an  internationally  recognized beacon of environmental responsibility, education, and cooperation. 

Over four decades, the Association has inspired more than 300,000 children through its  pioneering  HELMEPA  Junior  program,  trained  over  30,000  seafarers  and professionals, and built bridges between nations, NGOs, and institutions across five continents.  Organizing  cleanup  campaigns,  uplifting  youth,  and  speaking  at  the highest  levels  of  international  policymaking,  HELMEPA  continues  to  lead  by example,  driven  by  its  founding  belief  that  voluntary  commitment  and  collective action can shape a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for our oceans.