One of the most prominent figures in shipping, Greek businessman George Prokopiou, is attracting international attention after his company's tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz, despite high tensions in the region.
According to international media reports, at least five ships from the company Dynacom Tankers, owned by the 79-year-old entrepreneur, have passed through this strategic maritime corridor, through which about 20% of the world's traded oil passes.
To make these high-risk voyages, the tankers have taken special security measures, including having armed guards on board and turning off transponders that show the ship's position. However, the missions are considered very dangerous, especially for the crew, as the Iranian military has already attacked several naval vessels in the area.
According to reports, the company has promised sailors significant salary increases and high compensation in the event of death or serious injury.
However, the risk also comes with big profits. Demand for oil transportation has increased significantly, and some countries, including China, are willing to pay up to $500 a day for tankers carrying oil through Hormuz, about five times more than before the conflict broke out.
George Prokopiou is considered one of the most powerful figures in the maritime industry. Born in Athens in 1946, he bought his first tanker in the 1970s and founded Dynacom Tankers in 1991. Today, his fleet numbers 73 vessels and over 5,500 sailors.
His fortune is estimated at around $4.7 billion. Prokopiou is known for his relatively discreet lifestyle. He drives an old black Mercedes, always wears a baseball cap and spends a lot of time on his luxury yacht "Dream".
His company has also transported Russian oil in recent years, claiming to respect price restrictions and international sanctions. The huge profits from maritime transport have led the company to order 53 new tankers, while global crises and tensions on sea routes have significantly increased transport costs and shipowners' profits. /Topic
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