Cyprus Shipping Companies Recognised for Contributions to Global Maritime Rescue

20 firms receive AMVER awards for supporting international search and rescue efforts.

The FastForward News Team

13 Dec 2025

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), and under the auspices of the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, organized a ceremony in Limassol on December 12 to recognize Cyprus-based shipping companies participating in the United States Coast Guard's Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) program. The AMVER program helps guide merchant shipping vessels to assist other vessels in distress on the high seas.

AMVER is open to vessels of all flags and nations. Companies participating in this program 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 67 years of search and rescue services around the world. Ships in the AMVER program have saved, on average, one life a day over the last ten years. In 2024 alone, AMVER ships saved 255 lives in multiple distress cases. On average, more than 6,000 ships are available worldwide for search and rescue under this program. International cooperation between ships, companies, communication service providers, governments, and search-and-rescue authorities contribute to AMVER’s success in protecting lives at sea.

Acting Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission in Nicosia Shane Siegel presented the awards on behalf of Ambassador Davis and the U.S. Coast Guard, recognizing participating mariners and their companies. Mr. Siegel hailed AMVER as an excellent example of mutual assistance and partnership.

“Cyprus continues to make vital contributions to the AMVER program, and that growing support deserves special recognition,” said Mr. Siegel. “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, and for providing urgent assistance to vessels in distress at sea.”

In all, twenty Cyprus-based companies were recognized for enrolling their ships in the AMVER program in 2024 – a total of 301 awards for as many ships, giving Cyprus the fifth-highest count of AMVER awards globally. These Cyprus-based shipping companies are listed alphabetically: