NIKOLAS Tsakos remains one of the most impactful leaders in energy shipping, with a decades-long presence in the sector.

A member of one of the most well-known families in Greek shipping, Mr Tsakos heads up the New York-listed Transport Energy Navigation, built out of the Tsakos Group by Mr Tsakos himself around 26 years ago.

Already a force to be reckoned with in the tanker industry, with a fleet of around 66 crude oil and product carriers, TEN continues to see LNG carriers as a solid diversification pathway.

Earlier this year, it placed a firm order for one 174,000 cum LNG carrier from Hyundai Heavy Industries for $190m, with an option to order one more.

Expected delivery is 2022 and, if it orders the second vessel, it will have four LNG carriers in its fleet. The other two are currently out on charters that TEN expects will generate around $60m.

Counting a profitable first nine months after losses last year, 2020 looks likely to be a big year for TEN and the wider tanker business.

With an already improved tanker market and 23 TEN vessels up for chartering, the company is optimistic next year will be a particularly positive one.

Having headed tanker shipping association Intertanko for almost five years, Mr Tsakos is known to be outspoken on maritime policy matters. 

He has not been shy about his opinions of environmental regulation. The Tsakos Group has been an open backer of speed limits as a short-term method of slashing greenhouse gas emissions.

As emissions regulations intensify, we could see Mr Tsakos taking more public positions on the industry’s defining debate.

Mr Tsakos also appeared in the Top 100 in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.