The Greek Shipping Podcast Kyvernitis Travel Group

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.