The Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) successfully organised the High-Level Ministerial and Stakeholders Conference and the EU Maritime Ministers meeting on 28 and 29 April 2026 respectively, within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The High-Level Ministerial and Stakeholders Conference focused on the theme 'Investing in Seafarers: Securing the Future of Global Shipping', highlighted the human-centric nature of the Shipping sector and the relevant maritime policies. The Conference produced a number of important key conclusions and strategic priorities in terms of transitioning from high-level policies to actionable industry changes with special reference on talent attraction and retention, inclusivity and gender equality, education and future skills as well as the competitiveness element.
The presence of high-ranking officials, including the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of Greece, Vassilis Kikilias and the Chaiperson of the Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament, Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidis, as well as, a number of non-EU maritime officials, reaffirms Cyprus’ elevated position as an EU and global maritime hub and its ability to lead the dialogue on the industry’s most pressing challenges.
The high caliber of the speakers, moderators and panellists, which included representatives of member-companies of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, facilitated the discussions which reflected the importance of 'Charting Future Returns by investing in seafarers' as the maritime workforce of the future. Such initiatives strengthen our country's international credibility and lay the foundations for a more resilient and competitive Shipping sector and enhances the added value and the importance of maritime clustering.
The Shipping Chamber also recognises the remarkable career and impact of Capt. Panagiotis N. Tsakos, a man who devoted a lifetime to Shipping and acknowledges the heartfelt gensture by the Shipping Deputy Ministry to present to Capt. Tsakos an honorary recognition award on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus.
The commitment set by the High-Level Ministerial and Stakeholders Conference was further solidified by the meeting of the EU Maritime Ministers in Nicosia on 29 April 2026. During this session, ministers signed the Lefkosia (Nicosia) Declaration, a landmark political agreement aimed at enhancing seafarer education, improving working conditions, and promoting the equal participation of women in shipping.
Complementing these high-level policy discussions, the conference served as the backdrop for the award ceremony of the European Shipowners / ECSA European School Artwork Competition, entitled 'The Ship of the Future – My Ship in 60 Years'. This initiative, organized by the European Shipowners / ECSA, successfully engaged the younger generation by inviting students aged 9–12 to envision a sustainable maritime future, bridging the gap between today’s leadership and tomorrow’s workforce. The Shipping Chamber is proud to announce that students from schools participating in its 'Adopt a Ship' Programme entered the competition, one of which was shortlisted amongst the winners.
In this context, the Cyprus Shipping Chamber expresses its warmest congratulations to the Shipping Deputy Ministry for the successful organization of these two pivotal events. By hosting both the High-Level Ministerial and Stakeholders Conference in Limassol and the EU Maritime Ministers meeting in Nicosia, the Ministry successfully positioned Cyprus at the heart of European maritime policy.
The Cyprus Shipping Chamber remains fully committed to continuing its active support in a joint effort towards strengthening even further the competitiveness and sustainable growth of the Cyprus Shipping Industry and the wider maritime cluster.
We wish the Shipping Deputy Ministry every success in achieving the objectives of the Maritime Chapter within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
