The MARITIME CYPRUS Conference is the leading Cyprus Maritime event.

It is organized every two years by the Cyprus Government, in close cooperation with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners.

The Maritime Cyprus Conference has grown over the years into one of the world’s most significant shipping conferences.

This year’s Maritime Cyprus Conference, was the 12th, since its establishment back in 1989.

Its main theme was “The ?s in Shipping: Is it Safe Enough?, Is it Sustainable?, Is there enough Confidence?”.

Aiming at operating as a Forum where important and current issues relating to international shipping are presented by distinguished speakers and subsequently discussed by the international shipping community, the “Maritime Cyprus Conference” plays a key role towards helping to formulate sound and well balanced decisions and policies on crucial shipping issues.

Enriched by the presence and active contribution of distinguished guests including the IMO Secretary General, European Commissioners and other personalities of the International shipping scene who addressed the conference, the Conference focused on the crucial matters concerning the international shipping industry today.

Subjects addressed during the Conference included Countering Piracy, Seafarers, Long Term Sustainability and Energy. The Capital Markets, Forecasting analysis and exploration of new opportunities to recover from the crisis were also presented.

The Maritime Cyprus Conference is addressed to shipping executives in the industry, including, owners, managers, and delegates from other shipping organizations.

History | Background

CYMEPA was officially registered on the 27th August 1992 as a not-for-profit organization limited by guarantee. A Caretaker Board of Directors has guided CYMEPA to its Official Launching Ceremony and First Annual General Meeting that took place on Sunday, 3rd October 1993.

On that day the Voluntary Declaration "TO SAVE THE SEAS" was signed by the members and was endorsed by the following: International Maritime Organization ( IMO), the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, the World Wide Fund for Nature ( WWF ), the Club of Rome, The World Conservation Union (IUCN), the International Group of P & I Clubs and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS ).

Special Endorsement

The Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), established in 1982 as the world’s first private sector voluntary marine environment protection association, and which provided a precedent and inspiration for CYMEPA’s foundation, was particularly pleased in being able to endorse the Declaration and Action Plan, which further strengthens and enhances global commitment in environmental protection.

The special Endorsement was signed by HELMEPA Chairman Basil Papachristidis.

Aims

The principal aim of CYMEPA is to encourage and actively assist effective efforts to prevent all forms of pollution of the sea. The Association also helps seafarers and executives to be more aware of safety and the protection of the marine environment. CYMEPA also initiates environmental projects and operates extensive public awareness campaigns, giving priority to environmental education of Schoolchildren.

CYMEPA supports and assists the Government of Cyprus in ratifying and implementing international conventions addressing the protection of the marine environment.

Visit the Department of Merchant Shipping Website

The DMS is functioning under the Ministry of Communications and Works and is accountable to the Ministry for the effective implementation of the merchant shipping laws and the international maritime conventions to which Cyprus is a contracting party. In particular, the basic functions of the Department are the following:

• Registration of ships and small vessels and registry related transactions. 
• Control of Cyprus flag vessels in respect of safety, security, pollution prevention, qualifications of seafarers and living and working conditions of seafarers. 
• Inspection / surveys of foreign flag vessels in Cyprus ports (Port State Control) as a contracting party to the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control. 
• Control and certification of coastal passenger and high-speed craft. 
• Training, Certification and Registration of Seafarers. 
• Continuous updating of the merchant shipping legislation and harmonisation with the European Union legislation. 
• Taxation of shipowning and ship management companies. 
• Promotion and further development of Cyprus as a maritime centre and an international registry. 
• International relations, participation in international organisations, bilateral agreements and cooperation with maritime authorities of other countries.

