Image Credit: Gov.cyCyprus and Finland have taken concrete steps to deepen cooperation and leverage strong maritime clusters, with the goal to advance a sustainable, resilient, and competitive maritime industry in Europe and across the world. This agreement is the result of the maritime business forum which was held in Helsinki on May 21.
Marina Hadjimanolis, Cyprus Deputy Minister of Shipping, and Minna Kivimaki, Permanent Secretary of the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications, looked into several promising areas for enhanced cooperation, including automation and digitalization in maritime operations, ship energy systems, cyber security, alternative marine fuels, maritime education, gender equality, and equal employment opportunities in the shipping industry.
The Cyprus minister noted the ongoing challenges facing international shipping and the urgent need to protect the competitiveness of the European maritime industry. She believes this is a strategic and economic pillar of the European Union. Hadjimanolis highlighted that Cyprus and Finland have a long maritime history and strong maritime clusters. Both countries have a critical role to play in the sustainable growth of international shipping.
She said Cyprus and Finland share common values and goals when it comes to ensuring safe, secure and environmentally friendly maritime transport, while maintaining fair competition internationally. “International shipping continues to face challenges, while at the same time, there is a compelling need to safeguard the competitiveness of the European maritime industry, which is a strategic and economic pillar of the EU.
“Cyprus and Finland, both member states of the EU with long maritime history and strong maritime clusters, have a critical role to play towards the sustainable growth of international shipping. I am very pleased that Cyprus and Finland share the same values and objectives regarding a safe, secure and environmentally friendly shipping on an international level, ensuring at the same time a level playing field for all,” Hadjimanolis added.
Kivimaki highlighted the need for stronger European shipping in the world and a competitive European maritime cluster. “As maritime nations Cyprus and Finland are natural champions and allies in this field. I am happy that as one of the largest Flag States in the world, Cyprus understands Finnish concerns about safe and secure shipping also in the harsh ice conditions of the northern Baltic Sea.”