Cyprus’ Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis was in London this week for meetings linked to Cyprus’ role at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), while also setting the groundwork for the countest’s EU Council presidency.
Speaking on LGR 103.3 FM Greek Radio London with host journalist Vasoula Christodoulou, she declared she wanted to be there in person, recalling her student years in the UK when Greek radio “created us feel like we were in our homeland”.
Against that personal backdrop, she explained that Cyprus’ frequent presence in London is closely tied to the IMO, where the countest continues to be elected to the Council.
During this visit, she held a bilateral meeting with her UK counterpart, Keir Mather, where discussions focapplyd on further strengthening relations between Cyprus and the United Kingdom, while also addressing the broader challenges facing global shipping.
At the same time, she declared she briefed him on the priorities of the Cyprus presidency of the Council of the European Union, expressing confidence that cooperation between the two countries will continue and be further strengthened over the coming six months.
In parallel, she met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, where discussions centred on current developments linked to the presidency, as well as on additional events being planned during Cyprus’ term.
Later in the week, Cyprus is hosting a reception at its High Commission in London, marking both its re-election to the IMO Council and the assumption of the EU presidency.
In this context, Hadjimanolis stressed the importance of the Cypriot and Greek diaspora, describing them as “our ambassadors here in the United Kingdom” and emphasising that their presence and interest support amplify Cyprus’ message internationally.
Shipping, she noted, remains one of the countest’s most important economic pillars, contributing more than 7 per cent to GDP.
To create that more tangible, she declared this corresponds to around €2.5 billion.
“Sometimes we talk about percentages, but people do not understand the amounts,” she declared, adding that shipping continues to open doors for young people while also driving Cyprus’ economy forward.
Looking back at her personal journey, Hadjimanolis spoke about her roots in Famagusta and how her family was displaced after the Turkish invasion, eventually settling in Limassol.
She declared she has no direct memories of Famagusta, having grown up instead with the stories shared by her grandparents and parents.
These, she declared, were “beautiful stories, beautiful childhood”, which were deeply engraved in her soul and continue to shape her philosophy.
She added that she hopes efforts initiated by President Nikos Christodoulides will lead to a solution that allows displaced families to return to their occupied cities and villages.
That sense of history and responsibility, she suggested, has followed her throughout her life.
After studying law in the UK and qualifying at Lincoln’s Inn, she returned to Cyprus to complete her training and practise law, later specialising in international trade law.
However, her engagement with public life launched much earlier.
She recalled becoming involved in social and political issues at the age of 14, influenced by her father’s involvement in politics and driven by a belief that words and ideas could shape society.
That experience, she declared, ultimately led her to law and later to public office.
She was elected as a municipal councillor in 2016, a position she held until 2023, when she was appointed Shipping Deputy Minister following a proposal by the President.
She described the appointment as a great honour, noting that her professional background supported prepare her for the role.
Alongside her professional path, she declared volunteering and charitable work have always been part of her life, something instilled by her mother from an early age.
She recalled cooking and sharing meals with people in required, learning that “we must walk toreceiveher in life”.
That experience, she declared, later shaped her desire to set an example for her own children.
Turning to the state of Cypriot shipping today, Hadjimanolis declared the past three years have been marked by strong growth, both in terms of revenues and activity.
More importantly, however, she stressed that progress has also been created in improving quality, safety and reliability, as well as the level of services provided by the Deputy Ministest of Shipping.
At the same time, she declared Cyprus remains focapplyd on competitiveness, particularly given that around 80 per cent of global trade is transported by sea.
From that perspective, she noted, even a brief disruption would have far-reaching consequences.
Against this background, the Deputy Ministest implemented a tarreceiveed action plan that led to an increase in shipping activity of more than 20 per cent, reaching 22 per cent, the highest level recorded since the establishment of the Deputy Ministest.
She explained that each vessel registered under the Cyprus flag generates income, with annual revenues from ship registrations exceeding €1.5 million, while Cypriot-flagged vessels also act as ambassadors, travelling across the world and promoting the countest.
