Issues concerning the highly important for Cyprus shipping industry were discussed in the context of the participation recently of the Deputy Shipping Vassilis Demetriades in a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Welcoming Mr. Demetriades, Limassol Chamber President Andreas Tsouloftas stressed the importance of shipping for the Cypriot economy and praised the work done by the Ministry.
Briefing the Chamber Board, the Deputy Minister referred, among other things, to the effort for a sea connection between Cyprus and Greece, noting that three bids are being evaluated, with the successful bidder to be selected in March and with the start of the line expected a few weeks later. Referring to other issues related to the Deputy Ministry, Mr. Demetriades noted the contact with the internationally renowned cruise company Royal Caribbean, which is said to be seriously considering the possibility of winter cruises in the Mediterranean, from the beginning of 2024.
Another issue on the Deputy Ministry’s agenda is maritime spatial planning, for which consultationσ will be completed in the near future, as with the relevant law having been passed and the concomitant policy statement published, the entire package should be ready for submission to the European Union by the summer. Mr. Demetriades also noted that the Cyprus Shipping industry in general is doing well, and an effort is being made to attract companies from the Far East region, through the opening of an office in Tokyo.
