Safe Bulkers has awarded €100,000 in scholarships to ten students for the 2026-2027 academic year, extending a maritime education programme in Cyprus that is now in its sixth consecutive year.
A Sixth Year Of Backing Future Shipping Talent
Each scholarship is valued at €10,000 and was presented by the company’s chief executive, Polys Hajioannou, during the sixth annual scholarship ceremony. The event was attended by Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis, underscoring the government’s continued focus on strengthening the country’s maritime talent pipeline.
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In remarks to the recipients, Hadjimanolis highlighted the strategic importance of attracting young people into an industry that remains a pillar of Cyprus’ economy.
“Cyprus needs your generation. Shipping needs your knowledge, your ideas and your own different look,”
she said.
She also conveyed the government’s appreciation, on behalf of President Nikos Christodoulides, to Hajioannou and Safe Bulkers for their sustained investment in education and support for young people.
Targeting Disciplines Critical To Modern Shipping
The scholarships build on a programme announced earlier this year that set eligibility criteria based on academic performance and financial need. Open to Cypriot citizens and Greek citizens permanently settled in Cyprus, the initiative supports both school leavers and students already enrolled in universities in Greece, the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
The programme covers undergraduate and postgraduate studies in fields closely aligned with the maritime sector, 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 included among the eligible disciplines.
Selection is based on academic achievement and financial circumstances, including family income and family or marital status. For the 2026-2027 cycle, applicants pursuing undergraduate studies in the UK were required to maintain an annual academic average above 60%, equivalent to an upper second-class degree, while students at Greek polytechnic institutions needed an average above 6.5. School leavers were also required to meet minimum academic thresholds and secure admission to an eligible university programme.
Extending Opportunity Through Education
Applications originally closed on August 31, but the company extended the deadline to September 7, 2026, giving candidates additional time to complete and submit their documents.
The scholarship initiative is part of Safe Bulkers’ environmental, social and governance strategy, with particular emphasis on education and the development of skills relevant to the future of shipping. The company also supports maritime training through a separate cadet programme in partnership with the Cyprus Maritime Academy, broadening its contribution beyond university-level scholarships.
The latest awards follow a similar ceremony in October 2025, when ten Cypriot and Greek students received scholarships of €10,000 each at the company’s Limassol headquarters.
Why The Initiative Matters To Shipping’s Future
Safe Bulkers is an international dry-bulk shipping company whose vessels carry commodities such as iron ore, coal and grain. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SB and operates across global shipping markets, with offices in Cyprus, Greece, Monaco and Switzerland.
Its continued support for maritime education comes at a time when the industry is being reshaped by more than traditional seamanship. Digital systems, automation, cyber security and data analysis are becoming increasingly central to shipping operations, raising demand for a workforce equipped for both operational and technological complexity.