Apart from the fulfillment of obligations arising from the merchant shipping legislation, the following long-term objectives are pursued by the Department:

• The qualitative upgrade of the technical, administrative, legal and financial infrastructure of Cyprus in the maritime sector, in cooperation with other Government departments and private organisations.
• Pollution prevention from ships and the protection of the marine environment.
• The further improvement of the quality of both the ships registered in Cyprus and the crew employed on them.
• Improvement of safety standards and conditions of living and work of seamen on board Cyprus ships in accordance with international conventions currently in force.
• Further upgrading of Cyprus's maritime role at the European and International level.
• The establishment of economic and other incentives aiming to attract more Cypriots to the merchant shipping professions.
• The establishment of maritime training facilities in Cyprus, for both officers and ratings.
• Further development of Cyprus in the area of merchant shipping, promotion of Cyprus as a base for international shipping activities and enhancement of the international reputation of the Cyprus flag as a maritime flag.
• Exploring new incentives which aim at improving the competitiveness of the Cyprus flag and the attractiveness of Cyprus as a maritime centre.

Visit the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research Website

The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research has developed over the years, activities in multidisciplinary fields, concerning the sustainable use of marine resources, the development and sound management of fisheries and aquaculture, the marine ecology, the protection of endangered species and habitats, physical and chemical oceanography, and the prevention and combat of marine pollution.

Furthermore, within the framework of the fisheries development, the Department promotes supporting programmes to the fishermen including, inter alia, the construction of fishing shelters. It is also responsible for the enforcement of the relative Legislation.

The construction, improvement and maintenance of fishing shelters are among the major activities of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research.

CYPRUS FISHING SHELTERS

• Agios Georgios Pegeias Fishing Shelter
• Ayia Napa Fishing Shelter
• Ayia Triada Fishing Shelter
• Kato Pyrgos Fishing Shelter
• Larnaca Fishing Shelter
• Ormidhia Fishing Shelter
• Paralimni Fishing Shelter
• Pomos Fishing Shelter
• Potamos Liopetriou Fishing Shelter
• Xylophagou Fishing Shelter
• Zygi Fishing Shelter (under construction)

Fishing vessels are also harboured at:

• Larnaca Port
• Latchi  Port
• Old Limassol Port
• Paphos Port
  

Visit the Cyprus Ports Authority Website

The Cyprus Ports Authority was established under the Cyprus Ports Authority Law of 1973 as a result of a relevant condition in the Loan granted to Cyprus by the World Bank for the construction of the ports of Lemesos and Larnaka. The Bank had demanded the creation of an autonomous and flexible organization, which would be operating on a commercial basis.
 The Cyprus Ports Authority is a public entity and it is governed by a nine member Board (Chairman, Vice Chairman and seven members) appointed by the Ministerial Council for a three-year term in office. The Board of Directors applies the policy of the Government. This policy is conveyed and supervised by the Minister of Communications and Works.

Cyprus is an island state which, due to its geographical position i.e. situated at a great distance from other European regions but at the same time at close proximity to third countries, especially those of the Middle East, it relies almost entirely on its ports for its international trade. During the last two decades Cyprus ports developed into important cruise-handling centers.

The activities of the Authority are two-fold. According to the legal framework governing it, it operates as the administrative organization of Cypriot ports, which on the one hand has a public role incorporating administration, construction and management of port infrastructure and on the other engages in activities of commercial value relating to the coordination and control of port services offered. The Authority is the main investor in Cypriot ports, although a large part of very remunerative port activities are carried out by the private sector, as for example the management of container terminals and stevedore activities. Despite this, private sector investment in ports is of the order of 5%.

The commercial ports of Lemesos and Larnaka, the industrial port of Vassiliko, the old port of Lemesos, Paphos Port, the small port at Latchi and the oil terminals at Moni, Vassiliko and Dhekelia come under the Authority’s jurisdiction. The lighthouses at Cape Greco, Cape Gata, Paphos and Akamas also come under the jurisdiction of the Authority.

Famagusta and Kyrenia ports, Karavostasi terminal as well as the lighthouses at Kormakitis and Apostolos Andreas are, unfortunately, still under Turkish occupation.

Strategic goals of the Authority are to attract as much transshipment trade and cruise passengers as possible and afford service to the Cypriot trade at the lowest possible cost. In the framework of its strategy, the Authority aims at developing from an operator to a landlord and regulator of port services in line with the general policy followed within the European Union. This development is taking place smoothly and gradually so that the port industry can continue to serve society and the country’s economy unimpededly and effectively and with respect to its immediate environment.

