Mr. Simos Palios, Chairman of the Board of Diana Shipping Inc. and author of the book “The Sea Is a Road”, joins Antonis Karagiannakis on “Fair Winds and Following Seas – Saturday Shift” on Voice of Greece. The conversation touches on the sea and shipping—yesterday, today, and tomorrow—exploring industry developments, new technologies, alternative fuels, as well as the ships of earlier times, like those owned by his father and grandfathers.
The guest, whose family roots are in Vrontados, Chios, shares stories from his childhood, including the day he met his father for the first time at the age of four—an encounter made easier, as he recalls, with the help of a chocolate bar.
He speaks about his family, his course in the shipping world, his studies, the first vessel he acquired, the people he met along the way, and the rise of his company leading to its listing on the NYSE. He also reflects on the struggles and battles he, his family, and his associates faced in establishing themselves and achieving long-term success in the industry.
In addition, Mr. Palios reads an excerpt from his book, recounting the most difficult battle of his life—his fight with COVID-19, when he spent more than 30 days in the hospital at the start of the pandemic, a time when little was known about the virus.
A distinctive radio voyage on Voice of Greece, with a remarkable guest and an inspiring human story — not to be missed.
Produced and presented by Antonis Karagiannakis
Broadcast: Saturday, 06 December 2025, 08:00 (Athens time) — with a repeat at 20:00.
