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Topics related to the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and the maritime industry were discussed during a radio interview given by the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms Natasa Pilides, in “It’s ALL about Shipping” radio program, broadcasted on the community radio of the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK), Cut-Radio 95, on February 1, 2019.

Inter alia, Deputy Minister Pilides said that the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Education and Culture are working towards the inclusion of a maritime specialization direction in the curriculum of selected technical schools of the public sector, if possible as of September 2019. “We are doing a lot of work to reverse seafarer reduction in Cyprus and we would love to see more Cypriot people getting involved in this profession. There will always be a great demand, even with automation”, Ms Pilides said and explained that shipping not only is an opportunity for young people, but also is one of the most protected and covered professions, because of the high standards required by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Ms Pilides further briefed on the new initiatives of the Deputy Ministry, such as an upcoming functionality for seafarers to upload their CV’s to be matched with job openings, the digitalization of the Deputy Ministry’s records and an electronic ship registration process. Also, as the Deputy Minister said, a digital marketing campaign is underway, as well as a promotional campaign through roadshows, conference participation and one-to-one meetings with important shipping companies and stakeholders in key countries.

Since the establishment of the Shipping Deputy Ministry, and this is impressive, there has been a significant rise in companies joining the Cyprus tonnage tax system”, said Ms Pilides, explaining the importance of how keeping in touch with all clients, both abroad and also resident companies, provides to the Deputy Ministry useful feedback on their needs.  “If people in Cyprus are happy, it really helps us with our image outside of Cyprus”, she said. “We are one of very few countries in the world which has successfully grown from registry to cluster. We have tried to consistently improve our standard, now and for many years, being a high-quality, white flag.”

“People at the Deputy Ministry are motivated not because of any personal gain, but because they really want to see the industry progress and that is a lovely thing. That we are all working for this common goal; and I think that the industry itself is also working towards that goal. It’s great that everybody is trying to develop the cluster”, Ms Pilides further added noting that the biggest challenge during change is getting people on board and engaged, not just in seeing the end goal, but in being part of it.

Asked to comment on the feasibility study in respect of the prospect of launching a ferry connection between Lemesos and Greece, Ms Pilides explained that a study is needed, however “so many people want to see it happen and we also want to see it happen.”

Commenting on IMO 2020, Ms Pilides said that “we are very committed to protecting the environment and to constructively contributing towards this effort. As a flag state and port state, we are ready to implement it and what we want to see is consistent implementation. We are here to support our clients and encourage them to be ready, with solutions which are accepted and approved by IMO.”

Reference was also made to the great innovation taking place within the local industry, noting how “shipping companies have made leaps and bounds in the level of technologies used.”

When asked “Why Cyprus for shipping?,” Ms Pilides noted that the caliber of human talent available in Cyprus is amazing, which is definitely a great asset. The other unique thing about Cyprus is that the cluster is so united, everybody contributes and everybody feels part of the team.”

Concluding, Ms Pilides noted that shipping is an industry of opportunities for the younger generation. “We are working very hard as a global community, not only as Cyprus, to make sure that shipping will remain sustainable”, she said.

For Deputy Minister Pilides recorded interview, follow the link: https://soundcloud.com/gina-panlb/its-all-about-shipping_natasa-pilides-shipping-deputy-minister-of-cyprus_1022019

(ML/SCH)