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Athina Martinou, Greek Shipping Giant Founder, Passes Away at 97

Athina Martinou, the influential founder of Thenamaris Ships Management, a prominent shipping company, passed away on Friday night at the age of 97. She was widely regarded as the most powerful woman in Greek shipping and had a deep passion for the sea.

In 1971, Martinou became involved in managing her family’s ships and later went on to establish Thenamaris Ships Management with her sons Thanasis, Dinos, and Andreas. She also founded the Athina I. Martinou Foundation (AIM) as part of her philanthropic efforts.

After handing over the reins of the company to her children in 1991, her sons Thanasis and Andreas went on to establish their own shipping companies, leaving Dinos in charge of Thenamaris. In an interview, Martinou reflected on her family’s journey in the shipping industry, highlighting their early struggles and successes.

Despite facing financial challenges, Martinou and her family persevered, acquiring their second ship, the ‘Eleni,’ when they had limited funds. With determination and hard work, they managed to expand their fleet and make a name for themselves in the shipping world.

Athina Martinou’s legacy as a pioneering figure in Greek shipping will be remembered for years to come. Her dedication to the industry and her role in building Thenamaris Ships Management into a successful enterprise have left a lasting impact on the maritime community.

Who was Athina Martinou?

Athina Martinou was the founder of the shipping giant Thenamaris Ships Management. She passed away on Friday night, October 11, at the age of 97.

What was her role in the shipping industry?

Martinou became involved in managing her family’s ships in 1971 and eventually founded Thenamaris Ships Management, along with her sons Thanasis, Dinos, and Andreas.

What other ventures did she undertake?

She also developed a foundation called the Athina I. Martinou Foundation (AIM).

How did she pass on her legacy?

In 1991, Martinou handed the reins to her children, with her son Thanasis leaving the company to establish Eastern Mediterranean Maritime. In 1997, Andreas followed suit, founding the shipping company Minerva Marine, leaving the youngest brother, Dinos, at the helm of Thenamaris.

What was her inspiration for entering the shipping industry?

In an earlier interview with AEINAFTES, Athina Martinou spoke about her family’s first steps in the shipping industry, attributing her love for the sea to growing up in Glyfada and watching ships pass by.

How did she describe her family’s journey in the shipping industry?

Martinou recounted how her family’s collective obsession with owning ships led them to acquire their first vessel, the ‘Eleni,’ even when they had no money. She also shared anecdotes about their early ships and the challenges they faced.

Sources: To Vima

Who was Athina Martinou?

Athina Martinou, the founder of Thenamaris Ships Management, was a prominent figure in Greek shipping industry. She passed away at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of success and dedication to the sea. According to a report at To Vima, she was known as the most powerful woman in Greek shipping and was deeply passionate about the maritime world.

What was her role in the shipping industry?

Martinou became involved in managing her family’s ships in 1971 and later went on to establish Thenamaris Ships Management, along with her sons Thanasis, Dinos, and Andreas. She was instrumental in the growth and expansion of the company, which became a significant player in the shipping industry. Additionally, she founded the Athina I. Martinou Foundation (AIM) to support various causes related to maritime activities.

How did she pass on the reins of the company to her children?

In 1991, Martinou handed over the control of Thenamaris Ships Management to her children. Her son Thanasis decided to venture out on his own and established Eastern Mediterranean Maritime. Subsequently, Andreas also started his own shipping company called Minerva Marine. This left Dinos, the youngest brother, in charge of Thenamaris, continuing the family’s legacy in the shipping industry.

What were some of her early experiences in the shipping industry?

In an interview with AEINAFTES, Athina Martinou shared insights into her family’s beginnings in the shipping business. She reflected on her love for the sea, which was nurtured by watching ships pass by in Glyfada. She credited her husband and son, Thanasis, for their active involvement in the company’s operations. Martinou highlighted the challenges they faced in acquiring their first ships and the determination that drove them to succeed.

What were some key milestones in her career?

Martinou recounted the acquisition of their second ship, the ‘Eleni,’ despite financial constraints. She described the process of securing the vessel and the symbolic act of raising the Greek flag. Additionally, she shared the story of their first ship purchase in 1964 and its subsequent sale in 1967. These experiences shaped her approach to business and reinforced her commitment to expanding their fleet.

Overall, Athina Martinou’s journey in the shipping industry was marked by perseverance, passion, and a deep connection to the sea. Her legacy lives on through the companies she founded and the impact she had on the maritime community.