In the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean, a vision was born: a vision to provide Hull and Machinery marine insurance services to Greek and Cypriot shipowners. This vision became a reality on February 1994, when Hellenic Hull Mutual was officially founded, offering a lifeline to an industry caught between rising premiums and shrinking options.

1992-1994

The Birth of an Idea

1994

"Greeks form exclusive new hull insurance club"

Hellenic Hull was formally registered
in Limassol, Cyprus

MV ‘VEGA-T’
The very first insured vessel

A powerful symbol of mutuality

These links reflect the community of shipping professionals united in their mission to create a competent, reliable marine Hull and Machinery insurance organization, depicting the powerful bonds, the mutuality, the joint liability between the members, showing a competent marine hull insurance enterprise.

MV ‘SARAY STAR’
The first major incident

By June, Hellenic Hull had already faced its first major challenge—the total loss of the vessel Saray Star due to a fire in the Ionian Sea. Despite the $2.5 million claim, Hellenic Hull stood firm. As CEO Nikitas Kalfas declared, “We could sustain another 10 casualties like this without asking for additional contributions from our members.”

MV ‘MARGARO R’ becomes the 100th vessel to enter the Association for H&M insurance cover, signaling a pivotal milestone.

1995

The Phenomenon Grows

Hellenic Hull’s rise was nothing short of meteoric. From 113 insured vessels in 1994 to over 235 by 1995, the association became the lifeblood of the region’s shipping community.

Presenting the Hellenic Hull Mutual in London​

Driven to make waves worldwide, Hellenic Hull’s Founders and President hit the road, spotlighting the company at top international shipping forums—kicking off in global hubs like London.

Panagiotis Bartsiokas, Gregory Pipikios, Christos Dounis

Our first ever printed add

(a great embarrassment for the designer by today’s standards)

The Annual General Meeting at the Yacht Club

Board of directors:

  • Chairman: Iakovos Rigos / Shipowner
  • Gregory Pipikios / Underwriter
  • Vassilis Nicolaou / Shipowner
  • Christos Codjambopoulos / Shipowner, Naval Architect
  • Evangelos Zouppas / Shipowner, Marine Surveyor
  • Capt. Stefanos Melidis / Shipowner. Port captain
  • Capt. Constantine Kourmoulis – Port Captain / Marine Surveyor

1996

A year of extroversion

By 1996, Hellenic Hull had experienced remarkable growth, with over 300 vessels now under its coverage—an increase of 170% in just two years, alongside a 90% renewal rate among its members.

The full team in one snapshot. Can you tell who is who? 

A sign of growth

Founding Principles

And while the association was becoming a financial powerhouse, it never lost sight of its founding principles. At its heart, Hellenic Hull was about more than insurance. It was about fostering a sense of belonging, of mutual trust, and of shared responsibility.

"Notions and Views
on Greek Shipping"

Α vision fueled by education

1997

A Year of Accomplishments

A trusted partner for over 300 vessels.

Yes, this is Ilias P. Tsakiris proudly wearing his fancy 90s shirt and tie (which he still has in his closet)

Giving back to the community

In April, Hellenic Hull made a notable contribution to the Merchant Marine Academy in Hydra, donating a GPS electronic device to enhance the students’ educational experience.

Growing Leadership

Hellenic Hull’s 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM)

…and this guy wearing the cute nerdy glasses is Ilias Bobolos, working on state-of-the art Pentium 75MHz Computer with double floppy drive

Among the global shipping Leaders in Maritime Cyprus 1997

1998

A New Philosophy and a Focus on Transparency

A Vision for more sustainable future

HMA’s Chair Mr. Dounis unveiled an ambitious vision: the establishment of a marine campus in Greece, dedicated to promoting marine protection and ocean sustainability. 

Merry Christmas everybody!

A powerful team presence at Posidonia 1998

1999

As the millennium approached, Hellenic Hull Mutual continued to grow and adapt

Feeling a bit nervous because of the infamous Y2K problem, aren't we?

2000

The dawn of the new millennium found the marine insurance market in relatively calm waters, although challenges loomed on the horizon. Despite the steady growth of Hellenic Hull, the marine insurance market had reached its lowest levels of activity since 1993, reflecting broader industry stagnation.

