Danish Shipping Headquarters in Copenhagen hosted the AMVER (Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue) Awards, celebrating the Danish maritime industry’s remarkable contribution to global search and rescue operations.
Presided over by Danish Shipping CEO, Anne H. Steffensen, and the U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, Alan M. Leventhal, the ceremony honoured 97 Danish vessels that earned AMVER awards in 2023. These vessels, managed by just 9 Danish companies, have demonstrated exceptional dedication to safety at sea.
The AMVER program, run by the United States Coast Guard, enlists commercial ships in a global network ready to assist with rescue missions, often responding in some of the most challenging conditions.
In 2024 alone, AMVER ships saved 771 lives and provided crucial assistance to an additional 240 people. This life-saving effort is made possible by the ongoing commitment of the global shipping industry, including Denmark's notable contributions.
During the ceremony, partners and supporters praised the outstanding role Danish ships play in the AMVER system, highlighting that more than 6,300 vessels worldwide earned AMVER awards in 2023. The award is given to ships that report to the AMVER system for at least 128 days in a calendar year. With more than 6,500 ships available for search and rescue at any given moment, this international cooperation saves, on average, two lives every day.
"Danish mariners are making the world's oceans safer," said Ben Strong, U.S. Coast Guard AMVER Maritime Relations Director. “We are grateful for our Danish commercial shipping partners. Without their participation, lives would be lost at sea. The contribution these mariners make is priceless. Congratulations and sincere thanks to today’s AMVER award recipients for their dedication to safety at sea. We also extend our thanks to Danish Shipping, ABS, FrontM and VIKAND for their invaluable support in making this event a success.”
The ceremony also underscored the immense cost involved in search and rescue operations, which is typically $13,000 USD per hour for shipping companies. Despite the financial burden, search and rescue operations come at no cost to those saved. The United States expressed deep gratitude for the Danish shipping community's generosity and willingness to bear this cost to ensure maritime safety.
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The event at Danish Shipping Headquarters served as a powerful reminder of the essential role the AMVER program plays in global maritime safety, with Danish shipping companies leading the way. The selflessness and commitment of Danish vessels in saving lives at sea are a point of pride, not only for Denmark but for the global maritime community.
“I’m proud to participate in this event honoring the Danish vessels that earned AMVER Awards in 2023,” commented Anne H. Steffensen, Danish Shipping CEO. “Thank you also to the U.S. Coast Guard for establishing this system. And to all the ships and individuals, who over the years have contributed to search and rescue operations connected to the AMVER system. Nothing is more important to us than the lives and wellbeing of our seafarers.”
As 2024 progresses, the AMVER network continues to safeguard lives, proving that collaboration is needed to sustain a safe maritime industry.
The recipients of the award were:
• Ulla Nielsen from Danish Ship Management
• Hans Simonsen from M.H. Simonsen
• Capt. Soren Thuen from Maersk
• Rasmus Snejbjerg from Navigator Gas
• Umesh Shinde from Synergy Denmark
• Allan Dan Jensen and Bjarke Frandsen from Torm A/S
