20 Cyprus-based shipping companies recognised at the AMVER Awards

The International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, in cooperation with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) have recognised 20 Cyprus-based shipping companies participating in the United States Coast Guard's Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) programme.

The recognition also came under the auspices of the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the US Embassy in Nicosia

As noted in a relevant press release, the AMVER programme helps guide merchant shipping vessels to assist other vessels in distress on the high seas.

In all, twenty Cyprus-based companies were recognised for enrolling their ships in the AMVER programme in 2023 – a total of 310 awards for as many ships, giving Cyprus the fifth-highest count of AMVER awards globally.

During a ceremony in Limassol on 7 November, the following Cyprus-based shipping companies were awarded, listed alphabetically: Acheon Akti Navigation Company Ltd. (3 awards), Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Cyprus) Ltd. (16 awards), Columbia Shipmanagement Ltd. (18 awards), CSM Energy Ltd. (1 award), Donnelly Tanker Management Ltd. (1 award), FML Ship Management (26 awards), Interorient Marine Services (4 awards), Intership Navigation Co. Ltd. (5 awards), Lemissoler Shipmanagement Ltd. (12 awards), LMZ Shipping S.A. (2 awards), Maestro Ship Management Ltd. (1 award), Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd. (2 awards), Mastermind Shipmanagement Ltd. (1 award), MSC Shipmanagement Ltd. (172 awards), Olympia Ocean Carriers Ltd. (2 awards), Safe Bulkers Management Ltd. (28 awards), Samos Steamship (Cyprus) Ltd. (1 award), Star Bulk Shipmanagement Co. (Cyprus) Ltd. (8 awards), Transmed Shipping Co. Ltd. (6 awards) and Uniteam Marine Ltd. (1 award).

As the announcement went on to explain, AMVER is open to vessels of all flags and nations. Companies participating in this programme 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 66 years of search and rescue services around the world. In 2023, the US Coast Guard activated the AMVER system for 170 cases, saving 771 lives and assisting another 240 people at sea.

The AMVER system had more than 6,345 ships available for search and rescue around the world each day. International cooperation between ships, companies, communication service providers, governments, and search-and-rescue authorities contribute to AMVER’s success in protecting lives at sea.

US Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Davis Fisher presented the awards on behalf of the US Coast Guard, recognising participating mariners and their companies. Ambassador Davis Fisher hailed AMVER as an excellent example of mutual assistance and partnership.

“Cyprus continues to make vital contributions to the AMVER programme, and that growing support deserves special recognition,” said Ambassador Davis Fisher. “We know that the vibrant Cypriot shipping sector makes a difference in supporting this life-saving programme 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.”

For more information on the US Coast Guard’s unique worldwide search and rescue system, please visit www.AMVER.com