OPEN CYPRUS PORTS

Larnaca Port

New Limassol Port

Old Limassol Port

Paphos Port

Latchi Port

Vasiliko Port

OIL TERMINALS

Larnaka
The pilot service of Larnaka port apart from its services to the port and the oil terminals at Larnaka roadstead, serves also the oil terminal at Dhekelia and Vassilikos.

Dhekelia
Installations at Dhekelia oil terminal are used for the unloading of fuel from the oil-tankers for the needs of the Power Station. Mooring is effected on buoys and the unloading through submarine pipelines.

Vassilikos
The oil terminal at Vassilikos is used for the unloading of fuel for the needs of the Power Station there. Mooring is by means of CBM (Conventional Buoy Mooring) and the unloading is carried out again through submarine pipelines.

CLOSED CYPRUS PORTS

Famagusta Port

Kerynia Port

Karavostasi Port

Promote the Cyprus Flag - Protect the interests of the Cyprus flag shipowners

Visit the Cyprus Union of Shipowners Website

Cyprus Union of Shipowners constitutes the major representative organization of the international shipping community with vessels under the Cyprus Flag. Over the years, the Cyprus Union of Shipowners has managed to register under its membership the vast majority of the Cyprus Flag ships. Primarily; CUS visions Cyprus Merchant shipping with a completed and genuine infrastructure.

The Shipowners united; under the Cyprus Union of Shipowners comprise a strong voice representing the interest of its members in Cyprus, Greece and in the European Union as well as internationally.

The Cyprus Union of Shipowners focuses on:

Being Cyprus Ambassador of Shipping both nationally and internationally.

Representing its members before all Trade Unions as well as the I.T.F. 

Signing private Bilateral Labor Agreements with local Labor Unions in coordination and with the approval of the Cypriot Ministry aiming to providing its members with reduced and highly competitive Seafarers salary pay-scales. 

Promoting a competitive and effective Cyprus Maritime Transportation Industry. CUS supports a national policy conducive to the development and maintenance of the Cyprus flag vessels, in an effort to foster the growth and quality of a Cyprus flag merchant fleet.

CUS maintains a close cooperation with the Union of Greek Shipowners so that both Associations to rich their common goals and aspirations, in line with the historic bilateral agreement signed between the Cypriot Minister of Communications and Works and the Greek Minister of Mercantile Marine, the cornerstone of which was laid on 1st July 2003, earmarking a common Mercantile Marine Policy and Strategy.

Maintains close relations with international Security Bodies i.e. MARLU (NATO Unit) that deal with vital issues like Piracy and provide its members with useful contacts and prompt information. 

CUS monitors government legislative and regulatory actions, initiatives by various international marine organizations, political trends and public policy relating to navigation, safety and to the Cyprus shipping environment. In addition, it conducts strategic communications and public relations campaigns.

Since Cyprus is one of the leading registries in the world, Cyprus Union of Shipowners has the responsibility of serving as an education communication vehicle to inform its members to comply with obligations and commitments stemming from international instruments that will be fully implemented and enforced. It promotes transparency at all levels and provides for effective yardsticks to assess the performance of the Cyprus shipping sector. Therefore, the Union’s objective is an improved coordination and cooperation where the financial and welfare interests of shipowners will be effectively protected because shipowners are held legally accountable in every respect.

The Union has extensive access to sources providing a wealth of information. It has strong links with other international shipowners associations and is a Member of the European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA), while continuing to establish ties with maritime related industry organizations in its emerging role as the focal point for consultation with the Cyprus shipping industry on regulatory and other key developments, thus, giving it, a leading edge in Cyprus Maritime developments.

Contact Details

Address: Cyprus Office

               17 Gordonos Street 

               Limassol 

               CY 3070 

               Cyprus 

email:     cus@cus.com.cy 

Tel:        +357 25 818161 

Fax:       +357 25 818160

Visit the Cyprus Union of Shipowners Website

Cyprus Shipping Association
172 Frangklinou Rousvelt
P.O.Box 50529, CY- 3606 Limassol, Cyprus
Tel.: +357-25827882, Fax: +357-25360675
E-mail: info@csa-cy.org

Visit the Cyprus Shipping Association Website

The Shipping Agents, Members of the Cyprus Shipping Association, constitute a dynamic and progressive section of the business community of the island, playing a most influential role in the country's shipping trade and port affairs.

