Limassol, Cyprus. Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis on Tuesday called for seafarers to be placed at the heart of maritime policy, saying the future of global shipping depends on people as well as regulation and technology.
Conference focus on maritime workforce
Hadjimanolis was speaking at the High-Level Ministerial Stakeholders Conference on ‘Investing in Seafarers: Securing the Future of Global Shipping’, held in Limassol. She said the sector is facing a defining period as greener shipping, digital transformation and increasingly complex supply chains reshape the industry.
“This conference places people firmly at the centre of maritime policy,” she said in her welcome address.
People central to shipping’s future
“The future of shipping is not determined only by technology, regulation, or infrastructure, but by the people who operate, manage, and sustain it every single day,” she said.
The conference, held in the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, brought together government officials, maritime stakeholders and industry representatives to discuss the future of the maritime workforce amid rapid change in global shipping.
Attracting and retaining the next generation
Hadjimanolis said the transition under way brings both opportunity and responsibility, particularly as the industry seeks to attract, train and retain the next generation of seafarers.
“As we meet here today, the maritime sector stands at a defining moment,” she said.
“The transition towards greener shipping, the rapid pace of digital transformation and the growing complexity of global supply chains are reshaping our industry. These developments bring opportunity, but also responsibility,” she added.
Seafaring described as a demanding profession
The deputy minister described seafaring as a profession rooted in resilience, discipline and sacrifice, and said it supports global trade and connects economies.
“Seafaring is more than a career. It is a calling built on courage, discipline, sacrifice, and adventure,” Hadjimanolis said.
What steps should maritime policy take to attract and retain the next generation of seafarers?