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Harry Vafias
EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2026 finalist, Greece
CEO, VAFIAS GROUP
Harry Vafias is building a debt-free global shipping powerhouse.
In one of the world’s most volatile industries, Harry Vafias chose early on to grow differently. In 2000, he launched his first venture with two aging tanker ships, US$10 million in startup equity and a clear belief that scale should follow discipline, not debt. That approach gained global attention when, at just 27, he led StealthGas to a Nasdaq listing.
Harry has steadily built the VAFIAS GROUP into a diversified shipping platform spanning dry bulk, gas, crude oil and petroleum products. Today, the group comprises six companies, three of them listed in the United States, and operates a fleet of more than 100 vessels valued at approximately US$3.5 billion — all without bank debt.
Central to his strategy is long-term value creation through operational reliability and financial prudence. Continuous investment in high-specification tonnage from reputable global shipyards underpins technical performance, enhanced safety and environmental efficiency. The group has also established its own training and recruitment center in the Philippines, supporting a global workforce of more than 3,300 seafarers.
By prioritizing a diversified portfolio and debt-free model, Harry has enabled the group’s strategic agility. The group continues to expand its fleet dynamically, investing in the quality and added value of its vessels as key differentiating factors to shape the future of modern shipping.
We are very excited about zero-carbon fuels and the possibility of nuclear-powered ships. Maybe we will see fully autonomous ships being able to operate completely without crew.