"'Maritime Cyprus 2025' is more than a conference. It is a platform for dialogue, collaboration and shaping the future of global shipping. Cyprus has a long maritime tradition and a strong commitment to supporting the industry’s transition towards sustainability, innovation and resilience," Dr. Stelios D. Himonas, Permanent Secretary of Shipping Deputy Ministry and Conference Chairman of the upcoming Maritime Cyprus 2025 event notes.
Speaking to CBN about the conference, due to take place in Limassol from 6–8 October, Himonas continued, "We look forward to welcoming participants from all over the world in Limassol, not only to engage in meaningful industry discussions, but also to experience the unique hospitality and maritime spirit of Cyprus. It will be an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and chart the course for the future together."
In the same interview, the Permanent Secretary of the Shipping Deputy Ministry, among other things, also shared his assessment of the Cyprus shipping landscape over the past year and revealed the main challenges the sector is currently experiencing on both a local and a global level.
As well as Permanent Secretary of the Shipping Deputy Ministry, you are also Chairman of Maritime Cyprus 2025. Can you tell us about the main themes and topics to be covered at this year’s event?
The 'Maritime Cyprus 2025' Conference will focus on the future of global shipping in an era of rapid transformation. A key focus will be on regulatory developments, financing, and human capital, as the sector adapts to new compliance requirements while ensuring that both seafarers and shore-based professionals are equipped with the right skills for the future.
In addition, digital transformation will be high on the agenda, given the increasing role of data-driven solutions in improving efficiency and competitiveness.
Finally, Maritime Cyprus is about bringing stakeholders together, so there will be a strong emphasis on collaboration and partnerships to shape a resilient and sustainable maritime future.
Who are some of the expert speakers that conference participants can look forward to seeing?
This year we are privileged to welcome an impressive lineup of international leaders and experts from across the maritime spectrum. Participants can look forward to hearing from the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as well as EU Commissioners, the Presidents of ICS, BIMCO and ECSA, alongside top executives from leading global shipping companies and ship management firms.
Also, renowned academics, technology innovators, and financial sector representatives, will bring fresh perspectives on decarbonisation, digital transformation and sustainable finance. Importantly, we have ensured a strong balance between regulators, industry leaders and innovators, so that attendees benefit from a truly holistic view of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Our goal is to provide participants not only with thought-provoking discussions, but also with practical insights from those at the forefront of shaping the maritime industry’s future.
What audience is the conference primarily aimed at?
Maritime Cyprus stands as a global meeting point for the entire shipping community. Our primary audience includes shipowners, ship managers, regulators, policy makers and representatives of international organisations such as the IMO and the EU. At the same time, the conference attracts classification societies, technology providers, financial institutions, insurance companies, legal experts and academics.
We aim to create an inclusive platform that brings together both decision-makers and thought leaders, so that discussions are not only strategic but also practical. Importantly, the conference is also a valuable opportunity for young professionals and the next generation of maritime leaders, who can connect with global experts and gain insights into the future direction of our sector.
What is the registration process for someone who is interested in attending?
Registration for Maritime Cyprus 2025 is a very straightforward process. Interested participants can visit the official Maritime Cyprus website (Maritime Cyprus), where they will find detailed information about the program, speakers and logistics.
We encourage early registration, as the conference traditionally attracts a large international audience and spaces do fill up quickly.
Our aim is to make the process as seamless as possible so that attendees can focus on preparing for a productive and engaging conference experience.
More broadly, how would you assess the Cyprus shipping landscape over the past year?
Over the past year, Cyprus has further strengthened its position as a leading maritime hub. Despite global challenges, from geopolitical tensions to supply chain disruptions, our shipping sector has shown remarkable resilience, adaptability, and competitiveness.
We have seen continued growth in the Cyprus Registry, which remains one of the largest in the EU and among the top worldwide, reflecting the confidence shipowners place in our flag. Cyprus has also advanced its role as a center for high-quality ship management, with a strong cluster that attracts international companies.
In addition, the revenues from ship-management activities in the second semester of 2024 (5.3% of the semester GDP) increased by nearly 9.7% compared to the first semester of 2024 (4.1% of the semester GDP).
At the same time, we have made important progress in sustainability and digitalisation initiatives, supporting shipowners in meeting environmental regulations while investing in digital solutions to improve efficiency.
Collaboration between the government and industry has been central to these achievements, ensuring that Cyprus remains a trusted partner at both European and international levels.
Overall, I would say the past year has been one of resilient performance and forward-looking development, laying solid foundations for the future of Cyprus shipping.
What are some of the main challenges, geopolitical and other, the sector is currently experiencing on both a local and a global level?
Shipping today is navigating a very complex environment shaped by both geopolitical and structural challenges. On a global level, the sector is facing geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts, which affect trade routes, increase operational risks, and add pressure on supply chains. These uncertainties are coupled with the challenge of decarbonisation. The industry is under significant pressure to meet ambitious climate targets while the availability of alternative fuels, infrastructure, and financing is still developing.
Another major issue is crew welfare and the availability of skilled seafarers, which continues to be affected by global workforce shortages and the need for new competencies in digitalisation and green technologies.
From a local perspective, Cyprus shipping faces the added challenge of the EU sanctions regime on Russia, which has had an impact on certain companies operating here. Nonetheless, our shipping community has responded with resilience and adaptability, strengthening Cyprus’s reputation as a reliable and compliant maritime hub.
Overall, the key challenge is balancing the immediate geopolitical uncertainties with the long-term transition to a sustainable, digital, and resilient shipping sector.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would just like to emphasise that 'Maritime Cyprus 2025' is more than a conference. It is a platform for dialogue, collaboration and shaping the future of global shipping. Cyprus has a long maritime tradition and a strong commitment to supporting the industry’s transition towards sustainability, innovation and resilience.
We look forward to welcoming participants from all over the world in Limassol, not only to engage in meaningful industry discussions, but also to experience the unique hospitality and maritime spirit of Cyprus. It will be an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and chart the course for the future together.
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