Captain Panagiotis Tsakos launched the “Dr. Irene Tsakos” on its maiden voyage

The ship, immediately after being received by TEN, set sail from the Hyundai shipyards, beginning its maiden voyage. At the naming ceremony, which took place in the presence of Group executives, sailors and family members, Captain Panagiotis delivered a speech full of emotion and historical references, paying a lively tribute to the woman who, as he said, “was the compass and the quiet protector of our people at sea”.

“This is not just the delivery of a ship. It is the continuation of a legacy,” he said. “The name ‘Dr. Irene Tsakos’ holds a sacred place in my heart – and in the hearts of many present.”

Captain Tsakos referred to their long journey together, from their first ship, the “Irene Star,” in 1970, to the present. He praised Irene’s contribution as a wife, mother, doctor and life partner who remained faithful to the Hippocratic Oath until the end, selflessly serving the health and safety of seafarers.

He was particularly moved when he spoke about his grandchildren, Irene and Elisabeth, who, as the ship’s contractors, “honored their grandmother,” as he said, as well as about his first-born grandson, Panagiotis Jr., who continues the family maritime tradition.

The captain did not fail to express his gratitude to the Group’s executives who worked for the successful completion of the project, while also sending warm wishes to the ship’s captain Gerasimos Skyllas, to the First Engineer Yiannis Soulis, and to the well-trained crew of the “Dr. Irene Tsakos”: “May Saint Nicholas bless your voyages with safe winds, peaceful and hospitable ports and with the eternal spirit of PEACE – both at sea and in the whole world.” The new tanker is not just another shipbuilding addition to TEN's fleet. It is a living symbol of love, unity and timeless faith in values ​​that founded not only a shipping giant, but also a family with vision and spiritual depth.