Safe Bulkers, one of the international dry bulk shipping companies, continued its support for maritime education in Cyprus by awarding a total of one hundred thousand euros in scholarships to ten students during a ceremony for the academic year 2026-2027. These scholarships, each worth 10 thousand euros, were presented by Polys Hajioannou, the CEO of the company, at the sixth annual scholarship award ceremony.
The Importance of Attracting Youth to the Maritime Industry
Marina Hadjimanolis, the Deputy Minister of Maritime Transport, emphasized the importance of attracting youth to an industry that plays a significant role in the Cypriot economy. She stated, "Cyprus needs your generation. The maritime industry requires your knowledge, ideas, and diverse perspectives." She also expressed the gratitude of the government of Cyprus, on behalf of Nikos Christodoulides, the President of Cyprus, to Hajioannou and Safe Bulkers for their ongoing investment in education and support for youth.
Read more: British retailers call for a reduction in green energy costs
Details of the Scholarship Program
These scholarships are part of the Safe Bulkers scholarship program announced earlier this year and include eligibility criteria related to academic performance and financial status. The program is offered to Cypriot citizens and Greek citizens residing in Cyprus, including high school graduates and students currently studying at universities in Greece, the UK, and other countries. The scholarships support undergraduate and master's studies in fields related to the maritime industry, including marine engineering, mechanical and electronic engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science. Additionally, maritime law, business, and finance are also among the eligible fields.
In the 2026-2027 program, applicants for undergraduate studies in the UK must have an annual average of over 60 percent, equivalent to a second-class upper degree, while students from Greek polytechnic institutions must have an average above 6.5. High school graduates must also meet minimum academic requirements and be eligible for admission to academic programs.
The initial deadline for submitting applications was August 31, which the company extended to September 7, 2026, to give candidates more time to submit their documents.
This scholarship initiative is part of Safe Bulkers' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies, which pay special attention to education and the development of skills related to the maritime industry. The company also continues maritime education through a separate training program with the Cyprus Maritime Academy, expanding its educational activities beyond academic scholarships.
This ceremony marks the sixth round of scholarship awards, following a similar event in October 2025, when scholarships of 10 thousand euros were awarded to ten Cypriot and Greek students at a ceremony held at the company's headquarters in Limassol. Safe Bulkers, as an international dry bulk shipping company, transports goods such as iron ore, coal, and grains and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SB. The company's activities span international shipping markets, with offices in Cyprus, Greece, Monaco, and Switzerland.
The company's continued participation in maritime education addresses the industry's need for expertise in traditional maritime fields as well as digital technologies, automation, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
Read more: Analysis of container shipping market developments in 2026 · Forecast of an increase in freight rates to 1,000 units in week 41 of 2026
