Thanasis Martinos

Thanasis Martinos
Born	Template:Birth year and age Athens, Greece
Occupation(s)	Shipowner, Philanthropist
Known for	Founder of Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (Eastmed)

Thanasis Martinos (born 1950) is a prominent Greek shipowner and the founder of Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (Eastmed).

Early life and Career

Martinos was born in Athens in February 1950. His professional journey began in 1971 when he joined Thenamaris Ships Management, a family enterprise founded by his mother. He pursued academic studies in Shipping in London alongside Economics at the University of Athens, completing both by 1974. By the following year, Thenamaris managed a fleet of 36 vessels with an aggregate capacity of 850,000 tons. In 1991, Martinos established Eastern Mediterranean Maritime (EastMed), which currently operates a fleet of 77 ocean-going ships, employs 180 office personnel, and has a crew of approximately 1,500 seafarers. Additionally, he has substantial investments in the real estate sector.

According to Forbes World's Billionaires list, Martinos' net worth is estimated at US$1.9 billion.

Philanthropy and Public Service

From October 2019 until July 2023, Martinos held the position of Civil Governor of the Monastic community of Mount Athos. He also carries the distinguished title of Archon bestowed by the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

His philanthropic efforts are extensive, encompassing healthcare, education, social welfare, religious institutions, and cultural projects throughout Greece. Notable initiatives include financing ICU equipment and personnel salaries at hospitals such as Sotiria and Attikon, enhancing educational facilities with technological upgrades, providing assistance to large families in Thrace, restoring ecclesiastical buildings, and supporting various cultural programs.

Awards and Recognition

In 2024, Athanasios Martinos was honored as a Grand Benefactor by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and was granted an Honorary Doctorate from its School of Medicine. The previous year, he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Department of Maritime Studies at the University of Piraeus.

The President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, awarded him the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour in 2025 in recognition of his philanthropic achievements.

Personal life

Thanasis Martinos is married to Marina Martinos and has three children. Among them is Georgia Martinos, who served as a member of the Hellenic Parliament from 2012 to 2023. His brother is Constantinos Martinos.