On 25 June the International Shipping Community celebrates annually the “Day of the Seafarer”, which was set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 2011. The “Day of the Seafarer” is an opportunity to recognise and honour the efforts of Seafarers around the world, who play a vital role in world trade and truly contribute in ensuring a stable world economy and society. This year under the theme “Seafarers are key workers”, the Shipping Community pays a special tribute to Seafarers worldwide who are on the frontline carrying vital goods around the world, keeping the supply chains open during the pandemic despite the challenges the Shipping Industry is facing.

Now more than ever, Seafarers and their families deserve our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifices during this pandemic. In this respect, the Cyprus Shipping Chamber calls again all Governments worldwide to show their respect to our “heroes at sea” by allowing the necessary crew changes and their repatriation, after being away for many months due to the travel restrictions. With 55,000 seafarers employed onboard the ships operated by the Member-Companies of the Chamber at any time, the Cyprus Shipping family can only feel indebted and proud of them.

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber in order to honour this special day held a special Blood Donation Drive amongst the personnel of its Member-Companies, on Wednesday, 24 June 2020, at the Reception Hall of Agios Georgios Havouzas in Limassol, under the auspices of the Shipping Deputy Minister, Mrs. Natasa Pilides, proving once again the Shipping Community’s commitment to deliver its social service to Cyprus society.

In addition, on the 25 June 2020, the Chamber held a special Webinar for its Member-Companies, entitled “0.5% Sulphur Fuel Oil Experiences”, which included a panel discussion between high profile professionals from the Shipping Industry. The panelists included Mr. Erwin Derlagen, Board Member of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, Mr. Jesper Mark Pedersen, Manager, MAN Energy Solutions, Dr. Markus Hoffmann, Manager – Global Sales of Alfa Laval Tumba AB, Mr. Peter Falk, Product Group Manager Marine & Energy of GEA Westfalia Separator Group GmbH, Mr. Steve Bee, Group Commercial & Business Development Director of Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) and Mr. Michael Atkinson, Customer Services Manager of Intertek Lintec.