Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis emphasized the importance of seafarers’ welfare during her speech at the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Worldwide Inspectors Seminar in Limassol. She noted that over 150 inspectors from more than 100 ports globally are participating to uphold seafarers’ rights and implement collective agreements. Hadjimanolis highlighted Cyprus’ longstanding maritime tradition and the essential role seafarers play in the global economy, stating that their welfare is a top priority for the ministry.
She also addressed the need for a new skills framework to adapt to the rapid technological changes in the shipping industry, asserting that a well-trained workforce is vital for maintaining competitiveness. The Deputy Minister stressed that human capital is crucial for Cyprus’s resilience and development, advocating for collaboration to tackle common challenges in maritime relations.
Looking ahead, Hadjimanolis revealed that Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, with shipping as a key focus area. An informal ministerial meeting on shipping is planned for April 2026, where a declaration promoting seafarers’ training and women’s inclusion in the maritime sector will be adopted. She reiterated Cyprus’s commitment to quality and sustainability in shipping, inviting participation in the upcoming Maritime Cyprus 2025 conference.
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