Samos Steamship's Inglessis family launches shipmanagement company 

According to the newly established company’s website, Carlova Maritime, led by Anthony Inglessis, represents a direct continuation of the historic Samos Steamship.

Speculation around Carlova Maritime had been mounting in the market after the company secured approval from the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs in early 2025 to open an office in Greece. Shortly thereafter, shipping data platforms such as Equasis listed Carlova Maritime’s office at the same address as Samos Steamship’s, with the company managing a single newbuilding Aframax tanker named Phaedra. The vessel was originally ordered by Samos Steamship from the Japanese shipyard Sumitomo.

Carlova Maritime has now confirmed its link to Samos Steamship with the launch of its website. “Along with the 90% of shore personnel from Samos Steamship Co, Carlova Maritime Co upholds the long tradition of running very high-quality vessels, maintained with the best standards and retains a loyal pool of seafarers and shore staff, continuing to grow in both market segments, bulk carriers and tankers,” the website states.

In addition to Phaedra, Carlova Maritime has taken over two more vessels previously listed under Samos Steamship: Freedom, a 2011-built Capesize bulk carrier, and Penelope, a 2023-built Aframax tanker.

Both Carlova Maritime and Samos Steamship have been approached for comment regarding their future operations.

A rich history

The Inglessis family began trading goods nearly 150 years ago, initially operating a small fleet from the island of Samos. Samos Steamship was officially established in 1911.

The traditional shipping company currently manages a young fleet of 21 tankers and bulk carriers, according to its website. In recent years, it has actively pursued fleet renewal, commissioning all newbuilds from Japanese shipyards across both major sectors.

Notably, in 2019, Nicholas Inglessis – part of the family’s fifth generation – founded Alberta Shipmanagement, another prominent player in the shipping industry, which also operates a mixed fleet of bulk carriers and tankers.