Navarino – 30 Years of Greek Shipping

Navarino Shipping & Transport Co. Ltd. had evolved in 1967 from Delpa Shipping & Transport Co. Ltd., a company created by Marios Sofianos with offices at 3 Akti Miaouli, Piraeus. The new venture was started when he was joined by Michalis (Michael) Tsikopoulos.

The Tsikopoulos family having relocated from Istanbul, Michael Tsikopoulos had commenced his career in shipping in a Piraeus shipping agency in the 1950’s and started his own agency and chartering business in the early 1960’s.

Delpa had inherited the management of the 2,032grt Kyra Eleni, delivered at Trondheim to D/S A/S Songa of Bergen and owned since 1963 by George N. Coutsouvelis (Kyra Maritime) and, later, his heirs. Kyra Eleni was sold in 1975 without change of name, to Stylianos L. Matsas of Piraeus (Platres Cia Maritima SA ), but she sank on 6th January 1978 after grounding in heavy weather off Cape Sounion. In 1966 Delpa acquired the similar sized Kioni, Danish built in 1948 as Hans P. Carl, which Marios Sofianos had jointly owned with John Paizis. In June 1968, Kioni had suffered an engine room fire and was broken up at La Spezia.
Delpa had inherited the management of the 2,032grt Kyra Eleni, delivered at Trondheim to D/S A/S Songa of Bergen and owned since 1963 by George N. Coutsouvelis (Kyra Maritime) and, later, his heirs. Kyra Eleni was sold in 1975 without change of name, to Stylianos L. Matsas of Piraeus (Platres Cia Maritima SA ), but she sank on 6th January 1978 after grounding in heavy weather off Cape Sounion. In 1966 Delpa acquired the similar sized Kioni, Danish built in 1948 as Hans P. Carl, which Marios Sofianos had jointly owned with John Paizis. In June 1968, Kioni had suffered an engine room fire and was broken up at La Spezia.

The first ship purchased by Navarino following its creation in 1967 was the 1937 Oslo built Baalbek, operated from new by Fred Olsen. Renamed Solidarity, she had inaugurated Navarino’s naming policy ending “ty”. Navarino ships should not be confused with those of Sebastiano Tuillier who had partly adopted the same naming policy. Navarino’s ships were distinctively painted with a large white N on a broad red band on a black funnel with the hull painted either grey or black. Solidarity is seen in the Kiel Canal on 2nd July 1968 bound for Alexandria via Hamburg. She was sold in 1970, renamed Galata and traded on until broken up at Karachi in July 1972.
The first ship purchased by Navarino following its creation in 1967 was the 1937 Oslo built Baalbek, operated from new by Fred Olsen. Renamed Solidarity, she had inaugurated Navarino’s naming policy ending “ty”. Navarino ships should not be confused with those of Sebastiano Tuillier who had partly adopted the same naming policy. Navarino’s ships were distinctively painted with a large white N on a broad red band on a black funnel with the hull painted either grey or black. Solidarity is seen in the Kiel Canal on 2nd July 1968 bound for Alexandria via Hamburg. She was sold in 1970, renamed Galata and traded on until broken up at Karachi in July 1972.

By the beginning of 1970, five more small ships had been acquired as follows:

Honesty, built at Gothenburg in 1947 as Powell River for Thorvald Hansen of Oslo was, before her sale in 1976, briefly renamed Destiny, presumably to release the name of Honesty for a newbuilding. Seen in the Kiel Canal on 1st July 1969 bound from Rauma to Alexandria, she was broken up in 1979 as Spica Prosperity, built at Hardinxveld in 1947 as Prins Alexander for Oranje Lijn of Rotterdam in the Kiel Canal on 28th July 1969. Sold in 1970, as Poliagos she was wrecked in the Red Sea on 28th December 1980 on a voyage from Piraeus to Gizan, Saudi Arabia. with a cargo of cement.
Honesty, built at Gothenburg in 1947 as Powell River for Thorvald Hansen of Oslo was, before her sale in 1976, briefly renamed Destiny, presumably to release the name of Honesty for a newbuilding. Seen in the Kiel Canal on 1st July 1969 bound from Rauma to Alexandria, she was broken up in 1979 as Spica Prosperity, built at Hardinxveld in 1947 as Prins Alexander for Oranje Lijn of Rotterdam in the Kiel Canal on 28th July 1969. Sold in 1970, as Poliagos she was wrecked in the Red Sea on 28th December 1980 on a voyage from Piraeus to Gizan, Saudi Arabia. with a cargo of cement.

