The year 2018 started with great prospects, as the Cyprus Registry maintained its ranking as the 11th largest merchant fleet worldwide and the 3rd largest fleet in the European Union (EU) and Cyprus considered to be as the Largest Shipmanagement Centre in the EU and among the three largest globally.
However, the “historic” moment of this year for Cyprus Shipping, is the commencement of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping on 1 March 2018, as well as the assumption of duties of the Shipping Under-Secretary to the President, Mrs. Natasa Pilides.
The Shipping Chamber, participated actively in the long-standing efforts to promote the relevant Bill with the support of its member-companies and business associates. The Chamber also worked closely with Ministry of Transport, the Department of Merchant Shipping and the Presidential Office, in preparing the necessary operating prerequisites, in order for the "Deputy Ministry of Shipping" to be able to ably operate from the first day.
The commencement of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, which is located in Limassol, is expected to tangibly contribute towards the further upgrade and reinforcement of the Cyprus Shipping Industry and by extension the Economy, as well as to serve as a convincing leverage for attracting additional quality shipowners and shipping companies in Cyprus, with a positive chain effect on reducing further unemployment and strengthening other economic sectors that provide services to the Shipping Industry.
In a relevant announcement, the Chamber expressed its sincere appreciation to the departing Minister of Transport, Mr. Marios Demetriades, and the management and personnel of the Ministry of Transport, for the long-standing cooperation in shipping related matters. In addition, the Shipping Chamber expressed its warm wishes for every success to the newly established Deputy Ministry of Shipping and its willingness and determination to cooperate fully, aiming at a smooth and even more efficient transition of the Cyprus Shipping to a new era of development and progress.
