Vassilis C. Constantakopoulos

At the age of 27, Vassilis Constantakopoulos purchased a small cargo vessel with the support of a bank loan. In 1974, he founded Costamare Shipping S.A. During the shipping crisis of 1982–1984, he acquired eight vessels at very low prices. Following the bankruptcy of Grigoris Callimanopulos’ liner shipping company Hellenic Lines, he recruited members of its experienced workforce and entered the liner shipping market by chartering vessels to companies already operating established routes.

Over the following 20 years, the company grew significantly and regularly renewed its fleet. In 2000, Costamare managed 35 vessels with a total carrying capacity of 1,560,000 dwt. By July 2026, it had developed into an international shipping company with a fleet of 93 containerships and a total capacity of approximately 673,000 TEU, including vessels under construction, acquisition or sale.

In the mid-1980s, he developed a vision of placing Messinia on the global tourism map, with the aim of promoting the region and strengthening local employment. He created Costa Navarino, an internationally recognised destination distinguished by its approach to environmental protection and its relationship with local communities.

Captain Vassilis received numerous awards in Greece and abroad for his business and social contribution and was a founding member of several organisations and institutions.

Vassilis Constantakopoulos widely known as “Captain Vassilis” was born in 1935 into a low-income family in Diavolitsi, Messinia. After growing up in Messinia, he began a career on ships, gradually working his way up to master.. In 1948, he moved to Athens, where he worked in various jobs until 1953, when he first went to sea. He subsequently progressed through all ranks of the maritime hierarchy.|url=https://www.kathimerini.gr/society/430231/foros-timis-kai-mnimis-ston-kapetan-vasili/ |website=kathimerini |access-date=9 July 2025}}</ref>

Constantakopoulos was married to Carmen Kiritsi in 1964. They had three sons:: Konstantinos, known as Costis, Achilleas and Christos Constantakopoulos..