The Tsakos family, originating from the island of Chios, has been actively engaged in the shipping industry since the 19th century.
The Tsakos Group was founded in 1970 by Capt. P Tsakos, with the establishment of Tsakos Shipping and Trading S.A. Over the ensuing years, the Group established numerous affiliated and associated companies worldwide, significantly expanding its shipping activities and global operational capabilities while building a reputation of solid performance in providing reliable and best-in-class maritime transportation services.
Dr Nikolas P. Tsakos founded Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd. (TEN) in 1993 as a pioneering shipping company initially listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange before joining the NYSE in 2002. Throughout its 33-year history, TEN has demonstrated enduring financial stability, robust growth, and exceptional resilience in navigating industry volatility. The company has steadily expanded its fleet and ventured into new market segments, including the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, shuttle tankers and dual-fueled (DF) vessels. As the longest-serving shipping company listed on the NYSE, TEN has recorded profits in excess of US$2.0 billion and distributed uninterrupted dividends of over US$900 million to common and preferred shareholders.
Amid its long-term strategic fleet renewal programs, the Tsakos Group has invested over US$7.2 billion in diverse fleet segments, including eco-friendly and dual-fuel vessels, reflecting its commitment to innovation and sustainability. In 2024, the Group transported over 600 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products, equivalent to 2.5% of global seaborne energy trade. Today, the Tsakos Group ranks among the world’s largest shipping companies, managing a fleet of over 100 vessels with a total cargo capacity of over 12.9 million deadweight tons.
The Tsakos Group takes pride in its state-of-the-art interactive “Maria Tsakos” Maritime Training Centre, established in 2013, which stands as a testament to the Group’s enduring commitment to excellence in maritime training, professional development and human capital upskilling. The Group exemplifies its strong commitment to social responsibility through a range of impactful initiatives, including the Maria Tsakos Foundation in Uruguay, in honour of Capt P. N. Tsakos mother, and the “Maria Tsakos” Public Benefit Foundation – International Centre for Maritime Research and Tradition in Chios, in memory of the late Maria P. Tsakos. In 2018, the Group marked a significant milestone with the establishment of the “Tsakos Enhanced Education Nautical School” (TEENS) in Chios, the first private, non-profit model nautical school in Greece. Building on this foundation, the Group further advanced its mission in 2024 with the inauguration of the TEENS Merchant Marine Academy, the first private, non-profit maritime academy in Greece, offering programs for Deck and Engine Officers, and, as of 2025, expanding its curriculum to include Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs).