In the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean, a vision was born: a vision to provide Hull and Machinery marine insurance services to Greek and Cypriot shipowners. This vision became a reality on February 1994, when Hellenic Hull Mutual was officially founded, offering a lifeline to an industry caught between rising premiums and shrinking options.

1992-1994

The Birth of an Idea

1994

"Greeks form exclusive new hull insurance club"

Hellenic Hull was formally registered
in Limassol, Cyprus

MV ‘VEGA-T’
The very first insured vessel

A powerful symbol of mutuality

These links reflect the community of shipping professionals united in their mission to create a competent, reliable marine Hull and Machinery insurance organization, depicting the powerful bonds, the mutuality, the joint liability between the members, showing a competent marine hull insurance enterprise.

MV ‘SARAY STAR’
The first major incident

By June, Hellenic Hull had already faced its first major challenge—the total loss of the vessel Saray Star due to a fire in the Ionian Sea. Despite the $2.5 million claim, Hellenic Hull stood firm. As CEO Nikitas Kalfas declared, “We could sustain another 10 casualties like this without asking for additional contributions from our members.”

MV ‘MARGARO R’ becomes the 100th vessel to enter the Association for H&M insurance cover, signaling a pivotal milestone.

1995

The Phenomenon Grows

Hellenic Hull’s rise was nothing short of meteoric. From 113 insured vessels in 1994 to over 235 by 1995, the association became the lifeblood of the region’s shipping community.

Presenting the Hellenic Hull Mutual in London​

Driven to make waves worldwide, Hellenic Hull’s Founders and President hit the road, spotlighting the company at top international shipping forums—kicking off in global hubs like London.

Panagiotis Bartsiokas, Gregory Pipikios, Christos Dounis

Our first ever printed add

(a great embarrassment for the designer by today’s standards)

The Annual General Meeting at the Yacht Club

Board of directors:

  • Chairman: Iakovos Rigos / Shipowner
  • Gregory Pipikios / Underwriter
  • Vassilis Nicolaou / Shipowner
  • Christos Codjambopoulos / Shipowner, Naval Architect
  • Evangelos Zouppas / Shipowner, Marine Surveyor
  • Capt. Stefanos Melidis / Shipowner. Port captain
  • Capt. Constantine Kourmoulis – Port Captain / Marine Surveyor

1996

A year of extroversion

By 1996, Hellenic Hull had experienced remarkable growth, with over 300 vessels now under its coverage—an increase of 170% in just two years, alongside a 90% renewal rate among its members.

The full team in one snapshot. Can you tell who is who? 

A sign of growth

Founding Principles

And while the association was becoming a financial powerhouse, it never lost sight of its founding principles. At its heart, Hellenic Hull was about more than insurance. It was about fostering a sense of belonging, of mutual trust, and of shared responsibility.

Α vision fueled by education

"Notions and Views
on Greek Shipping"

1997

A Year of Accomplishments

A trusted partner for over 300 vessels.

Yes, this is Ilias P. Tsakiris proudly wearing his fancy 90s shirt and tie (which he still has in his closet)

…and this guy wearing the cute nerdy glasses is Ilias Bobolos, working on state-of-the art Pentium 75MHz Computer with double floppy drive

Giving back to the community

In April, Hellenic Hull made a notable contribution to the Merchant Marine Academy in Hydra, donating a GPS electronic device to enhance the students’ educational experience.

Growing Leadership

Hellenic Hull’s 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Among the global shipping Leaders in Maritime Cyprus 1997

1998

A New Philosophy and a Focus on Transparency

A powerful team presence at Posidonia 1998

A Vision for more sustainable future

HMA’s Chair Mr. Dounis unveiled an ambitious vision: the establishment of a marine campus in Greece, dedicated to promoting marine protection and ocean sustainability. 

Merry Christmas everybody!

1999

As the millennium approached, Hellenic Hull Mutual continued to grow and adapt

Feeling a bit nervous because of the infamous Y2K problem, aren't we?

2000

The dawn of the new millennium found the marine insurance market in relatively calm waters, although challenges loomed on the horizon. Despite the steady growth of Hellenic Hull, the marine insurance market had reached its lowest levels of activity since 1993, reflecting broader industry stagnation.

