Safe Bulkers invests €100,000 in Cyprus’ next generation of shipping talent

Safe Bulkers awarded €100,000 in scholarships to ten students for the 2026-2027 academic year, continuing its support for maritime education in Cyprus through a programme now in its sixth consecutive year. The awards, worth €10,000 each, were presented by the company’s chief executive, Polys Hajioannou, during the sixth annual scholarship ceremony, attended by Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis. Addressing the recipients, Hadjimanolis stressed the importance of attracting young people to an industry that remains central to Cyprus’ economy. “Cyprus needs your generation. Shipping needs your knowledge, your ideas and your own different look,” she said. The deputy minister also conveyed the government’s appreciation, on behalf of President Nikos Christodoulides, to Hajioannou and Safe Bulkers for their continued investment in education and support for young people. The latest awards follow the company’s scholarship programme announcement earlier this year, which set out eligibility requirements covering academic achievement and financial circumstances. The programme is open to Cypriot citizens and Greek citizens permanently settled in Cyprus, including school leavers and students already attending universities in Greece, the United Kingdom and other countries. It supports undergraduate and postgraduate studies in disciplines linked to the maritime industry, including naval architecture, marine engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, computer science, cyber security, artificial intelligence and data science. Shipping law, trade and finance are also among the eligible fields. Selection takes into consideration academic performance and financial circumstances, including family income and family or marital status. Under the 2026-2027 programme, applicants pursuing undergraduate studies in the UK were required to have an annual academic average above 60 per cent, equivalent to an upper second-class degree, while students at Greek polytechnic institutions needed an average above 6.5. School leavers also had to meet minimum academic requirements and secure admission to an eligible university programme. Applications originally closed on August 31, before the company extended the deadline to September 7, 2026, giving candidates additional time to submit their documents. The scholarship initiative forms part of Safe Bulkers’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) policy, with particular attention to education and developing skills relevant to shipping. The company also supports maritime training through a separate cadet programme involving the Cyprus Maritime Academy, extending its educational activities beyond university scholarships. The sixth ceremony follows a similar event in October 2025, when ten scholarships of €10,000 were awarded to Cypriot and Greek students during a ceremony at the company’s Limassol headquarters. Safe Bulkers is an international dry-bulk shipping company whose vessels transport commodities including iron ore, coal and grain. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SB, with operations spanning international shipping markets and offices in Cyprus, Greece, Monaco and Switzerland. Its continued involvement in maritime education comes as the industry requires expertise not only in traditional shipping disciplines but also in digital technologies, automation, cyber security and data analysis.