Source: cyprus-mail.com
The Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) has congratulated the Deputy Ministry of Shipping for the successful organisation of the High-Level Ministerial and Stakeholder Conference on ‘Investing in Seafarers: Securing the Future of Global Shipping’, saying the event reinforced Cyprus’ role in shaping a modern and people-centred maritime policy.
The conference, held in Cyprus within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, brought together high-ranking officials, policymakers, maritime industry leaders and international bodies to discuss the future of seafarers and the wider maritime workforce.
According to CUS, the initiative placed seafarers at the centre of the dialogue and sent a “strong and timely message” to the international maritime community on the need to strengthen and recognise the human potential of the sea.
The union said the conference also confirmed the leading role of Cyprus in maritime policymaking, particularly at a time when the sector is facing growing demands linked to maritime education and training, human resource development, the digital transition and seafarers’ well-being.
CUS expressed its appreciation to European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas for his “substantial contribution and consistent support” to efforts aimed at strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the maritime sector.
It also congratulated Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis for her “strategic vision, effective leadership and consistent commitment” to upgrading Cyprus as an international shipping centre, as well as for promoting policies that strengthen human resources, which CUS described as the foundation of the shipping industry.
At the same time, the union made special mention of Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias, saying his participation emphasised the importance of regional cooperation and collective action in addressing the challenges facing seafarers.
CUS also welcomed the participation of MEP Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism, saying her contribution to the dialogue highlighted the importance of the European dimension in shaping policies for the future of seafarers.
The union said the intervention of its president, Polys V. Hadjioannou, was “significant and substantive”, adding that he clearly pointed to the need for collective responsibility and stronger cooperation between governments, the shipping industry and international organisations for the benefit of seafarers and shipping as a whole.
Among other things, Hadjioannou stressed that “we cannot continue to call seafarers ‘frontline workers’ in statements and speeches and at the same time not treat them as such”, concluding that “seafarers deserve to be visible”.
CUS said it was confident that the conclusions of the conference would contribute to targeted actions and policies that support a sustainable, competitive and inclusive future for global shipping.
Finally, the union once again congratulated the Deputy Ministry of Shipping for what it described as an emblematic initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting actions that promote the long-term development of shipping and its people.
