It gives me great pleasure to address the “Digital Ship Conference” which is organised for the tenth time in Cyprus, following the great success of the previous Conferences. I extend my appreciation to the Digital Ship Organisation for including Limassol in the world shipping capitals which host this prestigious conference every year. My appreciation and congratulations are also extended to the Cyprus Shipping Chamber for its continuous and long standing efforts to offer the local shipping industry the opportunity to catch up on the latest developments and ideas in maritime communications and information technology.

I would like to welcome all of you, especially those who came from abroad, to discuss technology and communication issues in our island. The high calibre of the speakers, who share with us their wealth of their knowledge and expertise, ensures the success of this conference. Also, the relevant exhibition follows very closely the latest developments in the market by displaying state-of-the-art equipment for maritime communications and I trust you will find it very interesting.

Our working and living conditions today have become much easier due to the advanced information and communication technology which is available. Fast and safe communications are essential, especially for the shipping industry. This enables precise and effective decision making. The operation of advanced IT and communication systems constitute a very useful tool for ships’ safety and security and the protection of life at sea, which is a primary aim.

The environment can also benefit from modern I.T. systems through the adoption of environmental policies, both on board and ashore. Ships are built larger and faster while the number of crew members on board is getting less. It’s necessary to support safe voyages and provide appropriate and effective aids to navigation. The problem of piracy and armed robbery on board vessels is becoming increasingly more serious and therefore modern IT and communications systems are valuable means for the vessel’s and crew’s safety. We all recognise the vital role of the seafarers and we also recognise how demanding their job is. The advanced and user friendly communication systems which are available onboard today contribute to the training of seafarers and to their welfare by enabling them to communicate easily with the outer world and in particular with their families.

The Facilitation of Maritime Traffic also benefits from e-business possibilities. The development of the Single Window in European Union Member States and the adoption of the relevant EU Directive (2010/65/EU) aims to simplify and harmonize the administrative procedures applied to maritime transport by making the electronic transmission of information standard and by rationalizing reporting formalities. This system will allow ship owners and their representatives to submit reports to the competent authorities in electronic format and to submit individual information once only. This Directive has been transposed into our national legislation and “The Reporting Formalities for Ships Arriving - Departing from Ports of the Republic Law of 2012” has been enacted. According to this Law, as from 1st June 2015 the competent authorities of the Republic will accept the fulfillment of reporting formalities in electronic format and their transmission via a single window.

The Cyprus Government is well aware of the fact that the Cyprus shipping sector operates in a continuously evolving highly competitive global environment and that this, in turn, requires a stable environment which supports long-term planning and investment, in view of the decreasing profit margins.

Thus, the Cyprus Government will continue monitoring the situation and will promptly and proactively deal with any matters stemming from the recent events. The aim is to ensure that the present economic situation eventually causes the least, and hopefully no, problems to seafarers and/or to Cyprus ships, as well as to seafarers and/or to ships flying the flag of other states which enjoy the management or ancillary services provided from Cyprus.

Concluding, I would like to say that I am confident that the speakers will share with you their ideas, suggestions and thoughts and I would like to wish you all a very productive conference and a pleasant stay in Cyprus.