Integrity, built at Bolnes in 1948 as Mentor for K.N.S.M. of Amsterdam, in the Kiel Canal on 27th July 1969. Renamed Hope in 1975 then sold and renamed Alioth in 1978, she broke down in 1979 and idled, fully laden, in the upper Bosphorus until sold to Turkish owners and then broken up at Izmir in 1980 as Power.
Integrity, built at Bolnes in 1948 as Mentor for K.N.S.M. of Amsterdam, in the Kiel Canal on 27th July 1969. Renamed Hope in 1975 then sold and renamed Alioth in 1978, she broke down in 1979 and idled, fully laden, in the upper Bosphorus until sold to Turkish owners and then broken up at Izmir in 1980 as Power.

The 3,400grt Dignity was built in 1938 by Eriksbergs MV at Gothenburg as the Gullmaren. In 1966 she was sold to Kolintzas & Maltezos, a partnership linked with Karageorgis, and renamed Stamatis M as seen above, before joining Navarino in 1970. She was scrapped at Gemlik in September 1972 following six months laid up at Piraeus.
The 3,400grt Dignity was built in 1938 by Eriksbergs MV at Gothenburg as the Gullmaren. In 1966 she was sold to Kolintzas & Maltezos, a partnership linked with Karageorgis, and renamed Stamatis M as seen above, before joining Navarino in 1970. She was scrapped at Gemlik in September 1972 following six months laid up at Piraeus.

The 4,841grt Sincerity was built in 1949 by Eriksbergs MV at Gothenburg as the Lista for Mowinckles of Bergen. In 1967 she became Irene M of Mantomen Cia Naviera SA, Piraeus before joining Navarino in 1971. She was broken up at Gadani Beach in July 1975.
The 4,841grt Sincerity was built in 1949 by Eriksbergs MV at Gothenburg as the Lista for Mowinckles of Bergen. In 1967 she became Irene M of Mantomen Cia Naviera SA, Piraeus before joining Navarino in 1971. She was broken up at Gadani Beach in July 1975. Photo: FotoFlite

During 1969/70, Navarino had managed the 1947 Danish built 3,591grt Argy, the former Arkansas of DFDS owned by Dicta Maritime Corporation since 1966. Given the name of Fraternity, her management was by 1971 transferred to other Greek operators but without change of name. On 5th January 1976 she ran aground during a storm off Gaza with a cargo of cement which had been loaded at Gaeta, Italy, for Nigeria but rejected by the importer on arrival.
During 1969/70, Navarino had managed the 1947 Danish built 3,591grt Argy, the former Arkansas of DFDS owned by Dicta Maritime Corporation since 1966. Given the name of Fraternity, her management was by 1971 transferred to other Greek operators but without change of name. On 5th January 1976 she ran aground during a storm off Gaza with a cargo of cement which had been loaded at Gaeta, Italy, for Nigeria but rejected by the importer on arrival.

Six larger ships were acquired in 1971 as follows:

Navarino’s second Prosperity, seen arriving at Durban in May 1974. Built by Doxfords at Sunderland in 1950 as the 5,593grt Queen City for Reardon Smith, who sold her to London Greek owner N. E. Neophytos in 1966 to become Omala. The Prosperity was sold by Navarino in 1975 to Abbas Gokal’s Gulf Shipping Group to trade as United Orient only until beached at Gadani Beach on 22nd February 1977 to be broken up by Al Noor Steel Industries Ltd.
Navarino’s second Prosperity, seen arriving at Durban in May 1974. Built by Doxfords at Sunderland in 1950 as the 5,593grt Queen City for Reardon Smith, who sold her to London Greek owner N. E. Neophytos in 1966 to become Omala. The Prosperity was sold by Navarino in 1975 to Abbas Gokal’s Gulf Shipping Group to trade as United Orient only until beached at Gadani Beach on 22nd February 1977 to be broken up by Al Noor Steel Industries Ltd.

