Alex Hadjipateras shares with us the origins of his family's successful shipping career, dating back approximately 100 years, driven by the aspiration to enhance their quality of life. With deep pride and reverence for his heritage, he openly acknowledges the weighty legacy and personal responsibility he carries, drawing wisdom from the past while keeping an eye on the future. He recounts the establishment of Greece's first tanker company, Dorian Hellas, in 1973, spearheaded by his visionary grandmother, who astutely invested in Gas Tankers. He also reflects on his father's pivotal role in the transformation of Dorian's fleet from Tankers to LPG, as well as the company's expansion by skillfully seizing opportunities in the global market.
In a nostalgic tone, he shares his own poignant memories of embarking on his first day in the shipping industry, in faraway Japan. This pivotal moment provided him with an exceptional foundation, as he acquired comprehensive knowledge spanning all facets of shipping, from ship construction to chartering negotiations. He eloquently elucidates how his father's wealth of experience has profoundly influenced his own trading strategy, while fervently highlighting the admirable qualities he admires in him. Mr. Hadjipateras passionately reflects on the future landscape of the shipping industry, offering his unique perspective. He discusses the momentous challenges on the horizon and emphasizes the increasing importance of sustainability in ship fuel, which continuously fuels the industry's dynamism. Furthermore, he delves into the transformative potential of upcoming energy sources, poised to reshape the shipping industry and create an entirely novel environment. Towards the end of the interview, he candidly reveals the secret to the Greek shipowners' success, unveiling their competitive advantages. He concludes by advising aspiring young professionals seeking to venture into the shipping industry to actively cultivate their own network of connections within the field, as abundant opportunities continually arise for rewarding positions.