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Hellenic nautical traditions are a rich and powerful mixture of myth, legend and fact which stretch back
to the dawn of history. There is virtually no aspect of life in ancient or modern Hellas that the sea and our relationship
with it has not touched. Indeed, for many of us it is central to our existence.
These traditions are particularly strong in my native village of Kardamyla on the Aegean island of Chios. For example, as
a child, I can remember the older men urging us to become a 'kalos kapetanios'
- a good captain. My family has been involved in shipping
for generations. So for me to go to sea was not much a matter of choice but more a matter of
destiny.
Since 1970, when I bought my first ship and Tsakos Shipping & Trading was established, thanks to hard work, good fortune
and the assistance of dedicated personnel both onboard and ashore, we have been able to fulfill our expectations and
attain our goals. Today, we are proud to feel a sense of achievement that the Tsakos Group of Companies continues to grow
and to prosper.
As we move into the 21st century with all its challenges, new ideas and environmental concerns, we remain determined
to pursue the expansion and development of the Group in shipping, energy-related and other commercial activities,
maintaining the course and high standards we have set for ourselves.
Our generation has witnessed vast changes in our way of life brought about in recent times by the explosion of computer
and other technologies which have created new horizons, new disciplines and skills, astonishing communication facilities
and huge reservoirs of information.
Whilst we fully appreciate the advantages and benefits of modern technology in all its forms, we must keep in mind that
its successful application will always depend on human skills and integrity and that it must be employed for the general
benefit of the environment and humanity throughout the world.
It is my firm conviction that real progress depends upon excellence in our services, respect for the
environment and care and concern for human
welfare and aspirations. This is the message I wish to pass
on to my
children, Nikolas and Maria as part of the new generation which carries our hopes and our vision forward into the new
Millennium. |
