Explore every episode of the podcast The Greek Shipping Podcast

Dr. Kelly Gerakoudi hosts Mr. John Dragnis, CEO of Goldenport Group, for an insightful conversation on leadership, strategic decision-making, and the evolution of Greek shipping. 

Together, they discuss navigating industry change, building a diversified shipping company, and the bold moves behind going public, delisting, and adapting in a competitive market. 

With his steady leadership and sharp perspective, Mr. Dragnis offers valuable insights for anyone interested in maritime business, entrepreneurship, or the future of the shipping industry. 

Dr. Kelly Gerakoudi hosts an inspiring conversation with Professor Maria Efthymiou, historian of Hellenic and global history. Together, they explore the deep currents of Greek maritime history, culture, and tradition, uncovering the remarkable stories that shaped Greece’s rise as a global shipping powerhouse. 

Don’t miss this journey through time, sea, and identity, with one of Greece’s most captivating historical voices. 

Mr. Alexander Hadjipateras, a leading figure in Greek shipping, joins Dr. Kelly Gerakoudi on the Greek Shipping Podcast for a dynamic and insightful conversation. 

Τhis episode features reflections on personal experiences, industry trends, and leadership in the evolving LPG sector. Through the lens of tradition and innovation, Mr. Hadjipateras shares his perspective as both a legacy bearer and a forward-thinking executive, offering valuable insights into the future of maritime transport. 

Season 2-Episode 2:

In this episode of the Greek Shipping Podcast, Dr. Kelly Gerakoudi welcomes Ms. Ioanna Procopiou, CEO of Seatraders and Prominence Maritime, for an in-depth discussion on the realities of the shipping industry.

Through an unscripted, radio-style conversation, Ms. Procopiou shares her professional journey, key industry insights, and perspectives on leadership and the evolving maritime landscape. Her extensive experience provides valuable takeaways for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Join us for an engaging and insightful dialogue with one of the most prominent figures in global shipping.

Season 2-Episode 1: Sea Stories from 32 Years in Shipping with Antonis Lambros!

In the premiere episode of Season 2, we welcome Mr. Antonis Lambros, a seasoned shipping professional with over 32 years of experience, including 26 years at Centrofin Management Inc. With a background in Mechanical Engineering, he has played a key role in technical management, crisis response, fleet operations, ship financing, and vessel sales across tankers, bulk carriers, and cruise ships.

We discuss his career journey, the evolution of the shipping industry, and the future of maritime operations. He also shares his insights on what makes Greek shipping a global powerhouse and offers valuable advice for young professionals aspiring to enter the industry.

An engaging conversation with one of shipping’s most experienced leaders—don’t miss it!

Mr. Kontes narrates to us in this episode, his family’s initial foray into shipping, crediting his father’s profound impact on his decision to pursue the same path.

He recounts his experiences from his travels on the cruise ships where he worked in his early days and outlines the reasons he shifted from cruise ships to containers and bulk carriers, while not omitting to give his take on the fact that Greeks are considered the "first" in shipping.

In conclusion, he imparts valuable advice to the new generation, aspiring to be part of the maritime industry and choosing to serve it.

Mr. Kostas Kontes holds a BSc, MSc in Marine Engineering from Newcastle University Upon Tyne and a MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance from Cass Business School and is currently the Managing Director of V. Ships Greece Ltd. and responsible for the Greek office which operates a fleet of 82 vessels, including container and bulk carrier vessels. 

Previously, he had been serving in the cruise/leisure sector.

