Safe Bulkers, Inc. Signs the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change

Rhea-AI Summary

Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE: SB) has joined the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing to tackle crew change challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. The declaration focuses on four main objectives: recognizing seafarers as key workers for priority COVID-19 vaccinations, implementing high-standard health protocols, enhancing collaboration for crew changes, and ensuring airline connectivity between maritime hubs. Dr. Loukas Barmparis, President, emphasized the company's commitment to the welfare of its seafarers and the maritime supply chain.

Positive

• Joining the Neptune Declaration aligns Safe Bulkers with over 300 shipping industry partners, enhancing its reputation.
• The initiative aims to improve crew wellbeing and operational efficiency, potentially stabilizing workforce and service continuity.

Negative

• None.

MONACO, Jan. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Safe Bulkers, Inc. (the Company) (NYSE: SB), an international provider of marine drybulk transportation services, announced today it has joined the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Changes aiming to address the unprecedented crew change challenges created by the pandemic.

The Neptune Declaration’s main objectives are to:

• Recognize seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to COVID-19 vaccinations
• Implement high-standard health protocols
• Increase collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes
• Ensure airline connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers

Dr. Loukas Barmparis, President of the Company commented: “Safe Bulkers joins this global coalition signed by more than 300 companies and organizations in the shipping industry to share initiatives and actions combating the crew change crisis and repatriation of our seafarers. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our seafarers, while ensuring a stronger maritime supply chain and the uninterrupted flow of commerce around the world.’’

About Safe Bulkers, Inc.

The Company is an international provider of marine drybulk transportation services, transporting bulk cargoes, particularly coal, grain and iron ore, along worldwide shipping routes for some of the world’s largest users of marine drybulk transportation services. The Company's common stock, Series C and Series D preferred stock is listed on the NYSE, where it trades under the symbols “SB”, “SB.PR.C” and “SB.PR.D”, respectively.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and in Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended) concerning future events, the Company’s growth strategy and measures to implement such strategy, including expected vessel acquisitions and entering into further time charters. Words such as “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “hopes,” “estimates” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, changes in the demand for drybulk vessels, competitive factors in the market in which the Company operates, risks associated with operations outside the United States and other factors listed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

For further information please contact:

Company Contact:
Dr. Loukas Barmparis
President
Safe Bulkers, Inc.
Tel.: +30 2 111 888 400
       +357 25 887 200
E-Mail: directors@safebulkers.com

Investor Relations / Media Contact:
Nicolas Bornozis, President
Capital Link, Inc.
230 Park Avenue, Suite 1536
New York, N.Y. 10169
Tel.: (212) 661-7566
Fax: (212) 661-7526
E-Mail: safebulkers@capitallink.com

FAQ

What is the Neptune Declaration that Safe Bulkers joined?

The Neptune Declaration is a global initiative that aims to address crew change challenges and enhance the wellbeing of seafarers.

What are the main objectives of the Neptune Declaration?

The main objectives include recognizing seafarers as key workers for priority vaccinations, implementing health protocols, enhancing collaboration for crew changes, and ensuring connectivity between maritime hubs.

How does joining the Neptune Declaration impact Safe Bulkers' operations?

Joining enhances Safe Bulkers' reputation and commitment to crew welfare, which may improve operational stability.

When was the press release about Safe Bulkers joining the Neptune Declaration issued?

The press release was issued on January 29, 2021.

What stock symbols are associated with Safe Bulkers?

The stock symbols for Safe Bulkers are SB for common stock and SB-PC and SB-PD for preferred stocks.