Safe Bulkers gave a “vote of confidence” in Euronext Athens.The company, owned by Polys V. Hajioannou, will be the first shipping company to be listed on Euronext Athens, while maintaining parallel trading on the NYSE, where it has been listed since 2008. The company, which operates 45 dry bulk vessels, is also awaiting approval of its prospectus from the Hellenic Capital Market Commission. It is noted that recently Euronext CEO and Chairman Stéphane Boujnah called on Greek shipping companies to join “Euronext Athens.” Specifically, he stated: “We are in an ecosystem where we are developing dialogue with all shipping companies so they can be listed in their ‘home’,” adding: “we are increasing the chances for Greek shipping companies to be listed in a market that will become deeper, larger and more visible to international investors.”The first company to respond to the new conditions following the acquisition of the Greek stock exchange by the Euronext group is Safe Bulkers, marking the second time it has demonstrated confidence in the Greek capital market. In 2022, it issued a 100-million-euro corporate bond. Hajioannou had stated at the time: “I do not believe that foreign stock exchanges offer anything different from the Greek one. It is sufficient for more investors to come, as is gradually beginning to happen. Investment in Ellinikon will provide momentum for more investors to come to Greece.”According to analysts speaking to “N”, the upgrade of the Greek stock exchange through its acquisition by Euronext, and the resulting ability to attract investors from across Europe, may serve as a strong incentive for a shipping company. At the same time, analysts noted that if Safe Bulkers’ listing is followed by others, a shipping hub will be created at Euronext Athens, strengthening the country’s broader maritime cluster and the Greek economy.Safe Bulkers operates a fleet of 45 bulk carriers, including eight Panamax, 13 Kamsarmax, 17 Post-Panamax, and seven Capesize vessels. The average fleet age is 10.5 years, with a total carrying capacity of 4.5 million dwt. The company has recently made new investment moves, agreeing to acquire four new Japanese-built dry bulk vessels scheduled for delivery by 2029.