"Over the past three years, by implementing a very specific plan and strategy, we have succeeded in increasing the Cypriot shipping register by approximately 27 percent, which is particularly important for our country," said the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, in his remarks on Saturday at the “THALASSA 2026” organized at the Limassol Pier by the City of Limassol and the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, with the central message “Experience the Sea – Discover Shipping.” The President also noted that state revenues from ship management have increased by approximately 19%–20%.
He also announced that before the end of the year, the Cabinet will approve the establishment of a Coast Guard Unit.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
In his remarks, delivered in the presence of members of the Cabinet and other government officials, the President emphasized the importance the government places on shipping and all activities related to the sea.
He expressed his satisfaction that over the past three years, by implementing a very specific plan and strategy, they have succeeded in increasing the Cypriot shipping register by approximately 27 percent, which is particularly important for Cyprus.
“At the same time, because shipping for us is not just about the Cypriot flag, government revenue from ship management has increased by about 19%–20%, and there are enormous opportunities that we are working to capitalize on. Today’s Festival is an institution that, within just a few years, quite naturally, has evolved into a major celebration of the Sea, of Shipping, and, above all, a celebration of the people who work in these fields. “For all of us in Cyprus, the sea has never been merely a natural border,” he added.
Before the end of the year, President Christodoulides said, the Cabinet will approve the establishment of a Coast Guard Unit, so that it will be operational by 2027—yet another indication of the importance they attach to the sea and to Cyprus’s security.
He noted that the government recognizes that the future of the Cypriot shipping industry depends, first and foremost, on its people.
“That is why one of our key objectives is to strengthen maritime education, promote the maritime and shipping professions, and capitalize on the opportunities they offer to the younger generation. All of this—and we are pleased with the results so far—is a priority for us, and we are delighted to see a growing response and interest in everything the shipping industry has to offer,” he said.
The sea, he continued, has been and remains a path of Communication, Creation, and Progress.
“A path that connects us with other peoples and cultures, with new ideas, new opportunities, and new horizons. After all, from the ancient ports of Cyprus to modern shipping, the sea has been a constant companion on our historical journey and an integral part of our identity and development. “And we are justifiably proud that our country now holds a significant position on the global shipping map,” he added.
It possesses, said the President of the Republic, a strong and internationally recognized shipping registry, a major shipping hub, there are even more, tremendous prospects in this sector, and a dynamic shipping community that connects Cyprus with the entire world.
“As I mentioned earlier, however, behind every success are the people. And this is, perhaps, the most important value of ‘THALASSA.’ It serves as a reminder to all of us that shipping is not just about ships. It is about the people who sail them, maintain them, and design them. It is the engineers, scientists, lawyers, economists, and everyone who works in ports, shipping companies, universities, and research centers. “They represent, especially today in our country, an entire world of knowledge, science, technology, and creativity,” he added.
And a world, President Christodoulides noted, that is constantly evolving, creating new needs but also new opportunities with well-paying jobs, especially for the younger generation.
“And this is precisely the aspect we want to highlight through ‘THALASSA 2026’: that, in essence, the sea can be a source of inspiration, knowledge, and creativity, and can pave the way for the future of our young people. Today’s Festival belongs to the younger generation; it is important for our young people to meet people in the shipping industry, to ask questions, to learn, to reflect, and to explore. They should not be afraid to look down paths they may not have considered until now. “Because often, success—a major life choice—starts with a small moment: a conversation, an experience, a question, or a spark,” he added.
“For us, this will be the greatest success: to inspire young people to dream, to forge their own path, and to pursue a career in shipping, which offers numerous well-paying jobs. This Festival began years ago through a collaboration between the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and the Municipality of Limassol; it started with a simple yet meaningful phrase, a simple yet very meaningful goal: “Experience the SEA – Discover SHIPPING.” “Five editions later, this message remains alive and relevant,” he added.
The President of the Republic congratulated the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, the Deputy Minister and her staff, the Municipality of Limassol, as well as all the agencies, organizations, educational institutions, and businesses participating in “THALASSA 2026.”
“Let us all continue to look toward the sea with the respect it deserves for all it has given us, with the responsibility we have to protect it, and with optimism for all we can still create. Because the Sea has taught us to look far beyond the horizon, and that is precisely why we want to offer and highlight for the younger generation of our country the opportunity to look beyond the horizon, to dare to dream, and to create their own future,” he concluded.
Source: CNA
