Address by the Deputy Minister of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marina Hadjimanolis, at the 2025 IMaREST Cyprus Branch Annual Dinner Dance

From:

Shipping Deputy Ministry

28/09/25 13:51 | Speech / Address | Shipping

It is truly pleasure to be here tonight, at the Annual Dinner Dance of IMaREST Cyprus Branch, an event that I have attended every year since my appointment in 2023.

I would like to congratulate Mr Sotirelis, Mr Merkouris, and everyone that has contributed for this year’s gala dinner.

As we gather here tonight, surrounded by the best and brightest minds in the field of marine engineering, science, and technology, I am filled with a sense of pride and admiration for the remarkable achievements of this institute and its members.

Founded 136 years ago, the IMaREST stands as a beacon of excellence and respected authority in the maritime nation. With a membership of over 18,000 individuals based in over 120 countries, comprising of chief engineers, service experts, technologists, and scientists, this institute represents the epitome of technical prowess and innovation, and plays a vital role in advancing the maritime industry and contributing significantly to national and international progress.

The unwavering dedication, passion for innovation, and commitment to excellence of your members, makes them the backbone of the nation’s maritime capabilities, propelling the industry forward.

As a trusted voice across the marine sector and the global community for all marine professional’s, your global perspective, coupled with your deep technical knowledge, has allowed you to collaborate with the Deputy Ministry of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus as invaluable consultants and advisors on matters of utmost importance. Your insights and recommendations have played a pivotal role in shaping policies and decisions that have a far-reaching impact on our maritime sector.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, where technology and innovation are driving unprecedented change, it is more crucial now than ever, that we shall all work together. It is only through collaboration and cooperation that we can all, collectively together, achieve a safe, secure and sustainable maritime environment.

The challenges we face, such as climate change, sustainable development, and the quest for cleaner and greener technologies, require innovative and collective solutions. Solutions, that will benefit the industry as a whole. National, regional and international strategies, policies and initiatives should be aligned into the same objective, focusing on the benefit of the industry and the work force.

Dear friends,

Commencing from 1 January 2026, Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, for the first semester of 2026 and, of course, the competitiveness of the maritime industry will be amongst our priorities.

In April 2026, an Informal Ministerial Meeting for maritime affairs is scheduled to take place. During the meeting, a declaration on the seafarer’s education and the promotion and enhancement of women inclusivity in the industry is expected to be adopted. This declaration aims at underling the importance of a sustainable and inclusive maritime workforce, promoting a more resilient and forward-looking shipping sector.

Concluding, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, I would like to express my gratitude to each and every member of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science, and Technology.

I have no doubt that your future endeavours will be met with even greater success.

On this note, I invite you all to Maritime Cyprus 2025 Conference, commencing next week, on 6 – 8 October 2025, at Parklane hotel, here in Limassol.

Thank you.

(IA/MS)

Address by the Deputy Minister of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marina Hadjimanolis, at the 2025 IMaREST Cyprus Branch Annual Dinner Dance

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