The Cyprus government and the Shipping Deputy Ministry of Shipping in particular are closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz, Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis has said, noting that a Cyprus-flagged ship is stranded in the Arab Gulf area.
She also said that, so far, the cruise sector in Cyprus does not appear to be affected, while the impact on the supply chain will depend on how long the war lasts.
Speaking at a press conference, on Thursday, 19 March, to take stock of the work of the Deputy Ministry, Marina Hadjimanolis, referred to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as, "the most critical maritime energy passage in the world", saying that "everyone's basic concern is the safety of human life and of course that of our sailors".
It is estimated, she continued, that there are about a thousand ships in the region and 20 thousand sailors, while 19 Cypriot-flagged ships operate in the Arabian Gulf region, most of which on a permanent basis, providing mainly specialized or auxiliary services. "Essentially, only one Cypriot-flagged ship is on standby when conditions allow it to depart from the region," she added.
Regarding initiatives for ship escorts, she said that there are currently no coordinated and collective proposals to ensure the passage of ships through the Straits. She added that "we are monitoring all developments in cooperation with our European partners, with whom we are working on diplomatic solutions".
The Deputy Minister recalled that the International Maritime Council was holding an extraordinary meeting on developments in the Arabian Gulf region, "with the safety of seafarers, who remain trapped on ships in the region, as a central issue on the agenda".
She expressed Cyprus' solidarity with the Gulf states "for the unacceptable attacks they have suffered".
Asked if there were any indications of delays in the transport of goods due to the problems in the Strait of Hormuz, she said that "if this situation continues, then perhaps this possibility also exists", however, she indicated that "Cyprus does not have a particular dependence on those areas, so I do not believe that there will be any problem."
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, Theodoulos Mesimeris, also referred to the issue, saying that “it is being monitored in collaboration with other bodies of the Republic of Cyprus and assessments are being made for the possibility that, if certain specific supply chains are affected, we will be able to take the appropriate measures.”
“Perhaps the most important thing is the energy sector, which is expected to be affected,” he added, and stressed that “the whole issue is being monitored and accordingly we will take the appropriate measures.”
Asked if the cruise sector is affected, Hadjimanolis said the chaotic situation in the region “has not affected, so far, to any extent, the cruise sector”.
She added that next week, a Marella Cruises cruise ship will arrive, which has chosen the port of Limassol as its “home port” again this year.
“This is the strongest message we can send to Europe but also to all those who are concerned that Cyprus is not a safe destination”, she stressed.
Concluding, she noted that there is complete normality and so far there are no cancellations and announced that the coastal ferry connection with Piraeus will start normally on 31 May.
(Source: CNA)
