On his way home after an eight-month voyage, Captain Giannis Kougioumtzoglou spoke to “Fair Winds and Following Seas” from Dubai International Airport, just before boarding his flight to Greece.
“Everything went smoothly during my eight months at sea,” he says. “A seafarer’s life is one of constant readiness—we’re always living out of a suitcase. We’ve grown used to it. The profession has changed significantly over the years. We now operate in the era of digitalization and AI, with stricter regulations, greater pressure, and much less time in port, but also with safer ships and improved working conditions. After long-haul voyages between China and Australia, China and Brazil, and other routes, it’s finally time to reunite with my family and enjoy some precious time together on my beloved island of Skopelos, where I come from. I wish all Greeks, and especially our seafarers, all the very best. Take care of yourselves, and I hope to see you again soon.”
Produced and presented by Antonis Karagiannakis