The Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis, has emphasised the importance of cooperation, resilience, and innovation for the future of global shipping in an ever-changing geopolitical environment.
She made the statements during her participation in the 'Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit 2026 – Forging Partnerships for Resilience' conference, organised in Rome by the International Chamber of Shipping (International Chamber of Shipping – ICS), in collaboration with CONFITARMA, under the auspices of the European Commission in Italy and the Italian government. Hadimanolis paid a working visit to the Italian capital from 22 to 24 June.
According to a Deputy Ministry press release, during the conference, Hadjimanolis participated in a high-level ministerial panel alongside the relevant ministers from Italy, Greece, and Malta, where, in her remarks, she underlined the importance of cooperation, resilience, and innovation for the future of global shipping in an ever-changing geopolitical environment.
At the same time, she highlighted the key achievements of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the field of maritime transport, noting that Cyprus effectively addressed the priorities it had set, with an emphasis on the competitiveness of European shipping, the green and digital transition, as well as on strengthening the human factor—and seafarers in particular. She also underscored the importance of maintaining a strong international regulatory framework under the IMO.
It is noted that on the sidelines of the conference, the Deputy Minister participated in a working lunch with Greece’s Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, Malta’s Minister for Sustainable Mobility, Chris Bonett, and Italy’s Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Edoardo Rixi.
As stated, during the meeting, common priorities for European shipping were discussed, with an emphasis on the competitiveness of European shipping, the green transition, maritime safety, and the latest developments in marine environmental protection. At the same time, they reaffirmed the excellent relations and shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation between Cyprus, Greece, Malta, and Italy on matters of mutual maritime interest.
It is added that on the eve of the conference, Hadjimanolis attended the official dinner organized by the International Chamber of Shipping and CONFITARMA, which provided an important opportunity to exchange views with representatives of the international shipping community, while as part of her visit, the Deputy Minister also held meetings with representatives of European Union institutions and international shipping organizations, including the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez.
(Source: CNA)
