Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis attended the European Shipping Summit (ESS) this week, where she underlined the need to enhance competitiveness and inclusivity within European shipping.
The event, held in Brussels on March 19-20 by the European Shipowners’ Association, featured Hadjimanolis in a panel discussion titled ‘Building Industrial Capacity: the skills challenge.’
During this session, she stressed the importance of comprehensive training programmes and policy initiatives designed to bolster the maritime workforce in anticipation of skilled personnel shortages.
According to an announcement released on Friday, the Cypriot minister emphasised “the fundamental role of women in shipping”.
Hadjimanolis argued that they have “consistently demonstrated their ability to meet the rigorous demands of the seafaring profession”.
The announcement explained that this focus on inclusivity is a “key component of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of European maritime operations”.
Furthermore, Hadjimanolis engaged in bilateral discussions with Lulu Ranne, Finland’s Minister of Transport and Communications.
Their dialogue centred on the various challenges and opportunities currently facing European and global shipping, with a mutual agreement to enhance maritime cooperation between their nations.
Additionally, Hadjimanolis met with Cypriot members of the European Parliament to deliberate on Cyprus’ strategic stances on European and global shipping issues.
These discussions, the announcement concluded, “hold particular significance as Cyprus prepares for its forthcoming presidency of the Council of the EU”.
