Panagiotis Laskaridis

Panagiotis Laskaridis
Birthplace	Greece
Nationality	Greek
Occupation	Shipowner, businessman, philanthropist
Known for	Founder and co-owner of Lavinia Corporation; Laskaridis Shipping; Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation
Awards	Grand Commander of the Order of Honour (2021); Grand Cross of the Order of Honour (2024)

Panagiotis "Panos" Laskaridis (Template:Lang-el) is a Greek shipowner, businessman, and philanthropist. He is the founder and co-owner of Lavinia Corporation, an Athens-based shipping conglomerate, and the head of Laskaridis Shipping, one of Greece's prominent ship management companies. Beyond the maritime industry, Laskaridis is known for his philanthropic activities through the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation, which has funded cultural preservation projects, donations to the Hellenic Navy, and collaborations with Greek academic institutions. He has received two of Greece's highest civilian honors—the Grand Commander of the Order of Honour in 2021 and the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour in 2024—for his contributions to the country. His career has also been marked by controversy, including his departure from the Union of Greek Shipowners in 2021 following politically charged comments and a 2023 incident in which Italian authorities seized one of his company's vessels after discovering a large quantity of cocaine aboard.

Career

Shipping

Panagiotis Laskaridis built his career in the Greek shipping industry, establishing himself as the founder and co-owner of Lavinia Corporation, headquartered in Athens. The company operates under the broader umbrella of Laskaridis Shipping, a Greek ship management company that oversees a fleet involved in international trade and transport.

In October 2023, Laskaridis Shipping entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), signaling the company's interest in fostering collaboration between the Greek maritime sector and academic research institutions. The agreement was intended to facilitate joint research and educational initiatives relevant to the shipping industry.

In April 2025, Laskaridis commented publicly on the potential impact of international tariffs on the Greek shipping industry, expressing confidence that the sector would experience "limited" damage. He stated that Greek shipping companies would be able to pass on the cost of tariffs to charterers and would survive the challenge posed by shifting global trade policies.

Departure from the Union of Greek Shipowners

In June 2021, Laskaridis departed from the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), one of the most influential trade organizations in Greece's maritime sector. His departure followed what were described as "politically-charged comments" that generated controversy within the organization and the broader Greek shipping community. The Maritime Executive reported that Laskaridis left the UGS following the episode, though specific details about the nature of his remarks varied across sources.

Cocaine seizure incident

In April 2023, Italian authorities in Venice seized a vessel named Atlas, belonging to Laskaridis Shipping, after discovering approximately 850 kilograms of cocaine aboard the ship. The seizure was reported by Balkan Insight, which identified the vessel as belonging to the "well-known Greek shipowner Panagiotis Laskaridis." The incident was also covered by Greek City Times, which reported that the Greek-owned ship had been intercepted while docked in Venice and was laden with "a staggering 850kg of cocaine." There is no publicly reported indication that Laskaridis himself was personally implicated in the trafficking; the investigation focused on the vessel and its cargo.

Philanthropy

Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation

Panagiotis Laskaridis is closely associated with the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation, a philanthropic organization that has undertaken a range of cultural, educational, and charitable initiatives in Greece. The foundation is named after a member of the Laskaridis family and has been involved in projects that span cultural preservation, healthcare, and support for Greek military institutions.

In July 2022, the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation donated funds to the Hellenic Navy for the purpose of upgrading the facilities of the Athens Naval Hospital. The donation was presented as part of the foundation's broader commitment to supporting Greek public institutions.

The foundation's activities have contributed to Laskaridis's public reputation in Greece as a benefactor and have been cited as a significant factor in the state honors he has received.

Recognition

Panagiotis Laskaridis has received two of Greece's most prominent civilian honors in recognition of his contributions to the country, particularly through his philanthropic and business activities.

In November 2021, President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopios Pavlopoulos presented Laskaridis with the Grand Commander of the Order of Honour medal. The National Herald reported that the award was given for Laskaridis's "contribution to Greece," citing his philanthropic work and his role in the Greek shipping industry.

In May 2024, President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou conferred upon Laskaridis the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour at a ceremony held at the Presidential Mansion. The Shipping Telegraph described the event as a "distinguished ceremony" and noted that the award represented the highest class of the Order of Honour, underscoring the significance of Laskaridis's contributions to Greek society.

The progression from Grand Commander to Grand Cross within a span of approximately three years reflects the Greek state's continued recognition of Laskaridis's role in both the maritime sector and national philanthropy.