Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed my pleasure to address the “Digital Ship Conference”, which, following the success of previous conferences, is organised in Cyprus, for the fifth time.
While shipping is characterised as the “Life blood of the world trade”, there is no doubt that communications form the nervous system of shipping.
Considering that vessels are sailing around the world and are exposed to different kinds of perils, the flow of information between the vessel and all other parties involved becomes crucial. Efficient and effective communication links must be established in order to ensure fast exchange of information enabling decision makers to be immediately aware of the relevant facts.
Ships sailing all over the world are exposed to perils such as piracy and maritime terrorism. Attacks of this nature cause serious concerns to the industry. The shipping industry has taken a series of preventive measures. The establishment of the Piracy Information Centre in Kuala Lumpur, which we actively support, is one of them. The implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, aiming to the establishment of a system of security management is another. It goes without saying that a basic precondition for the success of any of these measures is fast and efficient information exchange.
The enhancement of safety, security and efficiency of maritime traffic as well as the prevention of pollution of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea are among the main concerns of our Ministry and its Department of Merchant Shipping. To that end, the ISPS Code has been adopted and is effectively implemented. All ships under the Cyprus flag as well as all port facilities in Cyprus have been duly certified as complying with the requirements of this Code.
In addition, Cyprus is implementing a Vessel Traffic Monitoring Information System (VTMIS), which will have the capability to monitor, process and provide information on the maritime traffic that enters the Middle Eastern border of the EU. We expect positive effects in relation to the reduction of accidents and and the protection of the marine environment. The system is expected to become operational by the end of this year.
During the last few years, Cyprus adopted a series of measures aiming at the upgrading and the modernisation of our fleet. We adopted a safety policy which focuses on the effective control of the ships and the improvement of their quality. Particular attention is also given to the quality, and the welfare of the seafarers employed on Cypriot ships.
Our main goal is to ensure a continuous improvement of safety and quality standards on board Cypriot ships, in order, not just to remain in the White List of the Paris MOU, but also to have the minimum possible number of detentions, marine casualties and lives lost at sea during accidents.
In order to enhance and further promote the new image of the Cyprus flag as a quality flag, we have participated voluntarily in the IMO Audit Scheme. The audit confirmed the success of our efforts. Cyprus was the first open registry which passed the audit successfully and the second country worldwide which was voluntarily audited.
I assure you that Cyprus will spare no effort to maintain a register of high quality and participate actively in all international fora where policy decisions on shipping are taken.
I welcome you all, especially those who have come from abroad. I hope that your Conference is fruitful and productive and I would urge you, despite your tide schedule, to find some time to go around and enjoy the beauties of our island.
Thank you.