Our Story
Four decades of navigating markets, building partnerships, and setting the standard for independent shipbroking.
Four Decades of Maritime Excellence
Founding
Optima Shipping Services is founded in Athens, Greece. A single desk. A clear vision: independent advice, uncompromised by conflicts of interest.
Expansion
Growth through the decade's volatile markets. Optima establishes its Sale & Purchase and Newbuilding desks as core pillars, building deep relationships with Greek, European, and Asian shipowners.
Going Global
Istanbul office opens, followed by Dubai. Optima recognizes that maritime business is moving east and positions itself at the crossroads. Ship Recycling desk launches, growing to handle 1,500+ vessels.
Full-Service Evolution
Singapore and Shanghai offices join the network. New service lines launch: Valuations, Finance, Research & Intelligence. Optima transforms from a traditional broker into a full maritime services firm.
Recognition
Lloyd's List recognizes Optima among the Top 10 Shipbrokers globally. The Repairs & Conversions desk surpasses 300 projects per year.
Optima Cyber
Launch of Optima Cyber, the maritime cybersecurity division. IMO 2021 compliance drives vessel security to the forefront. Optima becomes one of the few brokers offering both physical and digital maritime services.
ESG Leadership
ESG & Carbon Solutions desk formalizes as EU ETS, CII, and EEXI regulations reshape the industry. Optima helps clients turn compliance into competitive advantage.
The Future
Next chapter. New technology platform. Expanded intelligence capabilities. Deeper partnerships. The mission hasn't changed since 1981: navigate further.
The Founding Vision
"When Optima was founded in 1981, the maritime industry was dominated by large houses with complex allegiances. We saw an opportunity for something different: a firm that would grow not by acquiring other firms or owning ships, but by earning the trust of shipowners who wanted genuinely independent advice."
Today, that founding principle remains unchanged.