Greek shipping once again secured a dominant position on the global maritime stage, with 17 personalities linked to Greece included in Lloyd’s List 2025 ranking of the 100 most influential figures shaping international shipping. The annual “One Hundred People” edition reflects the individuals whose decisions, investments, and policies had the greatest impact on global maritime activity over the past year.
Among them, shipowners Maria Angelicoussis and Evangelos Marinakis emerged as the highest-ranked Greek representatives, reinforcing Greece’s enduring role as a global shipping powerhouse.
Global influence beyond the shipping industry
Topping the 2025 list was US President Donald Trump, whom Lloyd’s List identified as the single most influential figure affecting shipping this year.
According to the publication, his impact stemmed from trade tariffs, port fees, sanctions on Iran and Russia, military actions in the Middle East, intervention in climate policy discussions, and renewed efforts to strengthen US shipbuilding capacity.
Maria Angelicoussis rises into the top ten of the Lloyd’s list
Ranked eighth globally, Maria Angelicoussis climbed four places from last year, making her the highest-ranked Greek on the list. Under her leadership, the Angelicoussis Group completed the largest transaction in its history with the acquisition of a major oil transportation company, further consolidating its leadership across dry bulk, tankers, and LNG shipping.
Lloyd’s List highlighted her strategic focus on resilience amid geopolitical tensions, stricter emissions regulations, and shifting trade patterns. While navigating global markets, Angelicoussis continues to emphasize the group’s long-standing commitment to safety, reliability, and quality, while maintaining deep ties to Greece’s maritime heritage and preparing the fleet for the energy transition.
Evangelos Marinakis and Capital Group strengthen Greek shipping in Lloyd’s list 2025
Evangelos Marinakis ranked tenth, marking the largest rise among the top ten, up from 16th place in 2024. Lloyd’s List pointed to Capital Group’s transformation into one of the world’s most diversified shipping platforms, with strong emphasis on fleet modernization and lower-emissions technologies.
By the end of 2025, Capital controlled 163 vessels totaling around 13 million deadweight tons, including LNG carriers, tankers, bulkers, CO₂ carriers, and ammonia-ready ships, with 95 newbuildings scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2028. During 2025 alone, the group ordered more than 40 vessels valued at $4.7 billion and sold older tonnage worth over $1 billion.
The publication also cited Capital’s leadership in decarbonization research, including collaboration with MIT and ABS on feasibility studies for nuclear-powered commercial vessels, as well as investments in LNG, dual-fuel ships, and next-generation CO₂ carriers.
How Lloyd’s List reflects the global reach of Greek shipping
Several prominent Greek shipowners reinforced the country’s influence across multiple segments of shipping. George Economou ranked 13th after expanding TMS Group into the container sector through a multibillion-dollar newbuilding program focused on LNG dual-fuel vessels.
George Prokopiou placed 14th, recognized for his extensive LNG and tanker orderbook through Dynacom, Dynagas, and Sea Traders, alongside investments in ice-class vessels, floating regasification units, and traditional crude carriers.
Angeliki Frangou ranked 29th, with Lloyd’s List highlighting her diversified Navios platform spanning dry bulk, tankers, containers, logistics, and terminals, supported by strong risk management and long-term revenue visibility.
Institutional and regulatory influence
Greek representation extended beyond shipowners. European Commission officials Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Magda Kopczynska, and Fotini Ioannidou ranked 24th, reflecting the EU’s growing regulatory influence following stalled global climate negotiations at the IMO.
Melina Travlou, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, ranked 26th, recognized for her leadership in global shipping advocacy and insistence on realistic pathways toward decarbonization through international regulation rather than fragmented regional rules.
Leaders in global maritime governance
Thomas Kazakos ranked 36th following his appointment as Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, bringing decades of institutional experience to one of the industry’s most complex regulatory periods.
Sotiris Raptis placed 88th for his role at the European Community Shipowners’ Associations, navigating Europe’s green transition while defending competitiveness and connectivity.
Elpi Petraki ranked 91st for her leadership at WISTA International, where membership and institutional strength have expanded significantly amid growing focus on diversity and inclusion in shipping.