The 7,848grt Humanity was built in 1954 by Lithgows at Port Glasgow as the Temple Lane as seen above, for Lambert Bros. In 1968 she was transferred to Euxine Shipping of Hong Kong and renamed Dunster and in 1969 she joined Leopard Shipping as Deuterornis. Purchased by Navarino in 1971 and renamed Humanity, in 1973 she moved to Fidelity Maritime as Laurice Fidelity. In 1974 she joined G. Spanos as Aegean Navigator and in 1977 she became North Wave before leaking and beaching at Alexandria on 21st April 1981, and broken up there in 1985.
The 7,848grt Humanity was built in 1954 by Lithgows at Port Glasgow as the Temple Lane as seen above, for Lambert Bros. In 1968 she was transferred to Euxine Shipping of Hong Kong and renamed Dunster and in 1969 she joined Leopard Shipping as Deuterornis. Purchased by Navarino in 1971 and renamed Humanity, in 1973 she moved to Fidelity Maritime as Laurice Fidelity. In 1974 she joined G. Spanos as Aegean Navigator and in 1977 she became North Wave before leaking and beaching at Alexandria on 21st April 1981, and broken up there in 1985.

The 9,718grt Eternity was built in 1955 by Flensburger as Ginnheim for Unterweser Reederei of Bremen. She sailed for Navarino between 1971 and 1979 when, on 5th March, she was sold to Aguilar y Peris to be broken up at Burriana.
The 9,718grt Eternity was built in 1955 by Flensburger as Ginnheim for Unterweser Reederei of Bremen. She sailed for Navarino between 1971 and 1979 when, on 5th March, she was sold to Aguilar y Peris to be broken up at Burriana.

The 5,305grt Felicity was built in 1950 by Burmeister and Wain at Copenhagen as Leoville for Klaveness of Oslo and purchased from Karageorgis who had operated her since 1967 as Ioanna. She was laid up at Piraeus in June 1978 and sold at the end of 1979. In 1984 she was renamed Varvara Two and on 30th May of that year she arrived at Castillon to be broken up by I. M. Varela Davalillo.
The 5,305grt Felicity was built in 1950 by Burmeister and Wain at Copenhagen as Leoville for Klaveness of Oslo and purchased from Karageorgis who had operated her since 1967 as Ioanna. She was laid up at Piraeus in June 1978 and sold at the end of 1979. In 1984 she was renamed Varvara Two and on 30th May of that year she arrived at Castillon to be broken up by I. M. Varela Davalillo.

The 4,719grt Agility was built by Gotaverken at Gothenburg in 1949 as Texas for Wilh. Wilhelmsen. She traded as Kratigos Shipping’s Ion from 1968. She was sold at the end of 1979 following eighteen months laid up at Chalkis. Initially reported to be renamed Margarita III, she was eventually scrapped at Aliaga in Decemeber 1988 following ten years laid up.
The 4,719grt Agility was built by Gotaverken at Gothenburg in 1949 as Texas for Wilh. Wilhelmsen. She traded as Kratigos Shipping’s Ion from 1968. She was sold at the end of 1979 following eighteen months laid up at Chalkis. Initially reported to be renamed Margarita III, she was eventually scrapped at Aliaga in Decemeber 1988 following ten years laid up.

Navarino’s second Solidarity, seen arriving at Rotterdam in June 1977, was built at Lübeck in 1952 as Poseidon for Kohlen-Import u. Poseidon Schiffahrt AG of Hamburg owners and acquired in 1971. Sold at the end of 1979 to Roussos Brothers but resold in 1981 and renamed Viki K., she was abandoned by her crew on 2nd November 1981 on a voyage from Bilbao to Iran with a cargo of iron and PVC, subsequently sinking. It is reported that International Maritime Bureau investigations indicated that the cargo had been secretly offloaded at Port Said, the vessel being scuttled as part of an insurance fraud.
Navarino’s second Solidarity, seen arriving at Rotterdam in June 1977, was built at Lübeck in 1952 as Poseidon for Kohlen-Import u. Poseidon Schiffahrt AG of Hamburg owners and acquired in 1971. Sold at the end of 1979 to Roussos Brothers but resold in 1981 and renamed Viki K., she was abandoned by her crew on 2nd November 1981 on a voyage from Bilbao to Iran with a cargo of iron and PVC, subsequently sinking. It is reported that International Maritime Bureau investigations indicated that the cargo had been secretly offloaded at Port Said, the vessel being scuttled as part of an insurance fraud.

