Expanding Maritime Collaboration
In a decisive move to deepen maritime relations, Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis spearheaded a high-level visit to Helsinki. As part of an official delegation led by President Nikos Christodoulides, Hadjimanolis joined the Cyprus Maritime Commission from May 21 to 23, marking a significant milestone in Cyprus’s strategic outreach within the global shipping arena.
Business Forum and Sectoral Innovations
The visit was anchored by a prominent maritime business forum that convened influential figures from both the Cypriot and Finnish maritime sectors. The joint statement from the two nations outlined a comprehensive agenda covering digitalisation, alternative fuels, cybersecurity, maritime education, and gender equality. This collaboration is expected to bolster initiatives that drive sustainability and enhance participation of women in the maritime industry.
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Strategic Bilateral Engagements
On the sidelines of the forum, Hadjimanolis engaged in a bilateral meeting with Minna Kivimäki, Director General of the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications. This discussion built upon earlier dialogues, notably the meeting with Minister Lulu Ranne in Brussels last March, reinforcing a continued dialogue between the two countries. President Nikos Christodoulides’s discussions with Finnish political leaders, including notable comments by President Alexander Stubb on the critical role of Cypriot shipping, underscored Cyprus’s pivotal position in global maritime commerce.
Technological Advancements and Sustainable Shipping
During her Helsinki itinerary, the Deputy Minister toured Polaris, a modern icebreaker operated by ARCTIA Shipping, which plays a crucial role in maintaining Finnish port operations during harsh winter conditions. In addition, a meeting with Wartsilä President Roger Holm further emphasized the importance of compliance with European and international regulations aimed at reducing gas emissions. These discussions highlighted the development of advanced technologies and alternative fuels that support a green, sustainable future for the shipping industry.