Meet Vangelis Linardatos, Managing Director of NAVTOR Hellas

Smart shipping runs on people power! NAVTOR has built its position as the undisputed leader in maritime technology thanks to the hard work, expertise and ambition of talented teams spread across the globe.

In this new series of articles, we’re shining the spotlight on the individuals heading up our regional offices – harvesting their insights, recognising their contributions and, quite simply, just getting to know them a little better.

With Posidonia steaming into view on the horizon we thought who better to kick things off than our wonderful NAVTOR Hellas MD.

So, ladies and gentlemen, without further ado please say hello to Mr Vangelis Linardatos.

Vangelis Linardatos, Managing Director of NAVTOR Hellas

Describe your personality in five words, or less?

Visionary, creative, hands‑on, committed, persistent.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Being on the very frontline of an industry in transformation. Every day, we help Greek shipowners solve complex problems with smart shipping innovations, making daily tasks easier and more efficient, both onboard and onshore.

From a personal perspective, I love seeing how the NAVTOR teams work together as one, making a real impact on our customers’ daily operations. It gives me great pride.

Name one or two big issues, or hot topics, facing customers in your region?

The world economy and Greek shipping are currently affected by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with increased risks for vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz. This creates serious concerns for navigational safety and the lives of seafarers.

At the same time, major challenges include decarbonisation, especially with regard to the new EU ETS rules, and the ongoing push for digitalisation. Shipping companies need to make their fleets more efficient… and they need to do so very quickly!

How can NAVTOR help them address these issues?

NAVTOR supports our customers during this challenging period with real‑time monitoring through NavTracker/NavBox and security solutions within NavStation. We also provide NavFleet, a next‑generation platform for environmental monitoring and compliance.

Our performance and routing software helps customers reduce fuel consumption, track emissions easily, and comply with the new environmental regulations.

We are onboard, 24/7, to help this industry face challenges, and seize opportunity.

If you had a magic wand, what one industry issue would you fix?

The most important issue is the safety of navigation and open, secure international trade routes. If I could change one thing, it would be to eliminate geopolitical conflicts, piracy, and other security threats that put the lives of seafarers at risk and creates barriers to free global trade.

What keeps you awake at night?

Our work is very demanding, as we must support crews onboard 24/7. Ensuring that we always deliver on our promises to our customers, while keeping our team strong and well supported, is what keeps me awake at night.

Tell us one thing about you readers (probably) don’t know?

I have a great passion for wine and viticulture, and I am a small wine producer.

I believe that wine is an art – it requires passion, dedication, and attention to detail to achieve high quality. This pursuit of perfection gives me motivation and satisfaction.

Wine has also played a key role in our civilisation; ancient Greek merchants sailed across the Mediterranean trading wine and olive oil.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?

Have a 360‑degree view of reality and always stay open to new ideas.

This advice helped me greatly throughout my career. It came from my late father‑in‑law, Mr. Mathioudakis, founder of Space Electronics. He was a great person and a highly respected businessman in our market.

We’re going to visit your office… can you recommend

a) a local restaurant

b) a tourist attraction

c) an activity?

Our office is located in Moschato, very close to Piraeus and the Athens Riviera. It is a central point to enjoy the south of Athens but also close to the city centre.

a) Visit Mikrolimano, the small harbour of Piraeus. It is a fantastic place with plenty of excellent options to eat, drink, and enjoy a wonderful time by the seaside.

b) The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is right next door. It has beautiful gardens and great views.

c) Take a long walk along the Athens Riviera by the sea.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Posidonia is not just an exhibition, it is a celebration of Greek shipping. It brings together not only Greek shipping companies, but also international partners and visitors. It is a great opportunity to meet people, visit Greece in June, and enjoy a couple of days of the Greek summer.

I look forward to seeing everyone at Posidonia.

Visit us in Hall 3, Stand 519/7 to say hello.

To find out more, or arrange a personal meeting on the NAVTOR stand, please contact our Customer Service team.