Alex Hadjipateras shares with us the origins of his family's successful shipping career, dating back approximately 100 years, driven by the aspiration to enhance their quality of life. With deep pride and reverence for his heritage, he openly acknowledges the weighty legacy and personal responsibility he carries, drawing wisdom from the past while keeping an eye on the future. He recounts the establishment of Greece's first tanker company, Dorian Hellas, in 1973, spearheaded by his visionary grandmother, who astutely invested in Gas Tankers. He also reflects on his father's pivotal role in the transformation of Dorian's fleet from Tankers to LPG, as well as the company's expansion by skillfully seizing opportunities in the global market.
In a nostalgic tone, he shares his own poignant memories of embarking on his first day in the shipping industry, in faraway Japan. This pivotal moment provided him with an exceptional foundation, as he acquired comprehensive knowledge spanning all facets of shipping, from ship construction to chartering negotiations. He eloquently elucidates how his father's wealth of experience has profoundly influenced his own trading strategy, while fervently highlighting the admirable qualities he admires in him. Mr. Hadjipateras passionately reflects on the future landscape of the shipping industry, offering his unique perspective. He discusses the momentous challenges on the horizon and emphasizes the increasing importance of sustainability in ship fuel, which continuously fuels the industry's dynamism. Furthermore, he delves into the transformative potential of upcoming energy sources, poised to reshape the shipping industry and create an entirely novel environment. Towards the end of the interview, he candidly reveals the secret to the Greek shipowners' success, unveiling their competitive advantages. He concludes by advising aspiring young professionals seeking to venture into the shipping industry to actively cultivate their own network of connections within the field, as abundant opportunities continually arise for rewarding positions.

In this episode of the Greek Shipping podcast, Mrs. Daifa shares the remarkable journey of her father, Stavros Daifas, a self-made shipowner who achieved great success at a young age. He embarked on his entrepreneurial path by acquiring his first motor ship, which eventually led to the establishment of a fleet of trucks operating in the Mediterranean. Mrs. Daifa highlights the significance of her father's initial venture, Stavros Daifas Marine Enterprises, and the groundbreaking innovations he introduced by investing in newly build cargo ships during a challenging period of major refits.She vividly recounts her own pivotal experience with the acquisition of the company's first ship, Silver Cloud, which not only shaped her life but also left an indelible mark on her subsequent successful endeavors.Mrs. Daifa also delves into the profound bond between Stavros Daifas and Antonis Chandris, the longstanding president of the shipowners' union, emphasizing the important legacy that was passed down.

Furthermore, she reveals her father's deep involvement in sports, including the acquisition of the Olympiacos team, as well as his unwavering moral compass in navigating significant life changes.The conversation shifts to Mrs. Daifa's own remarkable trajectory as the first female president of the Piraeus Maritime Club. She discusses her extensive engagement in the social sciences, which formed the basis of her studies, and her active participation in political events as the appointed cultural advisor of the Piraeus municipality.Lastly, she humbly alludes to her significant charitable work, inspired by her beloved father and most influential mentor, expressing her innate desire to give back to society.

Mrs. Bezantakou narrates the story of her family's involvement in shipping, starting from her father, a captain in Thenamaris, with references to Mrs. Nounou Martinou and the power of collaboration, which is a fundamental principle of the family.

She mentioned her, visiting as a child her parents' workplace, the rich stimuli, and her engagement in small jobs as a game, which made her love shipping deeply and become close, from a very young age, to the values and importance of the industry.

She talked about the executives of Thenamaris as part of a large shipping family, which laid the foundation for their initiation in evolving and becoming big names in the shipping industry, by establishing their own respectable companies.

She also elaborated on the Navigator Forum platform through which she was able to invite young people to the Young Executives Day at Poseidonia Events, initiating an open dialogue, in order to evaluate and assist young people who want to engage in shipping.

In conclusion, Mrs. Bezantakou referred to the Open Days creation as being able to break the stereotype that most people tended to believe, which wanted the shipping industry to be a tightly closed lobby, where one can only enter if they have the right connections.

Listeners who are interested in the world of shipping and want to learn about the inspiring journey of this successful shipping entrepreneur, should tune in to the Shipping Podcast.. Don't miss out on this insightful and motivating interview!

Ms. Danae Bezantakou holds the positions of CEO of Navigator Shipping Consultants and she is also the Concept Founder of Young Executives Shipping (YES) FORUM – the platform of open dialogue between Principals and Executives holding managerial positions in the Ship owning companies and companies generally involved in shipping on one side, and the young executives, university graduates and university students in the Shipping and Sea Tourism sectors on the other. 