Felicity, Agility and Solidarity were all purchased from Navarino by Roussos Brothers whose many ships, including the former Otaki, Canopic and Hertford, were all laid up at Piraeus for long periods from the late 1970’s until, in the main, sold for breaking in the 1980’s.

The 7,848grt Humanity was built in 1954 by Lithgows at Port Glasgow as the Temple Lane as seen above, for Lambert Bros. In 1968 she was transferred to Euxine Shipping of Hong Kong and renamed Dunster and in 1969 she joined Leopard Shipping as Deuterornis. Purchased by Navarino in 1971 and renamed Humanity, in 1973 she moved to Fidelity Maritime as Laurice Fidelity. In 1974 she joined G. Spanos as Aegean Navigator and in 1977 she became North Wave before leaking and beaching at Alexandria on 21st April 1981, and broken up there in 1985.
The 7,848grt Humanity was built in 1954 by Lithgows at Port Glasgow as the Temple Lane as seen above, for Lambert Bros. In 1968 she was transferred to Euxine Shipping of Hong Kong and renamed Dunster and in 1969 she joined Leopard Shipping as Deuterornis. Purchased by Navarino in 1971 and renamed Humanity, in 1973 she moved to Fidelity Maritime as Laurice Fidelity. In 1974 she joined G. Spanos as Aegean Navigator and in 1977 she became North Wave before leaking and beaching at Alexandria on 21st April 1981, and broken up there in 1985.

Sisterships Duke of Mistra, renamed Atlantic Fury by Livanos in 1965, and Duke of Sparta, renamed Atlantic Falcon in 1960, were purchased by Navarino in 1975 and renamed Prosperity and Agility (above). Built at Haverton Hill in 1959 and initially trading under the British flag, Prosperity was sold for further trading in 1977 to operate as Fay C. until broken up in 1983 while Agility was laid up at Astakos in March 1982, sailing a year later for breaking near Karachi.
Sisterships Duke of Mistra, renamed Atlantic Fury by Livanos in 1965, and Duke of Sparta, renamed Atlantic Falcon in 1960, were purchased by Navarino in 1975 and renamed Prosperity and Agility (above). Built at Haverton Hill in 1959 and initially trading under the British flag, Prosperity was sold for further trading in 1977 to operate as Fay C. until broken up in 1983 while Agility was laid up at Astakos in March 1982, sailing a year later for breaking near Karachi.

Further ships acquired between 1974 and 1977 were as follows:

SeaSunday2023

Father Panos, Panos being the Christian name of the founder’s father, was built at Sunderland in 1968 as Sheaf Crest for W.A. Souter of Newcastle, and nominally owned by Equality Shipping Company S.A., Following four years laid up at Piraeus she was delivered to Shanghai breakers in March 1986 as Panos.
Father Panos, Panos being the Christian name of the founder’s father, was built at Sunderland in 1968 as Sheaf Crest for W.A. Souter of Newcastle, and nominally owned by Equality Shipping Company S.A., Following four years laid up at Piraeus she was delivered to Shanghai breakers in March 1986 as Panos.

Velocity, built at Warnemünde in 1969 as Neptune Aquamarine (above) for Neptune Orient Lines and purchased through the Hong Kong Chinese Ocean Tramping Group who, it is thought, had briefly traded the ship in 1974 as Andu. Velocity was sold for further trading in 1977 and was broken up at Castellon in 1986 as Irenes Logic.
Velocity, built at Warnemünde in 1969 as Neptune Aquamarine (above) for Neptune Orient Lines and purchased through the Hong Kong Chinese Ocean Tramping Group who, it is thought, had briefly traded the ship in 1974 as Andu. Velocity was sold for further trading in 1977 and was broken up at Castellon in 1986 as Irenes Logic.

