Despite challenges, Greek shipowners are enhancing maritime safety, investing in green technologies, and setting new global governance standards.
From Chios to Wall Street, and from CO2 shipping to LNG flagships, Greek shipowners continue to shape the future of global shipping, proving Greece is not just a maritime nation but a leading force on the world’s seas.
Greek shipping, a cornerstone of global economic stability, maintains its dominance with unmatched resilience, expertise, and historical consistency. Managing over 20% of global and 61% of European shipping capacity, Greek shipowners operate fleets that carry approximately 90% of the world’s trade across oceans.
As the “silent guardian” of the international supply chain, Greek shipping has remained steadfast in the face of crises such as the pandemic, geopolitical upheavals, and cyber threats. Shipowners are enhancing maritime safety, adopting green technologies, and establishing new global governance standards.
The Forbes 2025 list highlights significant shifts from 2024, reflecting the dynamic evolution of the industry. Maria Angelicoussis retained the top spot with a fleet valued at $15.5 billion, despite a slight reduction in vessels from 145 to 138. George Prokopiou strengthened his position, increasing his fleet from 159 to 183 vessels, thereby establishing himself as a dynamic market player.
Vangelis Marinakis made a notable leap, with his fleet value rising by $900 million in a year through Capital Gas and affiliates, driven by investments in CO2 and clean energy vessels. George Economou added 11 vessels and new companies to the list, reinforcing his influence in global shipping and financial markets.
Danaos Corporation, led by Dr. John Coustas, continued its upward trajectory in 2025, with its fleet growing from 83 to 99 vessels and its value nearly doubling from $3.28 billion to $6.04 billion. This surge reflects Danaos’ aggressive yet targeted strategy, expanding beyond containerships.
The differences between the 2024 and 2025 lists underscore ongoing restructuring, mergers, and technological investments that keep Greek shipping resilient and innovative. New entrants and the focus on LNG and CO2 shipping highlight a strategic shift toward sustainability and diversified portfolios.
In an uncertain world, Greek shipping remains a steadfast value. With its skilled workforce, commitment to innovation, and vigilance against modern threats, it continues to set a global standard for maritime entrepreneurship.
The Greek shipping elite is expected to maintain its dominance in 2025, navigating a rapidly changing industry driven by technological advancements, green transitions, and geopolitical uncertainty. This year’s list not only reflects fleet values but also strategic choices reshaping the top tier.
Greek Shipping’s Global Impact
According to the Union of Greek Shipowners, Greek shipping accounts for 20% of global capacity, including 23% of LNG carriers, 30% of tankers, and 25% of bulk carriers. In Europe, it dominates with 60% of capacity, managing 75% of tankers, 80% of bulk carriers, and 82% of LNG vessels.
The Greek fleet leads in alternative fuel vessels and is the second-largest globally in sulfur oxide scrubber installations. In total, it comprises 2,602 bulk carriers, 910 tankers, 507 chemical/product tankers, 504 containerships, 229 general cargo vessels, 163 LPG carriers, 147 LNG carriers, and 71 vehicle carriers.
Note on the List
The ranking is based on the fleet value of the top 50 Greek shipping companies, per VesselsValue data. Discrepancies in vessel numbers or fleet values may occur, as only the top 50 companies are considered, excluding some significant shipowners or underrepresenting their fleets due to the common practice of dividing assets into smaller entities.
1. Maria Angelicoussis
Companies: Maran Gas Maritime, Maran Tankers, Maran Dry Management Inc. Fleet Value: $15,564.6 million Vessels: 138 Maria Angelicoussis upholds her family’s legacy, leading a global shipping giant. Despite a slight drop from 145 vessels, most of her fleet flies the Greek flag. Ranked 467th on the global Forbes list, her wealth is estimated at $5.9 billion, making her Greece’s richest woman.
2. George Prokopiou
Companies: Dynacom Tankers, Dynagas Holding Ltd, Sea Traders Fleet Value: $11,248.3 million Vessels: 183 Without a maritime background, Prokopiou has built one of the world’s largest fleets, adding 40 vessels in a year, with more under construction. He acquired Skaramangas Shipyards in 2021 and holds vast real estate and yachting investments.
3. George Economou
Companies: TMS Cardiff Gas, TMS Tankers, TMS Dry, Cardiff Marine Fleet Value: $9,871.7 million Vessels: 122 Starting as a mechanical engineer at Thenamaris, Economou founded Cardiff Marine in the 1990s, listing it on the NYSE and building a shipping titan. An art collector, he added two companies to this year’s list, boosting his fleet’s size and value.
4. Vangelis Marinakis
Companies: Capital Gas, Capital Ship Management, Capital Executive Ship Management, Capital Clean Energy Carriers Fleet Value: $9,584.9 million Vessels: 98 A shipowner, entrepreneur, and owner of football clubs and media, Marinakis, son of shipowner Miltiadis Marinakis, began as a trainee broker. His Capital Product Partners ordered four CO2 carriers in 2025, at a cost of over $300 million.
5. Anna Angelicoussis, Frangiskos, and Antonis Kanellakis
Companies: Pantheon Tankers Management, Alpha Gas S.A., Alpha Bulkers Shipmanagement Fleet Value: $6,276.9 million Vessels: 93 Anna Angelicoussis, with her sons Frangiskos and Antonis, leads a robust group active in tankers, LNG carriers, and bulk carriers. Their fleet has steadily grown since 2022 through shipbuilding and acquisitions.
Source: Greek city times