EU and China seek shipping stability as Cyprus expands maritime contacts with Beijing
EU-China talks in Shanghai focused on greener shipping and reliable trade links as Cyprus pursued maritime cooperation and business for its shipping register.
Shanghai, China. The European Union and China have urged more stable conditions for global shipping, according to a joint statement released by the European Commission following talks in Shanghai. The discussions coincided with Cyprus’s efforts to deepen maritime ties with Beijing.
Container shipping and greener transport
The Commission’s statement said the EU-China Maritime Transport Agreement’s 19th implementation meeting took place on Monday, October 19. Participants reviewed changes in international shipping, including difficulties in container markets and the importance of dependable trade links connecting China and Europe.
According to the statement, the agenda included environmentally cleaner maritime transport, international shipping policies and keeping supply chains operating smoothly. Both delegations acknowledged that shipping businesses and international commerce depended on predictable, stable operating conditions.
Fotini Ioannidou, the European Commission’s director for waterborne transport within its Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, headed the EU delegation. Yang Huaxiong, director-general of the Water Transport Bureau within China’s Ministry of Transport, led the Chinese side.
The statement also recorded participation by delegates from EU countries, Chinese authorities and maritime businesses.
Cyprus pursues Asian shipping ties
The Shanghai discussions came during Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis’s 16-day tour of Asia, running from October 14 to 29. Her itinerary covers Japan, China and South Korea, with the stated goals of expanding maritime cooperation and bringing additional business to the Cyprus shipping register.
After completing several meetings in Japan, Hadjimanolis had already met Chinese officials and shipping industry representatives in Shanghai for maritime discussions. Her programme also lists attendance at the North Bund International Shipping Forum on October 20–21 and the 10th Capital Link International Shipping Forum on October 20.
Vessel ceremony and earlier cooperation talks
The itinerary also includes Zhoushan, where Hadjimanolis is to attend the naming of Safe Bulkers’ M/V Kypros Island. The methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier has a deadweight capacity of 81,200 tonnes. Launched in June, it is due for delivery at October’s end and will operate under the Cyprus flag.
The visit follows talks in September between Hadjimanolis and Chinese ambassador Yang Yundong. Those discussions addressed maritime training, the welfare of seafarers and stronger collaboration within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
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