(Source: MARKETWIRE)

Safe Bulkers, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: SB), an international
provider of marine drybulk transportation services, has announced
that John T. Gaffney, Executive Vice President of First Solar, Inc.,
has been appointed as an independent member of the Company's board of
directors, replacing Basil Sakellis, who has resigned to pursue
personal interests.
Mr. Gaffney joined First Solar in January 2008. He leads First
Solar's corporate development, legal, sustainable development and
environmental affairs departments. Prior to joining First Solar, Mr.
Gaffney practiced law at the firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP,
where he was a partner since 1993. During his time at Cravath, Mr.
Gaffney advised numerous corporate and financial institution clients
on merger, acquisition and capital markets transactions. Mr. Gaffney
holds a B.A. from The George Washington University and an M.B.A. and
J.D. from New York University.
Mr. Gaffney will also serve on the Company's audit committee and
corporate governance, nominating and compensation committee.
Polys Hajioannou, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
thanked Mr. Sakellis for his service to the Company: "Mr Sakellis,
who joined the board of directors during our initial public offering,
has served the Company in a dedicated and professional manner. I wish
to take this opportunity to thank him for his contributions and wish
him the best in all future endeavours."
About Safe Bulkers, Inc.
The Company is an international provider of marine drybulk
transportation services, transporting bulk cargoes, particularly
grain, iron ore and coal, along worldwide shipping routes for some of
the world's largest users of marine drybulk transportation services.
The Company's common stock is listed on the NYSE, where it trades
under the symbol "SB." The Company's fleet consists of 14 drybulk
vessels, all built post-2003, and the Company has contracted to
acquire additional drybulk newbuild vessels to be delivered at
various times beginning in 2010 through 2011.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange 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 which 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
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 publicly 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.
Athens, Greece
Telephone: +30 (210) 895-7070
Investor Relations / Media Contact:
Ramnique Grewal
Vice 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
SOURCE: Safe Bulkers, Inc.
A service of YellowBrix, Inc.