Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis highlighted the need to enhance the competitiveness of the Cyprus maritime flag during a two-day visit to Athens.
On the first day of her visit, Hadjimanolis chaired the initial regular meeting of the advisory committee for strengthening the competitiveness and quality of the Cyprus flag.
The committee deliberated on innovative strategies to attract more ships to the Cyprus Registry amid escalating challenges within the global shipping industry.“The ongoing efforts to bolster our maritime registry are crucial in ensuring Cyprus remains a top-tier maritime hub,” Hadjimanolis said.
The next day, Hadjimanolis addressed a conference organised by theHellenic Chamber of passenger shipping, under the auspices of the ministry of shipping and island policy, Greece, themed ‘Modern Ferry Transport, Sustainable Development of Islands.’
Hadjimanolis in her speech emphasised “that insularity is one of the main characteristics of our identity, both in Greece and in Cyprus”, and added that “it is our duty to work for sustainable maritime connectivity, despite the challenges facing global shipping.”Later that day, the deputy minister attended the graduation of the Mediterranean Maritime Academy’s students, an institution endorsed by the Ministry of Shipping.
“By supporting maritime education, we are investing in the future leaders of our industry,” she added, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment.
In the evening, Hadjimanolis participated in a tribute event at the House of Cyprus at the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Athens, honouring the late Charalambos Mylonas, who is described by the shipping deputy ministry as a “pioneer” of Cypriot shipping.
Mylonas was the founder of Transmed shipping in Greece after leaving his hometown of Famagusta after the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974.
The company was mainly involved in the field of dry cargo and oil transport.
Among attendees were prominent figures including Christos Stylianides, Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy of Greece, and Metropolitan Nicholaos of Messogaia and Lavreotiki. The presence of Greek and Cypriot shipowners underlined the significant industry turnout.
A second commemoration for Mylonas titled “His Life, Career, and Work” took place on the same day, stressing his foundational role in establishing the Cyprus Shipowners’ Association in 1981 and his involvement in creating the first Collective Agreement for Cypriot seafarers.
“Charalambos’ visionary leadership and dedication laid the groundwork for our current successes in maritime affairs,” Hadjimanoli stated at the event.
She further described Mylonas’ profound personal impact, “He was a personality who deeply touched all those who knew him, earning the admiration and respect of those around him with his unparalleled authenticity.”
“His mark was not limited to his professional activities but left an indelible imprint on the hearts of all those who worked or conversed with him” she said.
Hadjimanolis detailed Mylonas’ achievements, saying that “as the founder of the Cyprus Shipowners’ Association, he worked with dedication to establish Cyprus as a strong maritime centre”.
“With determination and foresight, he introduced the first internationally recognised Collective Agreement for seafarers on board Cypriot ships, enhancing the prestige of the Cypriot flag and improving the living and working conditions of thousands of seafarers,” she added.
Reflecting on his broader societal impact, she said that “Charalambos Mylonas did not limit himself to his professional successes”.
“He was a man who lived with deep humanity, solidarity, and love for his country. He stood out for the greatness of his soul, which was reflected in his rich charitable work,” she stated.
Hadjimanolis also mentioned that, “His commitment focused on relieving the weak and supporting social cohesion”.
“With modesty and humility”, she continued, “he supported initiatives aimed at improving the lives of his fellow human beings, while his deep faith made him a supporter of important spiritual and social projects”.
“Charalambos Mylonas was an iconic pioneer and steadfast pillar of Cypriot shipping, founder of the Transmed Shipping group and a distinguished member of the Cypriot and Greek shipping community,” the minister said.
“His invaluable and multi-dimensional contribution is a legacy for future generations and a reference point for the course of the sector he served with vision and dedication,” she added.
Chariklia Mylonas, his widow, also shared her reflections at the event, “Charalambos was a patriot, deeply involved in government and registry matters, finding partners willing to cooperate for the benefit of Cyprus and Cypriot shipping.”
President Nikos Christodoulides also honoured Mylonas with a recorded message.
“It is with great emotion that I address a message of unlimited appreciation for the work and contribution of the late Charalambos Mylonas, the pioneering Cypriot, Greek, and universal citizen,” he said.
“Thanks to individuals like him, Cyprus holds a prominent position among the member states of the European Union and the global shipping industry,” Christodoulides added.
