Cyprus has established a long-term strategy for Cyprus’s shipping industry under the name “SEA Change 2030” aiming to create the conditions for Cyprus shipping to become more resilient and more sustainable and to contribute to a positive change for global shipping.
The word ‘SEA’ is an acronym – ‘S’ stands for ‘sustainability’, ‘E’ stands for ‘extrovert’ and ‘A’ stands for ‘’adaptability. The reason why ‘extrovert’ was chosen instead of ‘efficiency’ is that the shipping sector tends to be quite introverted and conservative. We want to become more extroverted in how we work with the local and global shipping community, how we promote Cyprus’s shipping industry, and how we respond to feedback regarding our operations.
“SEA Change 2030” includes 35 concrete actions for Cyprus’s maritime and shipping sector, all of which are based on these three strategic pillars. It is not just a strategy; it also brings a new philosophy and a new working structure and approach to shipping. It promotes a collaborative and extroverted approach to developing the sector through systematic collection of industry intelligence, and consultation with all stakeholders, which has led to the current strategy. Cyprus is steadfast in its determination to adapt to global trends and an ever-changing maritime environment. It reaffirms Cyprus’s dedication to fostering sustainable practices and ensuring policies support the long-term vision.
“SEA Change 2030” is the outcome of a collaborative process, with input from internal, local and international stakeholders. The 35 individual actions to deliver sustainable progress for shipping are categorised under three main pillars: Sustainable, Extrovert, and Adaptable. A new unit has been created within the SDM to implement these initiatives.
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
Cyprus has always prided itself of being a collaborative and proactive nation, recognizing the importance of its place on the global stage. 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.
It marks an important landmark for Cyprus shipping. Our aim is to set a course towards ongoing, sustainable, positive change. This strategy is focused on actions that will make Cyprus shipping even more safe and secure, as well as more sustainable, extrovert, and digital. While we are starting at a local level, we believe that this approach is adjustable and scalable both regionally and internationally. We want to lead by example and change the mindset towards ongoing, sustainable and positive change.
The strategy is a culmination of an extensive public consultation campaign, which gathered views on important issues across four key areas; environmental sustainability, digital transformation, global challenges (seafarer welfare, piracy), and local/regional issues. Feedback was collated through a dedicated online portal, as well as via interviews with key maritime stakeholders.