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INTERNATIONAL MARITIME INDUSTRY PERSONNEL MEETING IN LIMESO FOR THE MARITIME CYPRUS 2023 CONFERENCE
Main Highlights from speeches and discussions from the first day of the Conference and the themes for the second and third day of the Conference
Held today, Monday 8 October 2023, the opening of the international conference "Maritime Cyprus 2023" at Parklane Resort & Spa in Limassol. The Conference is organised by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, the Cyprus Chamber of Shipping and the Cyprus Shipowners' Association. The theme of this year's Maritime Cyprus Conference is "ShippinginAction: AnAgendaforChange». This year's conference attracted over 900 shipping stakeholders from around the world as they come from over 35 countries. The Conference, which is held every two years in Cyprus, is being held for the eighteenth time since 1989. The President of the Conference referred to the importance of the Conference as an opportunity for dialogue on the critical challenges facing global shipping and thanked the co-organizers, sponsors, speakers and participants for their contribution and presence and especially the significant number of participants who travelled from abroad.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Christodoulides, after inaugurating the Maritime Services Exhibition organised in the framework of the Conference, gave the opening address of the Conference. The President stressed that the maritime sector requires rapid reaction and effective response to crises and challenges, innovative planning and adaptability. The President referred to Cyprus' actions in response to the current crisis in Ukraine and to the fact that maritime transport should receive due attention and enjoy a prominent position within the EU. The President also referred to Cyprus' contribution to the transition of shipping to a low or zero carbon industry, the process of digitisation of the internal procedures of the Ministry of Shipping, the creation of a one-stop shipping centre and the implementation of the Limited Liability Shipping Company Law. Finally, the President stressed that Cyprus promotes the maritime professions and gender equality in shipping.
Subsequently, Mr. Kitack Lim, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation and Ms. Adina Vălean, Transport Commissioner of the European Commission gave their opening remarks. Mr Kitack Lim acknowledged the progress made so far by the shipping industry, underlining the importance of continuously addressing existing and new challenges. He also stressed the value of the Cyprus Shipping Conference in providing a platform for the exchange of views between all stakeholders in the shipping industry. Attending the Maritime Cyprus conference for the last time as Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, he concluded that it is imperative that the rules and regulations for shipping are amended and implemented at the international level by the shipping community. Ms Adina Vălean referred to the many opportunities for shipping that lie on the horizon, highlighting the importance of flexibility to promote the development of green fuels and the adoption of energy efficiency technologies. "In all this process, we need to look beyond the shores of Europe to adopt changes at a global level", she concluded. Marina Hadjimanoli, Deputy Minister of Shipping to the President of the Republic of Cyprus and Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Director of the Marine Environment Division and Secretary General-Elect of the International Maritime Organization. Ms Marina Hadjimanolis asked questions to Mr Arsenio Dominguez regarding the vision of the International Maritime Organization, the results of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80) and the adoption by the International Maritime Organization of a Strategy for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships, ship recycling, the image of shipping and gender equality. Mr Arsenio Dominguez stressed the importance of strengthening the presence of women in the maritime industry by encouraging their participation in maritime studies and continuing the campaign for gender equality at the level of the International Maritime Organisation and beyond. As Mr Dominguez said, "This includes active efforts to increase the number of women in senior positions in the International Maritime Organization".
The second panel of speakers addressed the topic "Sustainable shipping with a 2050 horizon: A (A)Possible Mission" ("SustainableShippingtowards 2050: aMission (Im)Possible?"), was moderated by Mr. Themis Papadopoulos, President of KNE/CEO of Interorient Navigation Co Ltd. The panel of speakers included Mr. Emanuele Grimaldi, ICS Chairman/Chairman & MD of Grimaldi Euromed SpA, Mr. Philippo Fili, President of ECSA/Chairman & CEO of Lemissoler Navigation Ltd, Dr. Gaby Bornheim, President of the German Shipowners' Association (VDR) and Mr. Nikolaus H. Schües, President of BIMCO. The panel noted the need for clarity in policy setting. Mr. Papadopoulos stated that international rather than national or regional regulations should be developed. "The International Maritime Organization should develop a new system instead of asking members of the shipping industry to comply with various laws that complicate the industry's path to carbonization," he said. Echoing these views, Dr. Gaby Bornheim said that "as an industry, we are required to be fully compliant and that includes fuel suppliers. The new rules must be made international and a clear, international framework is needed to achieve zero emissions by 2050. This framework must extend beyond the European Union." Emanuele Grimaldi referred to a "grant & reward" system to support early adopters of less expensive fuels in shipping. Mr. Nikolaus H. Schües encouraged delegates to look at shipping challenges in a more positive perspective, especially considering the plethora of new fuels under development, in conjunction with already available energy efficiency technologies. During the question and answer session at the end of the debate, a member of the audience asked a question regarding the possibility of using atomic energy on board ships. Dr Gaby Bornheim replied that 'there are no prohibitive considerations. It is an idea but it is not realistic to expect the industry to move in that direction". She concluded that although the shipping industry would have to evaluate this technology, she did not think it would become a reality.
The third panel of speakers considered the topic "The shipowners' perspective on the future of EU shipping" ("TheShipowners' perspectiveonthefutureofEUshipping") moderated by Mr. George Muska, Vice President of the Cyprus Shipowners' Association. The group of speakers included Mr. Andreas Hatzigiannis, President of the Cyprus Shipowners' Association, Mr. George Prokopiou, President of Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd, Mr. Thanasis Martinos, Managing Director of Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd and Ms. The discussion focused on the EU ETS and other regional regulations and how these policies affect the members of the European fleet. Ms. Suzana Laskaridis urged regulators to develop policies that, while driving the industry towards sustainability goals, do not drive ships or shipping companies to move their operations to more privileged locations. "There are benefits to a more self-sufficient fleet and policy should be written with this in mind", said George Prokopiou, criticising the EU ETS, saying that "Europe is shooting itself in the foot" and arguing that the industry would be better off focusing on energy efficiency measures rather than hampering growth through restrictive policies. An audience member questioned the reaction of shipowners to COVID-19 and the impact of the pandemic on seafarers' livelihoods. Participants acknowledged that, collectively, the industry's response has been less than satisfactory. The extent to which seafarers (keyworkers) were disappointed has not yet been identified.
On the second day of the conference, 10 October 2023 and the third day, 11 October 2023 there will be discussions on the energy transition, the role of shipbuilding in the evolving maritime industry, future trends and emerging markets in the sector, advancing maritime technology for enhanced safety, current developments and the dynamics of the cruise ship industry.
Also on the second day of the conference in the afternoon, a Young Shipping Industry Executives' Workshop will be held to discuss the contribution and upgrading of skills and the future of the shipping profession.
A detailed programme of the conference is available on the conference website:
https:/maritimecyprus.dms.gov.cy/conference-programme/maritime-cyprus-2023-conference,120
Today's opening of the Conference was preceded by an Opening Reception at the Amathus Beach Hotel in Limassol (Sunday 08 October 2023) where the "Cyprus Shipping Award 2023" was presented in recognition of the contribution of individuals or companies to the development of Cyprus Shipping. The award "Cyprus Shipping Personality" was presented to Mr. George Prokopiou, President of Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd. E-mail: maritimecyprus@dms.gov.cy
Website: www.maritimecyprus.org
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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