PORT OF LIMASSOL, CYPRUS
Who we are
The International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, was founded on 1 November 2023.
The Club is part of the International Propeller Club of the United States, the largest network of individuals dedicated to the enhancement and well-being of all interests of the maritime community on a national and international basis.
It is an autonomous non-profit organization, collectively controlled by a board of nine volunteer governors, elected by members every two years.
what we do
The objectives and aspirations of the Club include the encouragement of cooperation between the United States and Cyprus in the maritime sector, the promotion of the entrepreneurial, cultural, and social interest of members of the Propeller Club, the exchange of views between the two countries and the liaison with the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Coast Guard on maritime matters.
Membership Benefits
Joining the Propeller Club of Cyprus offers networking opportunities, access to government officials, maritime news updates, community engagement, professional growth, educational support, social events, leadership opportunities, sponsorship options, minimal fees, and the chance to build lasting personal and professional relationships.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Polys Hajioannou - President
George Tsavliris - First Vice President
Andreas Chrysostomou - Second Vice President
Loukas Barmparis - General Secretary
Stavros Pantzaris - Treasurer
Kostas Ioannidis - Governor
Riginos Tsanos - Governor
Loukas Hamatsos - Governor
Marina Hajioannou - Governor
AMVER Awards – Saving Lives at Sea
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 November 7 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 66 years of search and rescue services around the world. In 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard activated the AMVER system for 170 cases, saving 771 lives and assisting another 240 people at sea. The AMVER system had more than 6,345 ships available for search and rescue around the world each day. International cooperation between ships, companies, communication service providers, governments, and search-and-rescue authorities contribute to AMVER’s success in protecting lives at sea.
U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Davis Fisher presented the awards on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard, recognizing participating mariners and their companies. Ambassador Davis Fisher 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 Ambassador Davis Fisher. “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.”
For more information on the U.S. Coast Guard’s unique worldwide search and rescue system, please visit www.AMVER.com
In all, twenty Cyprus-based companies were recognized for enrolling their ships in the AMVER program in 2023 – a total of 310 awards for as many ships, giving Cyprus the fifth-highest count of AMVER awards globally. These Cyprus-based shipping companies are listed alphabetically:
1. Acheon Akti Navigation Company Ltd. (3 awards)
2. Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Cyprus) Ltd. (16 awards)
3. Columbia Shipmanagement Ltd. (18 awards)
4. CSM Energy Ltd. (1 award)
5. Donnelly Tanker Management Ltd. (1 award)
6. FML Ship Management (26 awards)
7. Interorient Marine Services (4 awards)
8. Intership Navigation Co. Ltd. (5 awards)
9. Lemissoler Shipmanagement Ltd. (12 awards)
10. LMZ Shipping S.A. (2 awards)
11. Maestro Ship Management Ltd. (1 award)
12. Marlow Navigation Co. Ltd. (2 awards)
13. Mastermind Shipmanagement Ltd. (1 award)
14. MSC Shipmanagement Ltd. (172 awards)
15. Olympia Ocean Carriers Ltd. (2 awards)
16. Safe Bulkers Management Ltd. (28 awards)
17. Samos Steamship (Cyprus) Ltd. (1 award)
18. Star Bulk Shipmanagement Co. (Cyprus) Ltd. (8 awards)
19. Transmed Shipping Co. Ltd. (6 awards)
20. Uniteam Marine Ltd. (1 award)
Cyprus’ Shipping Deputy Minister, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, honored by the International Propeller Cl
This year’s Annual Convention & Conference of the International Propeller Club of the United States was successfully held on October 23-25, in Tampa, Florida.
Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, received the International Propeller Club Maritime Person of the Year Award, being the first Cypriot woman to receive this award.
The Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, is proud that Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, was named as Maritime Person of the Year, in recognition of her work towards the development and strengthening of Cyprus maritime industry and her contributions to the global maritime industry. This award is a significant milestone for Cyprus shipping and an important recognition of our Government’s achievements in the country’s maritime industry and internationally.
