Interview with
Mr. Pavlos Poutos
Founder & CEO
First of all, Pavlos, could you tell us about the history of Marinair?
My journey in logistics began in 1998, almost a decade before I founded Marinair Cargo Services in 2007. Those early years gave me valuable experience and a strong understanding of freight forwarding and customer needs.
My vision was to create an independent, customer-focused company with an international outlook. We opened our first international offices in India in 2011, followed by Hong Kong in 2014 and the Netherlands in 2017, and later expanded our presence in Shenzhen China in 2023.
Today, Marinair provides freight forwarding and logistics solutions by air, sea, road, and multimodal transport. Our progress has been based on experience, international expansion, strong partnerships, and continuous investment in our people and technology.
Logistics is a wide field. Could you elaborate a little about your speciality in logistics, or if you are an overall freight forwarder? Do you also handle oversized and project cargoes?
Marinair is a full-service international freight forwarder offering air, sea, road, and multimodal transport, as well as customs clearance and wider supply chain solutions.
We also handle oversized shipments and project cargo. These operations require detailed planning, technical coordination, and careful assessment of the cargo, route, equipment, and handling requirements.
Our goal is to provide reliable end-to-end solutions supported by experienced professionals and a strong international network.
Greece has a lot of logistics providers. In your opinion, what makes you stand out? In other words, what are your strengths?
Our strength lies in combining the international reach of a global freight forwarder with the personal attention and flexibility of an independent company.
Our offices in Greece, India, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and China give us local knowledge and direct access to important markets, while our global partner network allows us to serve customers worldwide.
We also invest in digitalisation. Our MyMCS platform enables online quotations and bookings, while our Cloud TMS provides shipment visibility and access to documents and information.
By combining experienced people, international coverage, personalised service, and technology, we aim to make logistics more efficient, transparent, and reliable.
Some shipping lines nowadays wish to cut away the middleman, i.e. the freight forwarder. Is that also happening in Greece? What is your opinion about that? Will they succeed?
Shipping lines are increasingly investing in digital platforms and direct relationships with cargo owners, and this trend is also visible in Greece.
However, the role of the freight forwarder goes far beyond booking space on a vessel. Customers often need support with multimodal transport, customs, documentation, inland transportation, supplier coordination, and unexpected problems.
Digitalisation is changing the industry, but it does not replace expertise, judgement, or personal communication. At Marinair, we see technology as an opportunity to improve our services while maintaining the human support that customers value.
I believe direct shipping solutions and freight forwarding will continue to coexist. The companies that succeed will be those that combine technology with genuine value and reliable service.
How do you feel about the customer service you are getting from some of the shipping lines today? Are there some that you would recommend our readers to talk to first?
Customer service is essential. In addition to competitive rates and capacity, customers need reliable schedules, accurate information, timely communication, and effective support when problems arise.
I would not recommend one shipping line for every customer or trade lane, as service levels depend on the route, local team, cargo, and specific requirements.
My advice is to evaluate carriers based on schedule reliability, equipment availability, responsiveness, transparency, claims handling, and their willingness to cooperate with logistics partners.
At Marinair, we value shipping lines that understand that dependable service and open communication are as important as competitive pricing.
How has the market been in Greece so far this year, and what do you see when looking into the crystal ball for 2027?
The Greek logistics market continues to be influenced by international trade, geopolitical developments, transportation costs, capacity fluctuations, and the need for more resilient supply chains.
Looking towards 2027, I expect technology, digitalisation, and end-to-end visibility to become even more important. Customers will continue to demand faster information, greater transparency, and cost-efficient solutions.
Greece has a strong potential to develop further as a regional logistics hub, thanks to its geographical position and maritime tradition. For Marinair, our priorities are to strengthen our international network, invest in technology and our people, and continue adapting to customer needs.
I remain optimistic about the future, although success will depend on flexibility, effective risk management, and the ability to deliver real value.
How can readers get in touch with you?
Readers interested in freight forwarding, project cargo, supply chain solutions, or business cooperation are welcome to contact me and our team.
Pavlos Poutos
Founder & CEO
Marinair Cargo Services Ltd
Website: https://marinair.gr
Email: info@marinair.gr
Telephone: +30 210 4515901
Head office: 97 Akti Miaouli Avenue, Piraeus 18538, Greece
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlospoutos/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marinair-cargo-services/
We are always open to building new relationships with customers, overseas agents, and logistics partners who share our commitment to professionalism, reliability, and long-term cooperation.
At Marinair, our philosophy is simple: we care for our customers’ cargo, and every successful shipment begins with a strong partnership.
Global Reach, Local Touch !