The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) is well positioned to support the European and global shipping industry. Safety and sustainability is at the core of Cyprus’ operations and I believe that collaboration and cooperation is key, particularly to achieve progress in two of the key challenges facing the shipping industry today.
On Tuesday 26th January 2021, I was pleased to meet with EU Transport Commissioner, Ms Adina Valean, to discuss how we can advance seafarer support and the pathway to decarbonization of shipping.
Having a strong maritime history, Cyprus has always been supportive and constructive in the formulation of the EU maritime transport policies. Acknowledging the importance of keeping the maritime supply chain operational, Cyprus was one of the first countries worldwide that recognized seafarers as key workers and introduced all necessary measures to facilitate crew changes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very proud to be able to say that, since May 2020, over 5000 seafarers have been repatriated or changed vessels through Cyprus’ ports and airports.
There are significant ongoing challenges as the pandemic continues but we believe in adapting strict and necessary measures to continue crew changes and repatriation. The ministry will continue to focus on new measures to ensure seafarers are supported and protected, and is working with the EU to ensure the process can be facilitated.
We are acutely aware that the ongoing humanitarian crisis pertaining to crew changes is one we must strive to solve. We believe there needs to be a co-ordinated global approach to crew changes and are advocating seafarer vaccination for a global solution.
Alongside the essential support for seafarers, we are working with the EU to ensure we are supporting shipowners and operators in the energy transition and encouraging sustainable shipping. Following the MEPC meeting in November 2020, Cyprus initiated a scheme to help shipowners benefit from reducing vessel emissions with a new green incentives programme. The draft amendments of MARPOL Annex VI, which are scheduled for formal adoption in June 2021, relate to mandatory goal-based technical and operational measures to reduce carbon intensity, including a review clause for the evaluation of the measures in the near future and Cyprus hopes to support its successful outcome.
Cyprus encourages the successful outcome of MEPC and supports research, innovation and new initiatives towards developing and encouraging low and zero carbon technologies for use by the shipping industry. We look forward to working with the EU and IMO, at a regional and global level, to support shipping with its immediate priorities.