Greece-based shipping company Seanergy Maritime Holdings specialises in the seaborne transportation of dry bulk commodities. Here, Chairman and CEO Stamatis Tsantanis outlines the company’s evolution and his plans for the future.

Q: How would you describe Seanergy’s journey over the last decade?
Building Seanergy into what it is today, with 21 investors, did not happen overnight. The first phase, from 2015 to 2020, was a transition from survival to initial growth – my primary responsibility was to restructure the company and restore its viability. The turning point came in early 2020, during the onset of COVID-19. We recognised the opportunity to acquire ships at very low prices and observed favourable demand and supply fundamentals. We began raising capital from the US market, acquired vessels, reduced our debt and progressed to where we are now, a prominent, globally focused Capesize shipping enterprise.
As part of this evolution, in 2022 we executed a key strategic move with the spin-off of United Maritime Corporation, marking a significant milestone in our growth. United Maritime’s shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on July 6, 2022, under the ticker symbol ‘USEA’. This spin-off enabled us to unlock additional value for our shareholders and gave Seanergy the flexibility to strengthen its pure-play Capesize strategy. 

Q: What differentiates Seanergy in the sector?
What sets us apart is our independence. We have no financial sponsors, private equity backing or family ownership. Another key differentiator is our exclusive focus on a single vessel segment, which enhances our competitiveness in the global chartering market. In the dry bulk sector we serve, charterers value specialised operators. Our culture also plays a critical role. We emphasise human capital, operate with a flat organisational structure and ensure that all employees share in the company’s success, both through stock ownership and collective achievements. This has fostered a positive office environment, where everyone benefits when the company performs well. 

Q: What opportunities do you see for investors and strategic partnerships? 
Greece is one of the world’s leading shipping hubs. Greek interests own approximately 21 to 22% of the global commercial fleet by cargo-carrying capacity and about 65% of the European Union’s capacity. Our role in the global transportation chain is critical, not just in terms of logistics, but in the movement of strategic raw materials and essential commodities. This includes resources necessary for heating, food production and other fundamental needs – security- and strategy-driven cargo. This presents a significant opportunity – the depth of know-how and the talent pool in Greece, by European standards, is unmatched. 

Q: What role does innovation play in your operations?
Seanergy has been at the forefront of innovation since 2015. We began with remote performance monitoring systems and, over the past decade, have evolved these into advanced AI systems installed across our fleet. While technology can enhance operations, it is ultimately the way a ship is operated that determines its efficiency. Newer ships may offer design advantages, but older vessels can be retrofitted and optimised to achieve high performance. Sustainable improvements can be made through practical, proven solutions.

Q: How is your group aligning its strategy with global sustainability initiatives?
Now, after years of improved cooperation among stakeholders, including EU leadership, we are beginning to identify realistic, actionable measures. Europe now faces a critical decision: whether to continue investing heavily in renewables and new technologies at a substantially higher cost or to explore alternative solutions using existing technologies in order to remain competitive from an energy pricing perspective.

Q: How would you describe your approach to business? 
We embrace a start-up mentality. Starting from scratch allowed us to embed our core values and principles and shape the company into both a desirable workplace and a successful business. It was also an opportunity to define how we want to differentiate ourselves, make an impact and serve as an example. At the heart of it are core values and a broader vision: understanding how to stand out and create real impact. It is essential that we remain committed to these principles. For us, this means creating a positive work environment for all employees, whether onshore or at sea.

Q: Why should investors consider Greece – and Seanergy? 
Seanergy is a company built on core values and principles, and we intend to maintain this approach moving forward. As for Greece, I believe it is one of the few places in Europe today offering significant opportunities for investors. In my view, the work and life environments are among the best in the world. The talent pool, social friendliness and sense of safety, supported by political stability, create conditions that make investors feel more confident about investing in Greece. I cannot speak to other sectors like banking or insurance, as they are outside my expertise. However, based on my experience in shipping and logistics, I consider Greece one of the best places globally for new enterprises to thrive.