In a ceremony marked by strong symbolism, clear political weight, and an atmosphere of emotion and pride, the Yacht Club of Greece hosted the special event of the Propeller Club Port of Piraeus in honor of the new United States Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle. The moment was not merely honorary; it was historic. Since 1935, every American ambassador has served as honorary president of the Propeller Club Piraeus—a tradition of nearly a century that reflects how shipping has become the most stable bridge between the two countries.

Mrs. Guilfoyle’s induction into the Club’s large “family” was accompanied by a political message far greater than the formal character of the ceremony. The new ambassador sent a message of continuity, commitment, and renewal of the Greek-American strategic relationship—with shipping at its center.

Kimberly Guilfoyle approached the podium with visible enthusiasm and respect for the audience of the Greek maritime community. From her first words, it was evident that her message was more political than ceremonial. She greeted the attendees in Greek.

The ambassador stressed that she was attending the event to reaffirm President Donald Trump’s personal commitment to strengthening cooperation with Greece. “Shipping has always been a bridge between our nations,” she said, recalling how, since 1946, with the 98 Liberty ships, the United States played a decisive role in the revival of the Greek economy and fleet. This historic legacy, she stressed, not only continues but gains new momentum.

Emphasizing the geopolitical dimension, Ms. Guilfoyle noted that Greece and the United States share a common strategy regarding freedom of navigation, work together to prevent “any state-backed company” from controlling critical segments of global shipping, and jointly address issues such as energy stability and supply-chain resilience.

The ambassador revealed that during her recent meetings with Greek shipowners, commitments were secured for the purchase of U.S.-built LNG carriers as soon as American shipyards are ready—an announcement with significant political and industrial weight. She also mentioned agreements to increase repair work in U.S. shipyards, opening a new cycle of economic and technological cooperation.

Ms. Guilfoyle highlighted her relationship with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias, describing them as friends and leaders with a clear vision for the sector.

A clear message with… Beijing as the recipient

Addressing the more attentive listeners, Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle delivered one of the most politically charged parts of her speech, speaking about shipyards, ports, and the risk posed by “a country that uses state-funded companies to control an entire industry.” Without naming it, the reference was clear: she was speaking about China.

The indirect reference – with a clear target

In her most pivotal statement, the ambassador emphasized:

“The United States and Greece are committed to ensuring that no country can use its state-funded companies to control an entire sector.”

This remark touches the core of American concern about the increasing Chinese presence in European ports, in shipbuilding, and in global cargo-control routes—from COSCO in Piraeus to the supersized Chinese shipyards dominating the global orderbook.

Without uttering China’s name, the message was unmistakable to everyone in the room: Washington believes that the future of shipping and critical infrastructure must not depend on a player operating through state control and geopolitical leverage.

The American counter-offensive via shipyards

In the same context came her reference to U.S. shipyards, where—as she noted—Greek shipowners have already committed to purchasing U.S.-built LNG carriers once they become available, as well as to increasing repair activity in American dockyards.

In doing so, Guilfoyle accomplished two things simultaneously: she publicly signaled America’s intention to re-enter shipbuilding dynamically after years of Asian—Chinese, Korean, Japanese—dominance, and she showed that it is seeking allies, with the Greek shipping industry being its natural partner in this effort. The ambassador linked ports to strategic security, emphasizing that Washington and Athens—implicitly pointing to China—cooperate on freedom of navigation, confront shared threats such as sanctions violations, and seek infrastructure not controlled by a non-NATO power.

In closing, she warmly thanked the shipping community for its global role: “When the United States and Greece work together, our countries become stronger, safer, and more prosperous.” Her speech offered a clear picture of the importance Washington places on the Greek fleet and its role in international stability.

Propeller Club Piraeus president Kostis Frangoulis opened the event with a speech combining history, emotion, and political significance.

He reminded the audience of the depth of tradition: “Since 1935, every American ambassador has been honorary president of the Club. This tradition carries weight,” he said. He referred to Greece’s ties with the shipbuilding powers—the U.S., Japan, and South Korea—highlighting the presence of the ambassadors of the two Asian nations.

Mr. Frangoulis also outlined the broader context: the recent historic agreements in energy, infrastructure, and strategic cooperation; the participation of more than 80 U.S. officials in a session in Athens—“unprecedented,” as he said; and the meeting of Greek shipowners with U.S. Secretary Merkle, where it was confirmed that “Greek shipping is a pillar of global energy security.”

He continued: “The Propeller Club is a bridge. A strong bridge between Greece, the U.S., and the international shipping community.” Addressing the ambassador, he added: “You bring energy, vision, and optimism. You have in us loyal partners.” A little later, he presented the ambassador with the symbol of the institution: the certificate and the key of the honorary president.

This event was not a simple welcome. It was a moment where history met geopolitical timing—where shipping once again showed that it remains the strongest common denominator in relations between Greece and the United States.

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s presence, the open commitments to cooperation, the references to energy, security, shipbuilding, and strategic stability—all together compose a new chapter in the Greek-American partnership, with shipping at its core.