ASone of the leading break-bulk liner operators, Empros Lines has established a solid sea transportation service between the continent, Eastern Mediterranean and North African ports. And thanks to the company’s long-established vessel fleet, it is a service known for reliability.
“We have more than 70 years of experience behind us, which has enabled us to build a strong level of trust with our customers,” explained General Manager Sotiris Kakouriotis. “This is what really enables us to stand out against our competitors.”
The foundations
Empros Lines was established in 1950 by George M Dracopoulos, in honour of his father’s perished vessel the S/S EMPROS. Before long, the company began acquiring its own vessels, with the first one, M/V Advance, inaugurating the fleet in 1951.
Following 20 years of successful operations, the company launched its own ship building programme to further enhance its capabilities. This adventure was kickstarted with the construction of three SD14 type tween deck general cargo vessels in 1970. All three were successfully delivered, marking a new era for the ship operator.
Empros Lines’ newbuilding programme has remained successful over the years, with new vessels being introduced as recently as 2018, following the company’s order for two new Ultramax vessels from Imabari Shipbuilding Co.
On a new course
Always eager to leverage its extensive expertise, Empros Lines has been actively launching new liner services as part of the company’s strategic development plans. The most recent expansion involves establishing a new liner service operating in Morocco,
Empros Lines Shipping Co has been providing world-class ship management and liner to a satisfied clientele since 1950. As the company approaches its 75th year of operations, ambitious plans for its Liner Operations division. General Manager Sotiris Kakouriotis the latest developments, during an in-depth interview with Inside Marine. Report by
liner operations operations, it has Kakouriotis divulged on by Imogen Ward.
Algeria and Tunisia, which sails twice a month and has been highly successful so far.
“By adding these three countries to our schedule, we have successfully increased our value by 30 per cent and enhanced our carrying capacity to 800,000 freight tonnes per year,” said Mr Kakouriotis.
This service has now joined Empros Lines’ other liner routes within the region, which include a service from Antwerp, Dunkirk, Rotterdam, Hamburg and Bremen to Turkey (Istanbul, Diliskelesi, Gemlik, Izmir, Aliaga, Mersin and Iskenderun ports) and Greece (Piraeus, Eleusis, Volos and Thessaloniki). This service operates on a regular schedule every fifteen days.
In addition to the company’s trips to Greece and Turkey, Empros Lines also operates a
regular service from the Continent to Egypt every 15 days, sailing through to the ports of Alexandria, Damietta and Port Said.
As the company continuously seeks new ways to improve its operations several new northbound liners are expected to be established in Q1 of 2025. This includes a service from Turkey to the Continent, which stops at the UK ports, and an additional service from Mediterranean Egyptian ports to the Continent and the UK.
“This is completely separate from our southbound service, so we are utilising different vessels to ensure the regularity and consistency of both operations remain high,” explained Mr Kakouriotis. “To maintain this regularity, we charter around 150 vessels per year to meet the needs of our liners – each one ranging from 7,000 mts dwt all the way up to 28,000 mts dwt.”
A new exclusive service from Antwerp to the ports situated within the Black Sea is also in the works and expected to be operational by the beginning of 2025. This will enable Empros Lines to serve ports in Romania, Bulgaria and Georgia.
“There is a great demand for a service in this area, however things have been complicated since the war broke out in Ukraine,” said Mr Kakouriotis. “That’s why we have held off on implementing it until now, but we are excited to get going with this project and see where it takes us in the future.”
Quality assured
With each new addition to the Liner division, the company ensures the quality of service remains exemplary. One of the methods employed to achieve this is with continuous staff training.
“We are extremely diligent and take the time to thoroughly train all our port staff and, office personnel, ensuring safety and quality are prioritised in every aspect of our operations,” said Mr Kakouriotis. “We also have policies in place to ensure this commitment is upheld. Dedicated to always providing a positive experience for its customers, Empros Lines engages in regular in-person interactions. This practice not only fosters
strong relationships but also presents opportunities to address any issues and implement improvements.
“We have many customers to keep satisfied, most of whom are based in Northern Europe,” continued Mr Kakouriotis. “We have an office located in Belgium, staffed with experienced professionals who regularly communicate with our customers to resolve any issues and enhance the quality of our service. Additionally, Line Manager Mrs Tonia Tsiskaki and I, visit our customers frequently to ensure their needs are being met.”
As Empros Lines looks ahead, the company will continue to prioritise its customer-centric approach, while implementing its strategic plans for expansion.
“Our vision for the future remains steadfast, we aim to expand our service into new markets, find new clients and, of course, enhance our reputation to distinguish ourselves from our competitors,” stated Mr Kakouriotis, in conclusion. “We are confident that with the dedication of our loyal office staff and our hardworking port officers, we can foster a positive working atmosphere and achieve excellent cooperation.’’ n
