Limassol: Supporting Cyprus’ maritime industry is the Government’s firm commitment, President Nikos Christodoulides said Tuesday at the 36th General Annual Meeting of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber held in Limassol, noting that shipping will be among the priorities of the Republic of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of EU, in the first half of 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the event was also attended by House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou, Minister of Justice Marios Hartsiotis, Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors of foreign countries, and members of the local shipping community. President Christodoulides emphasized the shared goal with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber to enhance the competitiveness of the maritime industry and create new opportunities.
President Christodoulides highlighted the significant growth of the Cyprus Ship Registry over the last two years, noting an increase of more than 18%. He also mentioned that the number of compa
nies registered in the Cyprus Tonnage Tax System grew by 15% during the same period. The President expressed the government’s intent to expand horizons further, referencing his recent visit to New York, where there was noticeable interest from new companies to establish operations in Cyprus.
The President also cited his visit to Finland, where shipping cooperation was a key focus, marked by a successful business shipping forum involving Cyprus and Finland maritime clusters. He noted the government’s ongoing efforts to develop policies that attract services related to Cyprus shipping, particularly in technology, research and development, and pleasure yachts.
President Christodoulides mentioned the Council of Ministers’ approval of a national strategy for cruise tourism in Cyprus, addressing a longstanding request of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber. He outlined the strategy’s implementation phases, aimed at creating a sustainable growth framework for cruise tourism in Cyprus, with a detailed action plan expected
by the end of July.
Moreover, the President remarked on the anticipated increase in cruise ship calls to Cyprus this year and the selection of Limassol port as a home port for Mediterranean cruises. He expressed confidence that the national strategy and collective stakeholder action would enhance Cyprus as a cruise ship destination.
The President further highlighted the continuation of the passenger maritime link between Cyprus and Greece for a fourth consecutive year, with a three-year extension approved by the Council of Ministers. He expressed readiness to support companies interested in establishing passenger maritime links with other neighboring countries.
Addressing challenges faced by the maritime industry, President Christodoulides noted geopolitical turbulence, the green and digital transition, and the shortage of skilled personnel. He expressed Cyprus’ support for the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework and called for a robust EU policy framework to address global compe
tition, protectionism, and sustainability issues.
President Christodoulides reiterated that shipping would be a priority during Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of EU in 2026, with competitiveness in the maritime industry as a core focus. He assured his personal and the Government’s commitment to a thriving Cyprus shipping sector.
House President Annita Demetriou, in her speech, stressed the importance of resolving the Cyprus problem to restore maritime heritage. She highlighted Cyprus’ significant merchant fleet and the challenges posed by geoeconomic and geopolitical tensions. Demetriou emphasized the importance of regulatory stability and competitive advantages, alongside the sector’s climate and environmental challenges.
Demetriou noted the legislative framework’s agility in accommodating emerging trends and innovations while aligning with European and international obligations. The House of Representatives has enacted numerous maritime-related legislations and is currently revising the legal framewor
k for recreational navigation and marine leisure activities.
These initiatives aim to modernize safety standards, stimulate maritime tourism, and create opportunities for Cypriot ports and communities, she concluded.