Athena Martinou passed away at the age of 97. As reported, the well-known shipowner breathed her last breath on Friday, October 11, 2024.
Athena Martinou: A pioneer in shipping with a family legacy
Athena Martinou, also known as “Nunou,” was one of the pioneers in the shipping industry, although she maintained a low profile until she passed away. She founded the shipping giant, Thenamaris Ships Management.
In 1971, she took on the management of her family’s ships, and together with her sons, Thanasis, Dino, and Andreas, she founded Thenamaris Ships Management. By 1975, the company’s fleet had grown to 36 ships.
In 1991, Athena passed the reins to her children. Thanasis Martinos later left the company to establish Eastern Mediterranean Maritime.
In 1997, Andreas also pursued his own path, founding Minerva Marine, while Dino remained at the helm of Thenamaris. Today, Andreas’ son, Andreas Jr., leads Minerva, and Nikolas Martinos, Dino’s son, manages Thenamaris.
A lifelong passion for the sea and family collaboration
Furthermore, in an interview, Athena revealed her love for the sea, which stemmed from her upbringing in Glyfada. “Although I am from Kefalonia, being born in Glyfada played a role in my love for the sea. I used to watch the ships pass by and tell my friends, ‘We will have steamers too,’ and we made it happen. The whole family shared the passion, and we enjoyed it to the fullest.”
She spoke about the family’s beginnings in the shipping industry, saying:
“In this effort, I was not alone. My husband was by my side from the very beginning, but it was primarily my son Thanasis, who, from the age of fourteen, was doing statistics and noting down details like the number of crew and what a ship needs. My husband, Ioannis Martinos, loved the sea. Thanasis was actively involved from the first [moments]. I wasn’t the driving force, but I was the person who could make the difficult things seem easy. When you want something, you can achieve it.”
“I’ve never been a manager. I loved Thenamaris, but not the role of a manager,” she revealed. “What I wanted was for my ships to increase, and that happened.”
Athena I. Martinou foundation reflects personality of Nunou Martinou
The foundation was born out of Athena I. Martinou’s passion for the sea, with the goal of contributing to society, especially those who live by and feel the sea in their daily lives. As she often said, “I am like the sea, female.”
Her approach to life mirrored her relationship with the sea: filled with love, passion, respect, and devotion. This is why she accepted life in all its aspects—whether calm and peaceful or turbulent and stormy. Athena I. Martinou, like the sea, was never static. Bold, ambitious, hard-working, and persistent, yet discreet and modest, she was the “Nunou” of the Greek shipping industry.
Additionally the sea was a constant source of inspiration for every action and decision in Athena I. Martinou’s life. She was as generous with it as she was with those who loved and respected her. Through her hard work, dynamism, and passion, she pursued her dream and earned the respect and recognition of the shipping world.