The functions of the Shipping Agent in Cyprus are of a broader nature and wider scope than traditionally, implied by his professional label.

The business activities of the Cyprus Shipping Agent extend beyond the mere representation of ships calling to the island's ports and include also the provision of a comprehensive package of supporting and complimentary services required by the Shipowner both as a vessel operator, as well as a businessman and a trader. constitute a dynamic and progressive section of the business community of the island, playing a most influential role in the country's shipping trade and port affairs.

The functions of the Shipping Agent in Cyprus are of a broader nature and wider scope than traditionally, implied by his professional label. The business activities of the Cyprus Shipping Agent extend beyond the mere representation of ships calling to the island's ports and include also the provision of a comprehensive package of supporting and complimentary services required by the Shipowner both as a vessel operator, as well as a businessman and a trader. constitute a dynamic and progressive section of the business community of the island, playing a most influential role in the country's shipping trade and port affairs.

The functions of the Shipping Agent in Cyprus are of a broader nature and wider scope than traditionally, implied by his professional label. The business activities of the Cyprus Shipping Agent extend beyond the mere representation of ships calling to the island's ports and include also the provision of a comprehensive package of supporting and complimentary services required by the Shipowner both as a vessel operator, as well as a businessman and a trader.

In Cyprus the Shipping Agent has a dual role, the major role being looking after the interests of his Shipowners both in the vessels operation as well as in marketing for cargo. The second important role of the Cyprus Shipping Agent towards his Principals is to act as a Master Stevedore for the loading and discharging of vessels. A particularly interesting activity of CSA Members is the representation of cruise and passenger vessels providing tailor-made specialized services for the tourists and passengers. As a result of its vast archaeological wealth and other unique tourist attractions, Cyprus is also a most attractive stopover point for the cruise liners plying the Eastern Mediterranean.

Cyprus is strategically located in the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean, at the crossroads of the major international shipping routes between Europe, Asia and Africa. Following a recent major expansion and upgrading of its port facilities, the island can efficiently serve every size of ship trading in the region and any scale of operation. By regional standards, the port services provided in Cyprus compare most favourably with other Mediterranean ports on all counts - efficiency, quality, cost effectiveness, reliability and safety.

As a transhipment hub, Cyprus provides Shipping Lines with a first class service at an ordinary price. The package offered includes round the clock service all the year round, free port facilitation , priority berthing and a number of other special advantages. In Cyprus, Shipping Lines are assured of the availability of all facilities required for the effective management and control of their regional shipping operations.

Furthermore all auxiliary services required by the Ship Operator are readily available in Cyprus, including bunkering services, ship and container repair facilities and shipchandling.

Visit the Cyprus Shipping Association Website

"...promoting the interests of Cyprus Shipping and furthering the reputation of the Cyprus flag, whilst promoting and protecting the interests of its Members both nationally and internationally..."

Visit the Cyprus Shipping Chamber Website
 

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber is the trade association of the Shipping Industry in Cyprus. Having witnessed considerable growth since its establishment in 1989, originally under the name Cyprus Shipping Council, with seventeen Founding Members, the Chamber today comprises all the major shipowning, shipmanagement and shipping related companies based in Cyprus. The Members of the Chamber own and/or manage from Cyprus, 2111 vessels exceeding 42 million gross tons, thus making it one of the largest national shipping associations in the world.

The main purpose of the Chamber is:

"...promoting the interests of Cyprus Shipping and furthering the reputation of the Cyprus flag, whilst promoting and protecting the interests of its Members both nationally and internationally..."

Since its formation, the Chamber has become an influential body in local maritime affairs and today no policy decisions concerning shipping matters are taken by the Government without consulting the Council. This has been achieved through the participation of the Chamber at numerous joint working groups or ad-hoc committees with various Government Departments, and in particular the Ministry of Communications and Works and its Department of Merchant Shipping, with which the Council maintains excellent relations. Furthermore, the Chamber is regularly called to appear before Parliamentary Committees as the representative body of the Cyprus Shipping Industry, when matters affecting shipping are discussed at the House of Representatives.

