The interview that follows acquires particular weight, as it constitutes Mr. Kriton Lentoudis’s first appearance in the Greek press. He has consciously chosen to remain out of the public eye, adopting a stance which, as he characteristically notes, is based on the conviction that “real value is produced at sea and on ships, not in the spotlight of publicity.”
On the occasion of the founding of APEX Shipping & Energy, Mr. Lentoudis opens for the first time a substantive channel of communication with the Greek public, analyzing the challenges in a constantly changing environment for shipping. “The founding of APEX Shipping & Energy constitutes the natural evolution of our group,” he notes, emphasizing that the goal is the creation of an organization that will operate as “a point of reference for safety and efficiency in energy transportation.”
In the interview, the philosophy governing his activity is highlighted, where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously. As Mr. Lentoudis stresses, “sustainability is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for future competitiveness,” while he also points out that success in shipping requires “a long-term perspective and not short-term speculation.”
-You recently announced the founding of the new management company APEX Shipping & Energy. What is the strategic focus and your vision for this new venture? And how does Evalend fit into this new structure?
The founding of APEX Shipping & Energy constitutes the natural evolution of our group, reflecting our strategic decision for specialized focus on the sectors of Tankers and Gas Carriers. Evalend remains the central pillar and our legacy, while APEX operates as the operational arm, incorporating the most modern technical and environmental specifications. Our vision is for APEX to become a benchmark for safety and efficiency in energy transportation, maintaining unchanged our family tradition of quality and reliability.
-The newbuilding program of Evalend and APEX is particularly dynamic and includes different types of vessels. What factors guided the decision to expand your fleet, in an environment of increased uncertainty? And what do you consider to be the key advantages as well as the challenges of diversification?
The decision for the newbuilding program of the new vessels does not stem from a disposition of simple expansion, but from a strategic need for qualitative modernization. In an uncertain environment, possessing a modern and technically sound fleet is the best defense. We chose diversification into Tankers, LNG, LNG Bunkers and LPG because it allows us to offer integrated solutions to international energy markets, minimizing our exposure to the fluctuations of a single sector.
The main challenge is not the management of size, but the maintenance of high standards of maintenance and operation across the entire breadth of the fleet. For us at APEX, this challenge is met through strict technical discipline.
We invest in experienced executives and in vessels built to specifications that exceed the usual market standards, ensuring that every unit of our fleet operates with maximum reliability.
-Within a framework of strict environmental regulations and increased demands, how feasible is the balance between sustainability and competitiveness? What are the key criteria you take into account when designing the newbuilding order program of your group, with the aim of maximizing the life cycle and commercial exploitation of the vessels?
Sustainability is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for future competitiveness. The balance is achieved through investment in cutting-edge technology. Our key criteria are the maximization of energy efficiency and the ability of vessels to adapt to future requirements (future-proofing). That is why we invest in vessels such as the VLAC ICE, which are ready to carry zero-carbon fuels, thus ensuring the longevity of the investment and the protection of the environment.
