Cyprus’s Shipping Deputy Minister Vassilios Demetriades urged shipping to work towards a sustainable future, with recognition and protection of seafarers.
During the 32nd regular session of the Assembly of IMO in London, Mr. Demetriades praised the Organization, its members, for their “strong efforts and initiatives” that have managed to keep the world seaborne trade flowing .
The Cypriot Minister also noted that the emerging public expectations are urging maritime “to contribute to efforts to arrest the climate changes much more than the global proportion it causes.”
He then referred to new and emerging environmentally friendly technologies which could transform ships, and improve the environmental sustainability of the sector as well as its operational efficiency. These new technologies would also allow the time needed for developing alternative fuels and methods of propulsion.
In addition, Mr. Demetriades stressed the crucial role the seafarers have played in highlighting the global and central role of the maritime transport sector during the pandemic.
Cyprus, on its part, has been facilitating crew changes and repatriation since May 2020 and is applying a national vaccination plan for seafarers
Concluding, Mr. Demetriades informed that “Cyprus’ recently adopted strategic vision for the sector, aims to promote a positive agenda for global shipping by promoting a more sustainable; more extroverted; and more adaptable shipping sector in line with IMO objectives.”
