THE shipping industry lost one of its most influential people with the passing of John Angelicoussis. 

Mr Angelicoussis died aged 72 on April 10 in Athens, after suffering a heart attack three weeks earlier.

Considered by many the biggest Greek shipowner, in terms of both fleet size and stature, his career in shipping spanned almost five decades, during which he grew the family business into the 150-ship empire that it is today. His group, which covers three major vessel segments, is believed to own the largest purely private shipping fleet in the world.

His foray into the liquefied natural gas sector in the early 2000s was a catalyst for the entry of Greek shipowners into a market where they are among the leaders.

Mr Angelicoussis, a discreet person who avoided the spotlight, was also known for his strong support of the Greek flag, and for the country’s wider maritime industry.

His daughter Maria Angelicoussis takes over as chief executive of the Angelicoussis group of companies.

Our Greece correspondent Nigel Lowry and Citi chairman of Global Shipping, Logistics and Offshore Michael Parker discuss who John Angelicoussis was, what made him so significant, and what his death means both for the business he leaves behind and the wider industry.