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The birth of an idea

The 1990s were a turbulent time for the shipping industry. Hull and Machinery (H&M) insurance premiums skyrocketed, especially for small fleets. Greek and Cypriot shipowners found themselves struggling to secure affordable coverage. By 1992, this pressure sparked an idea within Trireme International Insurance Brokers and Kanellopoulos-Adamantiades Ltd., two prominent forces in marine insurance. Their aim?
The 1990s were a turbulent time for the shipping industry. Hull and Machinery (H&M) insurance premiums skyrocketed, especially for small fleets. Greek and Cypriot shipowners found themselves struggling to secure affordable coverage. By 1992, this pressure sparked an idea within Trireme International Insurance Brokers and Kanellopoulos-Adamantiades Ltd., two prominent forces in marine insurance. Their aim?

"To create a mutual insurance association that catered to the needs of their community."

"To create a mutual insurance association that catered to the needs of their community."

Founding members: Gregory Pipikios, Bod Wiggins, Jenny Rose, Bill Crickmore, Takis Bartsiokas, Nikitas Kalfas

President of Hellenic Hull Mutual & CEO of Hellenic Hull Management: Christos Dounis

A sign of growth

New members aboard! In September 1996, Hellenic Hull welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors: Mr. Charalambos Mylonas and Mr. Evangelos Marinakis, two influential shipowners who would help guide the association into the next chapter of its growth.
The Association’s 1996 AGM saw the election of a new president, Mr. Mylonas, signaling a new era of leadership.

Our vision is fueled by education

Vice Admiral Dounis frequently highlighted in his public presence that education and professional development were vital to the Association's mission. By supporting the training of the next generation of shipping and marine insurance professionals, Hellenic Hull aimed to contribute to a more resilient future for all.

Notions and Views on Greek Shipping

Our vision, driven by a passion for education, comes to life in Christos Dounis’s Notions and Views on Greek Shipping, first published in 1996.

A New Philosophy and a Focus on Transparency

By 1998, Hellenic Hull had evolved from an insurance provider into a value driven company centered on mutuality, transparency, and collective action. The year began with a renewed commitment to open communication and participatory governance, underlined by the introduction of an "open data" approach. This approach empowered members to be active participants in the association’s decision-making processes, reflecting HMA’s core belief in mutual responsibility.

As the millennium approached, Hellenic Hull Mutual continued to grow and adapt

In June, the Association held its Annual General Meeting, introducing new leaders to the Board of Directors. Mr. Marcos Frangos was elected as Chair, while Mr. Evangelos Marinakis rejoined as a director, alongside prominent maritime professionals like Mr. Stylianos Notis and Mr. Anthony Valmas.

making waves

in the industry:

Events of 2016

Throughout 2016, the company demonstrated its strengths at prominent industry events. In September, AHHIC made a notable appearance at the 18th Hydra Meeting, followed by participation in the Hall of Fame 2016, and continued with market presentations in both Piraeus and London.

CEO Ilias Tsakiris was recognized in The Investor Greece 2019 for his leadership in business and social responsibility. Throughout the year, Hellenic Hull made an impact at key industry events like the Capital Link Cyprus Forum, Insurance Conference, Delphi Economic Forum, and Maritime Cyprus 2019, advancing discussions on marine insurance and sustainability. The association also strengthened stakeholder engagement through presentations in Piraeus, London, and at P&I conferences. A standout moment was Tsakiris’ presentation at the World Maritime University, affirming Hellenic Hull’s dedication to training and education.

By 2001, the tides had shifted in favor of Hellenic Hull Mutual. At its 7th AGM, Hellenic Hull reported an impressive leap in its portfolio. The number of insured vessels had nearly doubled to 222, with a combined entered value exceeding $350 million.

HMA’s Chair Mr. Dounis shared an ambitious vision: the establishment of a marine campus in Greece, dedicated to promoting marine protection and ocean sustainability.

In April, Hellenic Hull made a notable contribution to the Merchant Marine Academy in Hydra, donating a GPS electronic device to enhance the students’ educational experience.

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