Maritime firm Safe Bulkers, led by Cypriot shipowner Polys Hajioannou, recently took delivery of the 82,000 dwt Kamsarmax-class bulk carrier ‘EFROSSINI’, built by Japan’s Oshima Shipbuilding.
The vessel, which flies the Cypriot flag, is the 47th ship in the company’s fleet. According to the announcement released on Thursday, the New York-listed company confirmed that six more vessels are currently under construction, reinforcing its trust in Japanese shipbuilding expertise and long-standing collaboration with Oshima.
Safe Bulkers Inc. is one of the largest shipowners under the Cyprus flag and continues to register ships on the island, further strengthening Cyprus’ position as a global shipping hub. The company’s local ties are anchored through Safe Bulkers Management Ltd. in Cyprus, which handles the fleet’s technical, commercial and administrative operations. Hajioannou has served as CEO and chairman of Safe Bulkers since its listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2008. He began his career in 1987 with Alassia Steamship Co., Ltd., the predecessor to the company’s management arm. He was also elected to the board of the Union of Greek Shipowners in 2006 and later became a founding member and Vice-President of the Union of Cyprus Shipowners. In addition, he is a member of the Lloyd’s Register Hellenic Advisory Committee.
Hajioannou is also known for holding a substantial stake in easyJet, an airline founded by his younger brother, Stelios. While shipping remains his core business, this connection to aviation highlights the broader entrepreneurial legacy of the Hajioannou family. The late Loucas Hajioannou, Polys’ father, once owned the world’s largest private tanker fleet. Today, Polys continues the family’s maritime legacy and has also invested heavily in real estate across Cyprus, Greece, Monaco and London.
Now, Safe Bulkers Inc. specialises in the ownership of dry bulk vessels. As of December 2023, their fleet of 46 dry bulk vessels consisted of 8 Panamax, 13 Kamsarmax, 17 Post-Panamax and 8 Capesize class vessels, with an average age of 9.85 years and an aggregate carrying capacity of 4.8 million dwt. Notably, 85 per cent of their fleet has been built in Japanese shipyards.
It was mentioned that the continued delivery of high-specification vessels, together with the ongoing use of the Cyprus flag, reflects Safe Bulkers’ commitment to operational excellence and long-term sustainability.
Source: Cyprus Mail
