Opening address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Niκos Christodoulides, at the “Maritime Cyprus 2025” Conference

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06/10/25 12:14 | Speech / Address | President of the Republic / Presidency, European affairs, Shipping, Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026

I am very pleased to extend a warm welcome to all of you participating at the “Maritime Cyprus 2025” Conference. Since its conception in 1989, the conference has grown into one of the world’s most prominent maritime events. Over the years, it has evolved and it has been enriched with new and innovative ideas. As you can testify, the Maritime Conference serves as a valuable platform for maritime executives and personalities from around the world to exchange ideas and address some of the most crucial challenges faced by the shipping sector, but also the opportunities on the horizon.

In fact, this year’s theme, “Unlocking the Future of Shipping”, captures the moment we are in – one of complex challenges. And yet, it also aptly captures this resilient industry’s constant, timeless drive to transform the moment into opportunity. You have all proven, time and again, that no matter how daunting the task, you can rise to it – you adapt, you create, you thrive.

The sea has defined Cyprus in so many ways – geopolitically, economically, culturally. Indeed, Cyprus stands as a “unique blue diamond” with an enduring shipping legacy tracing back more than 3,500 years, which has steadily and decisively developed, no matter how turbulent the waters it navigates are.

My presence here is a reflection of the importance that this Government attaches to shipping. A recognition that shipping is one of the main drivers of economic growth in our country, boasting significant and tangible growth potential.

Facts and numbers speak volumes. Today, and we are very proud of it, Cyprus has one of the largest fleets in the world and a dynamic maritime cluster, hosting hundreds of companies engaged in the full range of maritime and maritime-related activities.

Over the last two years, the exposure of Cyprus shipping has grown impressively:

The Cyprus Ship Registry has increased by 20% in terms of gross tonnage, reaching its the highest point of the last 20 years;
the number of companies registered in the Cyprus Tonnage Tax System has increased by 15%; and
the ship management sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Cyprus increased by 27% from 2023 to 2024.

It is a priority for the Government to further enhance the competitiveness of Cyprus shipping. We are fully committed to continue upgrading and strengthening the framework that governs the services provided by the Shipping Deputy Ministry. In this context, and within the framework of our commitment to digital transition, the digitalisation of the services of the Shipping Deputy Ministry is constantly progressing. In fact, I am very pleased to announce today that we are ready to launch the first services next week.

Additionally, recognising the great potential and promising future of the cruise sector, the Government took decisive measures by approving the National Strategy for Cruise Tourism last October. The first stage of the implementation of the strategy has been completed, and soon a targeted Action Plan will be developed. Our goal is to boost Cyprus’ footprint as an attractive and competitive cruise destination.

We stand at a pivotal crossroads, witnessing a transformative era unfolding before us. The entire shipping industry has embarked on a profound journey of change, defined by two transformative challenges: automation and decarbonisation. At the same time, there is a compelling need to tackle the shortage of qualified personnel in maritime transport and, of course, to develop the necessary framework for reskilling and upskilling of the workforce.

I firmly believe that, through proactive measures, ongoing consultations, international cooperation, and the agility to seize opportunities, the shipping sector will emerge even stronger. But this can only happen through more robust collaboration between Government and the stakeholders in the maritime industry, united behind the common objective of the sustainable growth of international shipping.

An indispensable component of this effort is the full support of the work of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Cyprus will continue contributing to the mission of the IMO, anchored in the long-standing principles and values of the Organisation. Cyprus has been continuously elected to the Council since 1987 and has projected a strong voice with substantial and significant involvement in the decision-making process. I am pleased that the Secretary-General of the IMO, my friend Arsenio Dominguez, has joined today’s Conference, in line with a longstanding tradition that began with the first Maritime Conference in 1989. Soon Cyprus will be depositing to the IMO the Instrument of Accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the 2009 Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, contributing to strengthening the legal framework regulating ship recycling.

In less than 87 days, Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). It is a responsibility and an opportunity that presents itself to member states once every 14 years. For this Government, the EU Presidency is a priority and a national mission.

We will assume it with ambition and pragmatism: results-oriented and determined to bring Cyprus’ unique perspective to the table – as an island member state, an integral part of the Eastern Mediterranean and the greater Middle East, and the Union’s last member state under occupation. We are fully aware of the high stakes for our Union, and for Europe, at this critical juncture.

Now, with a sense of urgency, we need to deliver a more autonomous Union on all fronts – from economy and trade, boosting our competitiveness, to security and defence. Integrating more, deepening the single market, simplifying our procedures. Shipping, and safeguarding the EU’s maritime transport competitiveness in the global market, is an indispensable component of our efforts to strengthen the Union’s competitiveness and will be among the priorities of our Presidency. I am very pleased that the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, my very good friend Apostolos, is here with us today. He is doing such a fantastic job as Commissioner – our collaboration is strong and constant and will continue to be so during our Presidency.

Let me conclude by warmly welcoming you once again. Rest assured that in the Cyprus Government you have a committed partner in strengthening international shipping, rendering it even more resilient in serving its vital role: connecting countries, markets, and people.

(RM/NZ/KA)

Opening address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Niκos Christodoulides, at the “Maritime Cyprus 2025” Conference

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