Greece received more than 2,000 AMVER awards for 2021, sailing into the lead for the third consecutive year; a first for Greek shipping with seventeen Greek-owned shipping companies also honoured with Special Rescue Awards after 22 of their ships rescued 505 people who were in danger at sea.
"The Greek Coast Guard does truly heroic work: for instance, just this week the Coast Guard rescued 112 migrants and refugees. The Hellenic Coast Guard is also a critical partner in our law enforcement and security relationship, and I very much look forward to working closely with the new commandant to further strengthen our collaboration and to build new initiatives between our two countries.
US Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt praised Greece and Greek shipping for its extraordinary contribution to the sector.
"I also want to recognize the entire Greek shipping community that’s here this evening. Mary and I have really enjoyed getting to know so many of you over the past three years — I’ve also learned to keep the remarks short so if you give me your attention I’ll get to the end here — and I recognize that your participation in AMVER is just one facet of Greek shipping’s longstanding and deep ties to the United States, so thank you" said Pyatt.
The Greek owned companies awarded with Special Rescue Awards were : Latsis Group, Tsakos Group, Vangelis Marinakis Group, Costamare Group Costamare Konstantakopoulos Group, Laskaridis Group, Petros Pappas Group, Lou Kolakis Group, Laimos-Patitsos Leimos family group, Evtis Leimonis.
The companies in order of award were: Starbulk, Optimum Group, Seastar Maritime Management, Tsakos Group of Companies, Euronav Ship Management, Element Ship Management, Costamare Shipping, Procduct Shipping and Trading Sa, Oceanbulk International SA. Seamar Management, M / Maritime Corp., Laskaridis Shipping Company, Capital Ship Management Corp., Central Mare, Chartworld Shipping Corpopration, Atlas Maritime Ltd, Latsco Marine Management INC.
Also honoured in the Fidelity Awards section, were three Greek companies with a continuous presence on AMVER system over the last decade. They were:
- Angelicoussis Group of Companies (896 ships)
- Tsakos Group of Companies (599)
- Thenamaris (Ships Management) Inc. (546)
A special award was given to nine of those who participated in the program with more than 50 ships:
- Angelicoussis Group of Companies (113)
- TMS Group of Companies (106)
- Technomar Shipping Inc (81)
- Tsakos Group of Companies (79)
- Thenamaris (Ships Management) Inc (71)
- Minerva Marine Inc (56)
- Starbulk SA (55)
- Capital Ship Management Corp (50)
- Euronav Ship Management (Hellas) Ltd (50)
RESOURCE | ABOUT AMVER AWARDS HISTORY
The Amver Awards Program was inaugurated in 1971 to recognize those vessels which regularly participate in the Amver system. Extremely favorable response from the merchant shipping industry around the world to the idea of annual Amver awards has ensured the continuance of the program.
Amver award materials provide worldwide exposure and favorable publicity for the program. Ships flying the various colored Amver pennants are a constant reminder on the oceans of that ship and company's commitment to safety at sea. Prominent display of Amver Certificates, found in company boardrooms, corporate office reception areas and on the bulkhead of a ship's bridge or wardroom, attest to the prestige accorded with these awards.
The Awards program also assists in retaining ships already participating in the program, and assisting in the recruitment of new ships by way of a tangible expression of appreciation.
The presentation of Amver awards serves as an instrument of our nation's foreign policy, as United States embassies and consulates around the world use the occasion to arrange a ceremony or reception to express the appreciation of the United States Government to government and industry officials of a host nation for the voluntary participation of its ships in this humanitarian program.
Similarly, U.S. Coast Guard District Offices in the United States use the occasion of an Amver awards presentation, either at the District Headquarters, or in conjunction with a local maritime exhibition, fair or professional event, to thank local shipowners for the support provided by U.S.-flag shipping.
[Amver.com]