He is a natural and modest character. Of course, he would like to avoid awards, but this is almost impossible, given his charitable work in all areas of our country, from education, health and culture, to church and public space. This time, of course, he could not easily refuse the honor done to him, since the initiative concerned not only good behavior, but also his very career in shipping. A few days ago, in a modest ceremony, Mr. Athanasios Martinos was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Piraeus, in accordance with the decision of the Senate of the institution, at the proposal of the Department of Marine Research. It was a gesture aimed at setting an example of ethics and setting an example for the academic community, the little children of the country, who need not only knowledge, but also role models.

The hall was packed from the very beginning, with the venerable Metropolitans of Piraeus, Glyfada and Sparta, Deputy Prime Minister Panagiotis Picrammenos, representatives of the maritime community and President of the Union of Greek Shipowners Melina Travlow present. The first to speak was the Dean, Prof. Michalis Sfakianakis, who emphasized that this distinction highlights the overall contribution of the shipowner, while the Dean of the School, Prof. Angelos Pantuvakis, mentioned the character of the laureate.

The President of the Marine Research Department, Prof. Yiannis Theotokas, spoke more about the professional career of Thanasis Martinos as a leading figure in Greek as well as global shipping. The honorary doctor himself gave a very short but meaningful speech, in which he touched on all aspects of his professional and personal life. For half a century he has been working diligently in the same field, adopting the principles and values ​​of his parents, antiques dealer Yiannis Martinos and Athena (Nunou), who bravely started the family maritime business. She gently guided her three sons through the trials of competition and allowed them to stand on their own feet and make their own decisions about their future. Today, the five companies of the Martinos family operate 290 vessels with 1,000 employees. In addition to his mother, Thanasis Martinos emphasized the tremendous support of his wife and daughters. As for the successful course of our country in shipping, the explanation, according to the laureate, is simple: “The comparative advantage of Greek shipping companies is the DNA of the Greeks. Our leaders are resourceful, flexible, and philotimos, a Greek word not found in other languages.”