Nicosia, Cyprus. The Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) congratulated the Deputy Ministry of Shipping for organising a high-level conference on investing in seafarers, saying it reinforced Cyprus’ role in shaping people-centred maritime policy.
Conference held under Cyprus EU Council presidency framework
The High-Level Ministerial and Stakeholder Conference on ‘Investing in Seafarers: Securing the Future of Global Shipping’ was held in Cyprus within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It brought together high-ranking officials, policymakers, maritime industry leaders and international bodies to discuss the future of seafarers and the wider maritime workforce.
CUS says focus on seafarers sent message to maritime community
CUS said the initiative placed seafarers at the centre of the dialogue and sent a “strong and timely message” to the international maritime community on the need to strengthen and recognise the human potential of the sea.
Sector challenges highlighted
According to the union, the conference confirmed Cyprus’ leading role in maritime policymaking at a time when the sector faces growing demands linked to maritime education and training, human resource development, the digital transition and seafarers’ well-being.
Recognition for EU commissioner and Cyprus shipping deputy minister
CUS expressed appreciation to European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas for his “substantial contribution and consistent support” to efforts aimed at strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the maritime sector.
It also congratulated Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis for her “strategic vision, effective leadership and consistent commitment” to upgrading Cyprus as an international shipping centre, and for promoting policies that strengthen human resources, which CUS described as the foundation of the shipping industry.
Regional and European participation
The union made special mention of Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias, saying his participation emphasised the importance of regional cooperation and collective action in addressing challenges facing seafarers.
CUS also welcomed the participation of MEP Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism, saying her contribution highlighted the importance of the European dimension in shaping policies for the future of seafarers.
CUS president calls for visibility and consistent treatment of seafarers
CUS said the intervention of its president, Polys V. Hadjioannou, was “significant and substantive”, adding that he pointed to the need for collective responsibility and stronger cooperation between governments, the shipping industry and international organisations for the benefit of seafarers and shipping as a whole.
Hadjioannou said, “we cannot continue to call seafarers ‘frontline workers’ in statements and speeches and at the same time not treat them as such,” adding that “seafarers deserve to be visible”.
What steps do you think governments and the shipping industry should take to improve seafarers’ visibility and well-being?