Mr. Charalambos Simantonis starts this, quite interesting conversation, with references to his family shipping company in Piraeus (ships which were built at Hellenic Shipyards) and continues with his path in Merchant Shipping.

He talks about the role models and the great personalities of Greek Shipping, as well as the influence his father had on him and on the way he perceives the industry, advising the younger generation to work in a plethora of different shipping companies, in order to gain a range of experiences.

He also points out the necessity for maritime executives to be learning continuously to keep up with the innovative developments in the field, as well as the need for young candidates entering the industry, to concentrate on matters related to shipping, concerning the environment.

In closing, Mr. Simantonis refers to the highly important contribution of shipowners to society and the basic elements that a newcomer in shipping must possess: perseverance, eagerness for hard work, the ability to take calculated risks, and continuous learning!

The interview for this podcast was taken in “Aplotaria”, the main comercial street of Chios island, in a very casual conversation amongst the bustling local market. This interview is a journey through time and homage to all the significant points that contributed to the success of Greek Shipping. 

An interview worth listening because it signifies the acknowledgment of Greek sailors by Mr. Pateras, the important role of women who supported Greek Shipping as wives and mothers, the need to impart the knowledge and the advantages of the maritime profession to the new generations and of course, the very simple assumption: The Greek Miracle is the result of the immense love for shipping and the ability of Greek shipowners to know the full range of a ship's operations, enabling them to make impromptu decisions.

The Pateras family has been involved in the ownership, chartering and management of ships since 1870.

George D. Pateras, born in London, UK, is the Deputy Chairman of Contships Management Inc. and since 2016, he is also Chairman to the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping. 

With studies in Engineering and Economics, holds a BSc in Marine Engineering from Newcastle University, MS in Marine Engineering & Naval Architecture from MIT, as well as a PhD from Plymouth University. He is a Board member of the Hellenic War Risks Association & the Bahamas Shipowners Association, Chairman of the Hellenic Shipping War Risks Insurance S.A., and permanent advisor (AMSCC) of the Hellenic Ministry of Defence.

In this Interview, Mr. Tsantanis opens up to us in regards to the beginning of his banking career, up to his current position as the Chairman and CEO of Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp.; a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. 

He describes his involvement with Shipping, as something he particularly likes and also discusses the current needs of the shipping sector, such as Sustainability, Performance and Regulation; departments, which should definitely be at the focus of the newcomers, interested in working in the Maritime Industry.

In closing, Mr. Tsantanis reveals the recipe for success, to an excellent team. The executives’ connection, the selection of the right people for the job, their character’s integrity, their managerial depth and the freedom to make decisions based on the team’s strategy, are just a few key elements, guaranteeing the best results.

Stamatis Tsantanis (Bio):

Stamatis Tsantanis, with more than 23 years of experience in shipping and capital markets, is the Chairman and CEO of Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: SHIP). In 2012, when he first joined Seanergy, led its significant growth to a world renowned Capesize drybulk company, of more than 3.0 million dwt. 

Prior to joining Seanergy, he served as group CFO and director in prominent private and public shipping companies. And before that, served as an investment banker, at Alpha Finance, having a key role in major shipping corporate financial transactions, in the U.S. capital markets. 

Stamatis is also a board member of Breakwave Associates (NYSE: BDRY & BSEA) and a fellow at the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. He holds a Master’s degree in Shipping Trade and Finance from Bayes (formerly Cass) Business School in London and a Bachelor’s degree in Shipping Economics, from the University of Piraeus.

In this interview Mr. Platsidakis describes us his personal story starting as a student of Mathematics and ‘leading his way’ through a series of ‘coincidences’ to be today one of the most influential people in the Shipping industry according to Lloyd’s List 100 Most Influential People.

