The Shipping Deputy Minister to the President, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, visited Geneva on June 20 and held a series of meetings within the framework of promoting Cyprus shipping, and in particular the Cyprus Registry of Ships.

The Shipping Deputy Minister met with the founder and Chairman of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), Capt. Gianluigi Aponte, with whom she discussed current developments affecting the global shipping industry.  MSC is the world’s largest container shipping company, and its fleet is expected to be expanded soon with new modern ships, which are currently under construction.  Within this framework, it has been agreed that the company’s fleet will be reinforced with ships under the Cyprus flag, as the framework of services and benefits provided by the Registry of Cyprus Ships fully meets the conditions and standards set by the company.

Ms. Hadjimanolis also met with the President of MSC Cruises, Mr. Pierfrancesco Vago, and other executives of the company, with whom she discussed issues related to the cruise sector and the prospects of strengthening the company’s cooperation with the Shipping Deputy Ministry.

Finally, a meeting was held with the Swiss Shipowners Association, during which the Shipping Deputy Minister had the opportunity to present the competitive framework of advantages and services offered from the registration of ships under the Cyprus flag, the establishment of a shipping company in Cyprus, as well as the provisions of the Cyprus tonnage tax system.