Limassol: The Deputy Ministry of Shipping places the welfare of seafarers at the top of its priorities, said Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis, noting that during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, a declaration is expected to be adopted on the training of seafarers and the promotion and strengthening of the integration of women in the shipping industry.
According to Cyprus News Agency, on Monday morning in Limassol, Hadjimanolis welcomed the start of the ITF Worldwide Inspectors Seminar, in which more than 150 inspectors from over 100 ports worldwide are participating, with a view to implementing collective agreements and defending seafarers’ rights. In her speech, the Deputy Minister noted the significance of hosting this meeting for Cyprus, a maritime nation with a longstanding tradition at sea. She emphasized the central role that seafarers play in daily life.
The goal of all and a shared vision, she continued, is to safeguard and protect the rights and wellbeing of seafarers, who play a pivotal role in driving global economies and shaping the sustainable future of shipping. Emphasizing that seafarers are the backbone and a fundamental pillar of global shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis said that the Deputy Ministry places their welfare at the top of its priorities.
At the same time, she pointed out that the rapid green, digital, and energy transition requires the development of a new skills framework for maritime professionals and that there is a substantial need for upskilling and reskilling. She added that, for Cyprus, human capital is a crucial component of resilience and growth.
Hadjimanolis stressed the need for cooperation and collective action to address common challenges, noting that Cyprus plays a proactive role in international maritime affairs. The Shipping Deputy Ministry collaborates closely with the International Maritime Organization, the International Labour Organization, European institutions, and other organizations to address these challenges.
She also highlighted Cyprus’ strategic role in the global shipping environment, as a crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa, and as a leading shipping centre with a robust and transparent regulatory framework, a competitive EU-approved tonnage tax system, and a strong focus on quality and safety.
Hadjimanolis recalled that Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, with shipping as one of its priorities. A core issue will be the competitiveness of the maritime industry, with an Informal Ministerial meeting scheduled in April 2026 for maritime affairs, where a declaration concerning seafarers’ education and the promotion of women inclusivity in the industry is expected to be adopted.
Through this declaration, Cyprus intends to underscore the EU’s leadership in promoting a sustainable and inclusive maritime workforce, fostering a more resilient and future-ready shipping sector. Concluding, the Deputy Minister said that Cypriot shipping is committed to quality, excellence, and reliability, emphasizing the need for unity and solidarity for a resilient, fair, safe, and sustainable maritime future. She invited everyone to the “Maritime Cyprus 2025” conference, which will take place from 6 to 8 October in Limassol.