Cyprus seeks shipping business in China as ship register reaches 25-year high

Shanghai, China. Cyprus is seeking additional shipping business in China, with Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis promoting the national vessel register as it reaches its highest level in 25 years. Her Shanghai engagements follow meetings with shipowners, shipyards and government officials in Japan.

Registry opportunities discussed

During talks with representatives from Dalian Trawind Shipping and Fortuna Shipbrokers Inc., Hadjimanolis outlined the Cyprus flag’s competitive strengths and explored registration opportunities for shipowners.

The exchanges also allowed participants to raise registry-related questions, while Hadjimanolis promoted Cyprus as a partner for China’s maritime businesses.

She separately met Wang Qian, vice-director of the Shanghai Pudong New Area Commission of Commerce and Shipping Service Office, before this week’s major international maritime events. They discussed how the forthcoming North Bund International Shipping Forum could help governments and the worldwide shipping sector cooperate more closely.

North Bund programme

Scheduled for October 20–21, the North Bund Forum is expected to bring together approximately 4,000 participants representing more than 50 countries and regions.

China’s Ministry of Transport is jointly organising the gathering with the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. Its agenda covers international shipping, safety at sea, financing, insurance, digitalisation and the sector’s shift to cleaner fuels.

Plans include more than 60 associated events, with debate focusing on greater resilience in shipping and aviation worldwide.

Ministerial roundtable in Pudong

Hadjimanolis is also due to attend the 10th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum in Pudong on Tuesday, October 20. The programme lists her as a speaker at a ministerial roundtable addressing international maritime leadership.

Also on the programme is Polys Hajioannou, chief executive of Safe Bulkers and president of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS). He joins other international shipping executives for discussions covering fleet renewal, financing for ships, the dry bulk market and competitiveness in the maritime sector.