Sincerity, built at Sesatao, Spain, in 1962 as Chatwood (above) for Wm. France, Fenwick which had been purchased by Messageries Maritimes in 1969 and renamed Moheli. Sincerity was renamed Mighty in 1980 and sold for further trading in 1981 and was broken up at Chittagong in 1985 as Devi.
Sincerity, built at Sesatao, Spain, in 1962 as Chatwood (above) for Wm. France, Fenwick which had been purchased by Messageries Maritimes in 1969 and renamed Moheli. Sincerity was renamed Mighty in 1980 and sold for further trading in 1981 and was broken up at Chittagong in 1985 as Devi.

Unity, built by Short Brothers at Sunderland in 1954 as Pindar for Lyras Brothers who in 1970 had renamed her Vasilakis, is seen sailing from Cape Town in January 1975 on a voyage from Antwerp to Iloilo. Unity finally arrived at Ulsan in April 1979 for breaking.
Unity, built by Short Brothers at Sunderland in 1954 as Pindar for Lyras Brothers who in 1970 had renamed her Vasilakis, is seen sailing from Cape Town in January 1975 on a voyage from Antwerp to Iloilo. Unity finally arrived at Ulsan in April 1979 for breaking.

Trinity, built by Doxford at Sunderland in 1957 as Aghios Spyridon for Rethymnis & Kulukundis, is seen arriving at Cape Town in December 1977 on a voyage from Rosario with a cargo of grain for Vietnam. Trinity finally arrived at Inchon in April 1979 for breaking.
Trinity, built by Doxford at Sunderland in 1957 as Aghios Spyridon for Rethymnis & Kulukundis, is seen arriving at Cape Town in December 1977 on a voyage from Rosario with a cargo of grain for Vietnam. Trinity finally arrived at Inchon in April 1979 for breaking.

Loyalty, an SD14 type built at Sunderland in 1969 as Corfu Island. Loyalty arrived at Basrah on 24th September 1980 from Duluth with severe missile damage sustained during the Iran/Iraq conflict and was trapped in port until 1993. The hulk was towed to Karachi in September 1993 for breaking at Gadani Beach.
Loyalty, an SD14 type built at Sunderland in 1969 as Corfu Island. Loyalty arrived at Basrah on 24th September 1980 from Duluth with severe missile damage sustained during the Iran/Iraq conflict and was trapped in port until 1993. The hulk was towed to Karachi in September 1993 for breaking at Gadani Beach.

Tenacity, built at El Ferrol in 1965 as Joaquin Ponte Naya (above). In 1977 Navarino renamed the ship Fraternity but in 1980 she was trapped at the Iraqi port of Khor al Kubair and only towed away in September 1988 for breaking, being beached at Alang in December.
Tenacity, built at El Ferrol in 1965 as Joaquin Ponte Naya (above). In 1977 Navarino renamed the ship Fraternity but in 1980 she was trapped at the Iraqi port of Khor al Kubair and only towed away in September 1988 for breaking, being beached at Alang in December.

 

Overseas Shipping Company

Activity, built at Capelle, Holland, in 1960 as North Viscountess for Pappadakis. In 1980 the Activity was transferred to a newly created company named Overseas Shipping Company, again based at 3 Akti Miaouli, Piraeus and renamed Energetic, as which she was broken up near Karachi at the end of 1982.
Activity, built at Capelle, Holland, in 1960 as North Viscountess for Pappadakis. In 1980 the Activity was transferred to a newly created company named Overseas Shipping Company, again based at 3 Akti Miaouli, Piraeus and renamed Energetic, as which she was broken up near Karachi at the end of 1982.

