The event was addressed by President Nikos Christodoulides, House president Annita Demetriou, and outgoing Chamber President Themis Papadopoulos. In his speech, Christodoulides praised the Chamber’s role in the ongoing development of Cyprus shipping, reaffirming the government’s recognition of the industry as a stable pillar of the national economy. He underlined the country’s continued political support, which he said would be channelled through targeted mechanisms and practical measures to boost the island’s attractiveness as a shipping centre.

Demetriou, speaking on behalf of the House of Representatives, pointed to the sector’s resilience in the face of international challenges and described shipping as a “strategic pillar of the economy.” She also committed to continued close collaboration with the Chamber to advance the industry’s long-term objectives.

Papadopoulos, addressing the meeting for the final time as president of the Chamber, offered a clear-eyed assessment of the sector’s current standing. He highlighted the mounting pressures from the decarbonisation agenda of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the EU, geopolitical volatility, and complex operational issues, all of which continue to shape the global maritime landscape. He stressed that coordinated efforts and strengthened cooperation are essential to maintaining the momentum of Cyprus shipping, especially in such an unpredictable international environment. He concluded by expressing his appreciation to all members and partners of the Chamber for their enduring collaboration and support.

The assembly also honoured Thomas  Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and former director general of the Chamber, for his exceptional contribution to the maritime sector. In an address, Kazakos said he was deeply moved to return to the Chamber’s assembly after 33 years of service, and described the award as a great honour for any professional lobbyist, “a recognition that will accompany me on many cold nights in London,” he said with a smile. He went on to thank outgoing president Themis Papadopoulos, the Chamber’s 200+ member companies, its new general director Alexandros Iosifidis and others for the trust and cooperation that marked his long tenure. He described the Chamber as a formative environment that offered him unique professional opportunities and valuable education, opportunities, as he noted, that helped pave his way to the IMO. His only wish, he said, is to prove worthy of the trust he has received. He pledged to serve the global shipping industry with the same commitment that has guided him throughout his career, before dedicating the award to his wife Evangelia and their children for their support.

The Chamber also paid tribute to Papadopoulos, marking the conclusion of his term as president. President Christodoulides presented him with an honorary plaque in recognition of his leadership during a demanding and transitional period for the sector. Earlier in the day, Chamber members elected a new twelve-member Board of Directors for the 2025–2027 term. Andreas Neophytou of Marlow Navigation was appointed president, with Papadopoulos now serving as Immediate Past president. Supporting him are Vice president Philippos Philis of Lemissoler Navigation, Julia Anastasiou of OSM Thome, and Despina Panagiotou Theodosiou of Tototheo Global. The board is completed by Anna Vourgos, Andreas Solomonides, Andreas Hadjipetrou, John Pittalis, Dieter Rohdenburg, Chrysostomos Papavasiliou and John Hadjiparaskevas.

Source: Cyprus Mail