On 19^th October 2021, Cyprus Marine Club organized its 3^rd Annual Interview with Key Shipping Figures in Cyprus, at Gazebo (ex Marina Beach Bar), Limassol.

This time, CMC had the honor to host the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Safe Bulkers, Inc., a company incorporated in 2008. Safe Bulkers is a global company providing worldwide seaborne transportation in the dry bulk sector operating from Cyprus, Greece, Monaco and Switzerland.

Mr. Hajioannou also acts as Vice President of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners; a member of Lloyds Register Hellenic Advisory Committee; member of the board of directors and Members Committee of the Hellenic Mutual War Risks Association and the UK P&I Club since 2011 and 2013 respectively.

President of Cyprus Marine Club, Captain Eberhard Koch, in his opening statement, shared his contentment about the highest  number of participants registered in the history of the Club and the positive membership development. The President has announced 3 New Corporate Members giving a total of 140 Members in total, and new Sponsors of the Club: Steamship Mutual Insurance Agency (Cyprus) Ltd as Platinum Sponsor as well as DESMI as Iridium Sponsor.

Just before the interview, a special appreciation ceremony took place in which H. E. Deputy Shipping Minister to the President, Mr. V. Demetriades was announced, an Honorary Member of the Club and was awarded by the President  with an appreciation plaque.

To the role of the interview’s  Moderator, Cyprus Marine Club nominated this time Ms. Julia Paczkowska, General Secretary of Cyprus Marine Club.  Mrs. Paczkowska  started her interview with brief introduction of the special guest   and shortly after,  challenged him with two dozens  of insightful and penetrating questions.

The  interview  focused on Safe Bulkers history and global activities, while Mr. Hajioannou had the opportunity to present to the audience his business philosophy and market prognosis, as well as his personal views on the regulations affecting the maritime sector, initiatives taken and other key topics concerning the shipping industry.

Mr. Hajioannou referred to the company’s main challenges and great prospects of the Cypriot Shipping Registry and described the policy of its company to operate a young modern fleet providing high qualities  services to first class charterers. Mr. Hajioannou  was very eagerly  sharing his views  related but not limited to:-  Safe Bulkers activities globally/benefits of Cyprus Registry/ market prognosis/ latest trends and regulations/ initiatives of maritime industry, i.e. Safe Bulkers initiative for boosting Maritime education by offering series of scholarships to young people of Cyprus  /   IMO credibility/ CUS proposed  view on the EU Emission Trading System   by introducing the “who pays for what principle.

Mr. Hajioannou shared with the members story of his career and the great role of  his father guidance and mentorship on his pathway to success.

The engaging   interview concluded at 19:30 hrs  and brought   further  fascinating conversations among an enthusiastic audience, who explored interesting topics with Mr. Hajioannou and continued sharing their thoughts during the cocktail and rich buffet that followed and lasted until very late evening.

The CMC Interview at Gazebo Marina Beach Bar attracted a 130 people – the highest number ever!

We would like to express our appreciation to PNS Management & Team as well as all  guests for complying with all COVID 19 regulations and taking precautions throughout the event.

The Cyprus Marine Club is a non-profit organization that embraces and encourages a plethora of maritime industry stakeholders for friendly membership. Ship Owners, Ship Managers, Crew Managers, Service Providers & Suppliers, Agents, Terminal Operators, Legal and Financial and more, come together with a focused effort to promote and celebrate the Cyprus maritime industry and share experiences.