Several prominent figures from the maritime communities in Greece and Italy have passed away, including the founders of major global maritime and logistics companies. These included Vittorino De Bortoli, founder of DB Group, and Evgenia Daskalopoulou, founder of Almi Marine. The company announced Ms Daskalopoulou's death, stating that she passed away surrounded by her family. Ms Daskalopoulou founded the Athens-based company in 1992. According to the company, she believed that Almi Marine's true strength lay in its people.

Deep sadness at the loss.

Deep sadness for the loss was expressed by the company, and it was emphasised that the company created by Daskalopoulou is now based on the foundations she has laid over the years."Almi Marine was founded by Evgenia in 1992, and over the years it was built into the company we are proud to be part of today. She shaped its character, too,” the company said in a statement announcing her death, highlighting her emphasis on integrity and respect for staff ashore and at sea. The company confirmed that operations would continue as normal, adding that the family and management team were committed to carrying forward her vision and values.

The loss comes at a time when Almi Marine is expanding its business.

The loss of the founder comes at a time when Almi Marine is expanding its business. Just a few days ago, it was known that the company had entered into an agreement with COSCO Zhoushan for the construction of three Ultramax newbuildings with a capacity of 64,000 DWT each, with deliveries scheduled for 2030. The fresh deal follows Almi's agreement with NACKS shipyard for the construction of two Ultramax bulk carriers with a capacity of 64,000 DWT each.

At the time, managing director Hadjigeorgiou confirmed that the company had signed the agreement in February, with the ships due to be delivered in the second quarter of 2029. Currently, the company manages a fleet of three supramax and three 64,000-dwt ultramax vessels, totalling 365,140 MT.

Related: Farewell to Mercandino (Ged Transport), who has passed away at the age of 49.

 Vittorino De Bortoli, founder of DB Group

.Meanwhile, Vittorino De Bortoli, a Treviso-based entrepreneur who founded the DB Group in Montebelluna (Italy) with his brother Valter in 1980, passed away this morning at the age of 76 due to illness. De Bortoli was born in 1950 and held a degree in accounting. He began his career in the transportation industry by assisting his father, Angelo, in the family business. From the 1970s onwards, he specialised in international shipping and customs matters. He initially worked for companies in the Montebelluna Scarpone District before founding De Bortoli Srl. This company later became Db Group Spa, a logistics firm with over 80 offices worldwide and a total turnover of €500 million.

In recent years,

In recent years, while formally remaining an active member of the Board of Directors, he gradually withdrew, in agreement with the other board members, delegating his share of operational leadership to his brother Valter, CEO Silvia Moretto and the second generation of the family: his grandchildren, Silvia and Nicola De Bortoli. This was done to ensure continuity during a gradual transition.

#NACKS shipyard#Vittorino De Bortoli # DB Group #Almi Marine. #Vittorino De Bortoli #COSCO Zhoushan #Nicola De Bortoli #Silvia Moretto