Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis has presented the Deputy Ministry's work and actions during the third year of Nikos Christodoulides' Presidency.
As noted in an official announcement on the presentation, the Deputy Minister of Shipping stressed that "Cyprus today is a significant maritime power on the world map, with an internationally recognised ship registry, as well as being one of the largest shipping centres in the world." She referred to the significant increase in the Cyprus registry over the last two and a half years, as well as the steady and continuous increase in the contribution of ship management to the country's GDP.
In her speech, Hadjimanolis emphasised that the primary goal remains the further strengthening of Cypriot shipping, presenting specific actions and initiatives that are expected to be implemented in 2026.
Special mention was made of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, during which the Shipping Deputy Ministry has undertaken specific initiatives, which highlight, among other things, the important and crucial role of seafarers in global shipping.
Hadjimanolis also noted that, since September 2023, the tonnage of the Cyprus ship registry increased by 23%, reaching its highest level since the establishment of the Deputy Ministry. She added that the contribution of ship management to GDP is steadily increasing, reaching up to of 17% in 2025. Moreover, a video presentation of the annual report mentioned an increase of 8.6% in revenues from the tonnage tax system in 2025 compared to 2024.
Cyprus’ relations with countries of the Arabian Gulf were also highlighted, with reference to the Memoranda of Understanding that were signed with Oman and Qatar. The first Cyprus-Egypt Joint Shipping Committee meeting was also noted.
The steady growth of the passenger maritime link between Cyprus and Greece during its fourth consecutive year, was mentioned, as well as the 30% increase in cruise ship arrivals in 2025, while the Deputy Ministry is working to implement a plan to enhance cruise tourism and to develop the appropriate framework for attracting recreational vessels to the Cyprus ship registry.
The Deputy Minister spoke of the goals for 2026, noting that the they remain focused on implementing the digitalisation of the Shipping Deputy Ministry, which has significantly progressed already. She particularly mentioned important role of Cyprus at the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Among other activities, Cyprus will host the European Maritime Day 2026 in Limassol, while in 2025 the International Conference Maritime Cyprus 2025 reached a record of participation, with over 1,000 delegates from more than 35 countries.
“With vision and determination, we continue to build the future of a vital and strategic sector for Cyprus. Cyprus Shipping continues to strengthen and lead the way forward,” Hadjimanolis said, noting the importance of cooperation between public and private sector.
In closing, Hadjimanolis also emphasised that "the successful course of Cypriot shipping is largely due to the cooperation between the public and private sectors, with a common goal of strengthening the competitiveness of Cypriot shipping. The close and long-standing cooperation of the Shipping Deputy Ministry with the Cyprus Union of Shipowners and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber is a driving force for the progress and consolidation of Cyprus as a leading shipping centre."
