Maritime Cyprus 2013 Conference Underway

The opening of the internationally renowned “Maritime Cyprus 2013” Conference, at the “Evagoras Lanitis Centre” in Limassol, was a great success as it has been attended by distinguished speakers and more than 600 shipping personalities from around the world.

The Conference, organised biennially in Cyprus, is organised this year for the thirteenth time since 1989. The Conference organisers are the Ministry of Communications and Works, the Department of Merchant Shipping, the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners. The first day´s Conference theme was “Remodelling Shipping”.

Yesterday´s Conference opening has been preceded by an Opening Reception held yesterday (Sunday 06 October 2013) at the Presidential Palace where the “Cyprus Maritime Award 2013” was granted in recognition of the contribution of individuals or companies to the development of Cyprus Shipping. The “Cyprus Maritime Personality Award” was bestowed jointly to Mr Kyriacos Mouskas (posthumously), founder of Zella Shipping Co. Ltd. and to Mr Charalambos Mylonas, President of Transmed Shipping Ltd.

Mr Alecos Michaelides, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Works first addressed yesterday´s Conference deliberations welcoming the participants, whereas the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr Nicos Anastasiades delivered the Conference Opening Address. Addresses by distinguished personalities followed such as the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr Koji Sekimizu and the Vice-President of the European Commission, Mr Siim Kallas, via a video recorded message. The address of Mr Jeffrey G. Lantz, Chairman of the Council of the International Maritime Organization who was unable to attend, was handed out to the participants.

The President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Nikos Anastasiades, referred to the importance that the Government attributes to the competitive Cyprus shipping sector which has become even more important as it is called to face the challenges resulting from the unprecedented worldwide economic crisis. The discovery of hydrocarbons in the waters of the Republic, the President mentioned, will undoubtedly further enhance the prospects of Cyprus shipping. Moreover, the President of the Republic of Cyprus referred to the discussions underway before the House of Representatives relating to the Bill regulating the creation of the regime for the Under Secretaries, with particular mention to the appointment of the Under Secretary for Shipping as a matter of priority.

Mr Sekimizu and Mr Kallas expressed interesting views on the Conference themes referring to the leading role that Cyprus shipping plays on an international level as well as within the European Union. The long standing presence at the “Maritime Cyprus Conference” of the International Maritime Organization and of the European Commission constitutes recognition of the participation of Cyprus in forming international and EU shipping policy.

A discussion followed on the “Need for Adaptation”. Mr John C. Lyras, Vice-Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping was the moderator for this discussion whereas the panelists were Mr Thomas Rehder, President-Elect of the European Community Shipowners´ Association and Mr Fotis Karamitsos Director and Deputy Director General (Acting) of the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport of the European Commission. Various views were expressed during this discussion on the need to adapt the regulatory framework and policies at an international level in order to meet the challenges arising from the continuously evolving shipping industry. During this discussion, Mr Fotis Karamitsos referred to the Turkish restrictive measures against Cyprus shipping in relation to which the European Commission maintains a solid position, indicating that the Turkish restrictive measures constitute an infringement of the EU-Turkey Customs Union Agreement and the Additional Protocol.

Then, a discussion took place on “Financing Ships under the Current Economic Scene”. Mr George Mouskas, President of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners was the moderator for this discussion whereas the panel was comprised of Professor Elias Karakitsos, Chairman of Global Economic Research LLC, Mr Thanasis Martinos, Managing Director of Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd and Mr Nick Roos, Head of Finance of Deutsche Bank. The discussion focused on the difficulties that the industry faces today in obtaining ship finance due to the reluctance of lenders caused by the unprecedentedly difficult economic situation worldwide. Concluding, the panelists expressed the view that in the near future shipping and the freight market will improve as it is anticipated that banks will have renewed appetite for shipping once more thereby making funding available for owners with a solid track record.

The Minister of Communications and Works Mr Tasos Mitsopoulos inaugurated yesterday the “Maritime Services Exhibition”, forming part of the Conference, to which more than 30 exhibitors participate.

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Cy.GOV, October 8, 2013