Safe Bulkers chief executive appointed president of Cyprus shipowners

The decision was taken during the CUS general meeting held this week in Limassol, as part of the Maritime Cyprus 2025 Conference. Shipping Deputy Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, Marina Hadjimanolis, also attended, noting that the government is taking seriously the suggestions and concerns of the shipping community.

Mr Hajioannou, previously a vice president and founding member of CUS, has chaired the Safe Bulkers board since 2008. He was elected to the board of directors of the Union of Greek Shipowners in 2006 and served until February 2009. He is a member of the Lloyd’s Register Hellenic Advisory Committee, and in 2011 was appointed to the board of directors of the Hellenic Mutual War Risks Association (Bermuda) Ltd.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nautical Studies from Sunderland University.

Safe Bulkers has been investing heavily in newbuildings in recent years. As of 18 July, its orderbook included 18 vessels, 12 of which have already been delivered. The US-listed company currently operates a fleet of 45 vessels, with a total capacity of 4.6M dwt.

Mr Hajioannou succeeds Andreas Hadjiyiannis, chief executive of Cyprus Sea Lines/Hellenic Tankers, who was appointed CUS president in 2016. In his speech ahead of the conference, Mr Hadjiyiannis highlighted China’s rapid maritime growth, criticised Europe’s policy, and reinforced the Greek-Cypriot stance of voicing concerns regarding the IMO Net Zero Framework.