The international Conference “Maritime Cyprus 2023” was concluded with great participation and success once again. The conference took place between 9-11 October 2023, in Limassol, by the Shipping Deputy Ministry in cooperation with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners. The conference was held for three days and was hosted at the Parklane Resort & Spa. The conference was a true celebration of maritime affairs, attracting over 900 prominent Shipping Industry leaders, decision-makers and top management from around the globe, demonstrating the significance of the conference and Cyprus’ maritime industry as a whole.

The theme for this year was “Shipping in Action: An Agenda for Change,” focusing on critical issues related to upcoming policy and regulatory changes in the international maritime arena and the active steps the maritime sector is taking in that direction. The official Opening Ceremony of the working deliberations of the Conference on Monday, 9 October 2023, was addressed by H.E. the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, who emphasised the importance of the Shipping Industry in Cyprus’ economy, its competitive advantages, and the government’s efforts to enhance further Cyprus’s role at an international and regional level in shaping shipping policies.

Prominent stakeholders and professionals from the shipping world, including Mr. Kitack Lim, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Ms. Adina Vâlean, the European Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Emanuele Grimaldi, the Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Mr. Philippos Philis, the President of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), and Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General elect of the International Maritime Organisation, actively participated in high level discussions.

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber, organised a panel discussion entitled “Sustainable Shipping towards 2050: a Mission (Im)Possible?”. The discussion addressed the challenges facing shipowners in transitioning to a fully decarbonised Shipping Industry by 2050 and whether these specific goals are achievable, requiring the introduction of additional mid-term and short-term targets to make the energy transition in the industry feasible aiming to ensure a sustainable and efficient maritime industry that will continue to provide essential services to the planet and future generations.

The discussion was moderated by Mr. Themis Papadopoulos, the President of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, featuring high level speakers such as Mr. Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Mr. Philippos Philis, President of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), Dr. Gaby Bornheim, President of the German Shipowners’ Association (Verband Deutscher Reeder – VDR), and Mr. Nikolaus H. Schües, President of the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO).

During the conference, there was also a ‘Maritime Services Exhibition,’ with more than 30 exhibitors, inaugurated by the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides.