Hadjimanolis: The Cypriot shipping sector is getting stronger

Statements by President Nikos Christodoulides, during his presentation of the government's plans for 2025, that the Cyprus ship registry has recorded an 18% increase over the last 16 months, have been confirmed by Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis.

Speaking to CNA, she said that there had been a significant and satisfying increase, giving assurances that the Deputy Ministry is working to further improve shipping and similar services, in order to attract companies even further.

Today, she noted, the Cypriot registry numbers around a thousand seagoing vessels, with the largest percentage being bulk carriers, container ships, tankers and general cargo ships.

The incident with the Cyprus-flagged ship Guang Rong

Meanwhile, the Deputy Ministry of Shipping is closely monitoring the incident involving the grounding of the Cyprus-flagged ship Guang Rong in Tuscany, Hadjimanolis stated, adding that a detailed report of events has been requested for evaluation.

As the Deputy Minister reported, the approximately 100-meter general cargo ship was anchored and ran aground at the Marina di Massa when it moved towards land due to rough seas and its stern hit the dock.

The twelve-member crew, he continued, was safely transported to land by local authorities, while so far no fuel leak into the sea has been detected.

"A divers' inspection of the ship's hull has been underway since last night, to assess the situation and whether there is any damage, in order to decide how to move it safely," she added.

The Deputy Ministry of Shipping, she continued, is in constant contact with both the company and the technical classification body, which is responsible for issuing, on behalf of the Deputy Ministry, the ship's safety certificates.

"Once the situation with the local authorities is clarified and if deemed appropriate, an inspection may need to be carried out, for safety issues, by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping. All of this will be evaluated along the way," Marina Hadjimanolis said.

(Sources: InBusinessNews/CNA)