11th May 2024 – 17th May 2024
LOCAL NEWS
1. Meeting between the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides and the President of the House of Representatives, Ms. Annita Demetriou and CUS Delegation
On Thursday, 16 May, 2024, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, welcomed at the Presidential Palace, the President of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS), Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis and the Vice-Presidents Messrs. Polys V. Hajioannou and George Mouskas.
During the meeting, the CUS delegation highlighted critical issues affecting Cyprus’ shipping sector and pointed out the importance of enhancing the Cypriot Shipping Registry, as a strategic pillar of both, local and European economy. As the industry has to navigate a complex environment of ongoing geopolitical conflicts and the introduction of new environmental regulations, Cyprus’s presence in the IMO as well as globally significant conferences, is of paramount importance.
In this context, the CUS delegation discussed the promotion of Cyprus to foreign investors, having as a milestone the establishment of head-offices by world class Shipping companies. To achieve this, it was decided to jointly organize a Cyprus Invest Conference in the New York with the participation of the Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).
Furthermore, President Christodoulides expressed his gratitude to the Cyprus Union of Shipowners for its recent support to the Amalthea Initiative, and in particular for CUS's active participation and significant contribution to the efforts of the Government to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, an initiative which has garnered worldwide recognition and commendation from the International Community.
The meeting with the President was followed by a meeting with the President of the House of Representatives, Ms. Annita Demetriou, at the House of Representatives. The meeting revolved around the challenges that shipping is facing by unfriendly EU policies and the role of the EU Parliament. Ms. Demetriou underlined the importance of the shipping sector in Cyprus and highlighted the contribution of our Union to its expansion. Finally, we mutually expressed our readiness to foster our cooperation and establish a path with the EU Parliament using the network of the Cypriot Parliament. This will allow us to present our views more efficiently in Europe and hope that future Regulations will take into consideration the special characteristics of our sector and realize that by enhancing EU Shipping we secure European Trade and sustainability.
Relevant Articles:
- PIO 16/5/24 - Ανακοινωθέν της Βουλής των Αντιπροσώπων
- SigmaLive 16/5/24 - Προκλήσεις της ναυτιλίας συζήτησαν ΠτΒ - εκπρόσωποι της Ένωσης Πλοιοκτητών
- InBusiness 16/5/24 - Προκλήσεις της ναυτιλίας συζήτησαν Αννίτα Δημητρίου-Ένωση Πλοιοκτητών
- CBN 17/5/24 - House President and Cyprus Union of Ship Owners discuss shipping challenges
2. PROPELLER CLUB, Port of Limassol - Inaugural Reception 16/05/2024
On the 16 May 2024, the opening ceremony for the establishment of the Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, Cyprus, was held in the presence of the US Ambassador, Julie Fisher, the Cyprus Attorney General, the Ministers of Energy, Commerce and Industry, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Costis Frangoulis, President of the International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Piraeus, representatives of the Port of Piraeus and members of the shipping community, marking a significant milestone in maritime cooperation.
In his opening remarks, the Vice President of CUS and President of the International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, welcomed the attendees and expressed his gratitude for their support and presence. Mr. Hajioannou referred to the prospects that are opening for Cyprus shipping and invited the local shipping community to join the club and become a member of an international network with close ties with the US and the US Coast Guard. As noted by Mr. Hajioannou in his address, Cyprus is a small country, with a big part of it occupied by the Turkish army for 50 years now, "Our aim should not be limited to the narrow borders of our country, but to project ourselves and our community to the world".
The Inaugural Reception was also addressed by Ms. Fisher, who has graciously accepted the honorary title of the President of the Club, in line with the Club's Statute. During her speech, the US Ambassador stated that “I am thrilled to see the International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, now a reality, and part of Limassol's thriving shipping community and I couldn’t be more delighted to serve as the honorary President”.
Ms. Fisher recognized the importance of the maritime industry for Cyprus, with the Cyprus registry being "the 11th largest in the world". "Many owners and companies of Cypriot- flagged ships, some of them under Mr. (Polys) Hajioannou's able leadership, already form the core of this new club. I am certain the membership will grow in the months and years ahead, I really look forward to seeing how this club develops," she said. Beyond Cyprus's global role in maritime commerce, the US Ambassador stated “I want to recognise the key role that Cyprus is playing in providing humanitarian assistance through the Amalthea Plan, the maritime aid corridor from Larnaca to the US military's floating pier in Gaza”. “The United States has been really honoured” to partner with Cyprus and with the many countries that support this effort, and the United Nations, she added. Ms. Fisher noted that the floating pier landed in Gaza on Thursday, and "we expect to see the first delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance, which includes food and therapeutic items to treat severe acute malnutrition in children under 5 years of age”.
This and future shipments originate from Larnaca, she said, adding that Cyprus “can be proud of its leadership” to the broader land, sea, and air response to the humanitarian needs in Gaza.
Mr. Costis Frangoulis, President of the International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, the largest Propeller Club in terms of members, also expressed his satisfaction on the establishment of the Propeller Club, Port of Limassol and gave the club's official badge and the Propeller Club's Chart to Mr. Hajioannou.
Relevant Articles:
- StockWatch 17/5/24 - US recognises Cyprus' key role in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza
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- SigmaLive 16/5/24 - Πρέσβειρα των ΗΠΑ: Σημαντικός ο ρόλος της Κύπρου για «Αμάλθεια»
- InBusinessNews 16/5/24 - Στο μεγάλο δίκτυο του Propeller Club ΗΠΑ και επίσημα η Κύπρος - Στόχος η ενίσχυση της ναυτιλιακής συνεργασίας
- CBN 17/05 - Cyprus joins the International Propeller Club of the United States (pics)
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
3. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 1: US Treasury Report for week 11/05/2024 - 17/05/2024
4. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 2: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 17 April – 15 May 2024
Nothing important to report from IMO and ILO.