Limassol, Cyprus. Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis said 11 Cyprus-flagged ships in the Gulf are safe as the government monitors a regional crisis and its potential impact on shipping, trade, energy and tourism. She spoke on Thursday at a press conference for the Deputy Ministry of Shipping’s 2025 annual report in Limassol.
Straits closure and risks to seafarers
Hadjimanolis said the closure of the straits had become a matter of major concern for global shipping, particularly because of the risks facing seafarers stranded in the area. She described the passage as one of the world’s most critical maritime energy corridors and also important for agricultural trade, adding that the government and the deputy ministry had been closely monitoring developments from the outset.
“At the moment, as you know, the straits are essentially closed,” she said, adding that ship movements were very limited.
Cyprus-flagged vessels and government recommendations
Hadjimanolis said there are an estimated 1,000 ships and 20,000 seafarers in the wider area. She said Cyprus has issued recommendations since the first day of the crisis for vessels operating both in the area and in other vulnerable zones, including the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
She said that of the 11 Cyprus-flagged vessels currently in the Gulf, most operate there on a permanent basis, providing mainly specialised or auxiliary maritime services, while only one Cypriot ship was effectively waiting to depart the region.
Diplomatic efforts and IMO discussions
The deputy minister said there are currently no coordinated collective proposals that could ensure the safe escort of ships through the straits. She added that Cyprus is working with its European Union partners on diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring safe passage.
She also referred to the extraordinary session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, held on March 18 and 19, saying the main issue under discussion was the safety of seafarers stranded aboard ships in the affected area.
“I would like to begin by expressing our full solidarity with the Gulf States and the unacceptable attacks they have suffered,” she said.
Impact on Cyprus cruise sector
On the possible impact on Cyprus, Hadjimanolis said the crisis has not so far affected the cruise sector, pointing to Marella Cruises’ continued decision to use Limassol port as a home port.
How do you think the straits closure could affect shipping and trade in the coming weeks?
