On Monday 1st March, the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister Vassilis Demetriades had a very constructive exchange of views on the challenges facing shipping with his Greek counterpart Giannis Plakiotakis. 

They have discussed the effects of the pandemic, especially in relation to crew changes and the repatriation of seafarers, where Mr. Demetriades had the opportunity to present the Cyprus proposal for an international seafaring vaccination program and the need to coordinate efforts internationally.

They have furthermore exchanged views on enhancing maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment in the Mediterranean Sea as well as on the efforts being made to reactivate the cruise sector this summer.

The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister also informed Mr. Plakiotakis regarding the Cyprus-Greece Maritime Passenger connection and about the cycle of contacts he has started with all carriers in an effort to evaluate the data so as to create the conditions for re-announcing the tender process.