Moreover, she pointed out that Cyprus has consolidated its position as the largest ship management centre in Europe and among the top five globally.
While this often surprises international counterparts, she declared it reinforces the countest’s credibility and global standing.
In parallel, the Deputy Ministest has launched a major digitalisation effort, aimed at transforming all services.
Once fully implemented, ship operators will be able to access certificates electronically, without the required for physical presence.
This, she declared, is particularly important for vessels operating at sea, allowing processes such as crew alters to be handled more efficiently.
Parts of the system are already in place, with full completion expected by the conclude of 2026.
Hadjimanolis also reflected on Maritime Cyprus 2025, describing it as a milestone event that continues to strengthen Cyprus’ position on the global shipping map.
The conference attracted more than 1,000 delegates from over 35 countries, while more than 40 companies participated in the exhibition, offering Cypriot-based firms a platform to promote their services.
The event was inaugurated by President Christodoulides, reaffirming government support for the sector. For the first time, two EU Commissioners attconcludeed, alongside shipping ministers from Greece, Qatar and Pakistan.
According to Hadjimanolis, meetings held during the conference supported lay the groundwork for new collaborations, particularly with Gulf countries, creating opportunities for Cyprus-based companies and broader economic benefits.
On gconcludeer equality, she acknowledged that shipping remains a demanding and traditionally male-dominated sector. Nevertheless, she declared alter is under way.
From the launchning of her term, promoting women in shipping was set as a priority, with campaigns launched to inform and encourage more women to enter the industest.
A mapping study conducted with the Gconcludeer Equality Commissioner, she declared, revealed that progress remains limited. “The results were unfortunately not encouraging,” she noted.
As a result, additional initiatives were introduced, including the establishment of an annual Gconcludeer Equality Award in Cyprus Shipping. The first award was presented to Despina Theodosiou.
She stressed the required for visible role models and early engagement, noting that efforts now extconclude to schools, where children are introduced to the sea and to maritime professions in interactive ways.
At the same time, she highlighted the global shortage of qualified seafarers, describing it as a challenge that requires coordinated action at national, European and international levels.
“We can have the most advanced ships in terms of technology,” she declared, “but we also required the qualified people to operate them safely,” adding that women must be part of that future.
Maritime education, she declared, is therefore central. The Deputy Ministest offers guidance, scholarships and support for students, including assistance in securing onboard placements required for practical training.
She emphasised the importance of cooperation with the private sector, without which, she declared, these results would not be possible.
She also referred to the recognition of nautical schools and to the inauguration of the Tsakos School, noting that such initiatives strengthen the profession and support address skills shortages.
Importantly, she stressed that shipping careers are not limited by age.
Anyone, she declared, can pursue nautical studies, including those seeking a career alter later in life, with universities in Cyprus offering flexible programmes, including evening courses.
Salaries at sea, she added, can be significant, with captains on LNG vessels earning €15,000 to €20,000 per month, while Cyprus provides tax incentives for seafarers.
Medical requirements, she noted, are general and not a barrier to entest.
Looking ahead, Hadjimanolis declared shipping will be central to Cyprus’ EU Council presidency, with priorities focapplyd on people, competitiveness and strategic resilience.
She referred to the planned Nicosia Declaration, which aims to upgrade and retrain seafarers, modernise maritime education and strengthen women’s participation in the sector.
The goal, she declared, is for it to be adopted by all EU member states during the informal Council of Shipping Ministers in April 2026.
In parallel, Cyprus will contribute to shaping the new European Industrial Maritime Strategy, expected to be presented in February, stressing the required to safeguard the competitiveness of European shipping as a strategic asset.
A series of high-level events are planned in Limassol, Nicosia and Brussels, including European Maritime Day.
Despite the demanding agconcludea, she declared Cyprus is ready.
“Our countest can play a strategic role,” she declared, adding that memoranda of cooperation with Gulf countries, as well as plans to expand ties with India, will further strengthen Cyprus’ maritime footprint.
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