The 3rd Blue Limassol Forum, co-organised by the Limassol Municipality and Frederick University, took place on Friday 26 May, at the University’s premises in Limassol.

The opening of the conference was welcomed by the Shipping Deputy Minister, Marina Hadjimanolis, who pointed out that the Blue Limassol Forum offers an excellent opportunity for the exchange of ideas and discussion of good practices and strategies for the effective achievement of the objectives of the Shipping Deputy Ministry and that with respect to the environment, the conference promotes Blue Growth, through the transition to Renewable Energy Sources and the achievement of carbon neutrality, priorities critical to the policy of the European Union and the Shipping Deputy Ministry.

Mrs Hadjimanolis referred to the Limassol Municipality’s great success in participating in the EU Mission Cities, for the 100 climate neutral and smart cities by 2030, and assured the Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Nikos Nicolaides, that the Government will fully support this effort, promoting actions and accelerating the achievement of the EU’s carbon targets. Mrs Hadjimanolis also stated “As we move towards sustainable development goals, we need experienced professionals with environmental awareness” and mentioned that the Shipping Deputy Ministry encourages educational excellence, with priority given to maritime/shipping environmental education.

The Shipping Deputy Ministry and Frederick University, in the context of the conference, signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis and the Vice Chancellor for Research, Development and Public Relations of Frederick University, Professor Dr. Michael Komodromou.

The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding is to develop cooperation in areas that fall within the competence of the Shipping Deputy Ministry, in particular in shipping and integrated maritime policy issues. Within the framework of the Memorandum, education/training programmes for the staff of the Deputy Ministry will be implemented, conferences and lectures will be held on issues relating to shipping, work will be carried out, studies will be conducted and joint research work will be undertaken on issues relating to the Cyprus shipping sector, the human resources in the maritime sector and employment  needs, the blue economy and other maritime-related sectors. In addition, the Shipping Deputy Ministry will offer a short internship to students of Frederick University.