Capt. Dimitris Kokkinis from Andros discusses his involvement in Christopher Nolan’s major film production “The Odyssey.” Through the nonprofit organization Proteus – Social Innovation and Development, he coordinated maritime logistics for filming in Greece as a member of the production’s international marine department. His responsibilities included coordinating vessels and replicas of historic ships, arranging their transportation and handling the related customs procedures in several European countries.
A Merchant Marine captain, he has served aboard LNG carriers, cargo ships, tankers, sailing vessels, training ships and environmental protection vessels. He graduated from the State University of New York Maritime College and has held various positions in the shipping industry.
During the program, he also discusses the training vessel “Alvei,” a Scottish fishing vessel built in 1920 that was converted into a Royal Navy minesweeper during World War II and took part in the evacuation of Dunkirk. The vessel was donated by the Mystic Nautical Heritage Society and is being restored in Lavrio with the aim of reviving hands-on maritime education aboard sailing ships.
As the founder and CEO of Proteus, he also develops initiatives promoting sail training and the preservation of maritime cultural heritage. He stresses that attracting young people to maritime careers requires hands-on educational programs, greater awareness of local maritime history and improved maritime education.
Produced and presented by Antonis Karagiannakis