2024 Keynote Annual Event featuring Mr. Robert D. Kaplan as keynote speaker
“A world in terminent crisis: from the globe down to the region.”
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the first Keynote Annual Event of the Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol.
With the presence of 200 Members and guests, including government and U.S. Embassy officials, military personnel and many distinguished shipping industry leaders and executives of the Cyprus maritime community, the event was a resounding success.
The 2024 Keynote Annual Event brought together esteemed dignitaries, including: the Attorney General, Mr. George L. Savvides, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Alexis Vafeades, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Giorgos Papanastasiou, the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Cyprus and Honorary President of the Club, Mrs. Julie D. Fisher, the Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, the Cyprus Navy Commander, Commodore Minas Solomonides, the Commander of Port & Marine Police Unite, Cyprus Police, Michalis Katsounotos, the Head of Limassol Port Police Station, Act. Chief Inspector Andreas Chatziioannou and the President of the International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, Mr. Costis Frangoulis.
Mr. Robert D. Kaplan was the evening’s keynote speaker.
Mr. Kaplan is an American best-selling author of twenty-two books on foreign affairs. He holds the Robert Strausz-Hupé Chair in Geopolitics at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a brilliant geopolitical thinker and journalist, and a careful and nuanced scholar who has an extraordinary breadth of expertise and record of accomplishment.
The event opened with the welcoming remarks of the President, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou. During his address, Mr. Hajioannou paid tribute to this year’s 50th anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion and continued occupation of Cyprus, presenting a moving documentary – courtesy of ALPHA Cyprus – recounting the tragic events of 1974.
He then introduced the event keynote speaker, Mr. Robert D. Kaplan, for a dynamic speech on the pressing issues of geopolitics and its impact.
Mr. Robert D. Kapaln delivered a powerful speech on “A world in terminent crisis: from the globe down to the region.” From China and Middle East to Ukraine, Russia, Europe, Africa and the United States, Mr. Kaplan shared his perspective on the current global geopolitical situation, reflecting on crucial geopolitical developments and geoeconomic shifts. He also spoke about the Israel-Gaza conflict, concluding his speech with valuable insights on the Cyprus problem, especially focusing on the role and influence of Greece, UN and the Great Powers’ on the solution.
At the end of his speech, Mr. Kaplan answered a number of questions from the audience.
The atmosphere was very warm and Mr. Kaplan was genuinely welcomed by all attendees.
After the speech concluded, a buffet reception was followed at the gardens of the Four Seasons which was attended by all the guests.
The 2024 Keynote Annual Event was sponsored by:
Gold Sponsor: EUROBANK Cyprus
Reception Sponsor: Safe Bulkers
Silver Sponsors: Bank of Cyprus, Petrolina (Holdings) Public Ltd, The United Kingdom Freight Demurrage and Defence Insurance (Europe) Limited
Bronze Sponsors: DNV Hellas, Ernst & Young Cyprus Ltd, Marsh Insurance Brokers Limited, Olympia Ocean Carriers Ltd, Pivotal Step Limited, Tototheo Global, Tsavliris Salvage.
Every year, the Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, will host its Keynote Annual Event featuring renowned world-class keynote speakers to share their invaluable knowledge and expertise, delivering speeches that make an impact to the Cyprus maritime community
50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus
On Monday, September 9, 2024, the Propeller Clubs of Piraeus and Limassol successfully hosted a commemorative event at the Yacht Club of Greece, marking the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus.
Distinguished guests from both Greece and Cyprus attended, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Dr. Constantinos Kombos, who delivered a powerful keynote address.
The evening featured moving documentaries and personal testimonies recounting the events of 1974. A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of an honorary award to Dimitris Mitsatsos for his heroic actions in the Battle of Tillyria, which deeply moved all in attendance.
Επέτειος 50 χρόνων από την τουρκική εισβολή και κατοχή της Κύπρου