Billionaire Profile
George Prokopiou & family
Global Rank
#1088

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

George Prokopiou & family

CEO, Dynacom Tankers
GR
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.69B
As of December 2025
Age
79
Source
Shipping
Industry
logistics
Citizenship
GR

Biography

George Prokopiou, a prominent figure in the shipping industry, is a Greek billionaire known for founding Dynacom Tankers, Sea Traders, and Dynagas. Born in Athens in 1946, Prokopiou holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens. His career began in 1971 with the purchase of his first ship. Through strategic investments and a keen understanding of the maritime sector, Prokopiou has built a vast shipping empire, currently estimated to have a net worth of $3.69 billion in 2024, and a fleet of over 90 vessels. He has been recognized as a key player in the global shipping industry and has received multiple awards, including being named the “Greek Shipping Personality of the Year” by Lloyd's List twice. Prokopiou is married to Alexandra, and they have four daughters. He is actively involved in philanthropy, and has been recognized for his contributions to the Greek community.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

George J. Prokopiou was born in Athens, Greece, in 1946. His parents were refugees. He holds a Civil Engineering degree from the National Technical University of Athens.

Rise to Success

Prokopiou's career in shipping began in 1971 when he purchased his first ship, a 55,000-tonne tanker named Pennsylvania. He founded Dynacom Tankers in 1991, Sea Traders in 1974, and Dynagas in 2004. Dynagas LNG Partners was taken public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2013. The firms collectively own a fleet of 116 tankers, dry bulk cargo ships, and LNG carriers. In February 2025, Prokopiou acquired the entire share capital of the Astir Palace Vouliagmeni hotel group.

Key Business Strategies

Prokopiou has been at the forefront of the shipping industry, consistently adapting to market changes and expanding his fleet. Dynagas was one of the first companies to operate Arctic LNG carriers, capable of operating in frozen waters. His current shipbuilding program includes over 70 vessels. He has been consistently recognized as one of the most influential people in the global shipping industry by Lloyd's List. Prokopiou also made a bold prediction during a 2022 conference, saying that the shipping market would see “very, very good markets in all segments”.

Philanthropy

Information on specific philanthropic amounts and initiatives is not readily available through the search results. However, Prokopiou has been recognized for his contributions to the Greek community.

Career Milestones

1971

Purchased first ship

Bought his first ship, a 55,000-tonne tanker named Pennsylvania.

1974

Founded Sea Traders

Established Sea Traders.

1991

Founded Dynacom Tankers

Established Dynacom Tankers.

2004

Founded Dynagas

Established Dynagas.

2013

Dynagas LNG Partners IPO

Took Dynagas LNG Partners public on the New York Stock Exchange.

2021

Acquired Skaramagas Shipyards

Acquired the Greek shipyard Hellenic Shipyards.

2023

Greek Personality of the Year

Named Greek Shipping Personality of the Year by Lloyd's List for the second time.

2023

Efkranti Award

Received the prestigious Efkranti Award for his lifetime contribution to shipping at the Hellenic Naval Academy.

2025

Acquired Astir Palace Vouliagmeni hotel group

Acquired the entire share capital of the Astir Palace Vouliagmeni hotel group.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“This is a tragedy for humanity, but at the same time it creates opportunities.”"

"“By the end of the year we'll see very, very good markets in all segments. I'm very optimistic. Ships will command much higher prices.”"

Controversies & Challenges

2023

Criticism of EU ETS Scheme

Criticized the EU ETS scheme at the Maritime Cyprus 2023 Conference, stating the industry should focus on energy efficiency measures instead of restrictive policies.

2023

Trading Russian Oil

His shipping companies have been criticized for transporting Russian oil, with some reports suggesting profits were made while war crimes were being committed.

2022

Sanctions Criticism

Claimed that sanctions against Russia will prove counter-productive.