Annita Demetriou: Cyprus Shipping Chamber a pillar of maritime excellence

12:47 - 27 May 2025

Economy

President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou praised the Cyprus Shipping Chamber for its long-standing contribution to the country's development as a globally recognised maritime hub. Addressing the 36th Annual General Meeting of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, she acknowledged the Chamber’s vital role in shaping Cyprus’ competitive, resilient, and innovative shipping sector over the past three decades.

Emphasising that shipping remains a strategic pillar of the economy, she highlighted that Cyprus hosts the third-largest merchant fleet in the EU and the eleventh globally, employing over 9,000 onshore professionals and 55,000 seafarers.

In the face of global turbulence—including geopolitical instability and regulatory pressures—she reaffirmed Cyprus' commitment to sanctions compliance, regulatory stability, and green transition efforts, including incentives for low- and zero-carbon technologies in line with EU ETS and IMO strategies.

She noted the House’s legislative commitment, with 22 maritime-related laws passed in 2024, and mentioned current work to modernise legal frameworks for marine leisure and navigation. She also highlighted the forthcoming Admiralty Court, expected to improve maritime dispute resolution.

Demetriou also commended the Chamber’s work in maritime education, seafarer welfare, and international representation, and pledged Parliament’s continued collaboration and political support, connecting the growth of the maritime sector to broader national goals, underlining the need for sustainability, digitalisation, and resilience. She closed by reaffirming support for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, which would allow Cyprus-flagged ships to once again sail from all ports of the island.

Annita Demetriou: Cyprus Shipping Chamber a pillar of maritime excellence

News Feed

Read More