Turkish shipping embargo ‘a thorn in an open wound’ for Cyprus says president

President Anastasiades earlier this week said that Turkey’s ban on Cyprus-flagged vessels is an ongoing source of frustration for the local shipping industry, labelling the embargo a ‘thorn in an open wound’.

“The government is constantly intensifying its efforts to remove the ongoing illegal Turkish embargo, a clear violation of international and European laws, which hinders free trade and harms the interests, not only of Cyprus, but also of the European Union,” the president said.

Anastasiades’ comments came during an address delivered at the Cyprus Shipping Chamber’s (CSC) annual general meeting.

The chamber, which was founded in 1989, used the meeting to celebrate its 33rd anniversary.

The event took place in Limassol and saw the participation of shipping industry stakeholders, as well as various government representatives, including Deputy Shipping Minister Vassilios Demetriades and House Speaker Annita Demetriou.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Anastasiades said that the resulting sanctions on Russia have serious consequences on international trade.

This includes the many Russian and Ukrainian seafarers employed by shipping companies that are based in Cyprus.

The president said that the government is ready to provide support to the shipping industry in order to ensure the protection of its employees.

This can take the form of helping them open bank accounts in Cyprus, for both the seafarers themselves but also their families, who may have lost access to their Russian accounts.

Anastasiades also spoke on the shipping industry’s decarbonisation efforts, saying that “as a top shipping nation, we have the responsibility to accelerate the transition to a less polluting and more sustainable shipping industry”.

“Obviously, we need a coordinated approach, with targeted international measures that should always be formulated in close consultation with the shipping industry,” he added, explaining that “such a course of action will allow us to achieve our emission reduction and create a sustainable future for the shipping sector”.

The president also praised the Cyprus Shipping Chamber for serving the local maritime industry since 1989.

“The chamber should feel pride for evolving to such an important and professional organisation, which plays an active part in shaping government policy on shipping, as well as for its contribution to the promotion of Cyprus as a shipping centre,” he said.

House Speaker Annita Demetriou said that the shipping industry has the full support of the Cypriot parliament.

“The House of Representatives and its relevant committees regularly examine issues related to shipping, including those related to sustainability and the protection of the marine environment,” Demetriou said.

“In light of the challenges we are currently being faced with, including climate change, shipping can play a central role in ensuring sustainable development,” she added.

Regarding the sea connection between Cyprus and Greece, Demetriou said that it will help boost connectivity between the two countries, something which is a priority for Cyprus.

Deputy Shipping Minister Vassilios Demetriades meanwhile said that the close collaboration between the public and private sectors has benefitted the Cypriot shipping industry.

“All of us are working together to boost the Cypriot flag and increase the number of international shipping companies that are headquartered in Cyprus,” Demetriades said.

“Cyprus is playing a leading role, both in terms of the European Union, but also in terms of the International Maritime Organisation, participating in constructive proposals in order to ensure the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability,” the minister concluded.