The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister, Mr. Vassilios Demetriades visited the CMMI House in Larnaka on the 21^st of April 2021 to discuss matters of importance regarding the shipping industry and potential areas of collaboration with CMMI. The CEO of CMMI, Mr. Zacharias Siokouros, welcomed Mr. Demetriades and showed him the temporary premises of the Institute. Mr. Siokouros proceeded to make a presentation to provide an overview of the blue activities of CMMI since its establishment.

During his presentation, Mr. Siokouros mentioned the significant progress the Institute has made despite the challenges of the COVID-19 situation. In a very short period of time, CMMI achieved to set up ten Research and Innovation Centres, which are already actively engaged in various marine and maritime related projects. The Centres are already involved in projects relating to big data, robotics, human element, cultural heritage, digitalization and decarbonization in shipping. Activities relating to ocean literacy are also being planned such as the “European Maritime Day in Cyprus” event in June 2021, activities under the “Sea of Experience” EU funded project and the organisation of an annual Thalassa Conference.

Following Mr. Siokouros’ presentation, Mr. Demetriades and Mr. Siokouros had a discussion on the role of the marine and maritime sectors in the long-term economic strategy of Cyprus. Areas of potential collaboration between the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and CMMI were also discussed.

The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister congratulated CMMI for its vision and objectives and for being a strong advocate and ambassador in promoting innovation and research in the areas of maritime and blue economy thus increasing the growth potential of these sectors in Cyprus. Mr. Demetriades emphasized the importance of exploring synergies between CMMI and the Cyprus Government in ensuring a sustainable future for Cyprus shipping and in developing an integrated maritime policy for the country. He expressed his readiness to work closely with CMMI in all the above areas that fall under the responsibility of the Shipping Deputy Ministry.

While Mr. Zacharias Siokouros stated: “CMMI aims to drive sustainable blue growth by being driven by the needs of the industry and society. We all depend on the sea and upon each other and thus, the involvement of all stakeholders in the shipping industry is essential to ensure its sustainability. CMMI intends to contribute to this effort by being a partner of choice for research and innovation activities within the marine and maritime sectors. We look forward to a close collaboration with the Shipping Deputy Ministry on a wide scope of matters relating to the maritime sector.”