US-listed Safe Bulkers moved into new wholly owned offices in Cyprus, inviting dozens of friends and colleagues to a reception and dinner party late last month to celebrate the event.

The modern glass-and-steel construction offers impressive views over Limassol, the Mediterranean island’s shipping capital and one of the biggest maritime hubs in Europe.

Safe Bulkers chief executive Polys Hajioannou hails from Pedhoulas, a mountain village about an hour’s drive from Limassol.