Formation of advisory committees to enhance competitiveness in Cyprus maritime sector

Eda Zenic -

The Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus has issued Circular No. 20/2024, dated August 21, 2024, regarding the formation of two key advisory committees aimed at bolstering the competitiveness and quality of the Cyprus maritime sector.

The circular is addressed to all registered owners, registered bareboat charterers of ships flying the Cyprus flag, and ship managers operating in Cyprus.

Purpose of the Committees

The two advisory bodies being established are:

  1. The Advisory Committee on Competitiveness and Quality Enhancement of the Cyprus Flag: This committee’s primary objective is to safeguard and promote the interests of ships flying the Cyprus flag. It will advise the Shipping Deputy Minister on strategies and initiatives to enhance the competitiveness and quality of the Cyprus shipping register.
  2. The Advisory Committee on Competitiveness of the Cyprus Maritime Cluster: This committee will focus on protecting and promoting Cyprus as a leading center for ship management. It will also serve as a consultative body to the Shipping Deputy Minister, providing insights to maintain and enhance the country's position in the global maritime industry.

Composition of the Committees

Each committee will be composed of two permanent members:

  • The Shipping Deputy Minister, who will serve as the Chairman.
  • The Permanent Secretary of the Shipping Deputy Ministry.

In addition, there will be eight elected members on each committee, selected from among the nominees.

Nomination Process

The Ministry is calling for nominations for the elected members of both committees. The criteria and procedures for nominations are as follows:

Advisory Committee on Competitiveness and Quality Enhancement of the Cyprus Flag (Advisory Committee A):

  1. Nominations must be submitted by registered owners or bareboat charterers of ships flying the Cyprus flag with a gross tonnage of at least 2,500.
  2. The nominee must be a recognized figure in the shipping industry, with the experience and capability to contribute meaningfully to the committee’s work.
  3. Nominations should be submitted using the prescribed Nomination Form (Annex 3) by August 29, 2024, no later than 13:00 CY local time.

Advisory Committee on Competitiveness of the Cyprus Maritime Cluster (Advisory Committee B):

  1. Nominations are open to ship managers who provide management services from Cyprus to at least one ship with a gross tonnage of 2,500 or more, regardless of the ship's flag.
  2. Nominees should hold a senior position, such as Managing Director, Executive Director, or a similar role within their organization.
  3. Nominations should be submitted using the prescribed Nomination Form (Annex 4) by August 29, 2024, no later than 13:00 CY local time.

Voting Process

Once nominations are received, a list of candidates will be published on the Shipping Deputy Ministry’s official website by September 2, 2024. Eligible voters, who must be authorized representatives of the entities submitting the nominations, will then cast their votes. Each voter can select up to eight candidates for each committee. Votes must be submitted using the designated voting forms by September 6, 2024, no later than 13:00 CY local time.

Outcome and Further Information

The elected members for each committee will be announced on the Shipping Deputy Ministry’s website. For any clarifications or further information, interested parties can contact Ms. Georgia Georgiades at the Shipping Deputy Ministry.

This initiative reflects the Cyprus Government's ongoing commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of its maritime sector and ensuring that Cyprus remains a prominent and attractive jurisdiction for international shipping.