PEMA renames its Student Challenge competition in honour of former PEMA President Ottonel Popesco

The Board of Directors at PEMA, the Port Equipment Manufacturers Association, are to rename one of its core initiatives, the PEMA Student Challenge to the Ottonel Popesco PEMA Student Challenge in honour of the Association's former president who died earlier this year.

Popesco led the Association for more than 13 years, and had immense influence over the initial concept and the development of PEMA into what it is today: the world's only forum for the exchange of views and ideas for the port equipment manufacturing industry.

The Ottonel Popesco PEMA Student Challenge provides a platform for students to explore solutions to an issue proposed by the PEMA Board of Directors. Usually, it is held on the last day of TOC Europe in front of a live audience and a panel who determine which of the finalist teams are the winner and take home not only the recognition of port operators and decision makers but also a financial award split between team members.

The Student Challenge remains the only initiative of its kind within the sector of port equipment manufacturing and provides an idea stage for students to showcase their creative and forward-thinking abilities.

With our growing member base and increasingly diverse range of activities, PEMA is better positioned than ever before to ensure that the young minds of tomorrow are heard by the influencers and decision makers of today.

“We consider it our duty and moral obligation not only to carry on Ottonel's work and legacy at PEMA in the best possible way, but also to make sure his name, achievements and determination are never forgotten,” says Achim Dries, PEMA President and Chairman of the Board.