Limassol will host significant shipping events within the framework of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU
The “Maritime Cyprus” conference, recently held in Limassol, has now established itself as an institution and as one of the largest shipping conferences worldwide. This year’s conference exceeded all expectations, both in terms of the number of participants and the highly engaging discussions held in the panels, which focused on key and timely issues affecting the shipping sector, said Shipping Deputy Minister, Marina Hadjimanoli in an interview with “Entrepreneurial Limassol”.
The Deputy Minister noted that the conference is organized by the Shipping Deputy Ministry and congratulated all contributors who worked on this highly successful event. She also thanked the Cyprus Shipowners’ Association and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber for their cooperation in organizing the conference. Ms. Hadjimanoli emphasized that, undoubtedly, the “Maritime Cyprus” conference promotes Cypriot shipping and significantly contributes to enhancing Cyprus’ prestige as a maritime nation.
“The participation of shipowners, executives of shipping companies, regulatory authorities, international and regional organizations, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, the EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, as well as ministers from other countries, demonstrates the importance the shipping community attaches to the conference and constitutes a strong sign of support for Cypriot shipping,” she noted.
The Deputy Minister added that shipping will be one of the priorities of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU during the first half of 2026, a period in which the Shipping Deputy Ministry will host and organize a series of events. The informal Council of Ministers responsible for shipping will take place in April 2026 in Nicosia, where a Declaration on Maritime Education is expected to be adopted. At the same time, the Shipping Deputy Ministry plans to organize a high-level conference in Limassol on the same theme, while Limassol will also host events for European Maritime Day in May 2026, which will include a meeting of directors of the shipping administrations of EU member states.
In response to a related question, Ms. Hadjimanoli stated that strengthening the Cypriot registry remains one of the primary goals of the Government and the Ministry of Shipping, emphasizing that there is room for further development. “To this end, we have developed policies and undertaken actions, such as the digitalization of the Shipping Deputy Ministry’s services, to optimize the service framework for shipping companies. At the same time, promotional and marketing activities of the Cypriot registry continue through contacts with shipowners and shipping companies, participation in international conferences and exhibitions, as well as other targeted initiatives,” she added.
Regarding the cruise sector, the Deputy Minister pointed out that it has recently been affected by geopolitical developments in the region, as many cruise companies were forced to adjust their itineraries, which had direct impacts on the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, including Cyprus. “Nevertheless,” she added, “there is growing interest from international companies and neighboring countries for cooperation and for the development of new, adapted itineraries that leverage the island’s strategic geographic position and infrastructure.”
Ms. Hadjimanoli also noted that the first phase of the National Cruise Strategy has already been completed, while the preparation of the Action Plan is ongoing, through close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders. The plan will include targeted actions designed based on the sector’s actual needs and challenges, aiming to enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of the country as a cruise destination.
The Action Plan is expected to be completed within the year and will serve as a roadmap for the sustainable development of cruising in Cyprus. “I am confident that, through coordinated actions, close collaboration with all stakeholders, and realistic planning, our country can further strengthen its position as an attractive and competitive cruise destination in the Eastern Mediterranean, despite the challenges of the geopolitical environment,” concluded Ms. Marina Hadjimanoli.