In 1976/7 Navarino took delivery of two new ships from a yard at Chofu, Japan. Named Honesty and Integrity (above), they were together sold to China in 1981 and broken up locally in 2009
In 1976/7 Navarino took delivery of two new ships from a yard at Chofu, Japan. Named Honesty and Integrity (above), they were together sold to China in 1981 and broken up locally in 2009. Photo: FotoFlite

The final ships acquired directly by Navarino Shipping & Transport were a pair of SD14’s, purchased in 1981. Named Honesty II and Integrity II (above), these two ships, respectively built in 1969 as Carrel for Matheson and in 1972 as Arcadian Warrior for Coloctronis. In 1983 Honesty II, after spending much of that year laid up at Trincomalee, was transferred to Overseas Shipping and renamed Urania. She was broken up at Gadani Beach in December 1986 as Thunder while Integrity II was sold for further trading in 1983 and broken up at Alang in May 1997 as Lia P.
The final ships acquired directly by Navarino Shipping & Transport were a pair of SD14’s, purchased in 1981. Named Honesty II and Integrity II (above), these two ships, respectively built in 1969 as Carrel for Matheson and in 1972 as Arcadian Warrior for Coloctronis. In 1983 Honesty II, after spending much of that year laid up at Trincomalee, was transferred to Overseas Shipping and renamed Urania. She was broken up at Gadani Beach in December 1986 as Thunder while Integrity II was sold for further trading in 1983 and broken up at Alang in May 1997 as Lia P.

In addition to the Activity and Urania mentioned above, Overseas Shipping also took delivery of the following ships:

In 1981 the Unity, an SD14 type built at Skaramanga in 1970 as Rinoula for Lemos & Pateras. She was in 1982, on transfer from the Greek to Panama flag, renamed Unity 1 but then laid up in Malalag Bay in the Philippines from November 1982 until sold in mid 1984 and renamed Naya.
In 1981 the Unity, an SD14 type built at Skaramanga in 1970 as Rinoula for Lemos & Pateras. She was in 1982, on transfer from the Greek to Panama flag, renamed Unity 1 but then laid up in Malalag Bay in the Philippines from November 1982 until sold in mid 1984 and renamed Naya.

In 1982 the Prosperity, a Santa Fe type built at Bilbao in 1973 as Marta (above) for local owner Vascongada. On 3rd February 1993 Prosperity sank 120 miles west of Colombo during a voyage from Aqaba to Madras with a cargo of phosphate.
In 1982 the Prosperity, a Santa Fe type built at Bilbao in 1973 as Marta (above) for local owner Vascongada. On 3rd February 1993 Prosperity sank 120 miles west of Colombo during a voyage from Aqaba to Madras with a cargo of phosphate. Photo: FotoFlite

Ypsilon Maritime

In 1986 the South Wind (above), built at Bilbao in 1974 as Aegis Topic for Papalios, which traded for Overseas Shipping until 1994 when sold to China soon after being transferred to Ypsilon Maritime, a new company created in 1993, and renamed Active. Sold to China in 1994 she traded as Hua Neng No.1 until deleted in 2011 .
In 1986 the South Wind (above), built at Bilbao in 1974 as Aegis Topic for Papalios, which traded for Overseas Shipping until 1994 when sold to China soon after being transferred to Ypsilon Maritime, a new company created in 1993, and renamed Active. Sold to China in 1994 she traded as Hua Neng No.1 until deleted in 2011.  Photo: FotoFlite

In 1989 the South Island, built at Bilbao in 1975 as Aegis Dynamic (above) for Papalios, which traded for Overseas Shipping until transferred to Ypsilon Maritime in 1993 and renamed Anastasia.
In 1989 the South Island, built at Bilbao in 1975 as Aegis Dynamic (above) for Papalios, which traded for Overseas Shipping until transferred to Ypsilon Maritime in 1993 and renamed Anastasia. Photo: FotoFlite

In 1991 the dry bulk carrier South Calm, built in Japan in 1974 as Golden Prince for Lygnos Brothers, which traded for Overseas Shipping until transferred to Ypsilon Maritime in 1993 and renamed Energetic.
In 1991 the dry bulk carrier South Calm, built in Japan in 1974 as Golden Prince for Lygnos Brothers, which traded for Overseas Shipping until transferred to Ypsilon Maritime in 1993 and renamed Energetic.

The collapse of the freight market in the 1980’s had severely affected Navarino’s profitability, the final years of operation being focused upon Ypsilon Maritime with the Anastasia, beached at Alang in January 1998 as Anastasia 1 for breaking, and the bulk carrier Energetic, broken up at Alang at the end of 1999.

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