Cyprus has achieved the fifth-highest count of AMVER awards worldwide, recognising its significant contributions to maritime safety through the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue programme. This initiative, run by the United States Coast Guard, serves as a voluntary global search and rescue network that has been credited with saving an average of one life per day over the past decade.
Amver awards: Recognition Ceremony Highlights Contributions
A formal ceremony held on 12 December 2025 in Limassol honoured twenty Cyprus-based shipping companies for their involvement in the AMVER programme. The event, which took place under the auspices of the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, saw these companies collectively receiving a total of 301 awards for their efforts in 2024.
Collaboration for Safety
The ceremony was organised by the International Propeller Club, Port of Limassol, in cooperation with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS). Acting Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission in Nicosia, Shane Siegel, presented the awards on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard. He emphasised the importance of the AMVER programme, stating it exemplifies “mutual assistance and partnership.”
Siegel remarked, “Cyprus continues to make vital contributions to the AMVER programme, and that growing support deserves special recognition. 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.”
How the AMVER Programme Operates
The AMVER programme has been operational since 1958, allowing merchant vessels of all flags and nations to voluntarily submit their sail plans to a central computer system. In emergencies, this system identifies the nearest participating vessel and directs it to assist at no cost to the distressed party. In 2024 alone, AMVER ships saved 255 lives across various distress cases worldwide, showcasing the programme’s effectiveness in facilitating maritime rescues.
Daily Readiness for Rescue
On any given day, more than 6,000 ships are available for search and rescue operations under the AMVER programme. This extensive network of vessels significantly enhances the ability to respond to maritime emergencies quickly and efficiently, demonstrating the vital role of international cooperation in ensuring maritime safety.
Recognised Shipping Companies
The twenty Cyprus-based shipping companies honoured at the Limassol ceremony were acknowledged for their commitment to the AMVER programme. Below is a list of the companies and the number of awards they received for their enrolment in 2024:
- MSC Shipmanagement Ltd. – 170 awards
- Safe Bulkers Management Ltd. – 34 awards
- FML Ship Management – 28 awards
- Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Cyprus) Ltd. – 17 awards
- Lemissoler Shipmanagement Ltd. – 11 awards
- Columbia Shipmanagement Ltd. – 9 awards
- Interorient Marine Services – 6 awards
- Transmed Shipping Co. Ltd. – 6 awards
- Star Bulk Shipmanagement Co. (Cyprus) Ltd. – 5 awards
- Intership Navigation Co. Ltd. – 4 awards
- Enesel Ltd. – 2 awards
- Other Companies – 9 awards (1 award each)
In total, these companies received 301 awards, reflecting their dedication to maritime safety and their proactive approach to participating in life-saving efforts.
Impact on the Cypriot Economy
The ongoing participation of Cyprus in the AMVER programme not only enhances global maritime safety but also contributes significantly to the local economy. The recognition received by Cypriot shipping companies underlines the importance of their role in the international shipping community and highlights the benefits of active participation in global safety programmes.
A Commitment to Maritime Safety
The success in the AMVER awards demonstrates Cyprus’s commitment to maritime safety and the effectiveness of international cooperation in saving lives at sea. The recognition serves as a reminder of the critical role that shipping companies play in responding to emergencies and the importance of maintaining a robust maritime safety framework.
As maritime challenges continue to evolve, the ongoing support for initiatives like AMVER will be essential in ensuring that vessels can receive timely assistance when in distress, ultimately contributing to safer seas for all.
