The Maritime Cyprus 2025 Conference, held from 6–8 October in Limassol, marked another milestone in global maritime collaboration under the central theme “Unlocking the Future of Shipping.”
With more than one thousand participants from thirty-five countries, the event brought together leaders, regulators, shipowners, and innovators to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry’s future. Organized by the Shipping Deputy Ministry, the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, the conference reinforced Cyprus’s growing reputation as a global maritime hub.
Cyprus Strengthens Its Role in Global Shipping
Opening the conference, Stelios Himonas, Chairman of the Shipping Deputy Ministry, emphasized how Maritime Cyprus has evolved since its inception in 1989 into a powerful international forum addressing issues like decarbonization, digitalization, and geopolitical shifts.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing maritime competitiveness through digital transformation. He announced that the digitalization of services at the Shipping Deputy Ministry will begin next week.
Key achievements were also shared a 20% increase in tonnage under the Cyprus flag, the highest in twenty years, along with a 15% rise in companies under the tonnage-tax system and a 27% growth in the ship-management sector’s GDP contribution.
He further confirmed Cyprus’s accession to the Hong Kong Convention and revealed that during the country’s upcoming EU Presidency, maritime competitiveness and sustainable growth will remain top national priorities.
Global Collaboration and Innovation for a Greener Future
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez commended Cyprus for aligning closely with IMO’s environmental and safety regulations and for leading efforts in digitalization and green incentives. He called on the international community to ensure a just and equitable transition towards decarbonized shipping while maintaining safety and seafarer welfare.
Dominguez also announced the forthcoming Global Digital Strategy for Shipping, which aims to guide the industry toward automation and efficient trade facilitation.
In her address, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis referred to Limassol as “the capital of shipping,” highlighting the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Similarly, European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas introduced plans for a European Industrial Maritime Strategy and Port Strategy that will foster clean technologies, innovation, and the development of ports as future energy hubs. He recognized Cyprus as a “global maritime force” that plays a key role in shaping Europe’s maritime future.
The Maritime Cyprus 2025 Conference successfully underscored Cyprus’s vital role in steering global shipping towards sustainability, digital advancement, and competitiveness. Through collaboration between governments, organizations, and industry leaders, the event set a clear course for a greener, smarter, and more resilient maritime future.
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Source: Safety4Sea
