This significant development, the chamber noted, reflects a substantial step towards the government’s commitment to further elevate Cyprus as a strong maritime centre. What is more, in its statement, the chamber explained that it had been calling for the establishment of a one-stop shipping centre for a long time. 

Moreover, the centre is expected to evolve significantly into a fully-fledged fast-track service, providing direct and swift access and prioritisation to all relevant state authorities and ministries. “The intention is for the service centre to be staffed by officials from the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and other competent state services (on secondment), who either possess or will undergo training to acquire knowledge of the specific requirements of the maritime industry,” stated the chamber. It also emphasised the need for timely and efficient action independently of other governmental departments to swiftly process the services it will undertake. At the same time, the chamber said that the complete digitisation and automation of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping’s services has become a necessity.

The chamber explained that providing a more flexible, immediate, effective, and unified customer-centric service on a 24-hour basis, will help Cypriot shipping to become “significantly more competitive,” a longstanding demand of the shipping industry. Furthermore, the digitisation and automation of all services provided by the ministry will create a purely digital environment, shaping the framework for supporting a one-stop service approach, as outlined in the CSC’s statement. “This significant upgrade signifies a step in the right direction, fully supported by the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, which will continue to work towards enhancing the spectrum of services the service centre will offer,” the statement concluded.

Last week, Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanoli explained that the service would cater to all shipping companies and entities whose activities are maritime-related and headquartered in Cyprus. The initiative, she explained, is being executed in close collaboration with the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior, which has provided the necessary expertise, IT equipment, and personnel. Effectively, through this service, the ministry aims to streamline processes for interested companies.

Source: Cyprus Mail