OUR LEGACY
A Tradition of Excellence in Shipping
Shaping the Future of Maritime Services
Our Beginnings (1936-1956)
1936, the British shipping company Hull Blyth & Co Ltd of London established operations in Cyprus, opening its first office in Famagusta under the leadership of Mr. Heracles Araouzos, assisted by Mr. Costas Economou. The company quickly became a key player in the island's shipping industry.
In 1956, the original Famagusta office was severely damaged by fire, leading to a temporary relocation outside the old city. By 1963, under its new name Hull Blyth Araouzos Ltd, the company acquired a four-storey building near the Port of Famagusta, further strengthening its presence. By 1984, Hull Blyth Araouzos Ltd became a fully local company, marking a new era in its history.
Expansion Across Cyprus
Hull Blyth's growth continued with strategic office openings across the island:
- Limassol (1944) - Strengthening port services.
- Nicosia (1946) - Focusing primarily on aviation services.
- Larnaca (1948) - Expanding shipping and logistics operations.
- Kyrenia & Paphos - Offices operating until 1974 and the late 1950s, respectively.
During this period, Famagusta, Limassol, Kyrenia, and Larnaca offices specialized in shipping services, while Nicosia concentrated on aviation. The company played a vital role in cargo clearing, ticketing, and tour operations, catering to both passenger and freight transport needs.
Challenges & Resilience (1974 Onward)
The Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 significantly impacted the company, with Hull Blyth Araouzos Ltd losing its premises in Famagusta, Kyrenia, and Nicosia Airport.
With Famagusta and Kyrenia ports under Turkish control, Limassol became the island's primary port, and Hull Blyth Araouzos Ltd shifted its headquarters there. Despite these challenges, the company remained at the forefront of the shipping industry, continuously adapting and expanding its services.
Larnaca Port remained active, mainly handling car carriers, tankers, and container vessels, with Hull Blyth representing most tankers calling at the port. The company also served as Owners' Protecting Agents in Vassiliko, a private port primarily used for coal imports by the Vassiliko Cement Company.
A Pillar of Cyprus' Shipping Industry
As one of Cyprus' oldest shipping companies, Hull Blyth Araouzos Ltd has been a leader in:
- Vessel operations & port agency services
- Cargo handling, container transport & road haulage
- Stevedoring, ship chandlery & chartering
Decades of Trusted Maritime Representation
During World War II, Hull Blyth represented commercial vessels chartered by the British Ministry of Defense. Since then, it has been responsible for handling the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) and Her Majesty's Service (HMS) vessels, which operate under the British Ministry of Defense, calling at Limassol, Larnaca, and Akrotiri for provisioning and courtesy visits.
In 1945, Hull Blyth took over agency services for nearly all tankers serving oil companies in Cyprus, working with major global brands such as:
- Esso Petroleum Co Ltd
- Mobil Shipping & Transportation Co
- BP Shipping Ltd
- Shell International Marine Ltd
While primarily focused on cargo transport, Hull Blyth has also represented passenger and cruise lines since 1947, further diversifying its expertise.
Driving Growth in Cyprus' Maritime Industry
Following Cyprus' independence in 1960, the nation experienced rapid economic growth. Hull Blyth played a leading role in this transformation by introducing new shipping lines, supporting the country's expanding import-export trade, and strengthening its maritime connections.
After the Turkish invasion in 1974, the company worked closely with Cyprus' industrial sector to boost exports, securing new shipping agencies and creating flexible transport solutions to support the economy.
Today, Hull Blyth Araouzos Ltd continues to serve as the local correspondent for the majority of Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs, offering expert legal and operational support to shipowners and charterers. With its experienced team in Limassol, the company remains dedicated to protecting its clients' interests and upholding the highest standards of service.
A Legacy of Strength & Innovation
From its foundation in 1936 to the present day, Hull Blyth Araouzos Ltd has continuously adapted, expanded, and led Cyprus' maritime industry. With a legacy built on trust, expertise, and resilience, the company remains committed to delivering exceptional shipping solutions for decades to come.
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