Shipping has long been one of the most dynamic and strategic sectors of the Cypriot economy. In recent years, Cyprus has been seeking to further strengthen its position, not only as a maritime centre, but also as a modern hub for maritime tourism, education and sustainable development in the Eastern Mediterranean.
At a time of intense geopolitical shifts, increased environmental requirements and growing international competition, policy choices and the vision for the future of shipping have become particularly significant.
The Shipping Deputy Minister, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, discusses the government’s priorities, the reforms currently underway and the role Cyprus can play as a modern, sustainable and competitive maritime centre.
What are the objectives and priorities of the Shipping Deputy Ministry within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU?
The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU is a particularly important period for the Shipping Deputy Ministry, as it coincides with a time of significant changes in the European and international maritime sector. Our aim is to ensure that shipping remains competitive, resilient and ready to respond to the modern challenges of the green and digital transition.
Our first priority is to promote and shape the new EU Industrial Maritime Strategy, which is expected to serve as a key roadmap for strengthening the competitiveness, technological adaptation and strategic autonomy of European shipping.
As Presidency, we are coordinating discussions with the aim of adopting Council Conclusions at the Transport Council coming June. Our second major priority is the Lefkosia Declaration, a national initiative with a human-centred focus on seafarers and the future of the maritime profession. The Declaration promotes modern maritime education, skills enhancement, digital and green readiness, and equal participation of women in the sector. Our goal is for it to be endorsed by all Member States during the Informal Council of EU Ministers responsible for Maritime Affairs, which will take place in Nicosia coming April. Thirdly, we attach great importance to strengthening a unified European stance within the International Maritime Organization (IMO). At a time when crucial decisions are being taken regarding decarbonisation and the safety of international shipping, cohesion and proper coordination of EU positions are essential.
As Presidency, we are working to ensure that the EU speaks with a strong, coherent and effective voice.
Overall, the objectives of the Shipping Deputy Ministry during the Cyprus Presidency focus on strengthening European shipping, supporting our seafarers and shaping policies that will define a competitive, sustainable and modern maritime future for Europe.
What are the modern challenges faced by shipping and how might they affect the future of the sector?
The modern challenges faced by shipping mainly relate to environmental compliance, digitalisation, geopolitical uncertainties, and the safety of seafarers and vessels. In general, shipping, as an international industry with unique characteristics, is vulnerable to unstable geopolitical conditions as well as political and economic developments. At the same time, the green transition and digitalisation are no longer optional but a strategic necessity. At the Shipping Deputy Ministry, we view these challenges as opportunities to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the Cypriot maritime sector.
Shipping involves many stakeholders and services. How easy is it today for an investor or shipowner to operate in Cyprus and how can this be further improved?
In Cyprus, shipping is a mature and internationally recognised sector, supported by a competitive tax regime and a strategic geographical position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, making the country particularly attractive for investors and shipowners.
At the same time, the digitalisation of procedures and the full operation of the One Stop Shipping Centre further enhance efficiency and reduce administrative costs. In addition, maintaining a stable and predictable regulatory environment, along with continuous dialogue with the maritime community, helps ensure a friendly and competitive framework for investment.
There is a view that Cyprus could evolve into a regional centre for crew and maritime professions training.
Is this a realistic goal?
We firmly believe that Cyprus can realistically develop into a regional centre for crew and maritime professions training in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The country has a strong maritime tradition, one of the largest registries in the EU, and a significant concentration of ship-management companies, which together create a solid foundation for further growth.
Currently, three recognised maritime academies and specialised training centres operate in Cyprus, covering crew training needs, while university programmes are also offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
It is worth noting that in recent years there has been growing demand from third-country nationals to study at Cypriot maritime education institutions, confirming the international recognition and attractiveness of Cyprus as an educational destination. In response to this demand, the Shipping Deputy Ministry, in cooperation with the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, has introduced the “Visitor – Programme Attendance” scheme, which has been in force since last October and facilitates the legal stay and study of trainees from third countries in approved maritime academies for a specific period. This development demonstrates that Cyprus not only has the necessary infrastructure but also real and growing demand. With targeted partnerships, continuous programme upgrades and a focus on quality and international certification, our country has all the prerequisites to establish itself as a reliable and competitive maritime education centre in the wider region, while strengthening the global footprint of Cyprus shipping.
Sustainability and protection of the marine environment are now at the centre of global shipping. How does Cyprus balance development with environmental responsibility?
Shipping has historically proven that it can evolve by establishing rules that effectively protect the marine environment without disrupting its crucial role in the movement of global trade.
A characteristic example is the MARPOL Convention, which entered into force in 1983. Since then, through successive amendments, MARPOL has expanded its scope to cover pollution from oil and harmful substances, sewage, garbage, and since 2005, air pollution from ships.
Today, the challenge is even more complex, as we aim for the decarbonisation of maritime transport as part of the global effort to tackle climate change, as defined in the Paris Agreement. The Republic of Cyprus approaches this issue with realism and a sense of responsibility, recognising that the transition must be global, fair and practical.
The revised 2023 strategy of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships charts a path towards net-zero emissions by or around 2050. It introduces indicative checkpoints and promotes the adoption of zero- or near-zero-emission fuels and technologies.
We believe that the IMO strategy should be translated into regulations that promote the transition to decarbonisation with realistic timelines and a holistic approach to the use of green energy, ensuring that the ultimate objective-reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible-is not undermined.
The European Union has adopted regional measures that directly affect shipping, such as the inclusion of shipping in the EU ETS from 2024 and the FuelEU Maritime Regulation from 2025, which aims to gradually reduce the greenhouse-gas intensity of the energy used by ships.
Our position is that for shipping, global measures should be adopted rather than regional ones. EU measures should not operate beyond the global framework that will be agreed within the IMO, in order to avoid distortions, double taxation and negative impacts on the competitiveness of our economy and the standard of living of our citizens.
Within this context-and particularly during the period in which our country holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union-we place special emphasis on the need for a unified EU position within the IMO at a time of critical decisions regarding shipping’s contribution to the global effort to combat climate change.
In summary, balancing development with environmental responsibility, for Cyprus means promoting quality shipping, investing in innovation and, above all, adopting realistic global rules that ensure a fair transition and equal opportunities for development for all states.
What are the recent developments in cruise tourism in Cyprus and what are its prospects within the framework of the National Strategy?
The year 2025 closed on a positive note for cruise tourism, recording a 30% increase in cruise ship arrivals compared to 2024, confirming forecasts of gradual recovery and stabilisation despite the challenges faced in recent years in the Eastern Mediterranean.
A particularly significant development is the strengthening of home porting, as it increases the added value for the economy and creates multiplier benefits for local businesses.
A positive sign for the future is the continuation and strengthening of itineraries by Marella Cruises, with 30 scheduled home-porting calls planned for 2026. This demonstrates that Cyprus can operate not only as an intermediate stop but also as an independent cruise hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Another milestone for the country’s international promotion is the selection of Limassol to host the 71st General Assembly of MedCruise in 2027, a prestigious event that further strengthens Cyprus’s presence on the Mediterranean cruise map.
Despite geopolitical uncertainties, the positive momentum that has been created and the implementation of the National Cruise Tourism Strategy provide strong prospects for further growth. Our goal is to establish a stable and sustainable course for the cruise sector that will strengthen Cyprus’s competitiveness and, as far as possible, shield the sector from external challenges.
