Vellis family led Delia expands into tankers with trio from Pleiades

Delia was founded by members of the Vellis family, formerly involved with the traditional Greek tanker company Pleiades Shipping Agents. The group operates through two distinct entities – Delia Bulkers and Delia Tankers –each currently managing a fleet of three vessels, according to the company’s website

Delia Bulkers controls two Kamsarmax and one Panamax bulk carrier, all of which joined the fleet in the second half of 2024. The average age of the bulk carriers stands at around nine years.

Delia Tankers, meanwhile, manages two Aframax and one MR2 tanker, with an average age of just four years. The vessels under Delia Tankers include 2023-built, 115,198-dwt Arachthos I, 2022-built, 115,351-dwt Alfios I and 2018-built, 49,999-dwt Strimon – all constructed at South Korean shipyards. According to Equasis data, Strimon was the first to enter the fleet in December 2024, with the other two joining a month later.

Delia Tankers has taken over full management of its vessels from Pleiades Shipping Agents, which had previously managed the ships. 

Notably, Delia Shipping also appears to be registered in the UK, with official government records listing Eleni Velli and Alexandros Vellis as company directors.

According to its website, Delia’s medium-sized fleet allows for an emphasis on “quality management and meticulous maintenance” of its vessels.

New shipping companies emerge

Market observers note a growing number of shipping companies being launched in Greece, reinforcing Piraeus’ status as a global shipping hub. Many of these emerging entities are led by younger generations or alternative branches of traditional Greek shipping families.

These ventures often benefit from the support of the family business during their early stages – leveraging industry contacts and operational expertise. It is not uncommon for the family’s established company to manage the new entity’s vessels in the initial phase, facilitating a smoother transition.

Among the new crop of Greek shipping companies is Carlova Maritime, led by Anthony Inglessis as a “direct continuation of the historic Samos Steamship,” along with Armi Shipmanagement, headed by Yiannis Kourkoulis.