Major changes ahead for shipping, Dep. Minister says

There are some major changes ahead for the shipping sector and the government is fully aware of the industry’s concerns, and is working with stakeholders to find the best possible solutions, Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis has said.

She was addressing a press conference about the upcoming “Maritime Cyprus 2023” International Conference that is taking place on 8-11 October in Limassol. This year’s theme is “Shipping in Action: An Agenda for Change”,

Hadjimanolis said the conference has become well-established as a leading international event, with the aim for this year being to enrich it, both in terms of distinguished guests and topic-wise.

Noting that major changes were expected in shipping, the main being decarbonisation, Hadjimanolis assured that the government fully understands the industry’s concerns. And so “acting responsibly” and always with Cyprus’ obligations as a member of the EU and International Maritime Organisation in mind, “we are working in partnership with all stakeholders to find the solutions that will make it easier for global shipping to adapt to the new major challenges”.

She also referred to the Deputy Ministry’s efforts to upkeep a competitive registry, in line with the modern era and values such as immediacy, quality and modernisation, “thus laying solid foundations for a promising future for the Cypriot registry and our maritime complex”.

Hadjimanolis also noted that commercial shipping in Cyprus has developed rapidly in recent decades and that the country today, is a modern, efficient and comprehensive shipping centre, and that, despite the difficulties presented, “we have managed to maintain a strong record of prestige and quality”.

This proves, she added, that Cyprus has established itself as one of the highest-quality, most durable and competitive flags in the world, strengthening Cyprus' position on the global maritime map.

The Deputy Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Stelios Chimonas, said that the Conference was organised every two years by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping in collaboration with the Cyprus Union of Shipowners and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber. He said that around 900 members of the shipping community have registered their participation, while in the context of the conference, there will be a shipping services exhibition with the participation of 37 exhibitors.

(Source: CNA, Photo: Stavros Koniotis)