Limassol, Cyprus. Captain Iro Gidakou has traced a career from her upbringing by the sea to senior roles in LNG shipping, becoming the first woman to command an LNG vessel in Greece and Cyprus. She is now Fleet Operations Manager at Maran Gas Maritime Inc., a position she has held since 2021.
From Limassol to LNG shipping
Speaking to Cyprus Mail, Gidakou said her ambition developed gradually as she grew up in Limassol, where the sea was a constant presence in daily life. She said she came to see responsibility as a source of motivation and described becoming a master mariner as a long-term goal built through work, endurance and continuous development.
Family influence and early role models
Gidakou said her family had direct connections to the sea, noting that her father was a former seafarer and her grandfather a professional fisherman. She recalled watching her grandfather return from fishing and said she admired the way he faced difficult conditions. She also cited her mother and grandmother as early role models of strength and endurance.
Current role and industry pressures
Gidakou, who has more than 19 years of experience in shipping with a focus on LNG transportation, said her reflections extend beyond her personal career. She pointed to ongoing pressures in the industry, including mental wellbeing, career progression, mentoring, inclusion and strains on crews during periods of geopolitical crisis.
A discouraging reaction to her career choice
Gidakou said a key moment came when she began to seriously consider the sea as a professional path and made her intentions known at school and at home. She said the reaction was immediate and discouraging.
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