London, United Kingdom. Cyprus will continue to play an active role in shaping international maritime policy, focusing on sustainability, competitiveness and safe navigation, Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis said during a working visit to London from July 6 to 9.
The visit included an event hosted by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organisation on the sidelines of the organisation’s 137th Council session, taking place in London from July 6 to 10.
IMO session agenda
The agenda of the 137th Council session includes strategy and planning, reports from key IMO committees, and the protection of vital shipping lanes, reflecting broader challenges facing global shipping.
Cyprus promotes maritime sector
The event was attended by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez and representatives of IMO member states, giving Cyprus an opportunity to promote its maritime sector and strengthen its presence within the international shipping community.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Hadjimanolis said the event was an opportunity to highlight the role of Cyprus in the international maritime community, adding that the country remains one of the world’s major maritime powers.
Registry and shipmanagement
According to the US International Trade Administration, the Cyprus registry is the 11th largest globally and the third largest in Europe. Cyprus also remains a leading hub for third-party shipmanagement.
Cyprus’ maritime cluster continues to play a central role in the island’s economy, with more than 20 per cent of the world’s third-party shipmanagement fleet managed by companies based in Cyprus.
Policy priorities
Hadjimanolis said decarbonisation, maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment remain among the most pressing challenges for international shipping. She said these issues can only be addressed through international cooperation and realistic, commonly agreed solutions.
She added that Cyprus will continue to submit proposals and intervene both at the IMO and within the European Union, promoting policies that support the sustainable development of shipping while keeping the human factor at the centre of decision-making.
Security concerns
The visit comes as the IMO Council discusses maritime security concerns, including the protection of shipping routes. In his opening remarks, Domínguez referred to the impact of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, as well as renewed piracy concerns off Somalia, Yemen and the Gulf of Aden.
