The International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, in cooperation with the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC), and under the auspices of the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, organised the AMVER Awards Ceremony 2025.
The event at the Crowne Plaza in Limassol on 12 December was held to recognise Cyprus-based shipping companies participating in the United States Coast Guard's Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) program. The AMVER program helps guide merchant shipping vessels to assist other vessels in distress on the high seas.
AMVER is open to vessels of all flags and nations. Companies participating in this program voluntarily make their ships available as rescue assets in the event of an emergency. Prior to sailing, participating ships send a sail plan, indicating their port of departure, port of destination, course, and speed to the AMVER computer center. In an emergency, AMVER receives notification of a vessel, mariner, or aircraft in distress, and locates and informs the nearest participating vessel of the need for immediate assistance, at no cost.
Since its inception in 1958, AMVER has provided 67 years of search and rescue services around the world. Ships in the AMVER program have saved, on average, one life a day over the last ten years. In 2024 alone, AMVER ships saved 255 lives in multiple distress cases. On average, more than 6,000 ships are available worldwide for search and rescue under this program. International cooperation between ships, companies, communication service providers, governments, and search-and-rescue authorities contribute to AMVER’s success in protecting lives at sea.
The evening opened with welcome remarks from Polys V. Hajioannou, President of the Propeller Club, Port of Limassol. He emphasised the AMVER Awards as a symbol of maritime safety and international cooperation, while highlighting Cyprus’s strong partnership with the United States in shipping, energy, and defence.
Hajioannou referred to key initiatives, including the Amalthea Project (the humanitarian corridor from Cyprus to Gaza), the 3+1 format (cooperation among the U.S., Israel, Greece, and Cyprus on energy and regional stability), and the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which promotes energy and digital connectivity as well as strategic cooperation, such as electricity interconnection between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece. He also noted the active role of Chevron and ExxonMobil in Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone, along with enhanced military cooperation between the U.S. and Cyprus following the lifting of the U.S. arms embargo.
He further emphasised the strategic transformations taking place across the broader East Mediterranean, particularly through the adoption of the Vertical Corridor, which will supply LNG via Greece and is linked to investments in Greek shipyards. In addition, he raised concerns about the IMO Net-Zero Framework warning of its potential economic impact and describing it as a global transportation tax rather than a genuine transition mechanism. Ultimately, he stressed that collaboration among Cyprus, Greece, and the United States enhances regional stability, strengthens energy security, and reinforces their shared commitment to safeguarding lives at sea.
Miltos Michaelas, CEO of Alpha Bank Cyprus and Platinum Sponsor of the Ceremony, also delivered a brief address, noting that for more than 20 years the bank has supported the shipping industry with comprehensive financing solutions and services.
Acting Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission in Nicosia Shane Siegel presented the awards on behalf of Ambassador Davis and the U.S. Coast Guard, recognising participating mariners and their companies. Siegel hailed AMVER as an excellent example of mutual assistance and partnership.
“Cyprus continues to make vital contributions to the AMVER program, and that growing support deserves special recognition,” said Siegel. “We know that the vibrant Cypriot shipping sector makes a difference in supporting this life-saving program and delivers valuable contributions to the Cypriot economy. Tonight, we celebrate these collaborative efforts for safety and stability, and for providing urgent assistance to vessels in distress at sea.”
In all, twenty Cyprus-based companies were recognised for enrolling their ships in the AMVER program in 2024 – a total of 301 awards for as many ships, giving Cyprus the fifth-highest count of AMVER awards globally. These Cyprus-based shipping companies are listed alphabetically:
1. Acheon Akti Navigation Company Ltd. (1 award)
2. Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Cyprus) Ltd. (17 awards)
3. Columbia Shipmanagement Ltd. (9 awards)
4. CSM Energy Ltd. (1 award)
5. Donnelly Tanker Management Ltd. (1 award)
6. Enesel Ltd. (2 awards)
7. FML Ship Management (28 awards)
8. Hill Robinson Yacht Management Ltd. (1 award)
9. Interorient Marine Services (6 awards)
10. Intership Navigation Co. Ltd. (4 awards)
11. Lemissoler Shipmanagement Ltd. (11 awards)
12. LMZ Shipping S.A. (1 award)
13. Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd. (1 award)
14. MSC Shipmanagement Ltd. (170 awards)
15. Olympia Ocean Carriers Ltd. (1 award)
16. Osterreichischer Lloyd Seereederei (Cyprus) Ltd. (1 award)
17. Safe Bulkers Management Ltd. (34 awards)
18. Samos Steamship (Cyprus) Ltd. (1 award)
19. Star Bulk Shipmanagement Co. (Cyprus) Ltd. (5 awards)
20. Transmed Shipping Co. Ltd. (6 awards)
For more information on the U.S. Coast Guard’s unique worldwide search and rescue system, please visit www.AMVER.com.
The ceremony concluded with a cocktail buffet reception attended by distinguished guests.
This memorable occasion was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors: Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd, Bureau Veritas Marine (Cyprus) Ltd, Ernst & Young Limited.