John Platsidakis started his career in 1978 at Bank of America in Athens, Piraeus and London. He resigned the Bank in 1987 with the title of Vice President and joined Marmaras Shipping Group in Piraeus as Finance Director until 1988.  In 1989, Mr. Platsidakis joined the Angelicoussis Shipping Group and assumed the position of the Managing Director of Anangel Shipping Enterprises.  Mr. Platsidakis also served as Vice President and Director of Angelicoussis Shipping Group Ltd., President and Chairman of Maran Dry Shipholding Ltd, Vice President of Maran Tankers Shipholding Ltd and of Maran Ventures Inc.  He resigned the Angelicoussis Group in 09/2020 and joined Costamare Shipping Group.  Mr. Platsidakis was included in the Lloyd’s List 100 Most Influential People in the Shipping Industry in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017 and has received the Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Personality of the Year 2018 Award as well as the Seatrade Personality of the Year 2019 Award.  Mr. Platsidakis studied Mathematics (B.Sc.) at the University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Operational Research (M.Sc.) at the London School of Economics, UK and Economics and Econometrics (M.Sc.) at Southampton University, U.K.

Mr. George A. Tsavliris was born in London. He graduated from Athens College in 1968 and having acquired professional qualifications in Shipping (F.I.C.S., ACI.Arb), he concluded his graduate and post graduate studies in Shipping Law at University College London in 1973. He familiarized himself with the shipping and salvage sectors from a very early age by being engaged in the family business. Mr. George Tsavliris is a Principal at “Tsavliris Salvage Group” and represents the business on both a commercial and environmental basis internationally. Mr George Tsavliris was awarded the 2016 Capital Link Greek Shipping Leadership Award, in recognition of his unique and extensive contribution to Shipping and Greece and for his overall outstanding service to the shipping industry made by him individually, as a family and by his company as a Group. In Jan 2019, Mr Tsavliris received the Cyprus Environmental Award on behalf of CYMEPA by the President of the Cypriot Republic Mr Nikos Anastasiades and on March 12th, 2019, Mr Tsavliris was recognized with the Safety4Sea Leadership Award 2019 for his work with CYMEPA and other national & international organizations, toward the protection of 1st, the marine environment.
Mr. Tsavliris, in this interview he gave us last November, talks about the complexity of the Ship Salvage Industry, the project Adopt a Ship, the courage and strength one needs, in order to deal with shipping and most importantly he shares with us life philosophies through personal experiences in shipping industry. Enjoy listening!

In this interview, Mr. Vokos describes how the Posidonia exhibition has evolved to what it is today, from the 1960s, and also gives us an overview of this year's Posidonia which is set to reach the maximum number of participations, since the beginning of the exhibition. 

We discuss the perspective of the Shipping Industry development in Greece, the unchanged love of the Greek shipowners for everything Greek, their admission to wanting Greece to be the most advanced shipowner country, while keeping the Greek character of the Shipping Management and offering jobs to as many Greeks as possible. 

As he tells us in his interview, “Timing” remains a key feature for the shipowners, which one would dare to say is passed on from generation to generation, making Greeks open new successful paths in the global Shipping Industry. 

In regards to the future of Posidonia, Mr. Vokos predicts that in the coming years, the uniqueness of Posidonia will become the Totem of the shipping exhibitions

Theodoros Vokos, Managing Director, Posidonia Exhibitions SA

Theodoros Vokos joined Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. in 2003 and is the company’s Managing Director since 2017. He is responsible for the international shipping exhibition Posidonia and launched the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum in 2011, which has become the most important event for the Sea Tourism industry in the East Med region.

Mr. Vokos holds an M.A. in International Relations & European Studies from the University of Kent at Canterbury and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the Athens University of Economics and Business. Prior to joining Posidonia Exhibitions he served as a Special Advisor to the Secretary General for Industry at the Ministry of Development and as the Public Relations Manager at Unisystems SA Information Technology. Mr. Vokos was a member of the team that launched the “Panorama of Entrepreneurship and Career Development” exhibition and conference in 2008, at Zappeion Megaron, in cooperation with the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB). He speaks Greek, German and English.

Mr. Dragnis, in the interview he gave us last September, talks about the Yachting industry and the leading position of Greece on the world map, the important advantages of working in the industry, as well as the ever-increasing presence of women in it.

In addition, we discussed the boat construction in Perama, the staffing of crews by Greeks, as well as the great development opportunities that Greek companies, offering yacht services, have.

