The European Union stands ready to support the transformation of shipping into an industry with cleaner fuels, energy efficiency and innovation, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, said on Wednesday speaking at the “Maritime Cyprus 2025” Conference, in Limassol.
This year’s theme, ‘Unlocking the future of shipping’, he said, aligns well with the pressing challenges the international shipping sector is facing today. Shipping is a sector undergoing profound transformation.
“The European Union stands ready to support this shift with both ambition and accountability. The European Ocean Pact is a flagship initiative of my portfolio. It is a comprehensive strategy that brings together policies aiming to protect the ocean, promote a thriving and sustainable blue economy, and support the well-being of coastal communities,” the Commissioner noted.
Here in Cyprus, “where almost half of the population lives in coastal areas, these policies have a direct impact on people’s daily lives,” he said, adding that “it is ultimately these communities that are the driving force behind achieving the ambitions of the European Ocean Pact. To support them further in their development and help them tackle their challenges, the Commission will present a new Strategy for EU Coastal and Island Communities”.
“Europe leads the way in high-quality maritime services, advanced ship management, cutting-edge ports and logistics, and in pioneering digital and safety standards. By fostering innovation in cleaner fuels and smarter technologies, we can also secure Europe’s leadership in the global maritime transition,” the Commissioner continued.
In his speech, he said that in the coming months, the Commission will present two interlinked strategies: the European Maritime Industrial Strategy and the EU Ports Strategy. For the maritime industry, priorities will include strengthening shipping capabilities, bolstering shipbuilding and repair capacity, driving digital and green innovation, and securing the skills and investments crucial for these strategic sectors. For ports, we aim to reinforce their role as trade and energy hubs, prepare them for military mobility, ensure robust and sustainable operations, and modernise infrastructure to seamlessly connect Europe to the world, he said.
In the long term, the Commissioner noted, the future of shipping relies on cleaner fuels, energy efficiency and innovation. The European legal framework is setting the sector on a credible course towards climate neutrality, adding that at the same time, we are investing in research and innovation, through Horizon Europe and other instruments, to accelerate the use of renewable fuels and green technologies.
In just a few days, he said, the International Maritime Organisation will hold a decisive meeting to adopt the Net-Zero Framework for international shipping. “A successful outcome in London will be pivotal in steering the sector towards decarbonisation and ensuring global solutions for this international industry, thereby preserving a level global playing field” Kadis said.
Another key driver, Kadis noted, is digital transformation. “Initiatives such as the Maritime Single Window environment, as well as broader EU efforts on data spaces and artificial intelligence, will enhance efficiency, safety and transparency of shipping operations. Likewise, aligning ship finance so that capital markets and EU financial tools can support the sector’s transition is essential,” he went on to say.
Our transformation, he pointed out, cannot succeed without skilled and motivated individuals.
“That is why the EU remains dedicated to supporting seafarers, through training, fair working conditions, and by recognising that their role is essential, especially during crises and ongoing geopolitical disruptions. Their tenacity and expertise remain the backbone of global shipping,” the Commissioner noted.
“Today we are shaping the future of shipping, here in Cyprus, across Europe, and across the world. By embracing innovation, championing sustainability, and empowering those who work at sea, we can ensure that shipping remains a vital force for our economies, societies and communities for generations to come,” he continued.
Referring to Cyprus, he said it is home to shipowners, operators, classification societies and to a highly skilled workforce whose impact on the competitiveness of European shipping is widely recognised.
“At the same time, Cyprus plays a strong role in shaping the future of international shipping at the International Maritime Organisation, in Brussels and beyond,” he underlined.