Speaking at the East Med Marine and Offshore Exhibition in Limassol, Hadjimanolis reaffirmed Cyprus’ strong commitment to backing the sector. Organised by Fameline Holding Group, the two-day exhibition gathered over 80 exhibitors from across the globe. “Shipping and offshore sectors are crucial pillars of maritime transport and international trade,” she said. However, she noted that these sectors are under mounting pressure from global challenges.

Chief among these, she explained, is the environmental burden. “One of the main challenges is environmental sustainability, with issues such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, eliminating pollution and transitioning to cleaner technologies preoccupying the shipping world,” she said. “It seems to be in a constant battle to reduce its environmental footprint.”

Against this backdrop, Hadjimanolis called for industry-wide innovation. “In this fight for sustainability,” she added, “the shipping world must pursue environmentally friendly technologies.” She also stressed the growing importance of maritime suppliers and technology providers — particularly as the industry moves toward digitalisation. “The key to promoting the industry lies in research and development,” she said, adding that “new solutions already in motion offer cause for optimism, particularly in efforts to cut emissions and improve vessel performance.” Cyprus, she noted, is well-positioned to keep up with these developments. “In the last 16 months, there has been an 18 per cent increase in the Cyprus registry in terms of gross tonnage,” she said. “It has reached the highest point since the establishment of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping in March 2018.”

In parallel, she said the number of companies joining the Tonnage Tax System has also grown. “The number climbed by 15 per cent during that period,” she added. “For the government,” she continued, “further strengthening the competitiveness of Cyprus Shipping remains a high priority.” To that end, digital transformation is already underway. “In this context and in the context of our commitment to green and digital transition,” she said, “the digitalisation of the services of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping is progressing satisfactorily.”

Moreover, she noted that “we are ready to launch the first services by the end of May 2025.”

In addition to digital tools, new policies are being drafted to expand Cyprus’ maritime proposition. These, she said, include support for tech and innovation companies as well as services related to the growing pleasure boat segment. “We will continue to support the sustainable development of Cypriot shipping,” she concluded, “and further strengthen its competitiveness.”

Finally, she invited delegates to return for the next Maritime Cyprus conference, scheduled to take place from October 6 to 8, 2025.

Source: Cyprus Mail