Prokopiou family launches new tanker venture, orders up to four Suezmaxes in China

The new entity, Beacon Tankers Management, signed a contract with Hengli Heavy Industries on 5 May for the construction of two firm 158,000-dwt Suezmax tankers, with options for an additional two vessels.

While no further details have been disclosed beyond this being the first collaboration between the two parties, shipbroking and market sources indicate that the company is a new venture established by Eliza Prokopiou, the eldest daughter of George Prokopiou.

In a photograph from the contract signing ceremony, her husband, Nicolas Chrissakis, is seen seated.

Official documents from the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy show that Beacon Tankers Management’s Greek office was approved in February 2026.

The same documents list a legal representative address identical to that of Agency Trust, a dry bulk owner controlled by Ms Prokopiou. According to Equasis data, the company manages a fleet of 12 vessels.

George Prokopiou has developed a strong relationship with Hengli Heavy Industries, which has secured a significant share of his extensive tanker newbuilding programme, largely spread across Chinese shipyards.

All four of Mr Prokopiou’s daughters – Eliza, Ioanna, Marina and Marielena Prokopiou – are active in the shipping sector, each running their own ventures. While their primary focus has been on dry bulk, they now appear interested in establishing tanker businesses.

The youngest daughter, Marielena Prokopiou, recently founded Akrotiri Tankers, which began with a fleet of three LR1 tankers and has already expanded into newbuildings.

Dynacom Tankers, Sea Traders and Dynagas remain the core pillars of the family’s shipping business, operating a substantial fleet while continuing to invest heavily in new tonnage in recent years.