In all its dealings with the various Ministries and Departments, the Chamber's primary objective is to assist the Government at all levels to adapt new and existing laws, policies and procedures to the needs of the Cyprus fleet and the resident Shipping Industry in a world which is more competitive and at the same time more conscious of the need to raise quality, improve safety and protect the environment. An example of the Chamber's co-operation with the Government is the active participation in the continuous harmonisation of Cyprus with the EU Acquis.

The Chamber has also established a close co-operation with other private sector and semi-governmental organisations, such as the Cyprus Shipping Association, the Cyprus Ports Authority, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, the Cyprus International Businesses Association, the Cyprus Association of Certified Public Accountants, the Cyprus Bar Association, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, the Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association, the Seafarers Unions, and many others. In addition, the Chamber is a member of the Cyprus Industrialists and Employers Federation and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and regularly participates in their Board of Directors meetings.

The Chamber operates as a roving ambassador of Cyprus Shipping abroad, through its membership and active participation in the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Shipping Federation (ISF), the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), the European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) and the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO). Members of the Chamber also regularly participate in many international meetings, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the European Union (EU) meetings in Geneva, London and Brussels and in a number of their Committees, where the Chamber functions as consultant to the Government representatives.

As a result of this involvement, the Chamber is able to offer its Members, a constant source of up-to-date legislative, technical and commercial shipping information, and more importantly, operates as a lobby group for the promotion of the legitimate interests of its Member-companies, on a national as well as international level.

An aspect of the Chamber's efforts to improve the local maritime infrastructure that deserves special mention is the establishment of an Employment and Training Scheme for Office Personnel. Since 1993, suitably qualified school-leavers as well as existing staff of the Chamber's Member-companies are enrolled in courses administered by the Chamber, which lead to recognised qualifications of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers in London. A Branch of the Institute came into being in 1996 in Cyprus, which the Chamber co-operates closely with in the administration of the courses called "Tutorship" and "Understanding Shipping". We have no doubt that by encouraging more young and well-trained people to enter the local maritime industry, we will have laid strong foundations for the development of a maritime tradition that will promote quality and safety.

The Chamber's intention in the years to come is to continue to serve its Members both nationally and internationally whilst at the same time promoting and enhancing the Cyprus flag as a registry that is prepared and willing to shoulder its international responsibilities with respect to quality shipping, marine safety and protection of the environment. Also, the Chamber aims to further improve the Cyprus Shipping infrastructure, establish better cooperation with the Government Ministries, Parliament and other professional bodies, enhance activities at international shipping organisations, and play an important role in national and international Shipping affairs.

Contact Details

Cyprus Shipping Chamber

Address: City Chambers, 1st Floor, 
               6 Regas Fereos St., 
               P.O.Box 56607, 
               3309 Limassol, Cyprus

Tel:         +357-25360717
Fax:        +357-25358642 
email:     csc@csc-cy.org

Visit the Cyprus Shipping Chamber Website

Cyprus Government Policy on Ship Registration

Registration of a Cyprus Shipping Company

Registration of Ships under Cyprus Flag

Registration of Small Vessels

For further information, please visit the Department of Merchant Shipping Website

Growth compared with the first half of 2010 was 4.4%. 

The ship management sector accounts for 4.8% of GDP. 

The survey shows that the ship management sector is dominated by Germany, which accounts for 63% of revenues, followed far behind by Vietnam with 9% and Latvia with 7%. 

However, in terms of growth Norway, Marshall Islands and the UK showed the highest growth in revenue, albeit from a much smaller base. 

Of the total foreign ship management revenues, 95% comes from abroad and 5% from Cyprus. 

For the shipping industry as a whole, 73% of revenue comes from ship management, of which 75% comes from Germany and 7% from Cyprus. 

Only 16% of the industry’s revenue comes from freight and 2% from charter.

Crew management accounted for 47% of management in the second half of 2010. 

Non-EU residents account for 32% of crew, dominated by the Philippines, which account for 25% of crew expenses. EU-member Poland is next with 16%.

The Central Bank reports that the ship management industry is relatively concentrated, with 24% of the companies accounting for 83% of revenues.

Source:

Financial Mirror