Global role for former CSC chief marks milestone for Cyprus

The credibility and global recognition that Cypriot shipping enjoys today stems from decades of steady investment in maritime infrastructure and know-how.  

That legacy now continues through Thomas Kazakos, who after more than thirty years leading the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, has been appointed Secretary General and CEO of the International Chamber of Shipping – the first Cypriot to take on this global role. 

In an interview with CNA, Kazakos reflects on the key milestones of Cypriot shipping over the past three decades, the importance of close public-private cooperation, and the responsibilities that now lie ahead, as he represents more than 80 per cent of the world’s merchant fleet.   

His new role comes at a time of significant change, with the shipping industry facing growing pressure to decarbonise, digitise and remain unified in the face of rising protectionist policies by some states.  

“After 33 years at the Chamber and 30 as Director General,” he says, “I believe that I have accumulated a wealth of experience both in specialist knowledge of maritime policy issues, but also in more specialised issues concerning the administration of a maritime organisation.” 

Cyprus, he notes, has long played a steady role at the International Maritime Organisation, with the Chamber serving on its Board of Directors and in multiple internal committees for over thirty years.  

That experience, he believes, will allow him to adjust quickly. “This is also a very big challenge on a personal level, so that I can prove myself worthy of my choice as the first Cypriot to take over as head of the IMF, as well as the work of my worthy predecessors,” he says. 

His main task, as he explains, will be to represent the legitimate interests of global shipowners and the wider shipping industry, working closely with national IMO members, international organisations and regional stakeholders.  

“My selection among other excellent candidates demonstrates primarily a recognition of the long-standing and diverse infrastructure and know-how that has been created in Cyprus over the last 30 years,” he adds. 

Although the role is international, Kazakos sees Cyprus’ continued involvement as essential.

His appointment, he believes, “will allow the country to contribute more indirectly to shaping global maritime policy”.

It also supports ongoing efforts by the president of Cyprus and both public and private institutions to reinforce Cyprus’ reputation as a credible and well-regulated international business hub with deep maritime expertise.

Moreover, he sees the ICS continuing to act as a strong and structured voice for the global industry.

“If we consider that 90 per cent of world trade is transported by sea, the scope of responsibility and the strategic importance of shipping are immediately apparent,” he notes.

 In Cyprus’ case, the figure rises to 94 per cent. 

Shipping, he stresses, is a highly technical field, and those drafting international conventions or policy must understand its complexities.  

He points to the role the sector played during the pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted transport of essentials and medicine, as well as its contribution to Europe’s energy security amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

Decarbonisation remains one of the greatest challenges ahead.  

“This is a revolutionary change,” he says, “emphasising that despite the requirements, shipping remains the least polluting, the most economical and the safest method of transport.”  

The goal, he adds, “is to achieve zero emissions by 2050, without compromising the viability of the sector.” 

He also emphasises the need for complete digital transformation and raises concern over the rise of protectionist policies.  

“In recent years, we have observed the adoption of unilateral measures that contradict international conventions and standards,” he notes, stressing that global shipping must be governed by uniform rules, not a patchwork of national policies. 

People, too, are at the centre of his vision. “We must ensure a high standard of living and work, in order to attract and retain a new generation of professionals in shipping,” he says.

“The safety and wellbeing of seafarers”, he adds, “remain key priorities for the ICS”.

He also refers to the growing risks posed by geopolitical tensions, such as the Houthi attacks, which disrupt trade routes and heighten safety concerns.  

“The IMO is in constant consultation with states that have naval and air forces, in order to provide protection to ships,” he says.  

“The smooth operation of international navigation is vital for international trade and the international economy and by extension for humanity. Any interruption translates into costs and delays, which are ultimately borne by the consumer.” 

Looking back over three decades in Cyprus, Kazakos acknowledges the opportunities the IMO gave him to grow professionally.  

One of the most significant moments he recalls was the Chamber’s foundation in 1989 with just 17 members. When he took over, it had grown to 30 – today it numbers 204.  

“This steady but upward development of the organisation also demonstrates the development of the shipping industry in Cyprus over the years,” he says. 

He credits the trust built between the Chamber and both its members and political institutions – from shipping companies to parliament and parties – as central to this success.  

He also points to the election of Cypriots to top European and international shipping roles in recent years, including Philippos Philis as president of the European Shipowners’ Association and Themis Papadopoulos’ two terms as vice-president of the International Chamber of Shipping.  

“So small Cyprus and the ‘small’ Cypriot shipping chamber managed to simultaneously have the reins of the global and European shipping industry, which demonstrates once again the reliability that the Cypriot shipping industry has created,” he says. 

Equally important, he says, was the approval of the specialised Cyprus shipping tax system in 2010, renewed again in 2019.  

“This,” he says, “is considered the shield of protection, stability of shipping companies in Cyprus, regardless of any developments.”  

Even during the 2013 financial crisis and the deposit haircut, not a single shipping company left Cyprus – a clear sign of trust in the system. 

He believes this stability helped support the economy when it was most needed, with shipping contributing at least 7 per cent to GDP.  

He also notes the Chamber’s long campaign for the establishment of a Deputy Ministry of Shipping, which was eventually approved unanimously by Parliament – a third major milestone. 

He expresses confidence in his successor, Alexandros Iosifidis, who had long served as Assistant Director General and is also Cyprus’ Goodwill Ambassador to the IMO.  

He believes Iosifidis will continue to promote maritime professions and push for further improvement of Cyprus’ maritime infrastructure. 

The Chamber, he adds, was also the first approved lobbyist registered with the Anti-Corruption Authority – a move designed to protect professional advocates in the sector and ensure transparency. 

Reflecting on Cyprus’ accession to the European Union, Kazakos remembers the first mission to Brussels in 1996.  

The European Commission’s negotiator at the time stated outright that closing the shipping chapter would be impossible, citing safety concerns over the Cypriot flag.  

Yet, through collective effort, Cyprus not only addressed the issues, but became the first of the ten candidate countries to close the chapter in 2002. 

The culmination came in 2010, during negotiations on the shipping tax regime.  

“When we went to Brussels then,” he recalls, “the same negotiator told us that it was the first time he had seen a representative of the specialised department of the public administration, the tax collector and the representative of the private industry operating as one team, as one voice.”  

“This is an experience that I will always carry with me,” he said.

“To continue placing trust in the private sector, especially in a specialised field like shipping, where Cyprus has already built a globally recognised foundation of expertise,” he concluded.