Cyprus Shipping Chamber marks 35 years with annual election

The Cyprus Chamber of Shipping commemorated its 35th anniversary today with its annual election meeting in Limassol. The event was attended by the nation’s shipping industry leaders and key political figures, including the President of the Republic.

According to a report by Andreas Karamitas, in his address, the President of the Republic praised the Chamber for its significant role in the continuous development of Cyprus' shipping sector. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing its cooperation with the Chamber and supporting the shipping industry.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives acknowledged the shipping sector's resilience amid ongoing challenges, describing it as a strong and stable pillar of the Cypriot economy. He reaffirmed the House's dedication to maintaining close collaboration with the Chamber to ensure the industry's ongoing progress.

Themis Papadopoulos, President of the Chamber, reviewed key milestones and achievements from the past 35 years. "The Cyprus Chamber of Shipping remains very active, working closely with the Government of Cyprus and international organizations such as the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) to safeguard our members' interests and contribute to the global shipping agenda," Papadopoulos stated. He stressed the importance of modernization and upgrading to sustain competitiveness and promote future growth. Initiatives include the creation of a "Single Maritime Centre," the establishment of a limited liability shipping company, the introduction of a specialized financial institution for the shipping and transport sectors, and ongoing digitization efforts.

The Chamber honored its immediate past President, Filippos Filis, for his successful term as President of the European Community Shipowners' Associations, a role held for the first time by a Cypriot.

Industry sources expressed satisfaction with the Chamber's proactive approach to addressing the challenges facing the merchant shipping industry amidst global turbulence. The Chamber’s leadership, including Director General Thomas Kazakos, is commended for their relentless efforts to strengthen Cyprus shipping and advocate for the Cyprus Flag's prominence.