Concluding, he pointed out the challenges of the industry and the importance of minimizing carbon dioxide limits in shipping, as well as the way in which the Greeks will provide the -next day- solution.

George M. Foustanos was born in Athens in 1948. He studied Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding at the Southampton College of Technology before joining his family’s business – Valmas Shipping Ltd. – in 1972. Between 1979 and 1989 he was the director and partner at the Seastar Navigation Co. Ltd. and head of its technical department. From 1990, he has been focused exclusively on researching maritime history and documenting the evolution of the Greek merchant marine since its transition from sail to steam. He has served as the publisher of the maritime periodical “Argo” for 25 years and is the author of 35 books on shipping. George M. Foustanos also heads the Greek Shipping Miracle, the first online maritime museum, which he established in 2014 in order to communicate worldwide, the timeless achievements of modern Greek merchant shipping.

In this podcast, recorded in December, Mr. Foustanos talks about the motivation behind the creation of the online Greek Shipping Miracle and the impressive development of the Shipping Industry following World War II. He describes to us the contribution of Shipping over the years, in regards to the union of peoples and the need to recreate these successful, Shipping cooperation examples, on land, because "life is much simpler" as he states.

In this Podcast, we look back at the history of shipping and the creation of the Greek Miracle and discuss about how the explosive growth of Greek shipowners has benefited several countries, especially Japan, which has since become a leading shipbuilding country.

Mr. Foustanos, besides sharing with us the motivation, leading him to the creation of the Greek Shipping Miracle and his love for this truly amazing project, he describes as well the two peculiarities which characterise Greek Shipping.

Lastly, he gives us a glimpse to his work of many years in gathering books and information about the evolvement of Greek Shipping and the way an information should be evaluated, in order for the right lessons to be taught for future references.

In the third episode of the Podcast we have the pleasure to host Costis J. Frangoulis, the Founder and CEO of Franman. For thirty-one years now, Franman has connected Greek shipping companies with a number of the world’s leading suppliers of equipment and services to the maritime industry. During these three decades the company has equipped approximately 4.500 newbuildings. Today, Franman is considered a leading Trading House internationally. Costis J. Frangoulis among other, is also the President of the Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, Vice President of the International Propeller Club and Ambassador of the Sailors’ Society.
He will be discussing with us on the podcast about how the Frangoulis family's course in Shipping started.
The experience he gathered and his memories from his family’s connections with the late Stavros Niarchos and the impact, that it had on him, as well as his first steps in the Shipping industry and his important voyage, which led to the founding of Franman in 1991. He will also tell us about the characteristics of the Greek shipowners, which make them the most successful in the world. Finally, he will also be talking about his work with the Propeller Club, Piraeus.

In the second episode of the Podcast we have the pleasure to host Harry Vafias, who at the age of 27, led StealthGas at the stock market and thus, becoming the youngest CEO of any shipping company, listed in any stock market worldwide.

In today’s podcast we’ll be discussing about the starting point of the Stealth Maritime, the working opportunities that the shipping industry has to offer, as well as the risks that Greek ship owners undertake. What are the issues concerning the future of shipping and where the next generation of shipping leaders is focused on? Stay tuned

On the first edition of this engrossing podcast on Greek Shipping, we are proud to invite Mr. Manolis Vordonis, a leading executive for many decades on the Greek and global shipping industry.

Today’s podcast will be offering a great introduction to the roots of Greek Shipping, the core values that constructed this “Greek Empire” and a few personal experiences from Mr. Vordonis 40 year career as the Executive Director of Thenamaris shipping company. His involvement in discussions of the wider maritime trade, as well as being active in civic groups within his local and international community, will give us insights of the Industry.

More info about our guest: Mr. Vordonis majored in physics focusing on the theory and philosophy of science and his post graduate studies and research were in systems analysis, control, cybernetics and complex systems modeling. He has participated in cross-disciplinary explorations in the domains of naval architecture, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, socio-economic simulation and planning. He joined Thenamaris Ships Management Inc. at the beginning of his career and as its Executive Director, he was a member of its core governance team.