A strong Cyprus ship registry strengthens the country’s voice, making it a protagonist in the formulation of maritime policy and sends a clear message that illegal restrictive measures and violations of international law cannot be accepted, Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis, said on Wednesday at a press conference on the organisation of the “Maritime Cyprus 2023” International Conference.

Hadjimanolis said that, the conference, which will take place between October 8 to 11 in Limassol, has been established among the top in the world while this year the aim was to enrich it, both in relation to distinguished speakers but also in relation to the topic.

Noting that major changes were expected in shipping, with the main one being decarbonisation, the Deputy Minister assured that the Government fully understands the concerns expressed by the industry and that always “acting responsibly” within the framework of Cyprus’ obligations as a member of the EU and the International Maritime Organization “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”.

Hadjimanolis also referred to the efforts of her Deputy Ministry to ensure a competitive registry, in line with the modern era and values such as immediacy, quality and modernisation, “thus laying solid foundation for a promising future for the Cypriot registry and our maritime complex”.

She also noted that commercial shipping in Cyprus has developed rapidly in recent decades and that the country today, was 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.

Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry, Stelios Himonas, said that the Conference, which this year has as its theme “Shipping in Action: An Agenda for Change”, 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.