John Angelicoussis, Greece’s largest shipowner, dies at 72
Maria Angelicoussis, who succeeds her father as chief executive of the Angelicoussis group of companies, confirmed the news ‘with great sadness and regret’
Mr Angelicoussis, whose death was announced at the weekend, started his career in shipping in 1973 when he joined his father Anthony Angelicoussis, the founder of the family shipping company
GREEK shipping is mourning John Angelicoussis, the country’s largest shipowner, who died in Athens on Saturday. He was 72.
He had been in critical condition at the Henry Dunant Hospital Center for the past three weeks after suffering a heart attack and collapsing. He did not regain consciousness, it is understood.
Maria Angelicoussis, who succeeds her father as chief executive of the Angelicoussis group of companies, confirmed the news “with great sadness and regret” in a statement.
Mr Angelicoussis “died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by close family. He will be deeply missed,” she said. “The family wish to thank all those at the hospital who provided support and care throughout.”
All the employees of the family around the world have already been advised of Mr Angelicoussis’ death.
Including newbuildings on order, the group owns 151 ships across its three sectors of operation — dry bulk, tankers and liquefied natural gas carriers — and is considered the largest purely private shipping empire worldwide.
The fleet is managed under three separate entities — Maran Dry, Maran Tankers and Maran Gas Maritime.
“It is a great loss. He was a great personality of world shipping,” said John Platsidakis, a former Intercargo chairman and longtime aide to the shipowner until his departure from the group just a few months ago.
Contacted by Lloyd’s List for comment, Mr Platsidakis said: “I was proud to know him for 42 years and he was never less than fully devoted to the business and to the shipping industry.”
Mr Angelicoussis’ career in shipping began in 1973 when he joined his father Anthony Angelicoussis, the founder of the family shipping company.
He took charge of the dry cargo shipping company on his father’s death in 1989 and greatly expanded the business in tankers since the 1990s and in liquefied natural gas carriers since the launch of Maran Gas Maritime in 2003.
His contribution to the latter day strength of Greek shipping has been immense, not least through his longstanding loyalty to the Greek flag and to maritime education.
The funeral is due to take place in Athens on April 12.
Mr Angelicoussis leaves his wife Elizabeth, his daughter Maria and three grandchildren.