The International Propeller Club of the United States has recognised Cyprus-based shipping companies for their participation in the US Coast Guard’s Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) programme.
The ceremony, held in Limassol on November 7, took place in cooperation with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS), under the auspices of the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the US Embassy in Nicosia.
The AMVER programme guides merchant vessels in assisting other ships in distress on the high seas.
Open to vessels of all flags and nations, AMVER enables participating companies to voluntarily make their ships available as rescue assets during emergencies.
Before each voyage, these ships submit a sail plan detailing their departure and destination ports, course, and speed to the AMVER computer centre.
In case of an emergency, AMVER receives distress notifications and promptly locates and informs the nearest participating vessel of the need for immediate assistance—entirely at no cost.
Cyprus holds a crucial position in maritime safety, and in 2023, twenty Cyprus-based companies were recognised for enrolling their ships in the AMVER programme, collectively receiving a total of 310 awards.
According to the statement, this participation positioned Cyprus with the fifth-highest AMVER award count globally.
The recognised companies included MSC Shipmanagement Ltd. with 172 awards, followed by Safe Bulkers Management Ltd. with 28 awards and FML Ship Management with 26 awards.
Columbia Shipmanagement Ltd. received 18 awards, while Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Cyprus) Ltd. received 16.
Other companies honoured for their life-saving efforts included Lemissoler Shipmanagement Ltd. (12 awards), Star Bulk Shipmanagement Co. (Cyprus) Ltd. (8 awards), and Transmed Shipping Co. Ltd. (6 awards).
Additional recognised companies were Intership Navigation Co. Ltd. with 5 awards, Interorient Marine Services with 4 awards, and Acheon Akti Navigation Company Ltd. with 3 awards.
Companies receiving 2 awards each included LMZ Shipping S.A., Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd., and Olympia Ocean Carriers Ltd.
Further acknowledgements were given to Maestro Ship Management Ltd., Mastermind Shipmanagement Ltd., Samos Steamship (Cyprus) Ltd., Donnelly Tanker Management Ltd., CSM Energy Ltd., and Uniteam Marine Ltd., each receiving 1 award for their participation.
US Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Davis Fisher presented the awards on behalf of the US Coast Guard, recognising participating mariners and their companies. Fisher hailed AMVER as an excellent example of mutual assistance and partnership.
She noted, “Cyprus continues to make vital contributions to the AMVER programme, and that growing support deserves special recognition.”
Fisher concluded that “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,” she added, “and for providing urgent assistance to vessels in distress at sea.”
Since its inception in 1958, AMVER has provided 66 years of search and rescue services around the world.
Notably, in 2023, the US Coast Guard activated the AMVER system for 170 cases, ultimately saving 771 lives and assisting an additional 240 people at sea.
On any given day, the AMVER system had more than 6,345 ships available for search and rescue around the world.
International cooperation between ships, companies, communication service providers, governments, and search-and-rescue authorities contributes to AMVER’s success in protecting lives at sea.
