Cyprus' Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis has expressed her optimism that despite challenges, Cyprus’ role as an important and internationally recognized maritime state will be further strengthened.

In yearend statements to the Cyprus News Agency Hadjimanolis said that the strengthening of the competitiveness of the Cyprus Register, the continuous quality upgrade of the fleet and the upgrading of the services provided are aimed at maintaining the fleet and attracting new ships to the Register, with the ultimate aim of improving the global and the European ranking of the Cypriot flag and the prestige of the island as a maritime power, as well as the increase of the contribution of shipping to the economy.

The Deputy Minister noted that shipping is an industry with particularities and often unpredictable and complex challenges, which inevitably affect Cypriot shipping as well. She referred to the sanctions against Russia due to the war in Ukraine, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and more recently, attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels against ships in the Red Sea region.

She pointed out that despite these challenges, the foundations of Cypriot shipping are strong and solid and Cyprus has proven that it is able to respond adequately and effectively to these problems.

Hadjimanolis said that a targeted action plan has already been prepared with the ultimate aim of strengthening of Cyprus Shipping and expressed her satisfaction over the fact that the efforts made, have begun to yield results.

She referred to the efforts to further develop and upgrade the services provided adding that in this context, the One Stop Shipping Center has been operating since November 20, with the aim of providing quality service to the requests of all shipping companies, and companies whose activities are related to shipping and are based in Cyprus.

Shipping Deputy Minister also said that Cyprus re-election to the Council of the International Maritime Organization is a huge achievement and provides the opportunity for our country to participate in the processes for making strategic decisions that affect the future of the Organization and global shipping in general.

According to Hadjimanolis, another recent important development was the approval by the Council of Ministers on December 20 of the National Marine Structural Plan. She referred to the targets set noting that supporting and promoting sustainable development at sea, applying an ecosystem approach and taking into account economic, social, environmental and cultural aspects, as well as promoting the coexistence of related activities are of utmost importance.