Cyprus’s Shipping Deputy Ministry launched the new online platform: C.O.M.E. This stands for Cyprus Open Maritime Exchange, and is one of the latest initiatives from the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry to enable continuous consultation on current maritime affairs.
The online communication platform encourages all stakeholders involved in the maritime transport supply chain as well as the civil society to share thoughts and ideas with Cyprus. The collected information will be regularly reviewed and incorporated into actions and policies.
The new platform has several focus areas for feedback including:
- Green transformation
- Digitalization
- Safety and security
- Coastal navigation
- Seafarer welfare
- Training and education.
There is also an additional section that allows the shipping community and the civil society to explore other issues not encapsulated in these five core areas.
On the launch of the platform, Vassilios Demetriades, Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister commented:
The C.O.M.E platform is an opportunity for ongoing consultation with individuals from right across the global shipping industry and wider supply chain, enabling productive discussion, informed decision-making, and genuine progress.
C.O.M.E forms a fundamental element of Cyprus’ commitment to an ‘extrovert’ approach and represents the first concrete action from its recently launched strategy, SEA Change 2030.
Sustainable
Perhaps the most pivotal pillar of the vision, the majority of actions sit under this heading. The series of initiatives are designed to foster a proactive culture of quality on Cyprus flagged ships, to provide a responsive, fast, efficient and seamless 24/7 customer-orientated service, to create a “curiosity” culture for shipping, and to create a culture for seafaring, maritime and blue professions.
Extrovert
By launching initiatives that seek ongoing consultation with individuals, the industry, regulators and other states, Cyprus will invite more of the industry into the conversation, fostering an environment which enables informed decision-making.
Adaptable
Cyprus SDM will adapt its policies, orientation, interests, organizational structure and working processes to align with the outcome of the consultation campaign. These new initiatives will allow the ministry to make crucial changes to elements of its operations, to the maximum benefit of the Cyprus-flagged fleet, as well as the greater global shipping industry.
